Fatal anaphylaxis registries data support changes in the who anaphylaxis mortality coding rules.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction.
• Current coding systems, like the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD), hinder accurate reporting of anaphylaxis fatalities.
• Anaphylaxis is not explicitly listed as an underlying cause of death on death certificates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting the need for changes in WHO mortality coding rules.
• To advocate for the inclusion of anaphylaxis as an underlying cause of death on international death certificates.
• To support a formal request to the WHO for this coding revision, particularly concerning the 11th ICD revision.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence on anaphylaxis mortality coding.
• Analysis of current WHO ICD coding rules and death certificate limitations.
• Formulation of arguments for policy change.

Main Results:

• The current ICD system inadequately captures anaphylaxis deaths due to coding limitations.
• Death certificates do not allow for 'anaphylaxis' as a primary cause of death.
• Under-notification of anaphylaxis fatalities is a significant public health concern.

Conclusions:

• Changes to WHO mortality coding rules are necessary to accurately reflect anaphylaxis deaths.
• Adding anaphylaxis as an underlying cause of death on international certificates is crucial.
• Improved coding will enhance public health surveillance and understanding of anaphylaxis fatalities.