Pattern of inpatient referrals to a drug allergy unit in Kuwait
M. Al-Ahmad1,2 Alahmadm@hsc.edu.kw, T. Rodriguez Bouza2Show more: Authors information and Publication history1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
2 Drug Allergy Unit, Department of Allergy, Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
Publication History:
Published online: 2 November 2017
Accepted: 16 March 2017
Received: 3 January 2017
Doihttps://doi.org/10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.18 SummaryIntroduction. There is no information regarding the pattern of inpatient referrals to drug allergy units in Kuwait.
Objectives. The main goal of this study is to clarify the pattern of inpatient referrals to a drug allergy unit in terms of incidence, drugs implicated and allergy evaluation outcomes in comparison with studies in other countries.
Patients and Methods. A retrospective chart review of inpatient drug allergy consultations at Al-Rashed Allergy Center over a 3-year period was performed.
Results. A total of 51 patients were referred for drug allergy consultations, with an estimated incidence of reported drug allergy among inpatients of 0.008%. There is an increasing trend of referrals from public health centres located in proximity to Al-Rashed Allergy Center. Beta-lactams, contrast media, and general anaesthetics were the most common drugs leading to referrals. In total, 30% of patients were diagnosed with an allergy to the offending drug after a full allergy evaluation.
Conclusion. Inpatient drug allergy referrals are highly underreported in Kuwait.
Key wordsdrug hypersensitivity; inpatients; Kuwait; referral and consultation
FULL TEXTCite this article as:
Al-Ahmad M et al. Pattern of inpatient referrals to a drug allergy unit in Kuwait. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;49(6):276-280. doi:10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.18