Risk factors for drug hypersensitivity reactions in children

TL;DR

The paper discusses risk factors for drug hypersensitivity in children and highlights how genetic testing and clinical awareness can help prevent severe reactions.

Contribution

The paper identifies key risk factors and emphasizes the role of genetic polymorphisms and viral infections in drug hypersensitivity.

Findings

Gender, age, and previous drug reactions are linked to hypersensitivity in children.

Genetic polymorphisms and viral infections may contribute to drug hypersensitivity.

Polypharmacy and high drug doses increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions.

Abstract

Drug hypersensitivity reactions are common in children. Risk factors predisposing to IgE-mediated drug allergies and delayed drug reactions are a matter of debate. Gender, age, previous reactions to the same drug or to another drug, reduced drug metabolism, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, drug doses are linked with the onset of hypersensitivity reactions in some children. Novel advances in genetic polymorphisms can rapidly change the approach to the prevention of reactions since gene testing can be a useful screening test for severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Viral infections may act as cofactors in susceptible individuals. Polypharmacy, high doses, repeated doses and parental route of administration are also risk factors. Clinicians should take into account risk factors to allow the risk–benefit balance to be maintained.