CPS Allergy Flashcards
What is the appropriate autoinjector to prescribe for a child who has had a systemic reaction to a sting if >25kg?
Epinephrine auto-injectors are available in 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg doses. It is recommended that the 0.30 mg dose be used in children weighing > 25 kg. This child should also be referred to allergy.
What is required to be eligible for venom immunotherapy?
When combined with a history of systemic reaction, a positive skin test indicates eligibility for VIT.
What features define an infant as high risk for food allergy?
Personal history of atopy or a first degree relative (at least one parent or sibling) with a n atopic condition (such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy or eczema)
What is the recommendation regarding breastfeeding for food allergy prevention?
Promote and support breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond, regardless of issues pertaining to food allergy prevention.
True or false. Mothers who cannot breastfeed should give hydrolyzed formula to prevent atopic conditions.
False. For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, hydrolyzed formulas should not be recommended to prevent atopic conditions (e.g., eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis) in either high- or low-risk infants. There also is insufficient evidence to suggest modification of maternal diet in breast feeding mothers.
When do you recommend the introduction of allergenic foods (cooked egg, peanut etc.) for a high risk infant?
For high-risk infants, encourage the introduction of allergenic foods (e.g., cooked (not raw) egg, peanut) early, at about 6 months and not before 4 months of age, in a safe and developmentally appropriate way, at home. In infants at low risk for food allergy, allergenic foods can also be introduced at around 6 months of age.
Who is highest risk for a beta-lactam allergy?
A. A child who has a history of rash with amoxicillin
B. A child with a family history of beta-lactam allergy
C. A child receiving parenteral, high dose and long term beta-lactam treatment
D. A child who is going to be given ceftriaxone for the first time
C. Anaphylactic reactions to penicillin medications are rare, having been reported in <1% of children and young adults. Parenteral, long-term (and, particularly, high-dose) therapy increases risk for developing beta-lactam allergy compared with oral, intermittent therapy. A family history of beta-lactam allergy has not been shown to increase the risk in individuals. The other options are false.
A child has been diagnosed with beta-lactam allergist by a pediatric allergist. When should she next be evaluated for this?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with penicillin allergy by an allergist should be re-assessed by a paediatric allergist after 5 years.
When is an oral drug challenge for beta-lactam allergy contraindicated?
Drug challenge tests can be dangerous and are contraindicated if when a child’s history is consistent with recent anaphylaxis or systemic, non-immediate immunologic reaction (e.g., serum sickness-like reaction, SJS, DRESS syndrome, or drug-induced hemolytic anemia).
