Increasing Emergency Department Visits for Anaphylaxis, 2005-2014

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction.
• Previous studies indicated rising anaphylaxis incidence, but recent US emergency department (ED) trends were unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in anaphylaxis-related emergency department (ED) visits in the United States between 2005 and 2014.
• To identify demographic and trigger-specific changes in anaphylaxis ED visits over time.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a national administrative claims database (commercially insured and Medicare Advantage).
• Calculation of anaphylaxis ED visit rates per 100,000 enrollees.
• Comparison of rates over time, by age group, and by identified trigger.

Main Results:

• Anaphylaxis ED visits increased by 101% from 2005 to 2014 (14.2 to 28.6 per 100,000).
• Rates surged in all age groups, with the most significant rise (196%) in children aged 5-17.
• Food-related anaphylaxis visits rose by 124%, and medication-related visits by 212%.

Conclusions:

• Emergency department visits for anaphylaxis significantly increased nationwide from 2005 to 2014.
• Children experienced the most substantial increase in anaphylaxis-related ED visits.
• The findings underscore a growing public health challenge associated with anaphylaxis.