Different Triggers of Anaphylaxis among Egyptian Children Attending Children's Hospital Ain Shams University

Abstract

naphylaxis is a potentially life threatening allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and multisystemic in nature. In children, food triggers are the most common. Distribution of anaphylaxis tends to fluctuate based on age, gender, race, geographical residence and socioeconomic status of the involved subjects. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is generally underestimated particularly in developing countries, and when diagnosed, proper management is occasionally lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of anaphylaxis among children attending Children's hospital, Ain Shams University, through identification of the underlying triggers, presenting symptoms, mistakes in diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted over 6 months in ED of Children’s hospital, Ain Shams University. We identified 80 patients with anaphylaxis out of 18816 children presented to ED, 47 (58.8%) males and 33(41.3%) females, with mean age 2.94 ± 3.44 years and range of 0.33-14 years. Sixty percent of anaphylactic patients were infants. Infants were the most common age group experiencing biphasic anaphylaxis. The commonest trigger was food followed by medications. Atopy as