title: Prevalence of beta-lactam allergy: a retrospective chart review of drug allergy assessment in a predominantly pediatric population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research suggests that 90% of patients labeled beta-lactam allergic are able to tolerate penicillins following further assessment. This study aims to define and describe the frequency of true beta-lactam allergy following allergy patient evaluation in a predominantly pediatric population.
  
  
  METHODS
  306 primary care patients referred between January 2010 and June 2015 were assessed for a suspected beta-lactam allergy. Patient demographics, history and test results were extracted from electronic medical records. Testing performed was based on specialist recommendation following review of patient history.
  
  
  RESULTS
  34% of the study participants had intradermal testing. Oral challenge was given to 96.7% of the sample. 96% of patients with a prior history of beta-lactam allergy were advised that they could re-introduce beta-lactam antibiotics following evaluation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among patients with a documented beta-lactam allergy or a recent history of a reaction there is a low rate of 'true' beta-lactam allergy. Consistent evaluation of beta-lactam antibiotic allergies can reduce rates of broad spectrum antibiotic prescribing, among other harmful consequences.
authors.affiliation: Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Elissa M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.affiliation: University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wakeman
authors.affiliation: Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Tom V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Gerstner
authors.affiliation: Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Warrington
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Alexander G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Singer
keywords: Anaphylaxis; Beta-lactam allergy; Drug allergy, adverse drug reaction