Assessment of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics who report a history of penicillin allergy

Background: The use of carbapenem antibacterials in patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy is somewhat controversial. This study aimed to examine the rates of presumed hypersensitivity reactions in a large cohort of patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients who received a carbapenem in a teaching hospital from June 2011 to June 2012. Information procured included listed penicillin allergy and reaction if known, type of carbapenem received, and any allergic reaction during that admission. Results: Nine-hundred and fifty eight patients who received a carbapenem antimicrobial were reviewed. Five patients developed a presumed reaction to carbapenem: one in the penicillin allergy group and four in the non-allergic group. There were no statistical or numerical differences in rates of reaction between the two groups. Conclusion: Patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy were not more likely to develop a presumed hypersensitivity reaction to a carbapenem compared to those who did not claim such an allergy.