Inpatient Beta-lactam test-dose Protocol promotes Antimicrobial Stewardship in Patients with History of Penicillin Allergy.

Link to article at PubMed

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Inpatient Beta-lactam test-dose Protocol promotes Antimicrobial Stewardship in Patients with History of Penicillin Allergy.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018 Nov 19;:

Authors: Sacco KA, Cochran BP, Epps K, Parkulo M, Gonzalez-Estrada A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy in hospitalized patients, resulting in increased second-line antibiotic use, nosocomial infections, and healthcare utilization. Given that the vast majority of patients are not truly allergic, a safe strategy that empowers the admitting physician is needed.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact on antibiotic prescribing practices for hospitalized patients with penicillin allergy using a validated intervention.
METHODS: An intervention was implemented to educate providers on management of patients with penicillin allergy using a validated risk-stratification algorithm to guide testing and antibiotic use. 30 days of control data using current standard of care was compared with 60 days of post-intervention data measuring documentation of penicillin allergy history and antibiotic selection.
RESULTS: The relative use of cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics increased by 121.2% (p=0.027) and 256% (p=0.043) respectively without an increase in adverse drug reactions. There was a decrease in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics; vancomycin 67.2% (p=0.036), quinolones 33.3% (p=0.31), carbapenems 81.9% (p=0.080), and aztreonam 73.8% (p=0.180).
CONCLUSION: The antibiotic choice in patients admitted to the hospital with a reported penicillin allergy can be improved by better evaluation of the allergy history and the use of a risk stratification guideline.

PMID: 30465860 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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