Investigation of the underuse of adrenaline (epinephrine) and prognosis among patients with anaphylaxis at emergency department admission

There is no universal agreement on the definition of anaphylaxis or the criteria for diagnosis. In July 2005, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network convened a second meeting on anaphylaxis, which included representatives from 16 different organizations or government bodies, including representatives from North America, Europe, and Australia, to continue working toward a universally accepted definition of anaphylaxis, establish clinical criteria that would accurately identify cases of anaphylaxis with high precision, further review the evidence on the most appropriate management of anaphylaxis, and outline the research needs in this area.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe clinical presentation of acute systemic allergic reactions. The occurrence of anaphylaxis has increased in recent years, and subsequently, there is a need to continue disseminating knowledge on the diagnosis and management, so every healthcare professional is prepared to deal with such emergencies. The rationale of this updated position document is the need to keep guidance aligned with the current state of the art of knowledge in anaphylaxis management. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) anaphylaxis guidelines were published in 2011, and the current guidance adopts their major indications, incorporating some novel changes. Intramuscular epinephrine (adrenaline) continues to be the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Nevertheless, its use remains suboptimal. After an anaphylaxis occurrence, patients should be referred to a specialist to assess the potential cause and to be educated on prevention of recurrences and self-management. The limited availability of epinephrine auto-injectors remains a major problem in many countries, as well as their affordability for some patients.

Existing grading systems for acute systemic hypersensitivity reactions vary considerably, have a number of deficiencies, and lack a consistent definition of anaphylaxis. The aims of this study were to develop a simple grading system and definition of anaphylaxis and to identify predictors of reaction severity. Case records from 1149 systemic hypersensitivity reactions presenting to an emergency department were analyzed retrospectively. Logistic regression analyses of the associations between individual reaction features and hypotension and hypoxia were used to construct a grading system. Epinephrine use, etiology, age, sex, comorbidities, and concurrent medications were then assessed for their association with reaction grade. Confusion, collapse, unconsciousness, and incontinence were strongly associated with hypotension and hypoxia and were used to define severe reactions. Diaphoresis, vomiting, presyncope, dyspnea, stridor, wheeze, chest/throat tightness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain had weaker, albeit significant, associations and were used to define moderate reactions. Reactions limited to the skin (urticaria, erythema, and angioedema) were defined as mild. These grades correlated well with epinephrine usage. Older age, insect venom, and iatrogenic causes were independent predictors of severity. Preexisting lung disease was associated with an increased risk of hypoxia. This simple grading system has potential value for defining reaction severity in clinical practice and research settings. The moderate and severe grades provide a workable definition of anaphylaxis. Age, reaction precipitant, and preexisting lung disease appear to be the major determinants of reaction severity.