Trends in anaphylaxis management during COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction requiring prompt management, typically with epinephrine.
• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unique challenges to healthcare access and patient behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anaphylaxis trends.
• To analyze emergency room (ER) visits and treatment patterns for anaphylaxis during the pandemic, including before and after COVID-19 vaccine availability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized survey data from the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Patient Registry.
• Analyzed electronic medical records from Tampa General Hospital ER for anaphylaxis diagnoses.
• Collected data spanning the COVID-19 epidemic, pre-vaccine, and post-vaccine periods.

Main Results:

• Of 190 survey respondents, 63 reported pandemic-related changes in their allergic reaction response, with many avoiding care or altering medication timing.
• Only 46% of survey respondents and 17% of ER patients received epinephrine.
• ER visits for anaphylaxis increased after COVID-19 vaccine availability, with 867 patients presenting pre-vaccine and 1833 post-vaccine.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced anaphylaxis care, leading to reduced epinephrine use and altered help-seeking behaviors.
• Increased emergency department visits for anaphylaxis were observed following the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.