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Prudent handling of reported antibiotic allergies is an important aspect of antibiotic stewardship. The Dutch Working Party on Antibiotic Policy (SWAB) constituted a multidisciplinary expert committee to provide evidence-based recommendations for bedside decision-making in antibiotic therapy in patients that report an antibiotic allergy. The guideline committee generated 12 key questions, most of which were population, intervention, comparison, and outcome questions relevant to both children and adults with suspected antibiotic allergies. For each question, a systematic literature search was performed and reviewed for the best available evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The quality of evidence was graded from very low to high, and recommendations were formulated in structured discussions as strong or weak. Sixty recommendations were provided for suspected allergy to β-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) and non–β-lactam antibiotics. Owing to the absence of randomized controlled trials in this field, the underlying evidence was predominantly graded as low or very low. Available data support that a detailed allergy history should always be performed and critically appraised. When cross-allergy between BLA groups is not to be expected due to the absence of molecular similarity of the side chains, the patient can be safely exposed to the alternative BLA. An exception to this rule is severe delayed-type reactions in which re-exposure to a BLA should only be considered after consultation with a multidisciplinary team. Accumulated scientific data now support a more liberal approach that better balances the benefits of treatment with first choice and usually smaller spectrum antibiotics with appropriate avoidance of antibiotics in case of a truly high risk of a (severe) allergic reaction. In The Netherlands, a formal guideline was developed that provides recommendations for the approach toward suspected allergy to BLA and frequently used non–β-lactam antibiotics, thereby strongly supporting antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ankle injuries are a huge medical and socioeconomic problem. Many people have a traumatic injury of the ankle, most of which are a result of sports. Total costs of treatment and work absenteeism due to ankle injuries are high. The prevention of recurrences can result in large savings on medical costs. A multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline was developed with the aim to prevent further health impairment of patients with acute lateral ankle ligament injuries by giving recommendations with respect to improved diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The recommendations are based on evidence from published scientific research, which was extensively discussed by the guideline committee. This clinical guideline is helpful for healthcare providers who are involved in the management of patients with ankle injuries. For numbered affiliations see end of article [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]