Seven recent developments regarding anaphylaxis, epinephrine

Recent developments involving anaphylaxis include new guidelines recommending epinephrine use as primary ED treatment and a report that most patients demonstrated incorrect usage of epinephrine auto-injectors.

Here are highlights of recent findings presented in Healio.com Allergy/Immunology:

1. Epinephrine guidelines created for treatment of anaphylaxis in ED

Recently released guidelines recommend epinephrine use as a primary treatment for patients experiencing anaphylaxis in the ED.

Ronna L. Campbell

“The practice parameter on the emergency department diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis represents another collaboration between emergency physicians and allergist-immunologists designed to improve anaphylaxis patient care,” Ronna L. Campbell, MD, PhD, a guidelines contributor and assistant professor of emergency medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., said. With Perspective. Read more

2. Anaphylaxis-related hospitalizations increased, deaths stabilized from 1992 to 2012

There was a sixfold increase in hospital admissions caused by anaphylaxis, but the incidence of fatal anaphylaxis remained stable during a 21-year period in England and Wales. Researchers studied data from national databases to examine deaths caused by drugs, food and insect stings. Read more

3. Most patients misused epinephrine auto-injectors, metered-dose inhalers

The majority of patients demonstrated improper usage of epinephrine auto-injectors and metered-dose inhalers.

“Most patients made multiple mistakes and would not have benefited from self-administration of the potentially life-saving treatment if the need arose,” the researchers reported. Read more

4. Mylan, Disney to increase visibility of EpiPen access locations

Mylan has signed a multiyear agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to increase awareness of anaphylaxis, including access to epinephrine auto-injectors.

Heather Bresch

“We believe we can further raise awareness of anaphylaxis through this collaboration and our joint commitment to education,” Heather Bresch, Mylan chief executive officer, said in a press release. Read more

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5. Epinephrine initiative aided students, staff after food allergy-related anaphylaxis

ATLANTA — Students and staff members in the Chicago Public Schools system benefited from a district-issued emergency epinephrine initiative after experiencing anaphylactic reaction from food allergy, according to research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

Ruchi S. Gupta

"Making sure physicians help in preparing schools to handle anaphylaxis emergencies by training on stock epinephrine and prescribing it is essential,” Ruchi S. Gupta, MD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, said. Read more

6. New York final state to approve self-carry, stock epinephrine law

The Allergy & Asthma Network announced its support for legislation passed in New York allowing students to self-carry and self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors in schools and additional legislation that allows schools to stock supplies of the devices and permits school nurses to administer epinephrine.

New York became the 50th state to allow students to self-carry and administer prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors in school. Read more

7. Medications most frequently caused fatal anaphylaxis in US

Medications were the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis-related deaths in the US between 1999 and 2010, with race and age determining factors.

Elina Jerschow

“We hope these findings will help in identifying specific risk factors and allow physicians to formulate preventive approaches,” Elina Jerschow, MD, MSc, director, Drug Allergy Center, Montefiore Medical Center, and assistant professor of medicine, Albert Einstein College, said in a press release. Read more