Drug-induced anaphylaxis in China: a 10 year retrospective analysis of the Beijing Pharmacovigilance Database

Anaphylaxis in a country where Asia and Europe meet: Evaluation according to World Allergy Organization (WAO) and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) diagnostic criteria

Background

Anaphylaxis is an acute-onset, life-threatening clinical emergency involving more than one system. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) published anaphylaxis guidelines in 2020. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) published anaphylaxis guidelines in 2021 and reviewed the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, risk factors, comorbid diseases, treatment management, and prevention studies.In this study, clinical features, demographic characteristics, risk factors, treatment management, and evaluations according to EAACI and WAO diagnostic criteria were analysed in patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis. In this way, it was aimed to provide a perspective on the diagnosis, etiology, and treatment management in patients with anaphylaxis and to open a window for new studies.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data recording system of patients who were evaluated with a history of systemic allergic reaction in the Allergy and Immunology outpatient clinic of our tertiary referral hospital in a ninety-month period between January 2016 and June 2023. The total number of patients admitted to our Allergy and Immunology Clinic between January 2016 and June 2023 was 14,9425. Among these patients, 1032 patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic according to the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) coding system and diagnosed as T78.2 Anaphylaxis by Allergy and Immunology Specialist. Each patient file was re-evaluated by the authors of the study and 689 eligible patients were included.

Results

Included in the study were 689 patients. The mean age of the patients was 46.2 ± 14.2 (35-57) years. 64.4% (n = 444) of the patients were female. Venom, drugs, and food were the 3 leading causes of anaphylaxis. In our study, younger age was determined as a statistically significant risk factor for food-induced anaphylaxis, female gender for drug-induced anaphylaxis and male gender for venom-induced anaphylaxis. (p < 0.001) If the cause of anaphylaxis can be identified, such as venom, drug or food, the frequency of anaphylaxis decreases statistically significantly compared to idiopathic anaphylaxis. (p < 0.001) The rate of acute hypotension, bronchospasm, or laryngeal involvement without skin involvement according to WAO and the rate of WAO severity classification grade 5 were significantly higher in patients who developed anaphylaxis due to venom compared to other patients (p < 0.001). The rate of Grade 3 in the EAACI classification was significantly higher in patients who developed anaphylaxis due to venom compared to other cases (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study was conducted in a city such as Istanbul, which connects both Asian and European continents. Moreover, it is important because it was conducted in a centre with the highest number of Allergy and Immunology outpatients per year in our country. It is important because it gives the prevalence of anaphylaxis and emphasises the risk factors for each allergen separately.

DNA methylation profiling reveals potential biomarkers of β-lactams induced fatal anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction of systemic hypersensitivity with that rapid onset and sudden death. Drug hypersensitivity, particularly induced by β-lactams, is one of the most frequent causes of anaphylaxis in adults. But identification of anaphylactic shock, in forensic sciences recently, is difficult, because it mainly depends on nonspecific characteristic morphological changes, as well as exclusion and circumstantial evidence. Here, we detected DNA methylation signatures of β-lactams-induced fatal anaphylactic shock with the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation EPIC BeadChip, to screen potential forensic biomarkers and reveal the molecular mechanisms of drug-induced anaphylaxis with fatal shock and sudden death. Our results indicated that DNA methylation was associated with β-lactams-induced fatal anaphylactic shock, in which the hypomethylation played a vital role. We found that 1459 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were mainly involved in β-lactams-induced fatal anaphylactic shock by regulating MAPK and other signaling pathways. 18 DNA methylation signatures that could separate β-lactams-induced anaphylactic shock from healthy individuals were identified. The altered methylation of DMPs can affect the transcription of corresponding genes and promote β-lactams-induced fatal anaphylactic shock. The results suggest that DNA methylation can detect forensic identification markers of drug-induced anaphylaxis with fatal shock and sudden death, and it is an effective method for the forensic diagnosis.

Changing patterns in the epidemiology of drug allergy

Drug allergy (DA) remains a complex and unaddressed problem worldwide that often deprives patients of optimal medication choices and places them at risk for life-threatening reactions. Underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis are common and due to the lack of standardized definitions and biomarkers. The true burden of DA is unknown, and recent efforts in data gathering through electronic medical records are starting to provide emerging patterns around the world. Ten percent of the general population engaged in health care claim to have a DA, and the most common label is penicillin allergy. Up to 20% of emergency room visits for anaphylaxis are due to DA and 15%-20% of hospitalized patients report DA. It is estimated that DA will increase based on the availability and use of new and targeted antibiotics, vaccines, chemotherapies, biologicals, and small molecules, which are aimed at improving patient's options and quality of life. Global and regional variations in the prevalence of diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus and mycobacterial diseases, and the drugs used to treat these infections have an impact on DA. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the global impact of DA by presenting emerging data on drug epidemiology in adult and pediatric populations.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: National Database Analysis

(1) Background: National health system databases represent an important source of information about the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions including drug-induced allergy and anaphylaxis. Analysis of such databases may enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the problem of drug-induced anaphylaxis. (2) Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out of spontaneous reports (SRs) with data on drug-induced anaphylaxis (SRsAs) extracted from the Russian National Pharmacovigilance database (analyzed period 2 April 2019-21 June 2023). The percentage of SRsAs among SRs of drug-induced allergy (SRsDIAs) was calculated, as well as of pediatric, elderly, and fatal SrsAs. Drugs involved in anaphylaxis were assessed among total SRsAs, pediatric, and elderly SRsAs, and among fatal SRsAs. Demographic parameters of patients were assessed. (3) Results: SRsAs were reported in 8.3% of SRsDIAs (2304/27,727), the mean age of patients was 48.2 ± 15.8 years, and females accounted for 53.2% of cases. The main causative groups of drugs were antibacterials (ABs) for systemic use (44.6%), local anesthetics (20.0%), and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (10.1%). Fatal SRsAs were reported in 9.5% (218/2304) of cases, the mean age of patients was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and females accounted for 56.4% of cases. Pediatric SRsAs accounted for 3.9% of pediatric SRsDIAs and 5.8% of all SRsAs, with a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.5 years, and females acccounted for 51.9% of cases. Elderly SRsAs accounted for 2% of elderly SRsDIAs and 2.8% of all SRsAs, and the mean age was 73.0 ± 5.3 years, and females accounted for 43.5% of cases. ABs caused 40% of SRsAs in the elderly, 42.9% in children, and 50% of fatal SRsAs. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed a relatively high proportion of anaphylaxis among SRs of drug-induced allergy. ABs were the most prevalent causative agents, especially in fatal SRsAs.

United States Drug Allergy Registry (USDAR) grading scale for immediate drug reactions

BACKGROUND

There is no accepted grading system classifying the severity of immediate reactions to drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to present a proposed grading system developed through the consensus of drug allergy experts from the United States Drug Allergy Registry (USDAR) Consortium.

METHODS

The USDAR investigators sought to develop a consensus severity grading system for immediate drug reactions that is applicable to clinical care and research.

RESULTS

The USDAR grading scale scores severity levels on a scale of 0 to 4. A grade of no reaction (NR) is used for patients who undergo challenge without any symptoms or signs, and it would confirm a negative challenge result. A grade 0 reaction is indicative of primarily subjective complaints that are commonly seen with both historical drug reactions and during drug challenges, and it would suggest a low likelihood of a true drug allergic reaction. Grades 1 to 4 meet the criteria for a positive challenge result and may be considered indicative of a drug allergy. Grade 1 reactions are suggestive of a potential immediate drug reaction with mild symptoms. Grade 2 reactions are more likely to be immediate drug reactions of moderate severity. Grade 3 reactions have features suggestive of a severe allergic reaction, whereas grade 4 reactions are life-threatening reactions such as anaphylactic shock and fatal anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSION

This proposed grading schema for immediate drug reactions improves on prior schemata by being developed specifically for immediate drug reactions and being easy to implement in clinical and research practice.

Drug Allergy in Women

Across all settings, women self-report more drug allergies than do men. Although there is epidemiologic evidence of increased drug allergy labeling in postpubertal females, the evidence base for female sex as a risk factor for true immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs), particularly in fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis, is low. A focus on the known immunologic mechanisms described in immediate and delayed DHR, layered on known hormonal and genetic sex differences that drive other immune-mediated diseases, could be the key to understanding biological sex variations in DHR. Particular conditions that highlight the impact of drug allergy in women include (1) pregnancy, in which a drug allergy label is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications; (2) multiple drug intolerance syndrome, associated with anxiety and depression; and (3) female-predominant autoimmune medical conditions in the context of mislabeling of the drug allergy or increased underlying risk. In this review, we describe the importance of drug allergy in the female population, mainly focusing on the epidemiology and risk, the mechanisms, and the associated conditions and psychosocial factors. By performing a detailed analysis of the current literature, we provide focused conclusions and identify existing knowledge gaps that should be prioritized for future research.

Cefaclor-induced hypersensitivity: Differences in the incidence of anaphylaxis relative to other 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins

Cefaclor, a second-generation oral cephalosporin, is the most frequently prescribed cephalosporin in Korea. Studies, however, have yet to analyze the incidence of cefaclor-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity (HS), according to total national usage rates. This study aimed to investigate the incidence rates and clinical features of cefaclor ADRs reported to the Korean Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database for the most recent 5 years. Reviewing the HIRA database, which contains information on all insurance claims, including prescribed medications and patient demographics, we identified the total number of individuals who had been prescribed cefaclor and other cephalosporins including 2^nd generation without cefaclor and 3^rd generation antibiotics from January 2014 to December 2018. Additionally, we retrospectively analyzed all ADRs reported to the KAERS for these drugs over the same study period. Incidence rates for ADRs, HS, and anaphylaxis to cefaclor were 1.92/10,000 persons, 1.17/10,000 persons, and 0.38/10,000 persons, respectively, lower than those to other 2^nd and 3^rd cephalosporins. Among all ADRs, HS (60.9% vs. 43.6% vs. 44.8%, P <0.001) and anaphylaxis (19.8% vs. 4.6% vs. 4.7%, P <0.001) were more common for cefaclor than for other 2^nd and 3^rd cephalosporins. Females, individuals under 65 years of age, concomitant use of drugs, and serious ADRs were more strongly associated with HS to cefaclor than with HS to other 2^nd and 3^rd cephalosporins. In a nationwide database for the Korean population, the incidence of cefaclor-induced ADRs, particularly HS and anaphylaxis, was high. Female sex, age younger than 65 years, and concomitant use of drugs may be associated with HS to cefaclor.

Association between anaphylaxis and anti-influenza drug use: An analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database

We aimed to investigate the association between anaphylaxis and anti-influenza drug use using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database, a national spontaneous reporting database in Japan. We surveyed registered cases from the JADER database between April 2004 and November 2019. The target drugs were five anti-influenza drugs, namely oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir, and baloxavir. Adverse events associated with anaphylaxis, "anaphylactic reaction," "anaphylactic shock," "anaphylactoid reaction," and "anaphylactoid shock," were evaluated. The association between anaphylaxis and anti-influenza drug use was assessed by calculating the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) as a measure of disproportionality. Signals were considered positive if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of ROR was > 1, and that of IC was > 0. The number of anaphylaxis cases associated with anti-influenza drug use was 199 (0.9%). Signals were detected for inhaled laninamivir (ROR: 4.24 [95% CI: 3.06-5.88], IC: 1.83 [1.35-2.30]), intravenous peramivir (ROR: 2.97 [2.11-4.17], IC: 1.40 [0.90-1.89]), and oral baloxavir (ROR: 3.05 [2.22-4.18], IC: 1.44 [0.98-1.90]). Conversely, signals were not detected for oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir. Although zanamivir and laninamivir were used as dry powder inhalers containing lactose as an additive, they differed in terms of signal detection. Our analysis indicated that the signal of anaphylaxis may varies based on the main component or dosage form of each anti-influenza drug. Appropriate use of these drugs is essential to prevent anaphylaxis and improve health status.

Pharmacogenomics of Hypersensitivity to Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are extensively prescribed in daily clinical practice. NSAIDs are the main cause of drug hypersensitivity reactions all over the world. The inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes by NSAIDs can perpetuate arachidonic acid metabolism, shunting to the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and its downstream inflammatory process. Clinical phenotypes of NSAID hypersensitivity are diverse and can be classified into cross-reactive or selective responses. Efforts have been made to understand pathogenic mechanisms, in which, genetic and epigenetic backgrounds are implicated in various processes of NSAID-induced hypersensitivity reactions. Although there were some similarities among patients, several genetic polymorphisms are distinct in those exhibiting respiratory or cutaneous symptoms. Moreover, the expression levels, as well as the methylation status of genes related to immune responses were demonstrated to be involved in NSAID-induced hypersensitivity reactions. There is still a lack of data on delayed type reactions. Further studies with a larger sample size, which integrate different genetic pathways, can help overcome current limitations of gen etic/epigenetic studies, and provide valuable information on NSAID hypersensitivity reactions.

The Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Reactions Caused by Chinese Materia Medica

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been used in China for thousands of years. Although TCM has been generally perceived to be safe, adverse reactions to Chinese materia medica (CMM) have been reported. Most of the adverse reactions are allergic in nature, but other mechanisms may play a role. This review focuses on the mechanism and clinical presentation of these allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can occur as a result of the active and inactive ingredients of CMM. Impurities and chemicals generated during the production process can also lead to allergic or adverse reactions. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light can cause changes in the allergenicity of drugs. Human error in formulating CMM drugs also contributes to adverse drug reactions. The management of allergic reactions to CMM includes taking a good history, avoidance of medications in the same class as those which caused prior reactions, the proper training of staff, adherence to manufacturer guidelines and expiration dates, evaluation of benefit and risk balance, and the formulation of a risk management strategy for the use of CMM. A small test dose of a considered drug before using, improvements in drug purification technology, and proper storage and clinical administration help reduce allergic reactions due to CMM.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for cefaclor-induced immediate hypersensitivity: a retrospective observation at two university hospitals in Korea

Background

Cefaclor, a second-generation oral cephalosporin, is widely prescribed to treat infectious diseases. Immediate hypersensitivity (HS) reactions to cefaclor have continuously been reported and are expected to increase with its greater use. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of immediate HS to cefaclor over the most recent 5 years.

Methods

This retrospective study investigated 521 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to cefaclor at pharmacovigilance centers at two tertiary hospitals from January 2014 to December 2018. In total, 459 patients with immediate HS to cefaclor were reviewed.

Results

A total of 459 cases of cefaclor immediate HS were included among 521 cefaclor ADRs, and anaphylaxis was recorded in 61.2%. Female sex (odds ratio 2.917, 95% confidence interval 2.397–3.550, P < 0.001), age under 65 years (4.225, 3.017–5.916, P < 0.001), hypertension (2.520, 1.875–3.388, P < 0.001), liver diseases (2.189, 1.208–3.967, P = 0.010), asthma (8.075, 5.301–12.302, P < 0.001), and concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.888, 1.554–2.294, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with cefaclor immediate HS.

Conclusions

Cefaclor was found to elicit high proportions of immediate HS and anaphylaxis. Physicians ought to be cautious with prescribing cefaclor to females, individuals with hypertension, liver diseases, or asthma, and patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered.

Risk comparison of beta-lactam-induced anaphylaxis: Therapeutic stratification analysis in a Vietnamese pharmacovigilance database

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

There is limited data on the specific risks of anaphylaxis induced by beta-lactam drugs. The aim of this study was to compare the risks of reporting beta-lactam-induced anaphylaxis using the national pharmacovigilance database of Vietnam (NPDV).

METHODS

The multivariate generalised linear regression model was applied for signal generation and comparison of beta-lactams.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2016, there were 2,921 reports of anaphylaxis (19.93%) from 14,655 spontaneous reports of beta-lactam use in the NDPV. Anaphylaxis signal generation was also found for the subgroup J01D (cephalosporins and carbapenems) (ROR = 1.27 [1.16-1.39]) and beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillins (ROR = 1.74 [1.27-2.35]). In the third generation cephalosporin subgroup, different risks were identified for the following combinations of beta-lactams: 1) cefotaxime with cefoperazone+sulbactam; 2) cefixime/cefpodoxime/cefdinir with cefoperazone+sulbactam or ceftizoxime/cefoperazone/ceftazidime/ceftriaxone/cefotaxime. For the second generation cephalosporin subgroup, different risks were found for cefotiam compared to cefmetazole, cefaclor, cefamandole and cefuroxime.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

These findings identified and highlighted the different anaphylactic risks caused by various beta-lactams in the main subgroups.

Emerging Causes of Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: A Review of Anaphylaxis-Associated Reports in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced anaphylaxis is a well-known adverse drug reaction for some drug classes, but emerging drug causes of anaphylaxis and novel mechanisms may contribute in unrecognized ways.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the top drugs reported in association with anaphylaxis and anaphylaxis followed by death in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

We reviewed the publicly available FAERS database from 1999 to 2019. Using search terms "anaphylactic shock" or "anaphylactic reaction" and sorting cases by generic drug names, we counted and trended reports to FAERS in which a drug was associated with anaphylaxis or anaphylaxis followed by death.

RESULTS

From 1999 to 2019, there were 17,506,002 adverse drug events reported in FAERS, of which 47,496 (0.27%) were reported as anaphylaxis. Excluding patients without age, sex, or country data, respectively, the median age of patients in reports of anaphylaxis was 52 (interquartile range: 28), 62.71% were female, and 13,899 of 34,381 (40.43%) reports were from the United States. There were 2984 of 47,496 (6.28%) reports of anaphylaxis followed by death. Top drug classes associated with anaphylaxis in FAERS were antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen. Top drug classes associated with anaphylaxis deaths were antibiotics, radiocontrast agents, and intraoperative agents. Linear regression demonstrated reports of anaphylaxis to mAbs increasing at an average rate of 0.77% of total anaphylaxis reports per year (95% confidence interval: 0.65, 0.88) from 2.00% in 1999 to 17.37% in 2019, faster than any other drug class.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotics were highly reported for anaphylaxis overall and anaphylaxis followed by death. Increasing reports were noted for anaphylaxis to mAb therapies.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: An Update on Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Drug hypersensitivity is one of the most frequent causes of anaphylaxis, particularly in adults and in hospitalized patients. Drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA) is also associated with more severe outcomes than other anaphylaxis triggers, and drugs are responsible for the majority of deaths due to anaphylaxis. We here review the current knowledge on the incidence, prevalence, drugs involved, mortality, and mortality risk factors for DIA. The incidence of both anaphylaxis and DIA seems to be increasing worldwide. Antibiotics and analgesics are the most frequently reported triggers of DIA. However, the importance of other drug groups should be taken into account, especially in particular settings (e.g., peri-operative and oncology). The identification of risk factors, geographical variables, and drugs associated with higher risk for DIA may improve the outcomes of this entity.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis in a Vietnamese Pharmacovigilance Database: Trends and Specific Signals from a Disproportionality Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Despite the numerous studies investigating drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA), understanding and quantitative data analysis in developing countries remain limited. The aim of our study is to describe and quantify DIA using the National Pharmacovigilance Database of Vietnam (NPDV).

METHODS

Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) recorded between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively analysed to identify DIA reports. The trend and characteristics of DIA cases were described. Multivariate disproportionality analysis was used for signal generation.

RESULTS

Overall, 4873 DIA cases (13.2% of total ADRs) were recorded in the NPDV, 111 of which resulted in death (82% of total ADR-induced deaths) over a 7-year period. There was a remarkable increase in DIA reporting over time (p < 0.001). The incidence rates of DIA reporting per total ADRs and per 100,000 inhabitants remained high (mean rates [95% CI] of 12.06 [9.88-14.24] and 0.77 [0.33-1.20], respectively). Concerning suspected drugs, systemic antibiotics (n = 3318, 68%) were mostly reported with a reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% CI of 2.35 [2.20-2.51]. In the case of antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis, the third-generation cephalosporins were predominant (n = 1961, 40.2%, ROR 2.39 [2.24-2.55]). We also noted drugs generally associated with DIA such as contrast agents (ROR 2.43 [2.04-2.88]) and anaesthetics (ROR 4.02 [3.30-4.89]). Furthermore, unexpected signals were observed for alpha-chymotrypsin (ROR 1.75 [1.23-2.44]) and amoxicillin/sulbactam (ROR 1.59 [1.18-2.10]), uncommonly reported in western countries.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, cases of drug-induced DIA have increased in Vietnam, mostly due to antibiotics and third-generation cephalosporins. The inappropriate use of these drugs should be taken into account. Our findings also highlighted typical Vietnamese signals for alpha-chymotrypsin- and amoxicillin/sulbactam-induced anaphylaxis, which may relate to a specific sociological context in resource-limited countries.

Anaphylaxis - Lessons learnt when East meets West

The rapidly increasing prevalence of allergic disorders over the past 2 decades highlights the need to understand the epidemiology of anaphylaxis. In Europe, the United States, and Australia, the incidence of anaphylaxis is estimated to be between 60 and 950 cases per 100 000 population, with a lifetime prevalence of anaphylaxis of 0.05%-2%. The incidence appears to be increasing over time. Although the existing Asian literature is heterogeneous and limited by under-reporting, it also suggests a similar increasing trend in anaphylaxis incidence in Asia. Anaphylaxis triggers in Asia, such as the predominance of shellfish and wheat in older children and adolescents, differ from those seen in Western populations. Triggers unique to Asia such as traditional Chinese medications, galacto-oligosaccharides, and food delicacies have also been reported. Low usage of adrenaline as first-line treatment of anaphylaxis is evident across all countries and is particularly concerning. There is a need to establish prospective, standardized protocols for anaphylaxis data collection and reporting, to enhance the collective understanding of anaphylaxis and its burden, gaps in management and to identify areas for future research and intervention in each region. Understanding of the underlying reasons explaining the difference between East and West will facilitate future primary preventive strategies.

Single-Center Analysis of the Potential Inappropriate Use of Intravenous Medications in Hospitalized Patients in China

This study categorizes the types of inappropriate intravenous prescriptions in hospitalized patients in China. Prescription data from 2016 were retrospectively analyzed based on predefined categories of inappropriateness. Of the 123,521 patients included, 89.2% received intravenous medications, contributing to 80% of the patients' hospital medication costs. Of significant concern, antibiotics and traditional Chinese medicines were administered to 44.3% and 14.5% of hospitalized patients, respectively. Overall, 11.4% of all intravenous prescriptions were classified as inappropriate, with improper diluent and diluent volumes being the primary cause. A team-based collaborative approach is necessary to address this widespread issue in China.

Drug allergy in children and adults: Is it the double X chromosome?

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the latest science and epidemiologic studies related to drug allergy in children and adults to explore possible mechanisms related to female propensity for drug allergy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed literature review, focusing primarily on the last 5 years.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Articles reviewing the science behind female predisposition to atopic and asthmatic conditions and epidemiologic studies reviewing drug allergy and drug-induced anaphylaxis.

RESULTS

Despite adult female predilection for atopic conditions, few laboratory studies explore sex-specific mechanisms in atopic/allergic diseases, and most are focused on autoimmunity and asthma. Drug allergy is more frequently reported in adult females compared with adult males. Adult females are also more likely to have drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA), although no clear sex predominance has been reported in fatal or severe DIA. Studies in children suggest the reverse picture, with prepubertal males more likely to have drug allergy and DIA than prepubertal girls.

CONCLUSION

Possible explanations for female predisposition for drug allergy are multifactorial and include disproportionate utilization of health care with more exposure to antibiotics or medications, genetic factors related to the X chromosome, epigenetic changes, and discrepant hormonal interactions with immune cells.

Pharmacovigilance in China: development and challenges

Background Rational drug use and drug safety are becoming increasingly important concerns in China with the increasing public access to drugs and the health-care system, and this has led to the development of pharmacovigilance in China. Aim of the review To provide a brief introduction about pharmacovigilance in China in terms of system development, utilization and challenges. Method Relevant studies on pharmacovigilance related to the study aim was undertaken through literature search to synthesize the extracted data. Results The creation and evolvement of China's pharmacovigilance system spans across 30 years since 1989. The system consists of four progressing administrative layers: county, municipal, provincial and national levels. China has passed over 20 laws and regulations related to pharmacovigilance covering the processes of drug development, manufacture, distribution and use with the aim to guard drug safety. An online spontaneous self-reporting Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Monitoring System was established in 2003. ADRs are mainly reported by medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and drug distributors. Currently there is no mandatory ADR reporting requirement for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and a proposed regulation under public comment will likely change this. China has started to build active pharmacovigilance surveillance programs in addition to the passive ADR reporting system. The China Food and Drug Administration has established the intensive Safety Monitoring Program and the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Sentinel Alliance Program based on electronic health records to further the efforts of ADR reporting, monitoring and analysis. Conclusion The practice of ADR monitoring and pharmacovigilance in China have made great progress. More efforts are needed both in system building, and creation of laws and regulations to strengthen the safe use of medicines.

Development and validation of an algorithm to identify drug-induced anaphylaxis in the Beijing Pharmacovigilance Database

Background Pharmacovigilance databases are utilized to identify serious adverse drug events (ADEs). In China, very few studies have evaluated the validity of using pharmacovigilance databases to identify drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA). Objective We aimed to develop and validate an algorithm to identify DIA using the Beijing Pharmacovigilance Database (BPD). Setting ADEs from the BPD mainly spontaneously reported from 94 hospitals in Beijing, China. Method Using the diagnoses, we developed an algorithm to identify potential DIAs from the BPD between January 2004 and December 2014. A sample of 500 patients was randomly selected for chart abstraction. Two physician adjudicators assessed whether DIA occurred using the published clinical criteria as the gold standard. Main outcome measure Positive predictive values (PPVs) and 95% confidence intervals of the algorithm and algorithm criteria components were calculated. Results 500 patients (53.2% female; the mean age 48.2 years) with potential DIA were selected using the algorithm. 444 were adjudicated as having anaphylaxis by physicians. The PPV of the overall algorithm was 88.8% (95% CI 86.0-91.6%). PPV for the algorithm only using specific diagnoses of "anaphylactic shock", "anaphylactic reaction", and "anaphylactoid reaction [severe]" was 89.6% (95% CI 86.6-92.4%); this partial algorithm identified 387 (87.2%) DIAs. The diagnosis that identified the most DIAs (83.8%) was "anaphylactic shock", with a PPV of 91.6% (95% CI 88.9-94.3%). Conclusion The overall algorithm identified a greater number of DIAs than the algorithm that only used specific diagnoses; however, its PPV was slightly lower. We were able to identify DIAs with the algorithm we developed.

Clinical features and treatment of pediatric patients with drug-induced anaphylaxis: a study based on pharmacovigilance data

We assessed the clinical features and treatment of pediatric patients with drug-induced anaphylaxis in clinical settings. Pediatric drug-induced anaphylaxis cases collected by the Beijing Pharmacovigilance Database from 2004 to 2014 were analyzed. A total of 91 cases were identified. Drug-induced anaphylaxis was primarily caused by antibiotics (53%). Children of 0-5 years were more likely to develop cyanosis symptoms than children of 13-17 years (OR = 5.14, 95%CI [1.74, 15.20], P = 0.002). Children of 13-17 years were more likely to develop hypotension than children of 6-12 years (OR = 11.79, 95%CI [2.28, 60.87], P = 0.002), and to manifest both neurological symptoms (OR = 3.56, 95%CI [1.26, 10.08], P = 0.015) and severe anaphylaxis than children of 0-5 years (OR = 15.46, 95%CI [1.85, 129.33], P = 0.002). Supratherapeutic doses of epinephrine were more likely with intravenous (IV) bolus (92%) in contrast to either intramuscular (IM) (36%, OR = 19.25, 95%CI [1.77, 209.55], P = 0.009) or subcutaneous (SC) injections (36%, OR = 19.80, 95% CI [1.94, 201.63], P = 0.005). Only 62 (68%) patients received epinephrine treatment as the first-line therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that antibiotics were the most common cause of pediatric drug-induced anaphylaxis. Children may present with different anaphylactic signs/symptoms based on age groups. Epinephrine is under-utilized and provider education on the proper management of drug-induced anaphylaxis is warranted. What is Known: • The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children are allergies to foods. Drugs are the second most common cause of pediatric anaphylaxis. • IM epinephrine is the recommended initial treatment of anaphylaxis. What is New: • Drug-induced anaphylaxis in pediatric patients has age-related clinical features. • IV bolus epinephrine was overused and associated with supratherapeutic dosing.