Management of antibiotic allergy in children: a practical approach

Abstract

Background: About 10% of children are declared as allergic to antibiotics, with beta(β)-lactams being the most common perpetrators. However, few of these are confirmed by allergy tests. This characteristic of being allergic follows a child well into adulthood, leading to alternative, usually more expensive broad-spectrum antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance and increasing healthcare expenses. Objective: This review presents a practical approach to managing pediatric patients with antibiotic hypersensitivity reactions. Material and methods: We updated the guidelines on antibiotic allergy in children by conducting systematic literature research using the best available evidence from PubMed search by entering the keywords “antibiotic allergy” and “children.” The search output yielded 5165 citations. Results: Management of antibiotic allergy depends on the culprit antibiotic, and it includes confirmation of the diagnosis and finding a safe alternative to the culprit antibiotic. In particular patients with a history indicative of penicillin allergy can be treated with cephalosporins as an alternative to penicillin, especially with third-generation cephalosporins, except for those with similar R1 side chains. In patients with a history of immediate-type reactions to cephalosporins who require treatment with cephalosporins or penicillin, skin tests with cephalosporin or penicillin with different side chains should be performed. If allergy to macrolides is suspected, challenge tests are currently the only reliable diagnostic tool. The best strategy for managing patients with sulfonamide hypersensitivity is an alternative antibiotic. The skin prick tests and intradermal tests are not recommended for diagnosis of quinolone allergy, as they can activate dermal mast cells leading to false-positive results. Quinolone challenge test is the most appropriate test for diagnosing quinolone hypersensitivity. Conclusion: Although adverse drug reactions to antibiotics are frequently documented, immunologically mediated hypersensitivity is unusual. In the event of an reaction, an appropriate diagnostic workup is required to identify the drug’s causal role. It is critical to avoid “labeling” a child as allergic without first conducting a proper diagnostic workup.