Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2019
The role of skin testing and extended antibiotic courses in assessment of children with penicillin allergy: An Australian experience.
To determine if skin testing (ST) in addition to extended oral provocation challenge (OPC) is necessary for beta-lactam allergy verification in an Australian paediatric population. ⋯ A direct OPC with the culprit drug in Australian children can be safely performed, avoiding resource-intensive and painful ST. Our data demonstrate that a prior history of anaphylaxis does not necessarily predict IgE-mediated allergy, as detected by positive immediate ST or reactions to oral challenge. Such history should not detract from efforts to assess these children for antibiotic allergy. We suggest that extended courses of at least 5 days are important in paediatric antibiotic de-labelling as six children (4.5% of those who were prescribed the extended course) reacted in our study and even developed symptoms late in the extended course, from days 2 to 6.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Apr 2019
Multicenter StudyBlood transfusion for anaemia of prematurity: Current practice in Australia and New Zealand.
To characterise the current transfusion practice among clinicians in Australasian neonatal units and factors that influence their decision-making. ⋯ There is a significant variation in transfusion practice in Australasian neonatal units. Quality and safety initiatives may assist with improved consistency of transfusion practice across the ANZNN. However, further research is required to better define optimal transfusion thresholds, quantify potential risks of transfusion and determine clinical utility of newer adjuncts such as NIRS.