Anaphylaxis in Brazil between 2011 and 2019.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Allergy & Immunology

Background:

• Lack of population-based anaphylaxis studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hinders public health planning.
• Limited data impacts the availability of critical treatments like adrenaline auto-injectors in LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first national population-based study of anaphylaxis hospitalizations in Brazil.
• To analyze trends and characteristics of anaphylaxis admissions in a LMIC setting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized descriptive study design with routinely collected data from the Brazilian Hospital Information System (2011-2019).
• Employed International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 coding for primary and secondary causes of hospitalization.
• Analyzed 5716 admissions over a 9-year period.

Main Results:

• Anaphylaxis hospitalization rate was 0.71/100,000 population annually, showing a 2.4% yearly increase.
• Admissions were more common in females (52.8%) and adults (30-59 years), with distinct triggers (food in children, drugs in adults).
• Fatal anaphylaxis cases (5.8%) and case fatality rates increased over the study period.

Conclusions:

• This is the first nationwide study of anaphylaxis hospital admissions in a LMIC.
• Findings indicate a rising trend in anaphylaxis hospitalizations and fatalities in Brazil.
• Highlights the urgent need for improved public health strategies and resource allocation for anaphylaxis management in LMICs.