Hypersensitivity to inhaled TOBI® following reaction to gentamicin

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal-recessive disease in Caucasians. Colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) of the CF airways causes deterioration of pulmonary status. TOBI® (Tobramycin solution for inhalation) is an inhaled antibiotic that can improve the pulmonary disease. We report on a 9-year old boy with CF who developed a rash following a course of IV gentamicin. The rash resolved after its discontinuation. However, the rash returned all over his body, with the start of inhalation of TOBI® therapy. We desensitized the patient using escalating doses of inhaled TOBI®. He tolerated the procedure well, and continues to be on TOBI® 9 months after desensitization on a once-a-day regimen. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 33:311-314. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.