The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2010
IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to cephalosporins: cross-reactivity and tolerability of penicillins, monobactams, and carbapenems.
There have been few studies regarding the cross-reactivity and tolerability of penicillins, aztreonam, and carbapenems in large samples of subjects with cephalosporin allergy. ⋯ About 25% of subjects with cephalosporin allergy had positive results to penicillins, 3.1% to aztreonam, 2% to imipenem/cilastatin, and 1% to meropenem. In those who especially require alternative β-lactams, pretreatment skin tests are advisable because negative results indicate tolerability of the β-lactam concerned.