A fatality from idiopathic anaphylaxis.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic anaphylaxis by definition is a form of anaphylaxis where no identifiable stimulus can be found. In our series of over 350 patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis there have been no reported deaths.


OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical course of the first fatality in our series from idiopathic anaphylaxis.


METHODS
A patient was evaluated for idiopathic anaphylaxis and started on our previously published protocol of corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, and antihistamines.


RESULTS
Despite following our protocol--which has been effective in decreasing the number of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions--controlling the disease, and placing a high percentage of patients into remission, the patient with idiopathic anaphylaxis died unexpectedly after experiencing symptoms similar to previous episodes of idiopathic anaphylaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first reported fatality from idiopathic anaphylaxis in our extensive series.
Krasnick
J
J
Department of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Patterson
R
R
Meyers
G L
GL
D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance