Surgical Site Infections Were Increased in Patients with a Reported Penicillin Allergy

The increase was entirely accounted for by perioperative administration of antibiotics other than beta-lactams.

Cefazolin is the preferred perioperative antibiotic for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). Other antimicrobials are frequently used in patients with histories of penicillin allergy, even though ≥90% of those with a reported penicillin allergy are not truly allergic.

To determine the impact of having a reported penicillin allergy on the development of SSIs, investigators retrospectively studied a cohort of 8385 patients who had 9004 procedures at a single medical center from 2010 through 2014; penicillin allergy had been reported by 922 patients (11.0%). On review, 92% of the reported reactions were amenable to either penicillin allergy testing or drug rechallenge, and only five reactions represented potential contraindications to re…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Surgical Site Infections Were Increased in Patients with a Reported Penicillin Allergy

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Reviewing Author