Cause Of Anaphylaxis In Children Research Articles

Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents.

This review will identify and summarize the published existing data pertaining specifically to Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents, highlighting the major studies currently available on venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its prognosis in children. The current review covers the incidence and prevalence of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in children, factors influencing occurrence and severity of reactions (age, sex, comorbidities, etc.), indications to perform diagnostic tests and start VIT in children, different existing VIT protocols and their safety and efficacy. Hymenoptera venom allergy is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in children and it considerably affects quality of life. Cutaneous reactions are the most prevalent clinical presentation in children who usually have a more favourable prognosis than adult patients. However, studies on HVA in children and adolescents are still limited. Currently VIT is the only treatment able to modify the natural history of HVA in adults as well as in children, and to protect patients from systemic reactions after subsequent stings.

Causes and clinical symptoms of anaphylactic reactions in children: implementation into clinical practice of the first Pediatric Moscow Anaphylaxis Registry in the Russian Federation

BACKGROUND: For a long time in the Russian Federation, there was a problem of the lack of registry of anaphylaxis, as the most important tool for recording and monitoring this group of patients. Since 2022, the first Pediatric Moscow Anaphylaxis Registry has started working at the Morozov Children's Hospital. AIM: Objectification and analysis of data from the Pediatric Moscow Anaphylaxis Registry to determine the frequency, causes and characteristics of anaphylaxis clinical symptoms among children of the Moscow region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The statistical analysis of the questionnaire data of the patient-oriented questionnaire of 69 children aged 0 to 18 years, who were prospectively included in the Register during emergency hospitalization due to anaphylaxis, was carried out. RESULTS: The incidence of anaphylaxis among children hospitalized with acute allergic reactions from May 2022 to September 2023 was 5.8%. A higher percentage of anaphylaxis episodes (38%) were observed among adolescents aged 13–18 years, three patients developed anaphylaxis in the first year of life (minimum age 1 month). Boys (70%) prevailed among patients with anaphylaxis under the age of 13, and girls (56%) prevailed among adolescents aged 13–18 (p=0.042). In 75%, anaphylaxis developed at home. For patients of all age groups, food anaphylaxis was dominant (75–91%). Tree nuts were the most common suspected trigger of food anaphylaxis ― 35% of reactions, and confectionery products in 17% of cases. With anaphylaxis, 56% of children experienced symptoms from four or more organ systems, the most common symptoms were from the skin/mucous (94%), respiratory organs (78%) and laryngeal symptoms (64%). At the stage of emergency medical care, the frequency of diagnosis of anaphylaxis was 22%, and the administration of epinephrine was 54%. The frequency of epinephrine use among children under 3 years of age was lower compared to adolescents aged 13–18 years (25% vs 76%, p=0.003) CONCLUSION: The data from the work of the first Pediatric Moscow Anaphylaxis Registry in the Russian Federation demonstrate a high incidence of anaphylaxis among patients with acute allergic reactions. More than 1/3 of anaphylactic reactions occur in adolescents aged 13–18 years, while anaphylaxis occurs even in the first month of life. Anaphylaxis most often develops at home, which dictates the special need for careful training of patients in the rules of elimination of the trigger. The dominant cause of anaphylaxis in children in the Russian Federation, regardless of age, are food allergens, tree nuts induce anaphylaxis in more than 1/3 of cases. The frequency of diagnosis of anaphylaxis at the stage of emergency medical care does not exceed 22%, administration of epinephrine ― 54%, minimal use of epinephrine is observed among children under 3 years of age.

Risk factors predisposing children to food allergies.

Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children, and their incidence is increasing globally. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors leading to food allergies in childhood. Children with food allergies and non-atopic healthy children were compared using a questionnaire that included prenatal, neonatal, and postnatal risk factors. A total of 314 subjects, 155 patients and 159 healthy children for the control group, were enrolled in the study. The median age of patients with a food allergy at diagnosis was 6 months (1-156 months), and 71 patients (45.8%) were males. The median age of the control group was 12 months (1-61 months), and 67.0% were males. Older maternal age (P = 0.023), birth by caesarean section (P = 0.001), birth in the summer or autumn (P = 0.011), crowded housing (P = 0.001), damp houses (P = 0.001), being fed with breast milk and complementary food (P = 0.001), use of synthetic bedding (P = 0.024), and being the oldest child in the family (P = 0.001) were the considered risk factors for an immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated food allergy. A low frequency of yoghurt consumption by mother (P = 0.001) and use of wool bedding (P = 0.018) were identified as risk factors for non-IgE-mediated food allergies. Low socioeconomic status (P = 0.001) played a protective role against both IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies whereas breastfeeding played a protective role against IgE-mediated food allergies (P = 0.030). The most important aspect of this study was that it separately identified prenatal, neonatal, and postnatal risk factors for IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies.

A Single Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs-Induced Anaphylaxis to Diclofenac Confirmed by Skin Testing

Anaphylaxis is a serious acute systemic allergic reaction that can lead to death, thus requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. In particular, food is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children, adolescents, and young adults. In addition to physical contact with food, anaphylaxis can also be induced by exposures other than ingestion, such as the inhalation of aerosolized food proteins. Korean males undergo medical screening prior to a compulsory military service. A history of possible food allergy requires referral to a specialized allergy clinic. It was reported in 2021 that a 19-year-old male patient enlisted in the military was referred to the allergy clinic for an oral provocation test. That case confirmed that anaphylaxis was caused not only by walnut intake, but also by skin contact or by inhaling walnut particles, which will be reviewed in this paper.

Risk Factors for Anaphylaxis in Children Allergic to Peanuts.

Background and Objectives: A peanut allergy is the most common single cause of anaphylaxis in children. The risk factors for anaphylaxis in children with a peanut allergy are not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to identify epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of children with a peanut allergy that may predict the severity of the allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and included 94 children with a peanut allergy. Allergy testing was performed, including skin prick testing and the determination of specific IgE levels to peanuts and their Ara h2 component. In case of discordance between patient history and allergy testing, an oral food challenge with peanuts was performed. Results: Anaphylaxis and moderate and mild reactions to peanuts occurred in 33 (35.1%), 30 (31.9%), and 31 (33.0%) patients, respectively. The severity of the allergic reaction was only weakly correlated (p = 0.04) with the amount of peanuts consumed. The median number of allergic reactions to peanuts was 2 in children with anaphylaxis compared to 1 in other patients (p = 0.04). The median level of specific IgE to Ara h2 was 5.3 IU/mL in children with anaphylaxis compared to 0.6 IU/mL and 10.3 IU/mL in children with mild and moderate peanut allergies (p = 0.06). The optimal cutoff for distinguishing between anaphylaxis and a less severe allergic reaction to peanuts was a specific IgE Ara h2 level of 0.92 IU/mL with 90% sensitivity and 47.5% specificity for predicting anaphylaxis (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patient cannot predict the severity of the allergic reaction to peanuts in children. Even standard allergy testing, including component diagnostics, is a relatively poor predictor of the severity of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Therefore, more accurate predictive models, including new diagnostic tools, are needed to reduce the need for oral food challenge in most patients.

Oral tolerance induction protocol to egg white – A report of three pediatric cases

Food allergies are the main cause of anaphylaxis in children. Cow’s milk and egg white are the most common agents and elimination diets are considered the current strategy for their management. Many children can tolerate increasing amounts of the known allergen, and thus, oral tolerance induction protocols seem to be a promising approach. The authors present a protocol drawn up in a pediatric allergic diseases’ outpatient clinic, at a level II hospital, with the aim of egg white oral tolerance induction. During the protocol there is an increase in the amount of egg white offered to children, at the end, tolerance is tested with the ingestion of an entire egg. The protocol was performed in three children with anaphylaxis to egg white. Two children completed the protocol successfully. Oral tolerance to egg white allows a less restrictive diet and improves the quality of life of the patients and their caregivers.

Overcoming barriers to effective management of food-induced anaphylaxis in underserved populations through school-based interventions

Food allergy is an important public health concern in the United States, affecting an estimated 1 in 13 children and 2% to 3% of adults with evidence of increasing prevalence. Food exposure is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children, and 40% of US children with food allergy will experience a severe reaction.1 Management of food allergy centers on avoidance of the culprit food(s) and access to epinephrine autoinjectors in case of accidental exposure. Furthermore, early recognition of anaphylaxis and administration of epinephrine are essential during severe food reactions.

White potato – a rare cause of anaphylaxis in children

White potato is a very common ingredient in the diet of children in Western countries, and in its cooked form, it is one of the first solid foods introduced. Allergy to potato is uncommon, and allergic reactions to cooked potato have been reported only in children. We report a case of anaphylactic reaction to cooked potato in a 10‑months‑old infant with atopic dermatitis and with a family history of atopy.

Анафилаксия среди детей, госпитализированных с острыми аллергическими реакциями: пятилетний ретроспективный анализ

Objective. To determine the frequency, range of triggers, features of clinical symptoms and treatment of anaphylaxis in children hospitalized with severe systemic allergic reactions in the pediatric department in Moscow. Patients and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1197 medical records of children admitted to the Z.A.Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital with severe allergic reactions over the period from 2016 to 2020 to determine the clinical criteria for anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis was made retrospectively in 86 patients based on corresponding reports of 2 independent allergy specialists. Results. The incidence of anaphylaxis among children hospitalized with severe allergic reactions was 7.18%. The use of the new WAOAG (2020) anaphylaxis criteria, compared with the previously adopted NIAID/FAAN (2006), slightly increased the coverage of patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis (7.18% vs 7.01%, respectively). Food allergens were the predominant cause of anaphylaxis in children (78%); the second most important trigger were medications (5%), and 7% of patients had idiopathic anaphylaxis. The main causes of food anaphylaxis were tree nuts (31%), cow's milk (19%), fish/seafood (16%), and chicken egg (9%); the frequency of anaphylactic reactions to peanuts did not exceed 4%. The incidence of anaphylaxis to cow's milk and chicken egg was higher in the group of children younger than 3 years (p = 0.003, p = 0.01, respectively), and the incidence of anaphylaxis to fruits was lower (p = 0.05) compared with patients aged 3-18 years. The proportion of anaphylaxis to tree nuts in children was highest and irrespective of patient age. In the development of anaphylaxis, skin/mucosal (98%) and respiratory (71%) symptoms were the most frequent, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (29%) and laryngeal symptoms (26%). In hospital, anaphylaxis was diagnosed in 10 (12%) patients, and only 21% of children received epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis. At discharge, epinephrine was recommended for 13% of patients. Conclusion. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is to be excluded in patients with severe allergic reactions, since its incidence in this group of patients reaches 7.18%. Food allergens are the main trigger of anaphylaxis in children in the Russian Federation. The age-dependent spectrum of food anaphylaxis triggers in Russia suggests the use of diagnostic allergy panels in infants that include not only cow's milk, chicken egg, fish, but also tree nuts. Less than 1/4 of children receive epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions; the rate of verification of the diagnosis of anaphylaxis and prescription of epinephrine is extremely low and does not exceed 13%. Key words: anaphylaxis, anaphylactic reaction, trigger, allergen, children, food allergy, infants

Primary and pollen-associated hazelnut allergy in school-aged children in Germany: A birth cohort study

BackgroundPrimary hazelnut allergy is a common cause of anaphylaxis in children, as compared to birch-pollen associated hazelnut allergy. Population-based data on hazelnut and concomitant birch-pollen allergy in children are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of primary and pollen-associated hazelnut allergy and sensitization profiles in school-aged children in Berlin, Germany. Methods1570 newborn children were recruited in Berlin in 2005–2009. The school-age follow-up (2014–2017) was based on a standardized web-based parental questionnaire and clinical evaluation by a physician including skin prick tests, allergen specific immunoglobulin E serum tests and placebo-controlled double-blind oral food challenges, if indicated. Results1004 children (63.9% response) participated in the school-age follow-up assessment (52.1% male). For 1.9% (n = 19, 95%-confidence interval 1.1%–2.9%) of children their parents reported hazelnut-allergic symptoms, for half of these to roasted hazelnut indicating primary hazelnut allergy. Symptoms of birch-pollen allergy were reported for 11.6% (n = 116 95%-CI 9.7%–13.7%) of the children. Both birch-pollen allergy and hazelnut allergy associated symptoms affected 0.6% (n = 6, 95%-CI 0.2%–1.3%) of children. Assessment of allergic sensitization was performed in 261 participants and showed that almost 20% of these children were sensitized to hazelnut, being the most frequent of all assessed food allergens, or birch-pollen, the majority to both. ConclusionsBased on parental reports hazelnut-allergic symptoms were far less common than sensitization to hazelnut. This needs to be considered by physicians to avoid unnecessary changes in diet due to sensitization profiles only, especially when there is a co-sensitization to hazelnut and birch-pollen.

Evolution of the medical devices for the protection of healthcare workers. Prevention of hemocontact infections in patients with an uncertain status

Background. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an item of clothing designed to protect healthcare workers (HCW) or others from infection. PPE includes gloves, masks, gowns, respirators, goggles, face shields, headgear, boot covers, rubber shoes, and more.
 Objective. To describe the evolution of medical devices for HCW protection.
 Materials and methods. Review of literature data on this issue.
 Results and discussion. Medical gloves are divided into sterile and non-sterile. The purpose of wearing non-sterile gloves is to prevent contamination of the hands of HCW with microorganisms. They should be worn when there is a risk of contact with blood or other body fluids, patient secretions, or contaminated equipment. Gloves do not protect against contamination and after their use it is still necessary to treat hands with antiseptic. Latex gloves have good elasticity and flexibility, are convenient and anatomically suitable for hands, have a good sensitivity to touch. However, they can cause allergies or skin irritation. Latex allergy is the most common cause of perioperative anaphylaxis in children. It is recommended to use powder-free gloves. Nitrile gloves for examination manufactured by “Yuria-Pharm” are characterized by high toughness, elongated cuff, and special texture facilitating holding the instruments. Surgical masks consist of three layers of thermoplastic polymer located between the layers of nonwoven fabric. They are designed to protect against pathogens (mainly bacteria) transmitted in large droplets (>5 μm). The Cochrane review did not show any convincing effect of wearing of surgical masks on reducing the risk of infectious complications during sterile surgical procedures. WHO recommends wearing surgical masks to prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). N95 or FFP3 class respirators are recommended for aerosol-generating procedures (tracheal intubation, bronchoscopy) and for dangerous infections. N95 respirators are the standard for working with patients with COVID-19 in USA. They can be with a valve or without it. These respirators consist of thermoplastic polymer and nonwoven fabric and filter 95 % of particles sized ≥0.3 μm. They should tightly fit to the face and be tested for leaks before the contact with patient. A similar tactic should be used when wearing FFP3 respirator. Valve respirators are easier to use because the presence of a valve facilitates exhalation. The valve also increases comfort and prevents excessive accumulation of moisture under the respirator. Such respirators do not filter the exhaled air, so they do not protect others from infection. Another field of PPE application is its usage in hematocontact infections caused by hepatitis B/C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. The risk of HCW infection is associated with pricks, cuts, contact with the patient’s body fluids, and any invasive diagnostic or treatment procedures. The risk of patient’s infection is present in case of the improper instruments sterilization, use of non-sterile infusion solutions, transfusion of blood and its components, transplantation, and contact with biological fluids of the infected HCW. To reduce the risk of HCW infection, always wear gloves if there is a risk of contact with blood or other body fluids; never put the cap on the needle after using it; always keep a container for sharp objects on hand; carry out the necessary vaccinations; use PPE and safety needles, scalpels and syringes.
 Conclusions. 1. Wearing masks reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 2. During aerosol-generating procedures it is necessary to use all available PPE. 3. When wearing a respirator, it is advisable to check its tightness. 4. The number of extra injections should be minimized.

Novel insights regarding anaphylaxis in children - With a focus on prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life-threatening response involving the whole body. This reaction often leads to difficulty in breathing and can result in death. The estimated prevalence of anaphylaxis is 0.05%-2%, which is reported to be increasing in children. Although drugs and venom are the most common causes of anaphylaxis in adults, food is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. An interesting association between food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) and oral immunotherapy (OIT) has recently been reported. A provocation test to determine the diagnostic and augmenting factors of FDEIA has been reported in recent years. Remarkably, several articles showed allergic symptoms without exercise in children with FDEIA and in those with FDEIA development after OIT. Regarding OIT, full-dose OIT poses a risk of adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis. Recent trials have shown the efficacy and safety of low-dose OIT in patients with food-induced anaphylaxis. In this review, we summarized the novel insights regarding anaphylaxis in the pediatric population.

Can dietary strategies in early life prevent childhood food allergy? A report from two iFAAM workshops.

Food allergy affects a small but significant number of children and adults. Food allergy is responsible for considerable morbidity and is the commonest cause of anaphylaxis in children. One of the aims of the European Union-funded "Integrated Approaches to Food Allergen and Allergy Risk Management" (iFAAM) project was to improve our understanding of the best way to prevent the development of food allergy. Groups within the project worked on integrating the current prevention evidence base as well as generating new data to move our understanding forward. This paper from the iFAAM project is a unique addition to the literature on this topic as it not only outlines the recently published randomized controlled trials (as have previous reviews) but also summarizes two iFAAM-associated project workshops. These workshops focused on how we may be able to use dietary strategies in early life to prevent the development of food allergy and summarized the range of opinions amongst experts in this controversial area.

Clinical aspects of hymenoptera venom allergy and venom immunotherapy.

Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is the most frequent cause of anaphylaxis in Europe, accounting for most of the severe reactions occurring in adults, and being the second cause of anaphylaxis in children. Prevention of further episodes in patients who developed a systemic reaction (SR) is based on the correct management of the allergic emergency, the referral to an allergist for a correct diagnosis, prescription of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) and specific venom immunotherapy (VIT), if recommended. Diagnosis is based on the classification of the type of reaction, confirmation of an IgE-mediated pathogenesis and the identification of the offending insect. The use of component resolved diagnostics may be helpful in case of poly-sensitization or negative allergy tests with a proven history of previous SRs. When a severe SR occurs, baseline serum tryptase levels should always be assessed. The prescription of AAI is recommended or suggested for untreated patients, patients undergoing VIT and after discontinuation of treatment, according to multiple evidence. VIT is the most effective treatment available for HVA patients, as confirmed by recent European guidelines. VIT has an early, sustained and persistent protective effect and modifies the natural course of the disease. Moreover, VIT proved to be safe and well tolerated. According to a recent systematic review, no treatment-related fatalities were recorded to date. Compared to AAI, VIT significantly improves the quality of life of HVA patients by reducing the anxiety and limitations in daily activities caused by the fear of stinging insects. The memory of a life-threatening experience is the most likely reason why adherence to VIT is higher compared to immunotherapy with inhalant allergens. Several risk factors in HVA have been identified that can influence not only the severity of sting reactions in untreated patents, but also the occurrence of side effects, treatment effectiveness and the risk of relapse after discontinuation of VIT. Patient and treatment-related risk factors must be considered while selecting the best candidates for VIT, the type and duration of treatment. In this paper we address the most important issues related to HVA and VIT that may have an impact on daily clinical practice.

Omalizumab in children with severe allergic disease: a case series

BackgroundCurrently, severe allergic asthma and food allergy in children represent an important public health problem with medical, psychosocial and economic impacts. Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, approved for refractory allergic asthma and chronic urticaria. It has been widely used in clinical practice as add-on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled allergic asthma. In recent years there has seen the emergence of an allergic epidemic with increasing food allergy, which represents the main cause of anaphylaxis in children. The standard of care for food allergy is strictly dietary allergen avoidance and emergency treatment, but recent clinical trials have suggested that omalizumab may have a role to play as an adjuvant to oral immunotherapy (OIT). We present a case series of patients treated at our institution with omalizumab for severe allergic asthma and food allergy.MethodsPatients received omalizumab according to a standard reference nomogram after failing standard therapies. In children with comorbid severe food allergy, omalizumab was administered in conjunction with an oral immunotherapy protocol.ResultsOmalizumab was effective in controlling symptoms of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, but not eosinophilic esophagitis, while aiding successful oral desensitization of comorbid severe food allergies.ConclusionsOmalizumab appears to be an excellent therapeutic option in children with inadequately controlled severe allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, with or without food allergy.

Study of Specific IgE and IgG4 Levels Regarding the Acquisition of Tolerance in Patients Allergic to Eggs

In recent decades we have witnessed an increase in allergic diseases in general, and food allergy in particular, which is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. In our midst, in the small child, egg allergy is the most common food allergy followed by cow's milk and fish.

National trends in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for food-induced anaphylaxis in US children.

Food is the leading cause of anaphylaxis in children seen in emergency departments in the United States, yet data on emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to food-induced anaphylaxis are limited. The objective of our study was to examine national time trends of pediatric food-induced anaphylaxis-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. We conducted an observational study using a national administrative claims database from 2005 through 2014. Participants were younger than 18years with an emergency department visit or hospitalization for food-induced anaphylaxis. Outcome measures of our study included time trends of pediatric food-induced anaphylaxis-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, including observations (in an emergency department or a hospital unit), inpatient admissions, and intensive care unit admissions. During the study period, participants had 7310 food-induced anaphylaxis-related emergency department visits. Emergency department visits for food-induced anaphylaxis increased by 214% (P<.001); the highest rates were in infants and toddlers (age 0-2years). Rates of emergency department visits significantly increased in all age-groups, with the highest increase in adolescents (age 13-17years: 413%; P<.001). Peanuts accounted for the highest rates (5.85 per 100000 in 2014) followed by tree nuts/seeds (4.62 per 100000 in 2014). The greatest increase in rates of emergency department visits for food-induced anaphylaxis occurred with tree nuts/seeds (373.0% increase during the study period). The incidence of food-induced anaphylaxis has significantly increased over time in children of all ages. Food-induced anaphylaxis in children is an important national public health concern.

Dört yaşındaki bir çocukta nadir bir anafilaksi nedeni: Muz ile oral provokasyon testi

Objective: Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children and recent studies suggest that the prevalence of food allergies has increased. Among foods, fruits are rarely the cause of anaphylaxis. Although banana allergy has been identified among the causes anaphylaxis in adults, the incidence of banana anaphylaxis reported in children is very rare. In this case report a patient who developed anaphylaxis after banana ingestion was discussed. Case: A 4-year-old boy male patient admitted with widespread itching, swelling of the eyelids, urticarial rash in body following exposure to banana. In oral provocation test performed in order to confirm the diagnosis made with banana, urticarial papules were detected. Urticaria, swelling of the eyelids and wheezing complaints occured in the body in 10 minutes after banana was given. Bilateral rhonchus was presented in auscultation and the blood pressure of the patient measured was normal. The patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis and 0.01 mg / kg IM epinephrine nebulizer with short-acting beta 2 agonists and antihistaminic treatment were given. The patient who recovered during follow-up was discharged with antihistaminics and 3-day oral methylprednisolone therapy. Recommendations were made to patient and adrenaline auto-injector was prescribed and its use was described. Conclusion: Although rare, children may develop anaphylaxis with bananas. Therefore, oral provocations for diagnostic purposes should be performed by experienced centers and necessary precautions should be taken against the reactions that may occur.

Do epinephrine auto-injectors have an unsuitable needle length in children and adolescents at risk for anaphylaxis from food allergy?

BackgroundFood allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. Intramuscular delivery of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) is the standard of care for the treatment of anaphylaxis. We examined if children and adolescents at risk of anaphylaxis weighing 15–30 kg and >30 kg would receive epinephrine into the intramuscular space with the currently available EAI in North America and Europe.MethodsThe distance from skin to muscle (STMD) and skin to bone (STBD) on the mid third anterolateral area of the right thigh was measured by ultrasound applying either high pressure (max) or slight pressure (min) in 102 children weighing 15–30 kg (group 1) and 100 children and adolescents, weighing more than 30 kg (group 2).ResultsUsing a high pressure EAI (HPEAI), Epipen Jr® and Auvi-Q®/Allerject® 0.15 mg, 11/102 (11 %) children in group 1 and 38/102 (38 %) using another HPEAI, Jext®, had a STMDmax that showed a risk of intraosseous injection. There was a 1 % risk of subcutaneous injection with these devices. There was no risk of intraosseous injection using a low pressure EAI (LPEAI), Emerade®. In group 2, the risk of intraosseous injection using a HPEAI was 3 % and no risk using a LPEAI. However, the risk of subcutaneous injection using HPEAI was 9 % and using LPEAI was 2 %.ConclusionThere is a risk of intraosseous injection using HPEAI (Epipen®/Epipen Jr®, Auvi-Q®/Allerject® and especially Jext®) in children at risk of anaphylaxis. There was also a risk of subcutaneous injection using the currently available HPEAI in children and adolescents.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13223-016-0110-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Food allergy in Singapore: opening a new chapter

With the exception of shellfish, the overall food allergy rates in Singapore have not reached the epidemic proportions of the West. The rates of egg, milk and fish allergies remain low. However, the patterns of some food allergies in Singapore have changed over the last decade. For example, peanut allergy, once rare in Singapore, is now the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. Studies analysing lifestyle practices, particularly with respect to prevention of food allergy, are necessary in order for practitioners to understand global differences and maintain this low prevalence.