Pediatric Anaphylaxis: Etiology and Predictive Factors in an Emergency Setting

From triggers to treatment: An epidemiological exploration of anaphylaxis in a lower middle-income area in Colombia

In this cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study conducted at Fundación Valle del Lili in Colombia, the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of anaphylaxis were investigated in a cohort of 80 patients who sought medical care between January 2021 and December 2022. With a median age of 16 years and a notable prevalence among individuals aged below 18 years, the study revealed that 63.8% of patients had concomitant allergic diseases. Medications emerged as the primary triggers for anaphylaxis, followed by food. The mucocutaneous system was predominantly affected in 55% of cases, with respiratory involvement observed in 37.5%. Alarmingly, anaphylactic shock occurred in 17.5%, and 7.5% experienced biphasic anaphylaxis. Intramuscular adrenaline was administered in 88.8% of cases, with 75% of patients not receiving an allergy consultation upon discharge, and 52.5% lacking follow-up for allergy care. Considering that in Colombia epidemiological data on the clinical and sociodemographic aspects of anaphylaxis remain largely unknown, this study documents the features of anaphylaxis in both adult and pediatric populations and highlights the urgent need for improved awareness, timely evaluation by allergists, and comprehensive follow-up care for individuals experiencing anaphylaxis.

The Timely Administration of Epinephrine and Related Factors in Children with Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate recognition and intervention. This study investigated the factors related to the timely administration of epinephrine in cases of pediatric anaphylaxis. We performed a retrospective chart review of 107 patients who visited a pediatric emergency center with anaphylaxis between 2015 and 2017. In total, 76 patients received epinephrine injections. We analyzed factors including allergy history, anaphylaxis signs and symptoms, allergen sensitization, anaphylaxis triggers, and time of epinephrine injection. Anaphylactic patients who received epinephrine took a median of 50 min to arrive at the hospital, and patients who did not receive epinephrine took a median of 94 min. Epinephrine administration was significantly delayed by more than 60 min from symptom onset in patients <2 years old. Patients presenting with wheezing symptoms or history of bronchial asthma were significantly more likely to receive epinephrine within 60 min of symptoms onset, while patients with food allergen sensitization were significantly more likely to receive epinephrine within 30 min of hospital arrival. Wheezing, history of asthma, age (≥2 years old), food triggers, and food allergen sensitivity were significant factors for the rapid administration of epinephrine. An immediate diagnosis of anaphylaxis and a rapid administration of epinephrine are essential.

Paediatric dermatological conditions in an emergency department: a single-centre study in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated paediatric dermatological conditions and their associated factors that warrant admission at the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to present the demographic information of paediatric dermatological conditions encountered in the emergency department and identify possible associated factors for hospital admission.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included paediatric patients who visited the emergency department between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. Data collection was performed using an authorised electronic medical records programme at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

RESULTS

A total of 40 683 paediatric patients visited the emergency department during the study period, with 1701 cases presenting dermatological conditions. Infections were the most frequent conditions encountered in the emergency department (647, 38.0%), followed by urticaria/anaphylaxis (478, 28.1%), eczematous diseases (463, 27.2%), cutaneous drug eruptions (64, 3.7%) and miscellaneous (49, 2.9%). Among 1701 paediatric cases with dermatological conditions, only 182 cases (10.7%) were admitted to the hospital and required further management. Cases presenting cutaneous drug eruptions had the highest proportion of hospital admissions (60.9%) and were significantly different from cases in other dermatologic categories (p<0.001). The association of admission found an OR of 0.96 for every year of increase in age (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The present study found that the majority of patients with cutaneous conditions visiting the emergency department were non-urgent; however, dermatological emergencies exist and should not be underestimated. Younger paediatric patients presenting with dermatological condition is a population with a high risk for hospital admission. Cutaneous drug eruptions showed the highest proportion of hospital admissions compared with other dermatological categories. Therefore, physicians in the emergency department should always look for specific cutaneous signs of drug eruptions, such as target-like lesions and mucosal involvement in Steven-Johnsons syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis to prevent misdiagnosis of this dermatological condition.