Objective: Hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactams are often reported in children. Although many of these children are considered to be allergic, a careful evaluation only confirms a low percentage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical data and diagnostic methods used in children with a clinical history of hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams.

Material and Methods: The medical records of patients presenting with suspected beta-lactam allergy were evaluated retrospectively between June 2013 to December 2015 at the Dokuz Eylul University’s Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.results: In total, data of 33 patients were obtained from medical records. Only 5 (13.8%) of the patients had an allergy. Skin prick test, intradermal test and oral provocation test (OPT) were administered to 15 (45.4%) patients and 3 of the patients were diagnosed as having hypersensitivity to culprit drugs (1 amoxicillin, 1 cefuroxime and 1 both cefuroxime and ampicillin). A total of 18 patients with non-immediate cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms were administered penicilloyl G- and V-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OPT and 2 patients were diagnosed as having isolated clavulanic acid allergy.conclusion: Beta-lactam allergies could be overdiagnosed and a careful evaluation should be performed for accurate diagnosis. For children with non-immediate cutaneous reactions, OPTs are safe and effective

Keywords: Child, Beta-lactam allergy, Drug