Patient/parent administered epinephrine in acute anaphylaxis

Abstract

Background: Among patients with a known peanut allergy, previous studies suggest low carrying rates of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) and hesitancy to self-administer epinephrine upon anaphylaxis onset. Given the high prescription rates of epinephrine and prevalence of peanut allergies, it is important to identify rates of on-scene EAI use and affecting factors.

Methods: The electronic medical records of 217 patients-either with an ED diagnosis of peanut anaphylaxis or diagnosis of anaphylaxis with a known epinephrine prescription from 2010 through May 2020--were reviewed for physician notes and demographic factors.

Results: Epinephrine was administered on-scene by 25.3% of anaphylaxis patients. Of the 6 health care professionals identified, 100% administered epinephrine on-scene. Females (32.2%) were administered epinephrine on-scene more frequently than males (19.8%; p = 0.04). Rate of epinephrine administration increased from 2010 through 2019 (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: This study selected for individuals diagnosed with anaphylaxis, meaning EAI use should have been observed nearly 100% of the time. An administration rate of 22.6% observed among individuals not identified as health care professionals suggests that the majority of patients prescribed epinephrine have not used their EAIs, even when presented an opportunity for application. The administration rate of 100% observed among health care professionals indicates that comfort with EAIs facilitates willingness to administer on-scene. EAIs can range up to $900 in expense, thus physicians should employ EAI training devices and other training strategies.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Epinephrine; Peanut allergy.