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Hypersensitivity to clavulanic acid in children
M Tortajada Girbés1, A Ferrer Franco, M Gracia Antequera
1Paediatric Allergy Section. Department of Paediatrics. University of Valencia. Spain. tortajadamig@gmail.com
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Children allergic to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (A-CL) experienced urticaria and angio-oedema. These patients tolerated cefuroxime axetil, indicating a safe alternative for treating infections in penicillin-allergic children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (A-CL) is frequently prescribed for pediatric infections.
- Adverse reactions, including IgE-mediated allergy to clavulanic acid (CL), can occur.
- Accurate diagnosis and identification of safe antibiotic alternatives are crucial for managing these allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and diagnostic confirmation of clavulanic acid allergy in children.
- To evaluate the safety and tolerance of cefuroxime axetil in children with confirmed clavulanic acid allergy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 10 children (aged 4-12 years) diagnosed with clavulanic acid allergy.
- Diagnosis confirmed by IgE-mediated allergy via oral challenge test with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
- Skin prick tests and specific IgE levels for common penicillins and cephalosporins were performed.
Main Results:
- All 10 children presented with urticaria and angio-oedema following A-CL administration.
- Oral challenge confirmed IgE-mediated allergy to clavulanic acid in all cases.
- All patients demonstrated tolerance to orally administered cefuroxime axetil.
Conclusions:
- Clavulanic acid allergy can manifest as urticaria and angio-oedema in children.
- Oral challenge testing is a reliable method for diagnosing clavulanic acid allergy.
- Cefuroxime axetil appears to be a safe and well-tolerated oral alternative for children with confirmed clavulanic acid allergy.
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