Drug hypersensitivity in students from São Paulo, Brazil.
BACKGROUND
Drug hypersensitivity is responsible for substantial mortality and morbidity, and increased health costs. However, epidemiological data on drug hypersensitivity in general or specific populations are scarce.


METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 1015 university students, using a self-reported questionnaire.


RESULTS
The prevalence of self-reported drug hypersensitivity was 12,11% (123/1015). The most frequently implicated drugs were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (45,9%) and beta-lactam and sulfonamide antibiotics (25,40%). The majority of the patients reported dermatological manifestations (99), followed by respiratory (40), digestive (23) and other (19). Forty-five patients had an immediate type reaction, and 76,72% (89) had the drug by oral route.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that drug hypersensitivity is highly prevalent in university students, and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and antibiotics (beta-lactams and sulfonamide) are the most frequently concerned drugs.
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. lfensina@yahoo.com.br
Luis Felipe Chiaverini
LF
Ensina
Maria Helena Lopes
MH
Amigo
Thais
T
Koch
Evelyn
E
Guzman
Renata
R
Paoli
Inês Cristina Camelo
IC
Nunes
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000009:adverse effects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013449:Sulfonamides; D047090:beta-Lactams