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Revista Portuguesa de Imunoalergologia

Print version ISSN 0871-9721

Abstract

GASPAR, Ângela et al. Anaphylaxis in Portugal: 10-year SPAIC National Survey 2007-2017. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2019, vol.27, n.4, pp.289-307. ISSN 0871-9721.

Background: Anaphylaxis is the most severe manifestation of an allergic disease. However, the actual prevalence in different population groups is uncertain due to the lack of adequate records of this potentially fatal entity. Objectives: Contribute to the improvement on epidemiological knowledge and anaphylaxis management in our country. Methods: Over a 10-year period (2007-2017) a national anaphylaxis reporting system was implemented, focused on voluntary reporting by clinicians with differentiation in immuno-allergic diseases. Reports of anaphylaxis from 1783 patients were included. Detailed characterization of etiopathogenesis, manifestations and clinical approach was performed in pediatric and adult ages. Results: The average age was 32.7±20.3 years, with 30% under 18 and 10% of preschool age. The female / male gender ratio was 1.4. Most (68%) had a personal history of allergic disease, 33% with asthma. The average age of the first episode was 27.5±20.4 years (ranging from 1 month to 88 years). The main causes of anaphylaxis were food (48%), drugs (37%) (the first cause in adults) and hymenoptera venom (7%). The main foods were shellfish (crustaceans and/or mollusks) 27%, fresh fruits 17%, milk 16%, tree nuts 15%, fish 8%, egg 7%, peanut 7% and seeds 3%. The main drugs were NSAID 43%, antibiotics 39% and anesthetic agents 6%. Other causes identified were exercise-induced anaphylaxis 3%, latex-induced anaphylaxis, cold-induced anaphylaxis and idiopathic anaphylaxis 2%, among others. There was a predominance of mucocutaneous (96%) manifestations, followed by respiratory (82%) and cardiovascular (36%) manifestations. Most patients (80%) were admitted to the emergency department, and only 43% received epinephrine treatment. Anaphylaxis recurred in 41% of patients (21% with ≥ 3 episodes of anaphylaxis). The adrenaline autoinjector device was used by 7% of patients. Conclusions: Food was the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis in Portugal, especially at pediatric age. Drugs were the main triggers of anaphylaxis in adults. We highlight the undertreatment with epinephrine and the recurrence of episodes, pointing to the need to implement strategic and educational measures to improve the therapeutic and diagnostic approach of anaphylaxis

Keywords : Anaphylaxis; epinephrine; etiology; notification; Portuguese survey.

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