Evaluation of treatment and long-term management of anaphylaxis in pediatric departments of Greece: a 2-year nationwide survey
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis proportions of incidence are increasing globally. However, limited data are available regarding anaphylaxis in the pediatric population of Greece. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate management of anaphylaxis in Greek pediatric departments. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire-based study of children aged less than 16 years presenting with anaphylaxis in 10 national pediatric hospitals over a period of 2 years. Management of anaphylaxis was assessed prior to and after an informative intervention. RESULTS: In all, 127 cases of anaphylaxis were identified. Epinephrine was administered in almost half of all cases (51.2%), predominantly through intramuscular route (88.5%), while the majority of anaphylaxis patients were treated with antihistamines (92.9%) and corticosteroids (70.1%). Epinephrine was more likely administered by physicians if the elicitor was a drug (P < 0.003). Regarding long-term management, an epinephrine auto-injector was prescribed in 66.9% of patients. Follow-up information was available for most of the patients (92.9%), the majority of whom (76.3%) were referred to an allergist. More than half of these patients (63.6%) had a documented allergy follow-up, which identified a causative allergen in 53.3% of cases. No statistically significant differences were recorded prior to and after the intervention regarding management of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study highlighted the necessity of further improvement in terms of anaphylaxis treatment and secondary prevention measures. This presupposes appropriate education and training of healthcare professionals, thus contributing to proper and comprehensive care of the pediatric population.
Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia
Authors: Evanthia Chiampou, Konstantinos Douros, Dafni Moriki, Mitrogiorgou Marina, Anastasia Anastasiou-Katsiardani, Kalliopi Tanou, Vasilis Grammeniatis, Anna Zisi, Evanthia Perikleous, Emmanouil Galanakis, Marilia Lioudaki, Fotini Vrouvaki, Soultana Kolyva, Antigoni Mavroudi, Maria Nivatsi, Stergianna Ntouma, Evangelia Stefanaki, Maria Triga, Panagiota Kakava, Olga Lagiou, Kostas N. Priftis, Nikolaos Chaliasos, Sophia Tsabouri
Institutions: University Hospital of Ioannina, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University General Hospital Attikon, General Hospital of Ioannina G. Hatzikosta, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Chania General Hospital ”St. George”, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, The General Hospital of Heraklion "Venizeleio-Pananio", University of Patras, University of Ioannina
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology and Allergy
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W4396548741