Rev Esp Quimioter 2009:22(4):210-213

Assessment of the antibiotic allergy questionnaire in the medical history

M. DELGADO, R. ICART, L. RIBÓ, A. SÁNCHEZ, X MARTÍNEZ-COSTA, M. MAURI, J. A CAPDEVILA

 

Objectives: Antibiotic allergy questionnaire is a useful tool for prescribing antibiotics. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and clinical reliability of antibiotic allergy in medical records.

Patients and method: Observational analysis of clinical records. Assessment of antibiotic allergy by direct interview conducted by the investigator.

Results: 610 medical records were evaluated. Antibiotic allergy was checked in 98%, mainly in medical wards.  In 12 % of patients, antibiotic allergy was suspected, but after investigator interview only 5% of patients fulfilled clinical criteria for allergy. 44% of falses allergies were recorded. The most frequent cause of con-fusion was faint and gastric intolerance.

Conclussion: The questionnaire about antibiotic allergy is present in almost all medical records. However its reliability is low, less than 50%. Prevalence of veritable antibiotic allergy is 5% in this study. Antibiotic allergy questionnaire in medical records is a practical tool. However periodical training about antibiotic allergy definition is necessary for nurses and medical staff.

 
Rev Esp Quimioter 2009:22(4):210-213 [pdf]