Anaphylaxie : reconnaître et traiter précocement

Abstract

Allergic emergencies in children are now more frequent and unpredictable and can cause death by anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, and airway angioedema. Despite the publication of recent guidelines, many studies show that caregivers are still not at ease with the management of anaphylaxis and intramuscular administration of adrenaline. The prognosis depends on the early diagnosis of anaphylaxis and adrenaline administration before cardiorespiratory failure. The biphasic course of anaphylaxis requires systematic hospitalization of at least 6–24 hours depending on severity. To prevent recurrence, each child with anaphylaxis should permanently be in possession of two unexpired self-injectable adrenaline devices with a demonstration and written instructions on its use. Close collaboration between emergency departments, allergist, and family is essential to adapt therapeutic education and allergen avoidance to the allergen identified. This article focuses on opportunities to improve the skills of caregivers and standardize the management of anaphylaxis by proposing a practical definition and a therapeutic strategy based on Ring grading of severity.