RecruitingPhase 2

Optimizing the Diagnostic Approach to Cephalosporin Allergy Testing

United States300 participantsStarted 2025-05-05

Plain-language summary

Cephalosporin antibiotics are commonly used but can result in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. There is no clear diagnostic approach for cephalosporin-allergic patients, and guidance for the use of other antibiotics in allergic patients is based on side chain chemical similarity and limited skin testing evidence. This project includes a clinical trial and mechanistic studies to optimize the approach to cephalosporin allergy and advance future diagnostics.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18-70 years old.
. Reaction history consistent with a potential immediate hypersensitivity reaction (pruritus, urticaria, erythema, angioedema, bronchospasm, wheezing, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis, or hypotension) to cefazolin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, cephalexin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, cefdinir, or cefixime.
. English speaking or non-English speaking with translation services available.

Exclusion criteria

. Severe concomitant medical condition (e.g., unstable coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, poorly controlled asthma, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, or end-stage liver disease.)
. History of Clostridioides difficile infection

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of participants with confirmed culprit cephalosporin allergy

Timeframe: Up to 7 weeks

Cephalosporin skin test sensitivity and specificity

Timeframe: Up to 7 weeks

Proportion of cross-reactivity to other cephalosporins in confirmed-allergic subjects

Timeframe: Up to 7 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06406114

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-07-01

Contact for this trial

Cara Yelverton, BSc, PhD

6173120387 cyelverton@mgh.harvard.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Drug Allergy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18-70 years old.
. Reaction history consistent with a potential immediate hypersensitivity reaction (pruritus, urticaria, erythema, angioedema, bronchospasm, wheezing, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis, or hypotension) to cefazolin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, cephalexin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, cefdinir, or cefixime.
. English speaking or non-English speaking with translation services available.

Exclusion criteria

. Severe concomitant medical condition (e.g., unstable coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, poorly controlled asthma, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, or end-stage liver disease.)
. History of Clostridioides difficile infection