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Antibiotic allergy labels (AAL) are related to worse therapeutic results. Strategies to improve the management of these patients, such as the implementation of antibiotic desensitization, are essential for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP). The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antibiotic desensitization procedures for the management of patients with AAL. A retrospective study from 2015 to 2022 was performed to describe all antibiotic desensitization conducted in our institution, within the framework of ASP. A systematic literature review using electronic databases, such as PubMed, was also done to identify studies describing antibiotic desensitization between 2000 and 2022. Sixteen antibiotic desensitization protocols were carried out in our institution. In fourteen cases, the desensitization was successfully completed, and the antibiotic could be used to treat the infection. In the systematic review, twenty-two studies were included, with a total of 202 desensitization episodes. In 97% of them, the desensitization was completed successfully. No desensitization-related mortality was observed neither in our cohort nor in literature review. Antibiotic desensitization strategies should be considered a safe and effective tool that can be included in ASP for patients with a high risk of or confirmed allergy to penicillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syphilis is currently an emerging health problem, especially in high-income countries. Infection rates have increased significantly in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain in the last 20 years. As a result we are now seeing an increase in maternal infection, acquired during pregnancy, with a high risk of transmission to the developing fetus, which is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Although the Spanish incidence of congenital syphilis is below the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination threshold (50/100,000) and health measures recommended by WHO have been achieved, congenital syphilis is still a social and public health problem. Antenatal care follow-up protocols are sometimes not accurate enough to uncover the infection during pregnancy and therefore to avoid consequences in the newborn. Infection during pregnancy may be missed if it occurs after the screening period. We report a case of severe congenital syphilis in order to emphasize that in the 21st century, fetal infection still occurs in developed countries, although it is easily preventable and treatable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]