Factors contributing to underuse of epinephrine autoinjectors in pediatric patients with food allergy

2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.

Generic substitution of epinephrine autoinjectors: Patient and caregiver perceptions and attitudes

Background

It is important to understand and address patient and caregiver perceptions about and attitudes toward generic substitution of drug-device combination products.

Objective

The goal of this study was to explore how differences in design and usability features of epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs) affect patients' and caregivers' views of product quality, efficacy, and device usability in an emergency setting and to better understand attitudes about and perceptions of EAI substitution.

Methods

This qualitative, enhanced focus group study was conducted in the United States among adult and adolescent EAI users. A journey mapping exercise was used to explore patient and caregiver perceptions of and barriers to switching to a generic EAI. Discussion topics also focused on questions participants would ask, challenges they would face, and actions they would take if they were switched to a generic EAI.

Results

While patients and caregivers were interested in the potential cost savings and increased access to treatment offered by generic EAIs, they wanted to be informed by their prescriber or pharmacist about generic substitution before or when it occurs. In terms of design differences, participant feedback most often related to differences in look and feel (eg, size, force to execute user tasks, hand grip) or functionality and design differences (eg, the generic version has a twist-off cap at the needle end, and the brand-name EpiPen does not).

Conclusion

Outcomes from these focus groups suggest opportunities for the US Food and Drug Administration, health care professional organizations, and patient advocacy organizations to improve generic drug literacy among adults, adolescents, and health care providers.

2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.

COVID-19 and Its Impact on Common Diseases in the Allergy Clinics

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has various effects on asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria and may change the course of the disease depending on the severity of the infection and control status of the disease. Conversely, these diseases may also impact the course of COVID-19. Patients with chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis may have COVID-19-induced disease exacerbations and biological treatments reduce the risk of exacerbations. Poor asthma control is linked to severe COVID-19 while allergic asthma is associated with lower risk of death and a lower rate of hospitalization due to COVID-19 compared with nonallergic asthma. The use of intranasal corticosteroids is associated with lower rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19 in patients with allergic rhinitis, whereas the effect of inhaled corticosteroids is confounded by asthma severity. These observations reinforce the importance of keeping allergic diseases under control during pandemics. The use of biologicals during COVID-19 is generally regarded as safe, but more evidence is needed. The pandemic substantially changed the management of allergic disorders such as home implementation of various biologicals, allergen immunotherapy, food introduction, and increased use of telemedicine and even home management of anaphylaxis to reduce emergency department burden and reduce risk of infection. Physicians need to be aware of the potential impact of COVID-19 on allergic diseases and educate their patients on the importance of continuing prescribed medications and adhering to their treatment plans to maintain optimal control of their disease.

Teaching children with food allergy to recognize anaphylaxis: The caregivers' perspectives

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is rising in prevalence among children. The current recommendations on the effective transition of anaphylaxis management to adolescents and young adults suggest preparation for the transition may be considered at 11-13 years of age in accordance with the patient's developmental stage. However, there has been limited research conducted on the perspective of caregivers regarding the transition of anaphylaxis management to their children. This study aims to determine the age caregivers feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI).

METHODS

Caregivers of pediatric allergy patients who have been diagnosed with IgE-mediated food allergy and have an AAI prescription were contacted by phone and invited to complete a questionnaire about when they feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their AAI.

RESULTS

Of the 123 responses to the questionnaire received, 44.7% indicated that 9-11 years was the appropriate time for teaching their children to self-inject an AAI. History of severe anaphylaxis (94.3%), child's ability to describe reasons to inject adrenaline (87.8%), and demonstrate AAI use (82.1%) were "very important" readiness factors identified. Almost half of caregivers were "not confident" (8.94%) or "somewhat confident" (40.65%) in training their child to use AAI. Caregivers with higher household incomes more frequently identified themselves as the party responsible for training their children to use AAI (p = .04).

CONCLUSION

Caregivers in this sample expressed different perspectives than the current guidelines regarding the timing to initiate the transition of anaphylaxis management to their child. Caregivers expressed suboptimal confidence in teaching their children to use AAI. Clinicians should be aware of the factors that may indicate caregivers' desire to initiate an earlier transition of anaphylaxis management to their child and ensure access to appropriate training, education and support is available.

Development and validation of assessment tools for food allergy-related knowledge and management confidence

Background

Given the life-threatening nature of food allergy (FA), it is important to assess the level of knowledge among families with food-allergic patients and their ability to cope with anaphylaxis. This study constructed a FA knowledge questionnaire (FAKQ) and confidence in FA management skills (CIFAMS) questionnaire to assess understanding and attitudes toward FA management in food-allergic families.

Methods

Items from literature review and expert panel showing ≥80% content validity index and semantic equivalence were selected for translation into Chinese. These questionnaires underwent feasibility pilot testing followed by cross-sectional validation to assess their psychometric properties of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity with a FA quality-of-life questionnaire and discriminant validity. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to confirm their factor structure.

Results

A total of 155 subjects (104 patients and 51 parents) completed a 20-item FAKQ and 10-item CIFAMS. Both tools showed acceptable internal consistency in baseline and retest groups. FAKQ and CIFAMS correlated for all subjects (P = .002) and for adults (P = .002), and similarly between CIFAMS and parent-reported FA independent measure (P = .005). Total score of FAKQ was sensitive to within-group differences of patients hospitalized for FA (P < .001). FAKQ and CIFAMS items were factored into 4 and 2 domains, respectively. Subjects scored the lowest on FAKQ items about signs of allergic reaction and CIFAMS items on epinephrine autoinjector use.

Conclusion

FAKQ and CIFAMS developed by our group are valid and reliable in assessing knowledge and confidence in FA management in patients and parents. These tools are crucial for formulating education programs and advocacy campaigns for FA.

The Ability of First Aid Providers to Recognize Anaphylaxis: A Scoping Review

Early recognition of anaphylaxis is critical to early treatment and often occurs in the first aid setting. However, the ability of first aid providers to recognize anaphylaxis is unknown. We sought to examine the evidence regarding first aid providers' ability to recognize anaphylaxis. Our scoping review was performed as part of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) continuous evidence evaluation processes to update the 2020 ILCOR Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and the gray literature from 2010 to September 2022. The population included adults and children experiencing anaphylaxis with a description of any specific symptom to a first aid provider. Recognition of anaphylaxis was the primary outcome. Two investigators (DM and PC) reviewed abstracts and extracted and assessed the data. Discrepancies between the reviewers were resolved by discussion and consensus with the ILCOR First Aid Task Force. Out of 957 hits, 17 studies met inclusion criteria: one review and meta-analysis, two experimental studies, and 14 observational studies. We did not identify any studies that directly addressed our PICOST (Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes, Study Design, and Timeframe) as none were performed in the first aid setting. Articles included individuals who may be first aid providers as patients and parents (n=5), teachers, students or school staff (n=8), caregivers and patients (n= 2) or nannies (n=1). All included studies were conducted in high-income countries. Our scoping review found that signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis were not specific and did not allow for easy identification by the first aid provider. Studies focused on education (n=10) and protocols (n=2) and found that both could have a positive impact on anaphylaxis recognition and management. While we did not identify any clinical studies that directly addressed the ability of first aid providers to identify anaphylaxis, future studies examining education methods and action plans may help improve the identification of anaphylaxis by first aid providers.

Post hoc analysis examining symptom severity reduction and symptom absence during food challenges in individuals who underwent oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy: results from three trials

PURPOSE

Peanut allergy and its current management, involving peanut avoidance and use of rescue medication during instances of accidental exposure, are burdensome to patients and their caregivers and can be a source of stress, uncertainty, and restriction. Physicians may also be frustrated with a lack of effective and safe treatments other than avoidance in the current management of peanut allergy. Efficacy, determined using double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs), of oral immunotherapy with peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen powder-dnfp (PTAH; Palforzia^®) was demonstrated versus placebo in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years in multiple phase 3 trials; continued benefit of PTAH was shown in a follow-on trial. The DBPCFC is a reproducible, rigorous, and clinically meaningful assessment accepted by regulatory authorities to evaluate the level of tolerance as an endpoint for accidental exposures to peanut in real life. It also provides useful clinical and patient-relevant information, including the amount of peanut protein an individual with peanut allergy can consume without experiencing dose-limiting symptoms, severity of symptoms, and organs affected upon ingestion of peanut protein. We explored symptoms of peanut exposure during DBPCFCs from phase 3 and follow-on trials of PTAH to further characterize treatment efficacy from a perspective relevant to patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

METHODS

Symptom data recorded during screening and/or exit DBPCFCs from participants aged 4 to 17 years receiving PTAH or placebo were examined post hoc across three PTAH trials (PALISADE [ARC003], ARC004 [PALISADE follow-on], and ARTEMIS [ARC010]). The maximum peanut protein administered as a single dose during DBPCFCs was 1000 mg (PALISADE and ARTEMIS) and 2000 mg (ARC004). Symptoms were classified by system organ class (SOC) and maximum severity. Endpoints were changes in symptom severity and freedom from symptoms (ie, asymptomatic) during DBPCFC. Relative risk (RR) was calculated for symptom severity by SOC and freedom from symptoms between groups; descriptive statistics were used to summarize all other data.

RESULTS

The risk of any respiratory (RR 0.42 [0.30-0.60], P < 0.0001), gastrointestinal (RR 0.34 [0.26-0.44], P < 0.0001), cardiovascular/neurological (RR 0.17 [0.08-0.39], P < 0.001), or dermatological (RR 0.33 [0.22-0.50], P < 0.0001) symptoms was significantly lower in participants treated with PTAH versus placebo upon exposure to peanut at the end of the PALISADE trial (ie, exit DBPCFC). Compared with placebo-treated participants (23.4%), the majority (76.3%) of PTAH-treated participants had no symptoms at the exit DBPCFC when tested at the peanut protein dose not tolerated (ie, reactive dose) during the screening DBPCFC. Significantly higher proportions of PTAH-treated participants were asymptomatic at doses ≤ 100 mg in the exit DBPCFC compared with placebo-treated participants (PALISADE: 69.35% vs 12.10%, RR 5.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.55-9.26]; P < 0.0001; ARTEMIS: 67.42% vs 13.95%, RR 4.83 [95% CI 2.28-10.25]; P < 0.0001); findings were similar at peanut protein doses ≤ 1000 mg (PALISADE: RR 15.56 [95% CI 5.05-47.94]; P < 0.0001; ARTEMIS: RR 34.74 [95% CI 2.19-551.03]; P < 0.0001). In ARC004, as the period of PTAH maintenance became longer, greater proportions of participants were asymptomatic at doses of peanut protein ≤ 1000 mg in the exit DBPCFC (from 37.63% after ~ 6 months of maintenance treatment [exit DBPCFC of PALISADE] to 45.54% after ~ 13 months and 58.06% after ~ 20 months of overall PTAH maintenance treatment).

CONCLUSIONS

PTAH significantly reduced symptom severity due to exposure to peanut, which is clinically relevant. When exposed to peanut, participants with peanut allergy treated with PTAH rarely had moderate or severe respiratory or cardiovascular/neurological symptoms. Oral immunotherapy with PTAH appears to reduce frequency and severity of allergic reactions in individuals with peanut allergy after accidental exposure to peanut and may enable them and their families to have an improved quality of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02635776, registered 17 December 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02635776?term=AR101&draw=2&rank=7 ; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02993107, registered 08 December 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02993107?term=AR101&draw=2&rank=6 ; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03201003, registered 22 June 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03201003 ? term = AR101&draw = 2&rank = 9.

Cow's milk and hen's egg anaphylaxis: A comprehensive data analysis from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk (CM) and hen's egg (HE) are leading triggers of anaphylaxis in early childhood. The aim of this study was to identify clinical phenotypes and therapeutic measures for CM anaphylaxis (CMA) compared to HE anaphylaxis (HEA) in children up to 12 years of age, based on a large pan-European dataset from the European Anaphylaxis Registry.

METHODS

Data from 2007 to 2020 on clinical phenotypes and treatment from 10 European countries, as well as Brazil, were analysed. The two-step cluster analysis was used to identify the most frequent phenotypes. For each trigger, three clusters were extracted based on sex, age, and existence of symptoms in four vitally important systems.

RESULTS

Altogether 284 children with CMA and 200 children with HEA were identified. They were characterised as male (69% vs. 64%), infants (65% vs. 61%), with a most frequent grade III of Ring&Messmer classification (62% vs. 64%), in CMA versus HEA, respectively. Respiratory symptoms occurred more often in CMA (91% vs. 83%, p = 0.010), especially in infants (89% vs. 79%, p = 0.008). Cardiovascular symptoms were less frequent in CMA (30% vs. 44%, p = 0.002), in both infants (33% vs. 46%, p = 0.027), and older children (25% vs. 42%, p = 0.021). The clusters extracted in the CMA group were characterised as: (1) mild dermal infants with severe GI (40%), 2. severe dermal (35%), 3. respiratory (25%). While in HEA group: 1. infants with severe GI and/or reduction of alertness (40%), (2) conjunctival (16%), (3) mild GI without conjunctivitis (44%). The severity of the reaction was independent from the amount of ingested allergen protein, regardless of trigger. The first-line adrenaline application differed between the countries (0%-92%, as well as the reasons for not administering adrenaline, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the similarity of their age, sex, and severity grade, the clinical profiles differed between the CMA and HEA children. Adrenaline was underused, and its administration was country dependent. Further studies are needed to assess to what extent the differences in the clinical profiles are related to matrix and/or absorption effects, and/or the allergen itself.

Sesame-induced anaphylaxis in pediatric patients from the cross-Canada anaphylaxis registry

BACKGROUND

Sesame can cause severe allergic reactions and is a priority allergen in Canada.

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical characteristics and management of pediatric sesame-induced anaphylaxis and identify factors associated with epinephrine treatment.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2021, children with sesame-induced anaphylaxis presenting to 7 emergency departments (ED) in 4 Canadian provinces and 1 regional emergency medical service were enrolled in the Cross-Canada Anaphylaxis Registry. Standardized recruitment forms provided data on symptoms, severity, triggers, and management. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated associations with epinephrine treatment pre-ED and multiple epinephrine dosages.

RESULTS

Of all food-induced anaphylactic reactions (n = 3279 children), sesame accounted for 4.0% (n = 130 children), of which 61.5% were boys, and the average (SD) age was 5.0 (4.9) years. Hummus containing sesame paste triggered 58.8% of reactions. In the pre-ED setting, 32.3% received epinephrine, and it was more likely to be used in boys (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.50) and those with a known food allergy (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.11-1.68]). In the ED, 47.7% of cases received epinephrine, with older children more likely to receive multiple epinephrine doses (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02).

CONCLUSION

In Canada, hummus is the major trigger of sesame-induced anaphylaxis. Knowledge translation focused on prompt epinephrine use and product-labeling policies are required to limit sesame reactions in communities.

Management of Children With Food-Induced Anaphylaxis: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening event, but it is frequently undertreated in pediatric patients with food allergies. Previous studies showed that auto-injectable adrenaline (AAI) is underused by patients and parents. This is especially troubling since fatal anaphylaxis has been associated with delayed adrenaline administration.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate parental practice and knowledge in anaphylaxis management, and perceived barriers and facilitators in using AAI.

RESULTS

A retrospective survey was completed by 75 parents (41 mothers, 34 fathers) of children with food allergy and AAI prescription attending the Food Allergy Referral Center of Veneto, Italy. Results showed poor parental preparedness and reluctance to use AAI despite a high/moderate self-rated knowledge (median total score of 23-min. 3, max. 30). Most parents (77%) declared they were carrying AAI but only 20% used it in case of a severe reaction. Most reported Fear/Fear of making mistakes (46 parents) and Concern about possible side effects as barriers (35), while Poor knowledge of the correct AAI use (1) and Lack of knowledge/ incorrect assessment of symptoms (2) were reported less frequently. Theoretical-practical courses for parents on AAI use (65), Psycho-education/Psychological support (3) for better dealing with the emotional aspects of anaphylaxis and Written instructions (1) have been suggested as main facilitators.

CONCLUSION

Understanding parents' experience and perspective on managing anaphylaxis is crucial to implement effective educational programs. A multidisciplinary approach should be considered.

Food Allergy a Constant Concern to the Medical World and Healthcare Providers: Practical Aspects

Food allergy (FA) is a condition with a growing incidence and is a constant concern for the medical world and healthcare providers. With potential symptoms including anaphylaxis, in the event of an allergic reaction the patient’s life may well be endangered. The diagnosis of FA is a continuous challenge because mild cases tend to be ignored or diagnosed late and young children with allergies are cared for by parents, who are not always able to accurately interpret symptoms. It is very important to be able to differentiate FAs from food intolerance and toxic reactions to food. An accurate diagnosis is required to provide personalized management of an FA. More sophisticated and accurate diagnostic tests, including component diagnosis and epitope reactivity, allow the provision of a directed diagnosis, a more accurate therapeutic approach, and a useful prognostic evaluation. Tests used in current practice include the specific search for serum IgE, elimination diets, oral food challenges, single, blind, and double-blind (DBPCFC) tests, as well as skin tests. The risk of anaphylaxis can be assessed by molecular diagnostics/component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) and by conducting a basophilic activation test (BAT). These tests allow a planned, personalized treatment based on molecular and clinical profiles. CRD can determine the individual profile of allergic molecular reactivity and enable the formulation of a prognostic judgment. Our article highlights the importance of knowing the immune mechanisms, diagnostics, and immunotherapies in FAs. Starting from observing exposure to food allergens, to identifying allergic reactions, analysing the severity of clinical manifestations, noting the possibilities of diagnosis, and illustrating adequate management strategies.