Assessment of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics who report a history of penicillin allergy.

BACKGROUND

The use of carbapenem antibacterials in patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy is somewhat controversial. This study aimed to examine the rates of presumed hypersensitivity reactions in a large cohort of patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients who received a carbapenem in a teaching hospital from June 2011 to June 2012. Information procured included listed penicillin allergy and reaction if known, type of carbapenem received, and any allergic reaction during that admission.

RESULTS

Nine-hundred and fifty eight patients who received a carbapenem antimicrobial were reviewed. Five patients developed a presumed reaction to carbapenem: one in the penicillin allergy group and four in the non-allergic group. There were no statistical or numerical differences in rates of reaction between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy were not more likely to develop a presumed hypersensitivity reaction to a carbapenem compared to those who did not claim such an allergy.