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Spring season birth is associated with higher emergency department admission for acute allergic reactions

Gianfranco Cervellin1, Fabio Schirosa1, Ruggero Buonocore2

  • 1Emergency Department, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|November 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Individuals born in spring have a higher risk of emergency department visits for acute allergic reactions. This vulnerability is particularly noted for drug-induced and unknown-trigger allergies, and severe reactions.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute allergic reactions are a significant cause of emergency department (ED) visits, presenting a substantial clinical and organizational burden.
  • The season of birth, influencing early allergen exposure, may play a role in allergy development and severity.
  • This study investigates the potential association between birth season and the incidence and severity of acute allergic reactions requiring ED admission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if season of birth is associated with the incidence of acute allergic reactions.
  • To assess if season of birth correlates with the severity of acute allergic reactions.
  • To identify specific triggers for allergic reactions that may be influenced by birth season.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of adult patients admitted to the ED for acute allergic reactions over a one-year period.
  • Data extraction from an electronic hospital database, including patient demographics and reaction details.
  • Statistical comparison of allergic reaction incidence and severity based on the season of birth.

Main Results:

  • A total of 588 patients (328 women, 260 men; mean age 43 ± 18 years) were included.
  • Patients born in spring showed a higher frequency of ED admissions for acute allergic reactions compared to those born in autumn and other seasons.
  • Spring-born individuals had an increased risk of ED admission for severe acute allergic reactions, particularly for drug-induced or unknown triggers.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals born in spring demonstrate a heightened vulnerability to acute allergic reactions necessitating emergency department visits.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between birth season and the risk and severity of certain allergic reactions.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying this seasonal birth effect on allergic responses.
Abstract

Keywords:
AllergyAnaphylaxisEmergency departmentEmergency medicineEpidemiology

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