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. 2011 Jan;16(1):35-40.

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in infants and children

A Cheng  1
Affiliations

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in infants and children

A Cheng. Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Jan.

Abstract
in English, French

Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute and potentially life-threatening condition, often in response to an allergen. Patients experiencing anaphylaxis can present with cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular or gastrointestinal manifestations. Epinephrine given intramuscularly remains the mainstay of treatment for this condition. Other second-line therapies, such as inhaled beta-2 agonists, H1 and H2 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids, may play a role in resolving respiratory and cutaneous signs and symptoms. Biphasic reactions may occur during the resolution phase of symptoms and, thus, all patients should be observed for a minimum of 4 h to 6 h before discharge from hospital. On discharge, all patients should be prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors, and referred to an allergist or immunologist for further evaluation and education.

L’anaphylaxie est un état grave et aigu au potentiel fatal, qui se manifeste souvent en réponse à un allergène. Les patients qui subissent une anaphylaxie peuvent présenter des manifestations cutanées, respiratoires, cardiovasculaires ou gastro-intestinales. L’adrénaline administrée par voie intramusculaire demeure le pilier du traitement. D’autres thérapies de deuxième choix, comme les béta2-agonistes, les antagonistes des récepteurs H1 et H2 et les corticoïdes, peuvent contribuer à résoudre les signes et symptômes cutanés et respiratoires. Des réactions biphasiques peuvent se produire pendant la phase de résolution des symptômes, et par conséquent, tous les patients doivent être maintenus en observation pendant au moins quatre à six heures avant leur congé de l’hôpital. Au congé, il faudrait prescrire des auto-injecteurs d’adrénaline à tous les patients et les orienter vers un allergologue ou un immunologiste pour leur faire subir une évaluation et les éduquer.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Children; Emergency; Infant; Paediatric; Treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Approach to medical management of anaphylaxis. ABC Airway, breathing and circulation; ICU Intensive care unit; IM Intramuscular; IV Intravenous; NS Normal saline; PO Oral
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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