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Review
. 2010 Nov;169(11):1305-9.
doi: 10.1007/s00431-010-1236-1. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Clinical practice: drug desensitization in children

Hans de Groot  1 , W M C Mulder
Affiliations
Review

Clinical practice: drug desensitization in children

Hans de Groot et al. Eur J Pediatr. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Immediate type allergic reactions to medication are potentially life threatening and can hamper drug therapy of several medical conditions. Exact incidence and prevalence data for these reactions in children are lacking. If no alternative drug treatment is available, a desensitization procedure may secure the continuation of necessary therapy. Desensitization is only appropriate in case of a strong suspicion of an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. It should be performed by trained clinicians (allergy specialists) in a hospital setting where treatment of a potential anaphylactic reaction can be done without any delay. In this article, literature describing desensitization procedures for several antibiotics, antineoplastic agents, and vaccines in children is reviewed. In general, desensitization schemes for children differ only in final dose from schemes for adults. Contradictory data were found regarding the protective effects of premedication with antihistamines and glucocorticoids.

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