Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard / 15.03.2017
Skin Testing Plus APP May Reduce Overdiagnosis of Penicillin Allergy
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Kimberly Gold Blumenthal, M.D
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Over-reported penicillin allergies negatively impact patient care, as alternative drugs that are often used can be less effective, more toxic, more broad-spectrum (killing all of the good bacteria and leaving patients increasingly vulnerable to C.diff colitis), and more expensive. Most hospitalized patients who have a recorded penicillin allergy are not actually allergic. This has drawn attention by national organizations such as the CDC, National Quality Forum, and both allergy and infectious diseases professional societies. The message is clear: Address reported penicillin allergies in some way to improve care.
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