β-lactam allergy: clinical implications and costs

Clinical and Molecular Allergy

Indran Balakrishnan¹  Marisa Lanzman²  Victoria Hill²  Giovanni Satta¹ 

[1] Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK;Department of Pharmacy, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

关键词: Cost;    Allergy;    β-lactam;    Penicillin;   

Others  :  790503
DOI  :  10.1186/1476-7961-11-2

 received in 2013-08-05, accepted in 2013-11-23,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

β-lactam allergy is the most commonly reported medication allergy and it remains a key issue in antibiotic prescribing. A detailed and accurate history taking play a key role in preventing potentially serious clinical incidents and it may contribute in reducing costs.

Methods

Data were collected for patients with a documented penicillin allergy on their drug chart during a six month period. Sources included the inpatient drug charts and medical notes. Adherence to hospital guidelines was audited and costs of treatments were calculated.

Results

94 patients with a history of penicillin allergy were included. Compliance with the hospital antibiotic policy was 81% and 52% of cases had a description of the reaction documented. The mean additional cost per patient was £89.29 (excluding VAT).

Conclusions

It is important to maintain a high level of vigilance and constantly educate all healthcare professionals involved in prescribing and dispensing antibiotics in order to avoid the unnecessary use of non-penicillin-based antibiotics and associated cost implication.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Satta et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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