Review of the 2021 Resuscitation Council United Kingdom guideline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis

Background It is estimated that 1 in 300 people will experience anaphylaxis at some point1 with approximately 20–30 deaths per year in the UK from anaphylaxis.2 The treatment, investigation and follow-up of patients with anaphylaxis are frequently suboptimal, with approximately 50% of anaphylaxis episodes not treated appropriately with intramuscular epinephrine (adrenaline),3 despite previous guidance recommending epinephrine as first-line treatment. This is often due to a failure to recognise anaphylaxis which can be difficult due to the variety of signs and symptoms that may occur, none of which are specific to anaphylaxis (defined in box 1). Box 1Definition of anaphylaxis "A serious systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is usually rapid in onset and may cause death. Severe anaphylaxis is characterised by potentially life-threatening compromise in airway, breathing and/or the circulation, and may occur without typical skin features or circulatory shock...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Guideline review Source Type: research