Original Article

CME Article: Impact of β-Lactam Allergies on Antimicrobial Selection in an Outpatient Setting

Authors: Rachel A. Ness, PharmD, BCPS, Jessica G. Bennett, PharmD, Whitney V. Elliott, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, Amanda R. Gillion, PharmD, BCPS, Debendra N. Pattanaik, MD, MBBS, FACR, FAAAI

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether patients prescribed nonpreferred antibiotics received appropriate alternative antibiotics.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational analysis of military veteran patients with a β-lactam allergy treated in an outpatient clinic or emergency department for an infection during a 5-year span. Antibiotic regimens were first stratified as preferred or nonpreferred based on infection-specific guidelines. The nonpreferred regimens were then evaluated for appropriateness based on allergy history and culture and sensitivity reports.

Results: Of 445 fills of antibiotics evaluated, 269 met inclusion criteria, comprising 253 unique infections in 80 patients. Patients received nonpreferred antibiotics for their infection type in 57% of cases. Of the nonpreferred antibiotics, 56% were inappropriate based on guideline-recommended alternatives, allergy history, and culture and sensitivity data. Of the 88 allergies, 97% were historical/self-reported and 48% were cutaneous. In addition, 39% of patients safely received β-lactam antibiotics after documentation of their allergy.

Conclusions: Patients with documented β-lactam allergies are at high risk of receiving nonpreferred and inappropriate antibiotics, and many reactions likely do not reflect true allergies. These data emphasize the negative impact of the “β-lactam allergy” label and the importance of reassessing allergies.
Posted in: Allergy and Immunology7

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