[Frequency of self-reported penicillin allergy in the area of Seine-Saint-Denis (France)].
OBJECTIVE
Penicillin allergy is a well-known notion among the general population. Because it is rarely questioned, many patients carry this label unnecessarily and cannot use this efficient and cheap antibiotic family. In previous studies, 8-10% subjects declare a penicillin allergy. But these data came mainly from studies done in hospitals and we found interesting to evaluate a general non-hospitalised population.


METHODS
We set up a study in ambulatory patients of Seine-Saint-Denis (French geographic area in the north east of Paris). It was a transversal study, on a single day, in March 2005. Hundred general practitioners were randomised in this geographic area. All their patients from that day were included and were asked to complete a simple questionnaire.


RESULTS
Among 1057 patients who participated, 99 (9.4%) declared to be allergic to penicillin. Penicillin A was the most cited antibiotic. The most frequently reported clinical manifestations were skin rash (58.6%) and 13 patients (13.1%) reported some severe signs (coma or emergency hospitalisation) of which 11 were anaphylactic shock; eight patients (8.8%) reported digestive signs less compatible with an allergic mechanism. Asthma and eczema appeared to be significantly reported to penicillin allergy in our population sample.


CONCLUSIONS
The percentage of self-declared allergy found in this study is similar to previous publications. Among penicillins, Penicillin A is the most frequently involved. This study also shows the importance of meticulously questioning patients as it can correct a false diagnosis of penicillin allergy.
Branellec
A
A
Service de médecine interne, immunologie clinique et allergologie, hôpital Central, avenue Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000 Nancy, France. darealbane@yahoo.fr
Thomas
M
M
Fain
O
O
Kettaneh
A
A
Stirnemann
J
J
Letellier
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D010406:Penicillins