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Commentary on 'glucocorticoids for the treatment of anaphylaxis'

Alexandra F Santos1, Gideon Lack

  • 1Department of Pediatric Allergy, Division of Asthma, Allergy & Lung Biology, King's College London-MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, UK. alexandra.santos@kcl.ac.uk

Evidence-Based Child Health : a Cochrane Review Journal
|July 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids may not be effective in treating anaphylaxis, according to a commentary on a Cochrane review. Further research is needed to confirm the role of these steroids in managing severe allergic reactions.

Area of Science:

  • Anaphylaxis Management
  • Pharmacology
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Glucocorticoids are often used as adjunctive therapy for anaphylaxis.
  • The efficacy of glucocorticoids in anaphylaxis treatment remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the evidence for glucocorticoid use in anaphylaxis.
  • To discuss the implications of the Cochrane review findings for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Commentary based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Analysis of data regarding the effectiveness and safety of glucocorticoids.

Main Results:

  • The Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to support the routine use of glucocorticoids in anaphylaxis.
  • Glucocorticoids did not appear to reduce the risk of biphasic or prolonged reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support the routine administration of glucocorticoids for anaphylaxis.
  • Further high-quality research is necessary to clarify the role of glucocorticoids in anaphylaxis management.

Keywords:
anaphylaxisbiphasiccorticosteroidsglucocorticoidsglucocorticosteroidslate‐phase

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