Related Experiment Videos
Paediatric emergency department anaphylaxis: different patterns from adults.
S C Braganza1, J P Acworth, D R L Mckinnon
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 26, 2005
Summary
This study found that generalized allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in children presenting to Australian emergency departments (EDs) are less common than in adults. Most cases were managed effectively in the ED, but follow-up care for anaphylaxis needs improvement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on acute pediatric anaphylaxis presentations to emergency departments (EDs).
- Understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes of pediatric allergic reactions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, and management of pediatric anaphylaxis and generalized allergic reactions.
- To provide the first reported incidence figures for pediatric anaphylaxis ED presentations in Australia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, case-based study of patients under 16 years old presenting to a metropolitan pediatric teaching hospital ED in Australia over three years.
- Analysis of medical records for patients meeting diagnostic codes for generalized allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
- Determination of incidence, demographics, comorbidities, etiology, clinical features, management, and disposition.
Main Results:
- 526 children had generalized allergic reactions and 57 had anaphylaxis.
- Incidences were 9.3:1000 ED presentations for generalized allergic reactions and 1:1000 for anaphylaxis.
- Cutaneous features were common (82.5%), asthma history was reported in 36.8%, and adrenaline was used in 39.3% of severe anaphylaxis cases. Most patients (97.8%) were managed solely in the ED, with inadequate follow-up noted for anaphylaxis.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first Australian incidence data for pediatric anaphylaxis in the ED, showing lower rates than in adults.
- Generalized allergic reactions were more common in children than adults presenting to the ED.
- While most pediatric allergic reactions can be managed in the ED, specialist follow-up is essential, particularly for severe anaphylaxis.