The Use of Electronic Health Records to Study Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions from 2000 to 2021: A Systematic Review

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2022 May;42(2):453-497. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.01.004. Epub 2022 Mar 31.

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) have revolutionized the field of drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR) research. In this systematic review, we assessed 140 articles from 2000-2021, classifying them under six themes: observational studies (n=61), clinical documentation (n=27), case management (n=22), clinical decision support (CDS) (n=18), case identification (n=9), and genetic studies (n=3). EHRs provide convenient access to millions of medical records, facilitating epidemiological studies of DHRs. Though the goal of CDS is to promote safe drug prescribing, allergy alerts must be designed and used in a way that supports this effort. Ultimately, accurate allergy documentation is essential for DHR prevention.

Keywords: Allergy documentation; Allergy epidemiology; Drug allergy label; Drug hypersensitivity; Electronic health record.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / epidemiology
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Humans