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Voluntarily reported unintentional injections from epinephrine auto-injectors
F Estelle R Simons1, Eric S Edwards, Edward J Read
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. lmcniven@hsc.mb.ca
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Reported unintentional epinephrine auto-injector injections increased from 1994 to 2007, primarily affecting adolescents and occurring in homes. Improved device design and user training are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Epinephrine auto-injectors are vital for prehospital treatment of anaphylaxis.
- Unintentional injections pose a risk during self-administration or by others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize unintentional epinephrine auto-injector exposures.
- To identify demographics, circumstances, and outcomes of these events.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from US Poison Control Centers (1994-2007).
- Review of FDA's Safety Information and Adverse Event Report System (MedWatch) data (1969-2007).
- Inclusion of reports from the public and healthcare professionals.
Main Results:
- Over 15,000 unintentional injections reported to Poison Control Centers (1994-2007), with a significant increase from 2003-2007.
- Median age of affected individuals was 14 years; 85% occurred in residences.
- Few permanent injuries reported; management varied, with over half observed without intervention.
Conclusions:
- A rising trend in unintentional epinephrine auto-injector injections necessitates action.
- Recommendations include improved auto-injector design, enhanced training for users and trainers, and increased public awareness.
- Preventing accidental injections is key to safe anaphylaxis management.
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