[Anaphylaxis in childhood and adolescence].
Anaphylaxis represents a severe, systemic and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction that severely impairs the life of affected children and their caregivers. With an estimated life time prevalence of 0.05% to 2%, it is not a rare disease. Therefore every physician caring for children at risk for anaphylaxis should be familiar with this disease pattern. Foods are the most frequent triggers in children; less frequent causes include drugs and insect venom. Particularly in case of idiopathic anaphylaxis, systemic mastocytosis should be ruled out as a potential differential diagnosis in this age group as well. First line emergency treatment consists of parenteral epinephrine in a weight-adjusted dosage, and after cardiovascular stabilization systemic antihistamines and corticosteroids as well as inhaled beta-mimetics can be administered. Affected patients, their relatives and other caregivers should receive extensive training in order to guarantee an adequate emergency management of anaphylactic children.
Ott
H
H
Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany. hagen.ott@post.rwth-aachen.de
Lehmann
S
S
Wurpts
G
G
Merk
H-F
HF
Viardot-Helmer
A
A
Rietschel
E
E
Baron
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D019090:Case Management; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004633:Emergency Medical Tags; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D004837:Epinephrine