Is allergy immunotherapy-induced anaphylaxis still a real problem?

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Anaphylaxis following allergen immunotherapy (allergy injections) is a rare but serious adverse event.
• Understanding the incidence and risk factors is crucial for patient safety during allergy immunotherapy.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current literature on the incidence and risk factors associated with anaphylaxis from allergy injections.
• Analysis focuses on reported rates of severe and fatal anaphylactic reactions.

Key Points:

• The incidence of fatal anaphylaxis from allergy injections is approximately 1 in 7.2 million visits.
• Severe anaphylaxis occurs at a rate of about 1 in 160,000 visits.
• Severe, uncontrolled asthma is identified as a primary risk factor for fatal anaphylaxis.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of anaphylaxis risk factors has informed the development of clinical protocols for allergy injection safety.
• Further research is required to validate the effectiveness of current preventive measures against anaphylaxis during immunotherapy.