[Investigation for penicillin allergy among children]

During the period 1986-1991, 109 children were tested for penicillin allergy in the paediatric departments of Odense and Roskilde Hospitals. Determinations of specific IgE to penicillin (SIgEP) were performed on all of the children. Prick tests for penicillin were undertaken in the children i Odense only. All of the children who reacted negatively to SIgEP and the prick test were provoked by oral penicillin. Two children were SIgEP positive. One of these children was subsequently treated with penicillin without reaction. All of the prick tests were negative. One child reacted with an urticarial rash five hours after oral provocation. It is recommended that investigation for allergy to penicillin in children should be restricted to meticulous history taking and oral provocation with penicillin with equipment for treatment of anaphylaxis in readiness.