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Antibiotic allergy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study
1Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Antibiotic allergies are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Sulfonamide allergy, in particular, can worsen SLE symptoms, highlighting a significant link between drug hypersensitivity and lupus exacerbation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic allergy is a known factor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Sulfonamides are frequently implicated in both predisposing to and exacerbating SLE.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of antibiotic allergies in SLE patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of antibiotic allergies in SLE patients.
- To compare antibiotic allergy rates in SLE patients versus control groups.
- To determine if specific antibiotic allergies are associated with SLE exacerbation.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 221 SLE patients from The Johns Hopkins Lupus Cohort.
- Included 178 relatives and 186 best friends as control groups.
- Assessed allergies to penicillin/cephalosporins, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and erythromycin.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic allergy was common in SLE patients: 27% (penicillin/cephalosporin), 31% (sulfonamides), 7% (tetracycline), 13% (erythromycin).
- Rash was the most frequent allergic reaction.
- Worsening of SLE occurred in 21% of sulfonamide allergic reactions.
- Allergies to penicillin/cephalosporin, sulfonamides, and erythromycin were significantly more common in SLE patients than controls.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic allergy is a frequent comorbidity in SLE patients.
- Sulfonamide allergy is specifically linked to potential lupus exacerbation.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering antibiotic hypersensitivity in SLE management.