Introduction
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein which may affect all mucus producing organs in the body (1). The survival of patients with CF increased considerably by early diagnosis of disease, enhanced monitoring and earlier recognition of deterioration of organ function and detection and prompt treatment of airway infections (2).
Antibiotics are crucial components of CF management for prophylaxis and suppression of chronic infections and treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. Infections caused by pathogens such asStaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa require repetitive, aggressive, long term and broad-spectrum antibiotic treatments either inhaled, oral or parenteral, to preserve lung function (3). Besides, polypharmacy is common due to other systemic complications of the disease including pancreatic enzymes, mucolytics, ursodeoxycholic acid, proton pump inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates and many others (4-6).
Frequent exposure to drugs, especially antibiotics, might cause the development of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs), with both serious health and economic consequences. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the epidemiological studies concerning DHRs mainly pointed out beta-lactam antibiotics. Nevertheless, there is conflicting data that some studies reported a higher prevalence (28.8-61.9%) (7-9) and others studies described similar results to general population (0.71-2.3%) (10-12).
Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate any suspected DHR in children with cystic fibrosis to determine the prevalence of confirmed DHRs and the culprit drugs and to analyze the risk factors that may facilitate the occurrence of drug allergies. Also, we reviewed the literature concerning the prevalence of DHRs in patients with cystic fibrosis to investigate the subject further.