Updated anaphylaxis guidelines: management in infants and children.

Abstract

SUMMARYSevere allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are unpredictable, and initial signs of what could be fatal anaphylaxis can be mildAdrenaline (epinephrine) remains the first-line drug of choice for the acute management of anaphylaxis and should be administered earlyThere are no contraindications to intramuscular adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxisCorrect positioning of the patient is vital as death can occur within minutes if a patient stands, walks or sits up suddenly. Position the patient correctly first and then promptly administer intramuscular adrenalineUpdated guidelines by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy now recommend that the 0.15 mg adrenaline injector device may be prescribed for infants and children weighing 7.5–10 kg. The recommendation to use the 0.3 mg adrenaline injector device for those over 20 kg remains unchangedThe adrenaline doses in Australian Prescriber’s anaphylaxis wallchart remain valid