Association between chronic urticaria and self-reported penicillin allergy

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Penicillin allergy is the most frequently reported drug allergy, often presenting with skin symptoms.
• Chronic urticaria is a common condition that can be misdiagnosed as penicillin allergy.
• The prevalence of chronic urticaria in penicillin-allergic patients and vice versa is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of self-reported penicillin allergy among patients diagnosed with chronic urticaria.
• To ascertain the prevalence of chronic urticaria within the population of patients reporting penicillin allergy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 11,143 patient records from the University of Pennsylvania Allergy and Immunology clinic's electronic health system.

Main Results:

• Patients with chronic urticaria showed a self-reported penicillin allergy prevalence approximately three times higher than the general population.
• Individuals reporting penicillin allergy had a chronic urticaria prevalence approximately three times greater than the general population.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between chronic urticaria and self-reported penicillin allergy.
• Clinicians should consider penicillin skin testing for patients with chronic urticaria.
• Evaluating for chronic urticaria symptoms is crucial in patients with self-reported penicillin allergy.