Management of drug hypersensitivity in the pediatric population

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Several recent studies confirmed that drug allergy in children is over diagnosed, which is a major public health problem, and results in use of alternative drugs, increasing resistance and health costs.

Areas covered: Articles in English with data on drug hypersensitivity in children were identified by searching the databases of MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine) from 1990 till 2016.

Expert commentary: It is crucial to make a precise diagnosis with performing a complete allergy work-up based on carefully selected diagnostic tests depending on whether an immediate or a non-immediate reaction is suspected. The drug provocation test remains the gold standard in diagnostic drug hypersensitivity in children.

KEYWORDS:

• Allergy
• β-lactam antibiotics
• children
• drug hypersensitivity
• drug provocation tests
• immediate reactions
• non-β-lactam antibiotics
• non-immediate reactions
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• skin tests

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.