Anaphylaxis in Victoria: presentations to emergency departments, with a focus on drug- and antimicrobial-related cases

Drewett, GP; Encena, J; Gregory, J; Franklin, L; Trubiano, JA

Author(s): Drewett, GP; Encena, J; Gregory, J; Franklin, L; Trubiano, JA;
Details: Publication Year 2022-06-06,Volume 216,Issue #10,Page 520-524
Journal Title: Medical Journal of Australia
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the causes, characteristics, and outcomes of anaphylaxis, particularly drug-related anaphylaxis, in Victoria during the first two years of mandatory notification. DESIGN: Review of all anaphylaxis cases reported by emergency departments to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: People presenting to all public and private hospital emergency departments in Victoria, 1 November 2018 - 31 December 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of drug- and food-related anaphylaxis, by age group; characteristics of cases of drug-related anaphylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 4273 anaphylaxis episodes were reported (females: 2292 cases, 54%); the overall anaphylaxis rate was 31.9 episodes per 100 000 person-years. The most frequently reported causes were foods (2659 cases, 62%); drugs were implicated in 533 cases (12%), insect venoms in 342 (8%), and other causes in 144 (4%). No deaths were recorded. The median age in cases of food-related anaphylaxis was 17 years (IQR, 6-29 years), and 45 years (IQR, 30-60 years) in cases of drug-related anaphylaxis. Hospitalisation was required by 1538 patients (36%) and intensive care by 111 (2.6%; 7% of people admitted to hospital). Antimicrobial drugs were implicated in 258 cases of drug-related anaphylaxis (48%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 85 cases (16%). Penicillin-class agents were implicated in 143 cases of antimicrobial-related anaphylaxis (56%), cephalosporins in 80 cases (31%). CONCLUSION: Our review of notified cases of anaphylaxis in Victoria over two years provides insights into drug- and antimicrobial-related anaphylaxis in non-hospitalised people presenting to emergency departments.
Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; *Anaphylaxis/epidemiology; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects; Child; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Food; Hospitalization; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult; Anaphylaxis; Community care; Drug hypersensitivity
Department(s): Infectious Diseases
PubMed ID: 35307833
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51459
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-10-24 01:12:07

Last Modified: 2024-10-24 01:14:10