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Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.[1][2] It typically causes a number of symptoms including an itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure. Common causes include insect bites/stings, foods, and medications. On a mechanistic level, anaphylaxis is caused by the release of mediators from certain types of white blood cells triggered either by immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms. It is diagnosed on the basis of the presenting symptoms and signs. The primary treatment is injection of epinephrine, the administration of intravenous fluids, and positioning the person flat, with other measures being complementary. Worldwide, 0.05–2% of the population is estimated to have anaphylaxis at some point in life, and rates appear to be increasing.[3] The term comes from the Greek words ἀνά ana, against, and φύλαξις phylaxis, protection. Signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis typically presents many different symptoms over minutes or hours[4][5] with an average onset of 5 to 30 minutes if exposure is intravenous and 2 hours for foods.[6] The most common areas affected include: skin (80–90%), respiratory (70%), gastrointestinal (30–45%), heart and vasculature (10–45%), and central nervous system (10–15%)[5] with usually two or more being involved.[3] Skin Urticaria and flushing on the back of a person with anaphylaxisSymptoms typically include generalized hives, itchiness, flushing, or swelling (angioedema) of the afflicted tissues.[1] Those with angioedema may describe a burning sensation of the skin rather than itchiness.[6] Swelling of the tongue or throat occurs in up to about 20% of cases.[7] Other features may include a runny nose and swelling of the conjunctiva.[8] The skin may also be blue tinged because of lack of oxygen.[8] Respiratory Respiratory symptoms and signs that may be present include shortness of breath, wheezes, or stridor.[1] The wheezing is typically caused by spasms of the bronchial muscles[9] while stridor is related to upper airway obstruction secondary to swelling.[8] Hoarseness, pain with swallowing, or a cough may also occur.[6] Cardiovascular Coronary artery spasm may occur with subsequent myocardial infarction, dysrhythmia, or cardiac arrest.[3][5] Those with underlying coronary disease are at greater risk of cardiac effects from anaphylaxis.[9] The coronary spasm is related to the presence of histamine-releasing cells in the heart.[9] While a fast heart rate caused by low blood pressure is more common,[8] a Bezold–Jarisch reflex has been described in 10% of cases, where a slow heart rate is associated with low blood pressure.[10] A drop in blood pressure or shock (either distributive or cardiogenic) may cause the feeling of lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.[9] Rarely very low blood pressure may be the only sign of anaphylaxis.[7] Other Gastrointestinal symptoms may include crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.[1] There may be confusion, a loss of bladder control or pelvic pain similar to that of uterine cramps.[1][8] Dilation of blood vessels around the brain may cause headaches.[6] A feeling of anxiety or of "impending doom" has also been described.[3] Causes Anaphylaxis can occur in response to almost any foreign substance.[11] Common triggers include venom from insect bites or stings, foods, and medication.[10][12] Foods are the most common trigger in children and young adults while medications and insect bites and stings are more common in older adults.[3] Less common causes include: physical factors, biological agents such as semen, latex, hormonal changes, food additives such as monosodium glutamate and food colors, and topical medications.[8] Physical factors such as exercise (known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis) or temperature (either hot or cold) may also act as triggers through their direct effects on mast cells.[3][13] Events caused by exercise are frequently associated with the ingestion of certain foods.[6] During anesthesia, neuromuscular blocking agents, antibiotics, and latex are the most common causes.[14] The cause remains unknown in 32-50% of cases, referred to as "idiopathic anaphylaxis".[15] Six vaccines (MMR, varicella, influenza, hepatitis B, tetanus, meningococcal) are recognized as a cause for anaphylaxis, and the HPV may cause anaphylaxis as well.[16] Food Many foods can trigger anaphylaxis; this may occur upon the first known ingestion.[10] Common triggering foods vary around the world. In Western cultures, ingestion of or exposure to peanuts, wheat, nuts, certain types of seafood like shellfish, milk, and eggs are the most prevalent causes.[3][5] Sesame is common in the Middle East, while rice and chickpeas are frequently encountered as sources of anaphylaxis in Asia.[3] Severe cases are usually caused by ingesting the allergen,[10] but some people experience a severe reaction upon contact. Children can outgrow their allergies. By age 16, 80% of children with anaphylaxis to milk or eggs and 20% who experience isolated anaphylaxis to peanuts can tolerate these foods.[11] Medication Any medication may potentially trigger anaphylaxis. The most common are β-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin) followed by aspirin and NSAIDs.[5][17] Other antibiotics are implicated less frequently and the reactions to NSAIDs are agent specific meaning that if one is allergic to one NSAID they can typically tolerate a different one.[17] Other relatively common causes include chemotherapy, vaccines, protamine and herbal preparations.[3][17] Some medications (vancomycin, morphine, x-ray contrast among others) cause anaphylaxis by directly triggering mast cell degranulation.[10] The frequency of a reaction to an agent partly depends on the frequency of its use and partly on its intrinsic properties.[18] Anaphylaxis to penicillins or cephalosporins only occurs after they bind to proteins inside the body with some agents binding more easily than other.[6] Anaphylaxis to penicillin occurs once in every 2,000 to 10,000 courses of treatment, with death occurring in less than one in every 50,000 courses of treatment.[6] Anaphylaxis to aspirin and NSAIDs occurs in about one in every 50,000 persons.[6] If someone has a reaction to penicillins their risk of a reaction to cephalosporins is greater but still less than one in 1000.[6] The old radiocontrast agents caused reactions in 1% of cases while the newer lower osmolar agents cause reactions in 0.04% of cases.[18] Venom Venom from stinging or biting insects such as Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) or Triatominae (kissing bugs) may cause anaphylaxis in susceptible people.[5][19] Previous systemic reactions, which are anything more than a local reaction around the site of the sting, are a risk factor for future anaphylaxis;[20][21] however, half of fatalities have had no previous systemic reaction.[22] Risk factors People with atopic diseases such as asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis are at high risk of anaphylaxis from food, latex, and radiocontrast but not from injectable medications or stings.[3][10] One study in children found that 60% had a history of previous atopic diseases, and of those who die from anaphylaxis more than 90% have asthma.[10] Those with mastocytosis or of a higher socioeconomic status are at increased risk.[3][10] The longer the time since the last exposure to the agent in question the lower the risk.[6] Pathophysiology Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction of rapid onset affecting many body systems.[2][23] It is due to the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines from mast cells and basophils, typically due to an immunologic reaction but sometimes non-immunologic mechanism.[23] Immunologic In the immunologic mechanism, immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds to the antigen (the foreign material that provokes the allergic reaction). Antigen-bound IgE then activates FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils. This leads to the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine. These mediators subsequently increase the contraction of bronchial smooth muscles, trigger vasodilation, increase the leakage of fluid from blood vessels, and cause heart muscle depression.[6][23] There is also an immunologic mechanism that does not rely on IgE, but it is not known if this occurs in humans.[23] Non-immunologic Non-immunologic mechanisms involved substances that directly cause the degranulation of mast cells and basophils. These include agents such as contrast medium, opioids, temperature (hot or cold), and vibration.[13][23] Diagnosis Anaphylaxis is diagnosed on the basis of a person's signs and symptoms.[3] When any one of the following three occurs within minutes or hours of exposure to an allergen there is a high likelihood of anaphylaxis:[3] 1.Involvement of the skin or mucosal tissue plus either respiratory difficulty or a low blood pressure 2.Two or more of the following symptoms after a likely contact with an allergen: a. Involvement of the skin or mucosa b. Respiratory difficulties c. Low blood pressure d. Gastrointestinal symptoms 3.Low blood pressure after exposure to a known allergen During an attack, blood tests for tryptase or histamine (released from mast cells) might be useful in diagnosing anaphylaxis due to insect stings or medications. However these tests are of limited use if the cause is food or if the person has a normal blood pressure,[3] and they are not specific for the diagnosis.[11] Classification There are three main classifications of anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock is associated with systemic vasodilation that causes low blood pressure which is by definition 30% lower than the person's baseline or below standard values.[7] Biphasic anaphylaxis is the recurrence of symptoms within 1–72 hours with no further exposure to the allergen.[3] Reports of incidence vary, with some studies claiming as many as 20% of cases.[24] The recurrence typically occurs within 8 hours.[10] It is managed in the same manner as anaphylaxis.[5] Pseudoanaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions are a type of anaphylaxis that does not involve an allergic reaction but is due to direct mast cell degranulation.[10][25] Non-immune anaphylaxis is the current term use by the World Allergy Organization[25] with some recommending that the old terminology no longer be used.[10] Allergy testing Skin allergy testing being carried out on the right arm Patch testAllergy testing may help in determining the trigger. Skin allergy testing (such as patch testing) is available for certain foods and venoms.[11] Blood testing for specific IgE can be useful to confirm milk, egg, peanut, tree nut and fish allergies.[11] Skin testing is available to confirm penicillin allergies, but is not available for other medications.[11] Non-immune forms of anaphylaxis can only be determined by history or exposure to the allergen in question, and not by skin or blood testing.[25] Differential diagnosis It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish anaphylaxis from asthma, syncopy, and panic attacks.[3] Asthma however typically does not entail itching or gastrointestinal symptoms, syncope presents with pallor rather than a rash, and a panic attack may have flushing but does not have hives.[3] Other conditions that may present similarly include: scrombroidosis and anisakiasis.[10] Post-mortem findings In a person who died from anaphylaxis, autopsy may show an "empty heart" attributed to reduced venous return from vasodilation and redistribution of intravascular volume from the central to the peripheral compartment.[26] Other signs are laryngeal edema, eosinophilia in lungs, heart and tissues, and evidence of myocardial hypoperfusion.[27] Laboratory findings could detect increased levels of serum tryptase, increase in total and specific IgE serum levels.[27] Prevention Avoidance of the trigger of anaphylaxis is recommended. In cases where this may not be possible, desensitization may be an option. Immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venoms is effective at desensitizing 80–90% of adults and 98% of children against allergies to bees, wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and fire ants. Oral immunotherapy may be effective at desensitizing some people to certain food including milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts; however, adverse effects are common. Desensitization is also possible for many medications, however it is advised that most people simply avoid the agent in question. In those who react to latex it may be important to avoid cross-reactive foods such as avocados, bananas, and potatoes among others.[3] Management Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that may require resuscitation measures such as airway management, supplemental oxygen, large volumes of intravenous fluids, and close monitoring.[5] Administration of epinephrine is the treatment of choice with antihistamines and steroids (for example, dexamethasone) often used as adjuncts.[3] A period of in-hospital observation for between 2 and 24 hours is recommended for people once they have returned to normal due to concerns of biphasic anaphylaxis.[6][10][24][28] Epinephrine An old version of an EpiPen auto-injectorEpinephrine (adrenaline) is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis with no absolute contraindication to its use.[5] It is recommended that an epinephrine solution be given intramuscularly into the mid anterolateral thigh as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. The injection may be repeated every 5 to 15 minutes if there is insufficient response.[3] A second dose is needed in 16-35% of episodes[10] with more than two doses rarely required.[3] The intramuscular route is preferred over subcutaneous administration because the latter may have delayed absorption.[29] Minor adverse effects from epinephrine include tremors, anxiety, headaches, and palpitations.[3] People on β-blockers may be resistant to the effects of epinephrine.[10] In this situation if epinephrine is not effective intravenous glucagon can be administered which has a mechanism of action independent of β-receptors.[10][30] If necessary, it can also be given intravenously using a dilute epinephrine solution. Intravenous epinephrine however has been associated both with dysrhythmia and myocardial infarction.[31] Epinephrine autoinjectors used for self-administration typically come in two doses, one for adults or children who weigh more than 25 kg and one for children who weigh 10 to 25 kg.[32] Adjuncts Antihistamines (both H1 and H2), while commonly used and assumed effective based on theoretical reasoning, are poorly supported by evidence. A 2007 Cochrane review did not find any good-quality studies upon which to base recommendations[33] and they are not believed to have an effect on airway edema or spasm.[10] Corticosteroids are unlikely to make a difference in the current episode of anaphylaxis, but may be used in the hope of decreasing the risk of biphasic anaphylaxis. Their prophylactic effectiveness in these situations is uncertain.[24] Nebulized salbutamol may be effective for bronchospasm that does not resolve with epinephrine.[10] Methylene blue has been used in those not responsive to other measures due to its presumed effect of relaxing smooth muscle.[10] Preparedness People prone to anaphylaxis are advised to have an "allergy action plan", and parents are advised to inform schools of their children's allergies and what to do in case of an anaphylactic emergency.[34] The action plan usually includes use of epinephrine autoinjectors, the recommendation to wear a medical alert bracelet, and counseling on avoidance of triggers.[34] Immunotherapy is available for certain triggers to prevent future episodes of anaphylaxis. A multi-year course of subcutaneous desensitization has been found effective against stinging insects, while oral desensitization is effective for many foods.[5] Prognosis In those in whom the cause is known and prompt treatment is available, the prognosis is good.[35] Even if the cause is unknown, if appropriate preventative medication is available, the prognosis is generally good.[6] If death occurs, it is usually due to either respiratory (typically asphyxia) or cardiovascular causes (shock),[10][23] with 0.7–20% of cases causing death.[6][9] There have been cases of death occurring within minutes.[3] Outcomes in those with exercise-induced anaphylaxis are typically good, with fewer and less severe episodes as people get older.[15] Epidemiology The number of people who get anaphylaxis is 4–5 per 100,000 persons per year,[10] with a lifetime risk of 0.05–2%. Rates appear to be increasing: with the numbers in the 1980s being approximately 20 per 100,000 per year, while in the 1990s it was 50 per 100,000 per year.[5] The increase appears to be primarily for food-induced anaphylaxis.[36] The risk is greatest in young people and females.[5][10] Currently, anaphylaxis leads to 500–1,000 deaths per year (2.4 per million) in the United States, 20 deaths per year in the United Kingdom (0.33 per million), and 15 deaths per year in Australia (0.64 per million).[10] Mortality rates have decreased between the 1970s and 2000s.[37] In Australia, death from food-induced anaphylaxis occur primarily in women while deaths due to insect bites primarily occur in males.[10] Death from anaphylaxis is most commonly triggered by medications.[10] History The term aphylaxis was coined by Charles Richet in 1902 and later changed to anaphylaxis due to its nicer quality of speech.[11] In his experiments, Richet injected a dog with sea anemone toxin in an attempt to protect it. Although the dog had previously tolerated the toxin, on re-exposure with the same dose three weeks later it developed fatal anaphylaxis. Thus instead of inducing tolerance ( prophylaxis), when lethal responses resulted from previously tolerated doses, he coined the word ana (without) phylaxis (protection). He was subsequently awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on anaphylaxis in 1913.[6] The phenomenon itself however has been described since ancient times.[25] The term comes from the Greek words ἀνά, ana, "against", and φύλαξις, phylaxis, "protection".[38] Research There are ongoing efforts to develop sublingual epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis.[10] Subcutaneous injection of the anti-IgE antibody omalizumab is being studied as a method of preventing recurrence, but it is not yet recommended.[3][39] |
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