Cost to Disprove a Child's Suspected Drug Allergy to β-Lactam Antibiotics

Only a small proportion of children with suspected β-lactam allergy have a true allergy. Thus, some children are inappropriately labeled with a lifelong drug allergy, which has potential adverse health consequences for those who require subsequent antibiotic therapy. Prior research suggests that conducting clinical evaluation for true β-lactam allergy in children might reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

In a yearlong, prospective, observational study in Spain, researchers estimated the cost of electively investigating suspected allergy to β-lactam antibiotics, excluding children with a history of severe cutaneous reaction. Children were evaluated by pediatric allergists using a standard testing protocol that included skin prick and int…