We are facing a case of Anaphylaxis so the first measure is to administer Adrenaline 1/1000 intramuscular (0.01mg/kg). Subsequently, systemic corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone will be given, which will take a few hours to take effect. So adrenaline first, as it is faster acting, then the rest (Question very similar to one last year, instead of yogurt, it was omelet).

A 4-year-old boy comes to the health center who, 5 minutes before, starts with angioedema in the face, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion and hoarseness, coinciding with the ingestion of a spoonful of yogurt given to him by mistake at school. Among the antecedents, he was diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy. Examination revealed mild hypotension, heart rate 110 bpm, O2 Sat 93%, pale and slightly sweaty, with scattered wheezing. What is the first treatment of choice?

[Anaphylaxis in a lactating infant who is allergic to cow's milk protein].

Allergy to cow's milk protein is a common problem in children. The clinical manifestations of the reactions that are mediated by IgE are varied and the anaphylactic reactions can be life-threatening. A girl at an age of four months and a half that, five minutes after consuming cereal with cow's milk, had rashes in the perioral area and extensive pruritic micropapular lesions associated with vomit and inspiratory stridor. She received adrenaline by intramuscular injection and antihistamines by intravenous injection. She was first evaluated in a service of allergy treatment when she was six months and twenty days old. The results of the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E test were positive. The treatment was initiated with a hydrolyzed rice formula and supplementary feeding. Anaphylaxis can be the first and last manifestation of a food allergy. The right education for parents about strictly avoiding the food that triggered the allergic reaction and the right training in the use of intramuscular adrenalin may result in a better prognosis for patients.

THE CASE OF A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO EXPERIENCED ANAPHYLAXIS DUE TO JELLYFISH (MASTIGIAS PAPUA) INGESTION.

We report a case of jellyfish allergy diagnosed via an oral food challenge. A 14-year-old boy had no history of jellyfish stings and had been eating commercially available jellyfish products twice yearly for the past 5-6 years. Five minutes after eating a commercially available boiled jellyfish product (100g), he experienced nausea, wheezing, and erythema and had visited our hospital. We suspected an anaphylactic reaction and treated him with intramuscular adrenaline injection, corticosteroid and antihistamine infusions, volume resuscitation, and salbutamol sulfate inhalation, which resulted in an improvement of the symptoms. One-month later in our hospital, we administered an oral food challenge of the same boiled jellyfish product bought at the same grocery store to the patient. After ingesting 14g of boiled jellyfish, he experienced erythema, wheezing, nausea, and abdominal pain. Several reports have described anaphylaxis caused by the ingestion of jellyfish, but the allergens in jellyfish have not been analyzed. A skin prick test for poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) which is a component of jellyfish stings was negative. This suggests that he was sensitized to some allergen other than PGA via a route different from that of jellyfish sting. Our skin prick test for several kinds of edible jellyfish suggests that allergenicity may be different for different jellyfish.

[Anaphylaxis in children: What pediatricians should know].

Anaphylaxis is a severe potentially life-threatening allergic emergency that has been increasing over the last two decades, especially in young children. Anaphylaxis deaths remain rare, in particular in children, and their frequency is stable during this period. Food is the main anaphylaxis trigger in children, notably to cow's milk, peanuts, and tree nuts. In infants, the recognition of anaphylaxis may be difficult. Vomiting, urticaria, and laryngeal edema are more frequent at this age. Cardiovascular involvement is rare, most often encountered in adolescence. A history of asthma or atopy, allergy to particular foods such as peanuts and tree nuts, and adolescence are some risk factors for anaphylaxis and more severe reactions. First-line treatment is intramuscular adrenaline for all patients experiencing anaphylaxis. There are no absolute contra-indications. Guidelines for the prescription of the adrenaline auto-injector and for establishing a personalized care project in allergic children at school have recently been updated. Recognition of anaphylaxis and treatment should also be improved.

[Bupivacaine-induced Anaphylaxis in a Parturient Undergoing Cesarean Section].

We describe a case of anaphylaxis that occurred in a 33-year-old gravida 1, para 1 term woman scheduled for cesarean delivery for breech presentation. Her past history was unremarkable except for orciprenaline allergy. Spinal anesthesia was performed at L3-4 using 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.1 mg morphine. Seven minutes after spinal anesthesia, she complained of hoarseness and difficulty in breathing and 3 minutes later, blood pressure decreased to 76/51 mmHg, and oxygen saturation to 87% with supplemental oxygen. Skin flushing was noted in the face and trunk of the body and anaphylaxis was diagnosed. She was treated with a rapid intravenous infusion and iv administration of phenylephrine (total dose 0.4 mg), ephedrine (total dose 25 mg), hydrocortisone and famotidine. Cesarean section was started 23 minutes after spinal anesthesia when blood pressure and oxygen saturation recovered. A male infant was delivered (18 minutes after the onset of anaphylactic event) with Apgar scores of 2 and 5 at 1 and 5 min, respectively and resuscitated with mask ventilation. Umbilical artery blood gas analysis revealed pH 6.85, base excess -20.3 mmol x l (-1) and lactate 109 mg x dl (-1). The mother was discharged from the hospital on the 6th postoperative day. The baby's electroencephalogram, however, demonstrated a pattern consistent with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Lymphocyte stimulation test revealed that she was allergic to bupivacaine. If maternal hypotension persists, i.m. or i.v. adrenaline should be administered immediately because maternal hypotension and hypoxemia may cause significant fetal morbidity and mortality and prompt cesarean section should be considered.

[The safety of nebulization with 3 to 5 ml of adrenaline (1:1000) in children: an evidence based review].

To present the evidence regarding the safety of nebulization with 3-5 ml of adrenaline (1:1000) for the treatment of children with acute inflammatory airway obstruction. An electronic search was undertaken, using mainly Medline databases (January of 1949-July of 2004). The study inclusion criteria for this review were: 1) randomized clinical trial; 2) Patients (up to 12 yrs) with diagnosis of bronchiolitis or laryngotracheobronchitis; 3) use of adrenaline (1:1000) by nebulization. The principal data extracted from the trials included adrenaline dosages and their effects on heart rate and blood pressure and any other side-effects. Seven clinical trials with a total of 238 patients were included for this review. Two of the five trials in which larger dosages (> or = 3 ml) of adrenaline were used demonstrated a significant increase in heart rate. The mean increase in heart rate varied from seven to 21 beats per minute, up to 60 minutes after treatment. The highest incidence of pallor was observed in one trial with 21 children treated by nebulization with 3 ml of adrenaline (47.6% in the adrenaline group vs. 14.3% in the salbutamol group, 30 minutes after treatment). Two clinical trials failed to observe a significant effect on blood pressure from nebulization with adrenaline (4 and 5 ml). Evidence shows that nebulization with 3 to 5 ml of adrenaline (1:1000) is a safe therapy, with minor side-effects, for children with acute inflammatory airway obstruction.

[Morphine-induced Anaphylaxis before Induction of Anesthesia].

We describe a case of anaphylaxia that occurred in a 67-year-old man. He was planned to have an operation on mitral valve prolapse (MVP) for mitral regurgitation (MR). Morphine 5 mg was injected intramusculaly 45 min before operation. Since then, he felt itchy sensation around his inguinal region. After he came to the operating room, he felt itchy sensation all over the body. Initially, his vatal signs were stable. We started to give extracellular fluid including ulinastatin 300,000 U, methylprednisolone 2 g, and ranitidine 50 mg. A few minutes later, he had nettle rash all over the body and his blood pressure decreased to 40/20 mmHg, and the heart rate increased to 120 beats x min(-1). Soon after, he had pulseless electric activity (PEA). We started chest compression and tracheal intubation. We injected adrenaline 1 mg. After doing the continuous chest compression for 2 min, he revived. He had continuous medications including dopamine 5 μg x kg(-1) x min(-1), dobutamine 5 μg x kg(-1) x min(-1), noradrenaline 0.05 μg x kg(-1) x min(-1). We cancelled the operation, and he was transfered to the high care unit (HCU), where his blood pressure was 120/65 mmHg, and heart rate 120 beats x min(-1). After 24 hours, we extubated his trachea. In this case, morphine was considered to be the most likely cause for anaphylaxis.

[Treatment of acute crises of bronchial asthma in children using subcutaneous salbutamol as an alternative to adrenaline: comparative study].

A prospective study has been made in order to asses the efficacy of subcutaneous salbutamol as acute treatment for asthmatic crisis, comparing the results with those of adrenaline. The series consisted of 30 cases, divided into two groups according to the administered treatment, with ages ranging between 5 to 18 years. Once the clinical examination and spirometric measurements were made the first group was treated with subcutaneous adrenaline 0.1 cc/kg (max.; 0.5 cc), while the second was treated with subcutaneous salbutamol 20 micrograms/kg (max.: 500 micrograms). A clinical and spirometric examination was performed at 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. A similar increase in FEV1 was observed in the two groups at 15 minutes, maintaining this increase for 90 minutes in the group treated with salbutamol and decreasing in the group treated with adrenaline, being the difference statistically significant (p less than 0.001). In view of this results it seems advisable to administer subcutaneous salbutamol as urgent treatment for an acute asthmatic crisis.

[Medical treatment of respiratory emergencies].

Of the four treatments that can be used to treat respiratory insufficiency due to laryngitis, two, nebulized adrenaline and O2 therapy, are undoubtedly effective. The inhalation of water vapour appears to be increasingly useless and may be also harmful. The use of steroids is still under debate. In recent literature, however, the utility of steroids seems to be confirmed, especially if administered per Os, and even at a relatively low single oral dose (1-2 mg/kg of prednisone). According to the official organs (see Red Book) and according to the Evidence Based Medicine (see Cochrane Library) the treatment of bronchiolitis should be limited to an eventual support therapy, i.e. O2 therapy and rehydration. However, the approach adopted by North American Hospitals and European specialists in infectious diseases is in contrast and consists in the use of beta 2 agonists and steroids in 90-100% and 40-80% of patients, respectively. This contrast could be due to a deficiency in the researches of the Evidenced Based Medicine which is obliged to retrieve studies done over 10-15 years in order to obtain a sufficient number of data for a statistically valid investigation. These studies unfortunately are not updated with regard to the dose of individual drugs and the immediate association of drugs. In particular, with regard to nebulized beta 2 agonists, the absence of a positive effect could be due to an excessively low dose in relation to the age of the patient. According to the most recent knowledge, in fact, reduced doses are no longer required for babies in consideration of age and weight. In reality an equal and even higher dose than that used in adults would be best. The other reason for a lack of response could be the absence of the association of a steroid with a beta 2 agonists at the right moment. The lack of timing in associating these two drugs could also account for the absent response to the steroid. On the basis of these considerations it would be a mistake to give up the use of beta 2 agonists and steroids. Considering also the severity and frequency of a disease as bronchiolitis. To follow the "fashion" of the Evidence Based Medicine. Recently, magnesium sulphate, ketamine and the association elium-O2 have been suggested as marginal and not revolutionary medical interventions for the treatment of asthma. Among bronchodilators, the subordinate role of anticholinergics (for ex. ipratropium bromide), and of adrenaline has been defined with respect to beta 2 agonists, in particular salbutamol. The optimisation of the administration by nebulizers of the latter has been fundamental as it has a key role in the treatment of acute severe asthma. In detail, traditional nebulizers tend to be substituted by Metered Dose Inhaler + spacer with a ratio in the dose of 5/1. The venous route is used only in very severe cases and is used late and in intensive care although a single initial intravenous administration could determine a more rapid reduction of bronchoconstriction and reduce the number of nebulized bronchodilatators that can become extremely frequent in most severe cases. For steroids, instead, the only safe therapeutic route is by PO, i.v., i.m.: nebulized steroids although used with a definitely higher dose than that used for chronic asthma, can be used only in the milder forms.

Allergic shock and death associated with protamine administration in a diabetic patient.

Insulin is used to treat patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Allergic reactions to insulin might be triggered by insulin itself or inactive ingredients in the insulin formulation, including proteins such as protamine in neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. The use of highly purified animal insulin and human recombinant insulin has reduced the incidence of anaphylactic reactions to insulin from ~30% to <1%. We report a case of fatal allergic shock after the administration of protamine in a patient with a history of allergy to fish and a protamine-containing insulin. A 72-year-old Chinese male patient (height, 175 cm; weight, 80 kg) with a history of diabetes and progressive limb weakness was diagnosed with spinal vascular malformations after admission to the Xuan Wu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. He underwent epidural spinal cord arteriovenous fistula embolization with a liquid embolic agent (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) after spinal cord angiography. During the operation, heparin was infused every hour with 6250, 2500, 2500, and 1250 IU, respectively. The last dose of heparin was administered ~10 minutes before the operation was completed. This was followed by the administration of protamine to neutralize the remaining heparin in the patient's body. Blurry vision and dizziness 5 minutes after protamine administration were followed by pruritus and hives over his neck and face. Oxygen was administered and 10 mg of dexamethasone with 2 mg of epinephrine was injected. The patient's heart rate dropped, his blood pressure decreased, and his arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) declined progressively. About 10 minutes after the administration of protamine sulfate, the patient developed bradycardic arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts were undertaken and the patient was administered epinephrine 2 mg IV, atropine 0.5 mg IV, and subsequently, intravenous dopamine (50 mg/h). Ten minutes later, the patient's heart rate gradually increased, but blood pressure fluctuated, and SaO₂ ranged from 90% to 100%. Despite the initial response, the patient lost consciousness and heart rate declined progressively within 5 hours. Vasoactive agents including dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline were administered. After all these measures proved ineffectual, the patient died. It was later determined that the patient had a history of allergic reactions to fish as well as to a premixed insulin that contained soluble human insulin 30% and low-protein intensive insulin zinc 70% (NPH). The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score for the association of protamine with the allergic reaction was 4, suggesting a possible relationship. This case report highlights a preventable fatal allergic reaction possibly associated with protamine administration in a patient with a history of allergy to a protamine-containing insulin.

Allergy -- Treatment / Management

Anaphylaxis treatment begins with triage and the removal from exposure, which can involve decontamination if topical agents are involved or clothing is contaminated. Removal of the patient's clothing and standard precautions by staff such as masks, gloves, and gown should take place. Hand washing by staff who may have used latex gloves or eaten peanuts may be necessary. ABC’s (airway, breathing, and circulation) of emergency care should have priority.  Patients should have oxygen and intravenous administration of fluids. The patient should receive epinephrine intramuscularly (IM) (1 to 1000 dilution {1 mg/1ml} 0.3cc) 0.3 to 0.5 mg which can be repeated every 5 to 15 minutes as needed. Most patients should respond to 1 to 3 doses if symptoms persist, progress or the patient becomes hypotensive IV epinephrine should be started at 0.1 mcg/kg/minute by infusion device and titrated to maintain perfusion of body organs. Patients on beta-blockers should be given glucagon 1 to 5 mg over 5 minutes. Antiemetics should be given to treat vomiting often associated with glucagon administration. Histamine type 2 receptor blockers such as famotidine 20 mg IV or ranitidine at  50 mg IV should be administered. The glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone 125 mg, should be given. [26]

[Auto-injection with epinephrine in the finger of a 5-year-old child].

A 5-year-old boy with food allergies complicated by anaphylactic reactions with dyspnoea and angioedema had been prescribed an autoinjector with epinephrine (0.15 mg) so that his parents could treat him at home if necessary. The patient accidentally injected himself in a finger, which likely makes him the youngest patient to receive an epinephrine auto-injection reported to date. Treatment consisted of phentolamine (0.15 mg in 0.5 ml normal saline) injected subcutaneously at the site of accidental injection; the dose and volume were not adapted according to the age and body weight of the patient as only a local effect was intended. Finger circulation was restored within 20 minutes. Headache, nausea and vomiting were observed after 30 minutes and were most likely a systemic side effect of phentolamine. No other complications occurred. The patient recovered fully and was discharged the following morning. Intramuscular epinephrine autoinjection is standard therapy for severe anaphylactic reactions. The epinephrine autoinjector was introduced in 1980. As allergy and anaphylaxis become more common, increasing numbers of autoinjectors are prescribed, and it is likely that the number of accidental digital autoinjections will also increase. These digits are then at risk of ischaemic necrosis. There is no consensus on therapeutic strategies in such cases. Phentolamine administration appears to be an effective intervention. However, several recent studies have shown that epinephrine may be used safely in hand surgery, which suggests that accidental digital epinephrine autoinjection may not always require immediate treatment.

Epinephrine (medication)

Asthma Epinephrine is also used as a bronchodilator for asthma if specific β2 agonists are unavailable or ineffective. When given by the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes for asthma, an appropriate dose is 0.3 to 0.5 mg. Because of the high intrinsic efficacy (receptor binding ability) of epinephrine, high concentrations of the drug cause negative side effects when treating asthma. The value of using nebulized epinephrine in acute asthma is unclear. Croup Racemic epinephrine has historically been used for the treatment of croup. Regular epinephrine however works equally well. Racemic adrenaline is a 1:1 mixture of the two enantiomers of adrenaline. The L-form is the active component. Racemic adrenaline works by stimulation of the alpha adrenergic receptors in the airway, with resultant mucosal vasoconstriction and decreased subglottic edema, and by stimulation of the β adrenergic receptors, with resultant relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle.

Anaphylaxis

Epinephrine Epinephrine (adrenaline) (1 in 1,000) is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis with no absolute contraindication to its use. 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. A second dose is needed in 16–35% of episodes with more than two doses rarely required. The intramuscular route is preferred over subcutaneous administration because the latter may have delayed absorption. It is recommended that after diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis, the patient should be kept under observation in an appropriate clinical setting until symptoms have fully resolved. Minor adverse effects from epinephrine include tremors, anxiety, headaches, and palpitations.

[Dose-effect of adrenaline nebulization in asthma: comparative study with salbutamol].

The aim of this randomized cross-over trial was to evaluate the dose effect and systemic absorption of epinephrine nebulized at 2 and 5 mg in comparison with salbutamol (5 mg). Thirteen asthmatic patients (29 +/- 15 years, 4 men and 9 women) were randomly assigned to receive one nebulization of each of the three treatment regimens at 24 h interval. The evaluation concerned forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), heart rate, respiratory rate and arterial pressure. All measurements were done at baseline, every 15 minutes during the first hour, and hourly thereafter until return to baseline FEV1. Serum potassium was measured at baseline (T0) and sixty minutes after (T60). Plasma levels of epinephrine were measured at T0, T20, T60. Fifteen minutes after the beginning of nebulization FEV1 improved significantly over baseline in the three groups. These changes were similar in the three groups until T45, while FEV1 improvement was significantly greater in A5 and S groups than A2 group (+640 +/- 470 ml, +721 +/- 349 ml, +406 +/- 306 ml in A5, S and A2 groups respectively, p < 0.01). Bronchodilation lasted significantly longer with salbutamol than with epinephrine (p < 0.05). No side effects were recorded in spite of substantial and dose-dependent systemic absorption of epinephrine. Increasing epinephrine doses produces greater bronchodilation without additional side effects. However this bronchodilation lasts shorter than with salbutamol.

Systemic reactions to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy and the response to epinephrine.

The use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is the standard of care, but its use for mild systemic reactions (SRs) is somewhat controversial. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of SR to SCIT, the symptoms reported, and the response to intramuscular (i.m.) epinephrine over a 1 year period. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate SRs to SCIT to any combination of approximately 20 allergens (pollens, animal emanations, molds, and Hymenoptera) in 773 subjects representing 14,707 visits, receiving approximately 28,000 injections over 1 year. Nurses were instructed to administer epinephrine (1:1000 v/v) 0.2 mL i.m. for signs or symptoms of a SR. SRs were graded using the universal grading system proposed by the World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Task Force for Grading SR to Immunotherapy. Thirty-one patients (4%) had 32 SRs, 22 (71%) female, average age 40 yr. Nineteen (61%) had a history of asthma; 7 (22.6%) had a history of a previous SR. SRs were reported on average 24 minutes after injection. Symptoms included: generalized pruritus, 34.4%; upper airway pruritus, 28.1%; cough, 25.0%; shortness of breath, 21.9%. Fourteen SRs were classified as Grade 1, thirteen Grade 2, two Grade 3, and three Grade 4. No Grade 5 or late phase reactions were reported. 29 (90.6%) reactions were treated with epinephrine, 27 (84.4%) glucocorticosteroid, and 30 (93.8%) H1 antihistamine. SRs occurred in 4% of patients receiving SCIT and all who received early intervention with epinephrine responded successfully. The WAO Grading system was useful.

Epinephrine (medication)

Anaphylaxis Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating anaphylaxis. Different strengths, doses and routes of administration of epinephrine are used. The commonly used epinephrine autoinjector delivers a 0.3 mg epinephrine injection (0.3 mL, 1:1000) and is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis to stings, contrast agents, medicines or people with a history of anaphylactic reactions to known triggers. A single dose is recommended for people who weigh 30 kg or more, repeated if necessary. A lower strength product is available for children. Intramuscular injection can be complicated in that the depth of subcutaneous fat varies and may result in subcutaneous injection, or may be injected intravenously in error, or the wrong strength used. Intramuscular injection does give a faster and higher pharmacokinetic profile when compared to subcutaneous injection.

[Two cases of rush specific oral tolerance induction for wheat allergy].

At present, the only treatment for food allergy is to avoid the allergy-causing food until outgrowing the allergy. Recently, some trials of oral tolerance induction (oral immunotherapy) for milk, egg, or peanut allergy have been reported. We report here the experience of rush specific oral tolerance induction (rush SOTI) for 2 cases, an 8 year-old girl and a 6 year-old boy, with severe wheat allergy. In hospital, the positive reaction to wheat was identified by a double-blind placebo-controlled challenge test, and then the threshold dose of wheat was measured, and rush SOTI was started at the dose below the threshold, ingesting wheat (bread) 5 times a day at 30 minutes interval, increasing the dose by 20% every time. The goal of rush SOTI was set as 5.6 g of wheat protein. The girl achieved the goal on the 10th day, and the boy did on the 8th day. During the course, the girl experienced adverse reactions 9 times and the boy did 6 times, and these were treated with oral antihistamine or inhalation of salbutamol. After leaving hospital, they have been instructed to ingest the maintenance dose of wheat at least twice a week, and they are ingesting wheat without any problems for 6 months or for 3 months. We assume that rush SOTI is a safe and effective maneuver to tolerize children with wheat allergy, as well as egg or peanut allergy.

InternalMed_Harrison

be initiated to provide a route for administration of 2.5 mL epinephrine, diluted 1:10,000, at 5to 10-min intervals, volume expanders such as normal saline, and vasopressor agents such as dopamine if intractable hypotension occurs. Replacement of intravascular volume due to postcapillary venular leakage may require several liters of saline. Epinephrine provides both αand β-adrenergic effects, resulting in vasoconstriction, bronchial smooth-muscle relaxation, and attenuation of enhanced venular permeability. Oxygen alone via a nasal catheter or with nebulized albuterol may be helpful, but either endotracheal intubation or a tracheostomy is mandatory for oxygen delivery if progressive hypoxia develops. Ancillary agents such as the antihistamine diphenhydramine, 50–100 mg IM or IV, and aminophylline, 0.25–0.5 g IV, are appropriate for urticaria-angioedema and bronchospasm, respectively. Intravenous glucocorticoids, 0.5–1 mg/kg of methylprednisolone, are not effective for the acute event

[Serious systemic adverse events associated with allergen-specific immunotherapy in children with asthma].

To retrospectively assess serious systemic adverse effects of standardized dust-mite vaccine in children with asthma. Medical records of 704 children (5-17 years in age) with asthma between January, 2005 and December, 2011 were reviewed. Serious systemic adverse events following treatment with a standardized dust-mite vaccine in these children were analyzed. A total of 336 systemic adverse reactions were observed in 17.0% (120/704) of the patients analyzed of these adverse reactions, 18 (5.4%) were serious (level 3), 318 (94.6%) were not serious (below level 3), and no single case of anaphylactic shock (level 4) was recorded. Systemic adverse events occurred most frequently in the 5 to 11-year age group and in the summer season (from June to August). In the 18 severe cases, the peak expiratory flow (PEF) dropped by 20% immediately after the vaccine injection, and other major clinical symptoms included cough, wheezing and urticaria. All children with serious systemic adverse effects were given inhaled hormone and atomized short-acting beta agonists, oral antihistamines, intravenous dexamethasone and/or intramuscular adrenaline. After these treatments, the clinical symptoms were significantly relieved. The rate of serious systemic adverse events following allergen-specific immunotherapy is relatively low in children with allergic asthma. Conventional medications are effective in managing these immunotherapy-associated adverse events.

Implementing specific oral tolerance induction to milk into routine clinical practice: experience from first 50 patients.

Although the natural history of cow's milk allergy is to resolve during childhood or adolescence, a small but significant proportion of children will remain allergic. Specific oral tolerance induction to cow's milk (CM-SOTI) provides a treatment option in these children with continuing allergy with high success rates. However current sentiment limits widespread availability as existing reports advise that it is too soon to translate CM-SOTI into routine clinical practice. In January 2007 we implemented a slow up-dosing CM-SOTI program. Eligible subjects were identified at routine visits to our children's allergy clinic. Persisting cow's milk allergy was confirmed from recent contact symptoms or a positive baked milk challenge. As allergic symptoms are common during CM-SOTI, families were provided with ready dietetic access for advice on dosing and symptom treatment. Subjects were continuously monitored at subsequent clinic visits or telephonically, where no longer followed, for a median of 49 months. The first 50 subjects (35 males) treated ranged in age from 5.1 to 15.8 years (median 10.3 years). Full tolerance (250 mL) was achieved in 23 subjects, 9 without any symptoms, and a further 9 achieved partial tolerance with continued ingestion. Eighteen children failed to achieve any regular milk ingestion; 11 because of persistent or significant symptoms whilst 8 withdrew against medical advice. Allergic symptoms were predominantly mild to moderate in severity, although 2 cases needed treatment with inhaled salbutamol and a further 2 required intramuscular adrenaline. Clinical tolerance, both full and partial, persists beyond 5 years. We have demonstrated that a CM-SOTI program can be successfully and safely implemented as routine clinical practice with acceptable compliance during prolonged home up-dosing, despite frequent allergic symptoms, and for up to 4 years after starting treatment. CM-SOTI can thus be put into practice more widely where there is appropriate support.

Acute bronchial asthma.

Acute asthma is the third commonest cause of pediatric emergency visits at PGIMER. Typically, it presents with acute onset respiratory distress and wheeze in a patient with past or family history of similar episodes. The severity of the acute episode of asthma is judged clinically and categorized as mild, moderate and severe. The initial therapy consists of oxygen, inhaled beta-2 agonists (salbutamol or terbutaline), inhaled budesonide (three doses over 1 h, at 20 min interval) in all and ipratropium bromide and systemic steroids (hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone) in acute severe asthma. Other causes of acute onset wheeze and breathing difficulty such as pneumonia, foreign body, cardiac failure etc. should be ruled out with help of chest radiography and appropriate laboratory investigations in first time wheezers and those not responding to 1 h of inhaled therapy. In case of inadequate response or worsening, intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate, terbutaline or aminophylline may be used. Magnesium sulphate is the safest and most effective alternative among these. Severe cases may need ICU care and rarely, ventilatory support.

[It is all about the form - adrenaline in anaphylaxis: intravenous or intramuscular administration?]

Medication errors are a frequent problem in the accident and emergency (A&E) department. A 17-year-old boy was referred to our A&E department with an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. Because of various shortcomings in the care process in A&E, adrenaline was administered intravenously instead of intramuscularly, resulting in a broad complex tachycardia. We analysed these shortcomings using the 'Prevention and recovery information system for monitoring and analysis' (PRISMA) method. Medication errors are usually a result of shortcomings in non-technical skills, such as communication and situational awareness. Training these skills by applying the concept 'Crew resource management' may reduce medication errors and improve patient safety.

Anaphylaxis -- Treatment / Management -- Epinephrine

Epinephrine is given through intramuscular injection and at a dose of 0.3 to 0.5 mL of 1:1,000 concentration of epinephrine. Pediatric dosing is 0.01 mg/kg or 0.15 mg intramuscularly (IM) (epinephrine injection for pediatric dosage). Intramuscular delivery has proven to provide more rapid delivery and produce better outcomes than subcutaneous or intravascular. Note if intravenous (IV) epinephrine is to be given, the concentration required is 1:10,000; see the next paragraph. The thigh is preferred to the deltoid when possible. Repeat studies have shown that providers often wait too long before giving epinephrine; it is the treatment of choice, and the rapid benefit much outweighs the risks of withholding treatment. While most patients require only a single dose, repeat doses may be given every 5 to 10 minutes as needed until symptoms improve.

Comparison of nebulized adrenaline versus salbutamol in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection in infants.

(i) To assess the efficacy of bronchodilators in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection (WRTI); and (ii) To compare L-adrenaline with salbutamol in wheeze associated respiratory tract infection. Randomized controlled trial. Ninety one children in age group of 2 months to 2 years with their 1st or 2nd episode of wheezing in association with fever and/or coryza were enrolled. Of these, 45 received L-adrenaline (0.1ml/kg/dose in 1 in 10,000 solution) (Group A) and 46 received salbutamol (0.1mg/kg/dose) (Group B). Three doses of each drug were given, nebulized with oxygen at 20 minutes intervals. Respiratory rate, RDAI score, clinical status and pulse oxymetry was recorded before intervention and 10 minutes after each dose. Patients who showed significant relief were discharged after an observation period of three hours while those who did not were admitted. Both L-adrenaline and salbutamol caused significant improvement in mean symptom score and oxygenation. However, the adrenaline group showed a significantly better improvement in the study parameters than the salbutamol group. More children in the adrenaline group could be sent home after the emergency treatment. Adrenergic agonists both specific and non specific are beneficial in WRTI. Adrenaline is more effective than salbutamol and is thus a better, inexpensive and relatively safe alternative.

Can epinephrine inhalations be substituted for epinephrine injection in children at risk for systemic anaphylaxis?

For out-of-hospital treatment of anaphylaxis, inhalation of epinephrine from a pressurized metered-dose inhaler is sometimes recommended as a noninvasive, user-friendly alternative to an epinephrine injection. To determine the feasibility of administering an adequate epinephrine dose from a metered-dose inhaler in children at risk for anaphylaxis by assessing the rate and extent of epinephrine absorption after inhalation. We performed a prospective, randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in 19 asymptomatic children with a history of anaphylaxis. Based on the child's weight, 10, 15, or 20 carefully supervised epinephrine or placebo inhalations were attempted. Before dosing, and at intervals from 5 to 180 minutes after dosing, we monitored plasma epinephrine concentrations, blood glucose, heart rate, blood pressure, and adverse effects. Eleven children (mean +/- standard error of the mean: 9 +/- 1 years and 33 +/- 3 kg) in the epinephrine group were able to inhale 11 +/- 2 (range: 3-20) puffs, equivalent to 74% +/- 7% of the precalculated dose or 0.078 +/- 0.009 mg/kg. They achieved a mean peak plasma epinephrine concentration of 1822 +/- 413 (range: 230-4518) pg/mL at 32.7 +/- 6.2 minutes. Eight children (10 +/- 1 years of age and 33 +/- 5 kg) in the placebo group were able to inhale 12 +/- 2 (range: 8-20) puffs, 89% +/- 3% of the precalculated dose, and had a peak endogenous plasma epinephrine concentration of 1316 +/- 247 (range: 522-2687) pg/mL at 44.4 +/- 16.7 minutes. In the children receiving epinephrine compared with those receiving placebo, mean plasma epinephrine concentrations were not significantly higher at any time, mean blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher from 10 to 30 minutes, mean heart rate was not significantly different at any time, and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were not significantly increased at most times. After the inhalations of epinephrine or placebo, the children complained of bad taste and many experienced cough or dizziness. After inhaling epinephrine, 1 child developed nausea, pallor, and muscle twitching. Despite expert coaching, because of the number of epinephrine inhalations required and the bad taste of the inhalations, most children were unable to inhale sufficient epinephrine to increase their plasma epinephrine concentrations promptly and significantly. Therefore, we urge caution in recommending epinephrine inhalation as a substitute for epinephrine injection for out-of-hospital treatment of anaphylaxis symptoms in children.

4. Food allergy in childhood.

Food allergies in children present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, atopic dermatitis and gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting, diarrhoea and failure to thrive). Symptoms usually begin in the first 2 years of life, often after the first known exposure to the food. Immediate reactions (occurring between several minutes and 2 hours after ingestion) are likely to be IgE-mediated and can usually be detected by skin prick testing (SPT) or measuring food-specific serum IgE antibody levels. Over 90% of IgE-mediated food allergies in childhood are caused by eight foods: cows milk, hens egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts (and seeds), wheat, fish and shellfish. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of IgE-mediated food allergy that requires prescription of self-injectable adrenaline. Delayed-onset reactions (occurring within several hours to days after ingestion) are often difficult to diagnose. They are usually SPT negative, and elimination or challenge protocols are required to make a definitive diagnosis. These forms of food allergy are not usually associated with anaphylaxis. The mainstay of diagnosis and management of food allergies is correct identification and avoidance of the offending antigen. Children often develop tolerance to cows milk, egg, soy and wheat by school age, whereas allergies to nuts and shellfish are more likely to be lifelong.

Pediatrics_Nelson

First-line management of asthma exacerbations includes supplemental oxygen, repetitive, or continuous administration of short-acting bronchodilators. Early administration of oral or intravenous corticosteroids (Fig. 78-4) is important in treating the underlying inflammation. Administration of anticholinergic agents (ipratropium) with bronchodilators decreases rates of hospitalization and duration of time in the emergency department. Intravenous magnesium sulfate is given in the emergency department if there is clinical deterioration, despite treatment with β2-agonists, ipratropium, and systemic glucocorticoids. The typical dose is 25 to 75 mg/kg (maximum 2.0 g) intravenously administered over 20 minutes. Epinephrine (intramuscular) or terbutaline (subcutaneous) is rarely used except when severe asthma is associated with anaphylaxis or unresponsive to continuous administration of short-acting bronchodilators.

History of head trauma in a 6-year-old boy: maybe more than meets the eye (and head).

It is spring and you are meeting for the first time, Eddie, a recently turned 6-year-old boy who moved to the area in September of the previous year and is here for his 6-year-old health maintenance visit. Eddie's mother is concerned that although he is "only" in kindergarten, he is not retaining any information at school. His mother reports he knew some of his letters before kindergarten. Currently, when he is trying to write a word, for example, "daddy" he will need to ask his mother: "what letter is the letter D?" Before kindergarten, he knew his numbers 1 to 10. At times now, Eddie will forget these numbers. For example, "if he is counting he will forget what comes after 4 and what comes after 9." Mother reports he will start crying for no apparent reason and if she asks why, he will say "I don't know why." Mother is worried that Eddie is sad, although she denies suicidal ideation. She reports he used to like making noise with other kids, and now he cannot stand when the children are noisy. Eddie will comment he does not want to go to school because the kids make lots of noise and his head hurts. He complains of headaches as often as 2 to 3 times a month. She next states, "This was not an issue before his head trauma." At this point, she reveals to you that in August, before the family relocated, Eddie fell from a 7-foot deck onto concrete while playing. He struck his head on the left side and lost consciousness for several seconds until shaken awake. He was nauseous and disoriented initially but without emesis or incontinence. He was taken to the local emergency department where he was admitted for 1 day and diagnosed with closed head injury, left frontal epidural hematoma, and question of postconcussive syndrome. Eddie has gone back to see the neurosurgeon twice over the last 6 months for scheduled visits and since the accident has had no further treatment.Eddie's mother reports that before the accident, if she read him a story from a book, he could remember the details from the story. Currently, he does not have good memory recall. Before the trauma, he did not attend a preschool program but stayed home with his mother full time. Eddie's first formal schooling has been kindergarten this year. When they moved, the neurosurgeon recommended he start school at the end of September given his head trauma in August. He had a recent computed tomography completed 3 months ago showing the epidural hematoma had completely resolved and the study was otherwise normal. His mother reports he had an evaluation the spring before the accident for a kindergarten screening test and was reported as "excellent." Eddie's birth and medical history are otherwise unremarkable except for some seasonal allergies. He has not had a loss in language skill, although his mother reports he did not speak during his hospitalization. He would just stare and nod his head if someone would ask him a question. No family history of any learning or behavioral difficulties on either side of the family. Eddie has 2 older brothers, 10 and 7 years of age, with no learning issues.What would you do next?

Acute Severe Anaphylaxis in Nepali Patients with Neurotoxic Snakebite Envenoming Treated with the VINS Polyvalent Antivenom.

Diagnosing and treating acute severe and recurrent antivenom-related anaphylaxis (ARA) is challenging and reported experience is limited. Herein, we describe our experience of severe ARA in patients with neurotoxic snakebite envenoming in Nepal. Patients were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind trial of high vs. low dose antivenom, given by intravenous (IV) push, followed by infusion. Training in ARA management emphasised stopping antivenom and giving intramuscular (IM) adrenaline, IV hydrocortisone, and IV chlorphenamine at the first sign/s of ARA. Later, IV adrenaline infusion (IVAI) was introduced for patients with antecedent ARA requiring additional antivenom infusions. Preantivenom subcutaneous adrenaline (SCAd) was introduced in the second study year (2012). Of 155 envenomed patients who received ≥ 1 antivenom dose, 13 (8.4%), three children (aged 5-11 years) and 10 adults (18-52 years), developed clinical features consistent with severe ARA, including six with overlapping signs of severe envenoming. Four and nine patients received low and high dose antivenom, respectively, and six had received SCAd. Principal signs of severe ARA were dyspnoea alone (n=5 patients), dyspnoea with wheezing (n=3), hypotension (n=3), shock (n=3), restlessness (n=3), respiratory/cardiorespiratory arrest (n=7), and early (n=1) and late laryngeal oedema (n=1); rash was associated with severe ARA in 10 patients. Four patients were given IVAI. Of the 8 (5.1%) deaths, three occurred in transit to hospital. Severe ARA was common and recurrent and had overlapping signs with severe neurotoxic envenoming. Optimising the management of ARA at different healthy system levels needs more research. This trial is registered with NCT01284855.

[A notice for use for patients who benifit from an adrenaline pen. "Having an emergency kit is a good thing but knowing how to use it is better"].

We realized that it is essential that the patient who has an auto injector also has the direction sheet in its emergency bag. Patients, families but also young medical doctors' remarks and reflexions led us to create an explanatory didactic, precise, illustrated and practical direction sheet. The goals are to gather succinct information about the patient (personal contact information, medical history); remind emergency numbers (15 or 112) and the emergency treatment (antihistamine, broncholitor if necessary, epinephrine shots). It also indicates step by step how to use the auto injector (Anapen) and emphasizes the need for a medical supervision if the shot has been used. We present this direction sheet and the way to use it.

First_Aid_Step2

T AB LE 2.1 3-5. Characteristics of Croup, Epiglottitis, and Tracheitis Age group affected 3 months to 3 years 3–7 years 3 months to 2 years Incidence in children presenting with stridor 88% 8% 2% Pathogen Parainf uenza virus H. inﬂ uenzae Often S. aureus Onset Prodrome (1–7 days) Rapid (4–12 hours) Prodrome (3 days) leading to acute decompensation (10 hours) Fever severity Low grade High grade Intermediate grade Associated symptoms Barking cough, hoarseness Muffed voice, drooling Variable respiratory distress Position preference None Seated, neck extended None Response to racemic epinephrine Stridor improves None None CXR fndings “Steeple sign” on AP flm “Thumbprint sign”’ on lateral f lm Subglottic narrowing Mild cases: Outpatient management with cool mist therapy and ﬂ uids. Moderate cases: May require supplemental O2, oral and IM corticosteroids, and nebulized racemic epinephrine.

A case of anaphylaxis to peppermint.

Anaphylaxis, a form of IgE mediated hypersensitivity, arises when mast cells and possibly basophils are provoked to secrete mediators with potent vasoactive and smooth muscle contractile activities that evoke a systemic response. We report a case of IgE mediated anaphylaxis to peppermint (Mentha piperita) in a male shortly after sucking on a candy. A 69 year old male developed sudden onset of lip and tongue swelling, throat tightness and shortness of breath within five minutes of sucking on a peppermint candy. He denied lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or urticaria. He took 25 mg of diphenhydramine, but his symptoms progressed to onset of cough, wheeze and difficulty with talking and swallowing. He was rushed to the nearest emergency department, where he was treated with intramuscular epinephrine, antihistamines and steroids. On history, he reported recent onset of mouth itchiness and mild tongue and lip swelling after using Colgate peppermint toothpaste. He denied previous history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food or drug allergies. His past medical history was remarkable for hypercholesterolemia, gastroesophageal reflux and gout. He was on simvastatin, omeprazole, aspirin, and was carrying a self-injectable epinephrine device. He moved to current residence three years ago and cultivated mint plants in his backyard. He admitted to develop nasal congestion, cough and wheeze when gardening. Physical examination was unremarkable apart from slightly swollen pale inferior turbinates. Skin prick test (SPT) was strongly positive to a slurry of peppermint candy and fresh peppermint leaf, with appropriate controls. Same tests performed on five healthy volunteers yielded negative results. Skin testing to common inhalants including molds and main allergenic foods was positive to dust mites. Strict avoidance of mint containing items was advised. Upon reassessment, he had removed mint plants from his garden which led to resolution of symptoms when gardening. IgE mediated anaphylaxis to peppermint is rare. This case demonstrates a systemic reaction to a commonly consumed item, incapable of triggering anaphylaxis in the far majority of the population, yet causing a severe episode for our patient.