Beta-lactam hypersensitivity in children with cystic fibrosis: a study in a specialized pediatric center for cystic fibrosis and drug allergy.

Background: Beta-lactam hypersensitivity (HS) is suspected in 5-12% of the children, but proven in only 10-15% of those children, based on skin and challenge tests results. In contrast, 30-60% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are diagnosed allergic to beta-lactams, based mainly on the clinical history of the patients.

Objectives: To confirm or rule out a suspected beta-lactam HS in CF children and to determine the prevalences of suspected and confirmed beta-lactam HS in those children.