- Health Briefs
- Robinson M, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol; 119: 164-169, http://bit.ly/2vYj2fe.
Just over one-third of children experiencing anaphylaxis received epinephrine before arriving at the hospital, according to a new study.
The findings come as prevalence of anaphylaxis rises and amid recommendations from the Academy (http://bit.ly/2vcc48T) and others to promptly treat with epinephrine.
Researchers analyzed records from 408 patients ages 0-25 years who were treated for anaphylaxis at Nationwide Children’s Hospital from 2009-’13.
They found 36.3% received epinephrine before arrival. Children were more likely to fall into this category if they were between the ages of 13 and 17, had multiple food allergies, had a history of anaphylaxis or had a reaction that occurred at school.
“Treatment with epinephrine is often delayed or avoided by parents and caregivers, and sometimes antihistamines are used even though they are not an appropriate treatment,” lead author Melissa Robinson, D.O., said in a press release.
Another predictor of early epinephrine was the number of organ systems involved. Those whose symptoms impacted two or three organ systems were less likely to receive epinephrine prior to arriving at the hospital than those with one organ system involved. The authors called it a “very ominous and illogical finding” and said regional preferences or patient misunderstanding may have been involved, but more study is needed.
The authors also found about 30% of children who had been prescribed self-injectable epinephrine did not have it with them when the allergic reaction occurred.
About half of all patients received epinephrine at the hospital and were more likely to do so if they hadn’t already received it. Researchers found patients were more likely to be discharged home if they had received epinephrine before arriving at the hospital.
“Ongoing efforts to provide education to patients and medical care professionals regarding appropriate and timely recognition of anaphylaxis and prompt epinephrine are needed,” the authors concluded.
The Academy’s customizable Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan is available atwww.aap.org/aaep.