First European data from the network of severe allergic reactions (NORA)

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are reported inconsistently across European countries.
• Standardized data collection is needed for diagnosis and counselling across Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the first European Anaphylaxis Registry for standardized data collection.
• To gather data on severe allergic reactions across Europe for diagnosis and counselling.

Main Methods:

• Pilot phase involving 59 tertiary allergy, dermatology, and paediatric units in 10 European countries (June 2011-March 2014).
• Data collected via an online questionnaire on medical history and diagnostics for severe allergic reactions.
• 3333 cases of anaphylaxis were reported.

Main Results:

• Food (64.9% in children, 20.2% in adults) and insect venom (20.2% in children, 48.2% in adults) were primary anaphylaxis triggers.
• Most reactions (80.5%) occurred within 30 minutes; drug-induced anaphylaxis showed delayed reactions (6.7%).
• Skin symptoms were most common (84.1%); 34.2% reported prior milder reactions. Adrenaline use on-site was low (13.7%-27.6%).

Conclusions:

• The European Anaphylaxis Registry pilot successfully collected pan-European data on anaphylaxis.
• It demonstrated the registry's functionality for comparing symptom patterns, triggers, and treatments.
• Provides a foundation for understanding and managing severe allergic reactions across Europe.