Anaphylaxis: a ten years inpatient retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Anaphylaxis Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• The true incidence of anaphylaxis remains undetermined.
• Regular studies on anaphylaxis are vital for improving prevention and care globally.
• This study addresses the need for localized anaphylaxis incidence data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of anaphylaxis among adult inpatients.
• To analyze trends in anaphylaxis over a ten-year period (1992-2001).
• To identify common triggers and management practices for anaphylaxis in a tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of adult patient data from 1992 to 2001.
• Inclusion criteria: adult inpatients at a tertiary care center in Bangkok.
• Data collected on anaphylaxis events, patient demographics, triggers, and treatment.

Main Results:

• Anaphylaxis incidence increased from 2.6 to 46 per 100,000 inpatients.
• Common triggers included drugs (48%, e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs) and food (31%).
• Epinephrine was administered in 84% of cases, but intramuscularly in only 7%; 20% had prior anaphylaxis history.

Conclusions:

• A significant rise in anaphylaxis incidence was observed over the study period.
• Urgent need to enhance anaphylaxis management awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population.
• Findings highlight the importance of prompt and appropriate anaphylaxis treatment, including intramuscular epinephrine.