Pre-emptive Penicillin Skin Testing Increases Allergy Mislabelling and
Undermines Antibiotic Stewardship: A Real-World, Multi-Centre
Comparative Study Between Mainland China and Hong Kong
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate penicillin skin testing practices can
worsen allergy mislabelling and antimicrobial resistance. This issue is
likely more pronounced in Mainland China due to mandatory pre-emptive
penicillin skin testing prior to any penicillin prescriptions. In
contrast, Hong Kong follows guidelines more aligned with international
recommendations on penicillin allergy testing. This study aimed to
explore the disparities in drug allergy labelling, penicillin
consumption, and antimicrobial resistance between Mainland China and
Hong Kong. Methods: This multi-centre, real-world study
analyzed drug allergy label prevalence, antibiotic use, and AMR between
2018 to 2022 in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Results:
Penicillin allergy labels were significantly higher in Mainland China
(47.13%) compared to Hong Kong (21.57%, p<0.01). Penicillin
consumption was lower in Mainland China, where antimicrobial resistance
to amoxicillin-clavulanate was also lower. Penicillin allergy delabeling
rates were significantly higher in Mainland China (99.26%) compared to
Hong Kong (93.13%, p=0.03). Conclusion: Significant
differences in drug allergy labeling and antibiotic use between Mainland
China and Hong Kong highlight the impact of non-evidence-based
penicillin skin testing practices in Mainland China. Urgent reforms are
needed to adopt international guidelines and reduce allergy mislabeling.