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Childhood Anaphylaxis: State of the Art

  • Anaphylaxis (M Sanchez-Borges, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Anaphylaxis is a systemic immunologic reaction of immediate hypersensitivity that occurs as consequence of an interaction between antigen and immunoglobulin E (IgE) and may be potentially fatal. Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur minutes or seconds after the exposure to the causing allergen. The sooner the reaction is established, the more severe it is. The main causes in children are food (cow’s milk, peanut, egg) and insect bite. Its clinical manifestations usually vary. They can be mild, presenting with hives, angioedema, abdominal pain; or severe, presenting with hypotension or shock, and there may be a late phase reaction. The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is intramuscular epinephrine. The use of anti-histamines and corticosteroids is controversial.

Recent Findings

The presence of hypotension is predictive of additional epinephrine administration.

Summary

All cases must be evaluated by an allergist. In addition to preventive measures, patients and their families need to be educated on how to manage anaphylactic reactions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Parana, Rua Padre Camargo 453, Curitiba, Brazil

    Cristine S. Rosario MD & Nelson Rosario Filho MD, PhD

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  1. Cristine S. Rosario MD
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  2. Nelson Rosario Filho MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Cristine S. Rosario MD.

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Conflict of Interest

Cristine Rosario and Nelson Rosario Filho declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this manuscript.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Anaphylaxis

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Rosario, C.S., Filho, N.R. Childhood Anaphylaxis: State of the Art. Curr Treat Options Allergy 7, 64–70 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-020-00241-3

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