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Changing pattern of pediatric anaphylaxis in Hong Kong, 2010-2019

Agnes S Y Leung1, Rebecca M Y Li1, Ann W S Au1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|October 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Anaphylaxis incidence in Hong Kong children rose over a decade. Diagnosis and treatment were often inadequate, highlighting a need for increased awareness of severe allergic reactions in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Public Health Epidemiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Anaphylaxis presents a significant health challenge globally, yet data from Asian pediatric populations remain scarce.
  • This study addresses the limited published information on anaphylaxis incidence and patterns in Asia, specifically focusing on Hong Kong.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence rate and patterns of anaphylaxis in Hong Kong's pediatric population over a ten-year period (2010-2019).
  • To identify trends, common triggers, severity, and management practices for pediatric anaphylaxis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records for pediatric patients (under 18) diagnosed with anaphylaxis between 2010 and 2019.
  • Utilized National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (NIAID/FAAN) criteria for diagnosis.
  • Calculated incidence rates using population data and collected detailed information on anaphylaxis events and patient characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The estimated 10-year incidence of anaphylaxis was 9.76 per 100,000 person-years, showing an increasing trend.
  • Food-induced anaphylaxis was most common, with peanuts and shellfish as primary triggers. Severe reactions (Grade 4) were frequent, particularly in younger children.
  • A significant proportion (50%) of cases were misdiagnosed, and adrenaline administration was suboptimal (42.2%), with only 9.4% given before hospital arrival.

Conclusions:

  • Anaphylaxis incidence is rising in Hong Kong children, accompanied by low diagnostic accuracy and suboptimal management.
  • There is an urgent need to improve awareness among the public and healthcare professionals regarding pediatric anaphylaxis features and management.
Abstract

Keywords:
allergyanaphylaxischildrenepidemiologyhospitalincidencetrigger of anaphylaxis

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