[Allergic Reactions to Betalactams in Pediatrics: Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment]

Arch Argent Pediatr. 2019 Feb;117(1):S24-S36. doi: 10.5546/aap.2019.S24.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The Allergic Reactions to Betalactam Antibiotics are adverse events that cannot be explained by their pharmacological action, but mediated by an immunological mechanism. They are the most frequent cause of drug allergy in the world. Betalactam antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams, cefems (moxalactam, cefoxitin), and clavulanic acid. They can produce immediate, accelerated or delayed allergic reactions. Its diagnostic methodology is complex and it is carried out by well-defined stages. Its timely diagnosis is very important due to the risk involved and the associated costs that demand the alternative use of other antibiotics that supplant them.

Las reacciones alérgicas a antibióticos betalactámicos son eventos adversos no explicables por su acción farmacológica, sino mediados por un mecanismo inmunológico. Son la causa más frecuente de alergia a los fármacos en el mundo. Incluyen penicilinas, cefalosporinas, carbapenems, monobactámicos, cefems (moxalactam, cefoxitina) y ácido clavulánico. Pueden producir reacciones alérgicas inmediatas, aceleradas o tardías. Su metodología diagnóstica es compleja y se realiza por etapas bien definidas. Es muy importante su diagnóstico oportuno, debido al riesgo que implican y a los costos asociados, que demandan el uso alternativo de otros antibióticos que los reemplacen.

Keywords: ampicillin; anaphylaxis; beta-lactams; drug hypersensitivity; penicillin G.

Publication types

  • Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / immunology
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Humans
  • beta-Lactams / adverse effects*
  • beta-Lactams / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactams