[Allergy to betalactam antibiotics in children]

Abstract

The betalactams are one of the classes of antibiotics most prescribed in children, and also most often responsible of adverse reaction. The diagnosis of allergies to betalactams is difficult and these allergies are often over-diagnosed because of the fear of anaphylaxis. In reality, between 80 and 90% of patients labelled as "allergic to penicillin", may tolerate this treatment without clinical reaction. The economic impact and the impact on the health of patients are very important. Before this diagnosis can accurately be made, a complete allergic work up is therefore essential. It will be primarily based on the history, as well as skin and blood tests. When appropriate, an oral provocation test, considered as the gold standard, will complete the work up.