SITUATION OF DRUG ALLERGY AT HUE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL

Background: Drug allergy is an immunosensitivity-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Allergic reactions range from mild itching, skin rashes to severe, life-threatening cases such as anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome... Monitoring and timely management of drug allergic reactions plays an important role in ensuring patient safety. Objectives: (1) To investigate drugs that caused drug allergy at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital; (2) To analyze drug allergic reactions at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and methods: 90 reports of adverse drug reations belonging to the type of drug allergic reaction at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in the period of 2017-2019. A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results and Conclusions: In 3 years, 90 cases of drug allergy were recorded, accounting for 65.2% of the total adverse drug reations. Drug allergy is common at all ages, most commonly in the 18-60 year olds group (48.9%) and more in women than in men (64.4% versus 35.6%). Other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (including cephalosporins, monobactam and carbapenem) were the most commonly suspected group of drugs (44.4%), with the most suspected active ingredient ceftriaxon (20.0%). Injection/intravenous infusion was the main route to cause drug allergy (81.1%). Serious allergic reactions account for 22.2% (20/90) of all allergic cases, and 69.0% of all severe adverse drug reations. The majority of reported allergic reactions occurred 1 hour after taking the drug (71.1%). Key words: Drug allergy, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome