Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all children younger than 19 years of age who underwent a DPT between November 1994 and November 2014. Open provocation tests were performed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, aminopenicillins, cephalosporin, non-β-lactam antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, or other drugs.
Results: Overall, 84 DPTs were performed in 56 patients whose median age was 7.5 years (range, 6 months to 18 years). DPTs were positive in 25 (29.8%) of 84 cases, which translated to 18 (32.1%) positive findings in 56 patients. Drugs that provided positive results included NSAIDs (7 cases, 28.0 %), aminopenicillins (5 cases, 20.0%), acetaminophen (4 cases, 16.0%), cephalosporins (3 cases, 12.0%), and non-β-lactams (2 cases, 8.0%). Anaphylaxis was noted in 5 (20.0%) of 25 cases. There were no serious complications of DPTs in any of the subjects. The median age was 10.5 years for children who had a positive result following the DPT and 5.0 years for those with negative results (Pvalue = 0.019).
Conclusion: The overall positive DPT rate was 29.8%, with a lower rate noted in younger children. DPTs can be performed safely in children with suspected ADRs in order to achieve a correct diagnosis.