Peculiarities of drug allergy in children

All drugs may cause drug hypersensitivity reactions. In the absence of allergological investigation, hyperdiagnosis or hipodiagnosis of a drug allergy may occur. There is a lack of data on drug allergy in children in Lithuania. The aim of the dissertation is to identify the peculiarities of suspected and confirmed drug allergy in children. In the first part of the study a survey of primary care physicians was made to assess clinical practice and knowledge of drug allergy. Data of children’s drug allergy work-up was assessed in the second part of the study. The patients' parents or caregivers were interviewed in the third part of the study to assess their opinion on allergological investigation for drug allergy and the use of drugs after allergological examination. In primary care, drug allergy is suspected but patients were not always referred to an allergist. Drug allergy was confirmed in one eighth of children after allergological investigation. Parents of the children rated the drug allergy work-up positively. This dissertation should be relevant and useful for allergists, pediatricians, general practitioners, and all physicians who are interested in drug allergy