Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Glucocorticoids for the treatment of anaphylaxis
Karen Jui Lin Choo1, F Estelle R Simons, Aziz Sheikh
1Primary Care Research & Development, Centre for Population Health Sciences: GP section. The University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Doorway 3, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9AG.
Background:
Anaphylaxis is a serious hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset and may result in death. Anaphylaxis guidelines recommend glucocorticoids for the treatment of people experiencing anaphylaxis.
Objectives:
We sought to assess the benefits and harms of glucocorticoid treatment during episodes of anaphylaxis.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 3), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1966 to September 2009), EMBASE (Ovid) (1988 to September 2009), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) (to September 2009) and The Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) (1945 to September 2009). We also searched the UK National Research Register and websites listing ongoing trials, and contacted international experts in anaphylaxis in an attempt to locate unpublished material.
Selection Criteria:
We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing glucocorticoids with any control (either placebo, adrenaline (epinephrine), an antihistamine, or any combination of these).
Data Collection And Analysis:
Two authors independently assessed articles for inclusion.
Main Results:
We found no studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria.
Authors' Conclusions:
We are, based on this review, unable to make any recommendations for the use of glucocorticoids in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...