anaphylaxis

Emergency management of anaphylaxis and the impact of the new UK ALS guidelines (2025)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

*Elshehawy, Mahmoud; Kadambi, Madhavi; Hughes, Deborah; Clarke, Daniel; Cooper, Angela; Inani, Mohit; Goktas, Polat; Goddard, Sarah; Diwakar, Lavanya.

Citation:

Clinical Medicine. 100519, 2025 Sep 30. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires urgent and effective management. The UK Resuscitation Council updated its Advanced Life Support (ALS) guidelines for anaphylaxis in 2021, emphasizing early and repeated adrenaline administration, IV fluid use, and reduced reliance on antihistamines and steroids.

METHODS: A retrospective audit was carried out to compare the management of anaphylaxis at two English NHS hospitals, namely the University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM) and the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital (SATH) before (2018) and after (2022/23) the ALS guideline implementation.
Adherence to NICE anaphylaxis guidance was also assessed.

RESULTS: Data from 272 patients revealed significant improvements in recognition of anaphylaxis in 2022 compared with 2018 (70.8% vs. 50%; p=0.001). The use of adrenaline and IV fluids increased, whereas the use of antihistamines and steroids declined, aligning with the new guidance. Tryptase measurement (checked in 45% patients) and specialist referral rates (67% at UHNM vs. 3% at SATH; p=0.0001) remained suboptimal at both centers. A case example highlights the risks of misdiagnosis and adrenaline overuse in patients with recurrent urticarial presentations.

CONCLUSION: Anaphylaxis management in these centers has changed in keeping with the new ALS guidelines, although antihistamines and steroids were still used in the acute management of around 50% of the patients. Adrenaline overuse may be an unintended consequence of the guideline, which needs monitoring. There may have been some improvement in anaphylaxis recognition, but serum tryptase measurement and referral to allergy specialists remain poor.

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100519

Paediatric anaphylaxis 'EduCAKEtion' in 10-minutes: A multicentre initiative (2021)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Dhesi A.; Mathias F.; Willets J.; Makwana N.; Halton F.; *Sohal I.; *Clarkson A.; *Brown K.

Citation:Clinical and Experimental Allergy; Dec 2021; vol. 51 (no. 12); p. 1664

Abstract:Objectives: Anaphylaxis is often over or undertreated with intramuscular adrenaline. Previous research in the Midlands has found that 32% of health professionals/medical students would administer intravenous adrenaline inappropriately. Our aim is to promote training in the recognition and management of anaphylaxis using an innovative technique. Method(s): We designed a 10-minute anaphylaxis education program composed of classifying symptom discs into type of reaction, management scenarios and adrenaline autoinjector (AAI) training. Small group sessions were designed to ensure social distancing in the COVID era, but also to allow hands-on training. Pre and post education scores were monitored. Following the session there was cake and debrief with participants to give the opportunity to answer any questions and provide feedback. Result(s): 131 health professionals were trained across three trusts (Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust) over a period of four months. 49% (64/131) were qualified nurses, 24% (32/131) doctors, 17% (22/131) healthcare assistants and 10% (13/131) other professionals. Experience of nurses ranged from 10% (7/71) being students to 14% (10/71) having worked over 30 years. 56% (18/32) doctors were ST3 level or below. Mean pre-education and scenario score was 18 and post score was 23 indicating a 28% improvement. Mean AAI training pre score was 4, post score was 8, indicating 100% improvement. The total mean pre score was 21 and post score 30, indicating a 43% improvement (p value <0.01). The maximum overall score possible was 32. Conclusion(s): This is a novel education method developed to be short, interactive and suitable for a wide variety of professionals. Feedback has included "concise and stimulating", "fun way of learning". It is being adapted to be delivered virtually for easier access but will also be reassessed to ensure retention of information.

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