Impact of an extended challenge on the effectiveness of β-lactam hypersensitivity investigation.

Background: Drug provocation tests (DPTs) are the gold standard in the diagnosis of β-lactam hypersensitivity. However, no consensus exists on the need for extended provocation tests, even though the effectiveness of the short DPT is relatively low and there has been an increase in the relative incidence of nonimmediate hypersensitivity reactions.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-day (extended) DPT compared with a 1-day-only (short) DPT in the management of hypersensitivity reactions to β-lactam antibiotics.

Glucose intolerance in cystic fibrosis as a determinant of pulmonary function and clinical status.

Background: Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with a decrease in pulmonary function and nutritional status. We investigated the clinical significance of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Methods: Fifty-five CF patients (aged 22.