Predictive Models for Betalactam Allergy
Predictive Models for Betalactam Allergy
Background: ß-lactam (BL) antibiotics represent the main cause of allergic reactions to
 drugs, inducing both immediate and non-immediate reactions. The diagnosis is well
 established, usually based upon skin tests and drug provocation tests, but cumbersome.

 Objectives: To design predictive models for the diagnosis of BL allergy, based on the
 clinical history of patients with suspicions of allergic reactions to BL.

 Methods: The study included a retrospective phase in which records of patients consulting and
 explored for a suspicion of BL allergy (in the Allergy Unit of the University Hospital of
 Montpellier between September 1996 and September 2012) where used to construct predictive
 models; a prospective phase, in which we performed an external validation of the chosen
 models, in patients with suspicion of BL allergy recruited from 3 allergy centres
 (Montpellier, Nîmes, Narbonne), between March and November 2013. Data related to clinical
 history and allergy work-up results were retrieved and analysed. Logistic regression and
 decision tree method were used to design two models to predict the diagnosis of allergy to
 BL.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients seen in consultation in allergology department for suspicion of allergy to
 beta lactamines

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patient refusal to take part in the study

 -  pregnancy

 -  breast feeding women

 -  contraindication to provocation test