A recent study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reported on development of the acronym SAFE, a mnemonic to remind physicians of the 4 action steps for anaphylaxis treatment:Seek support
Allergen identification and avoidance
Follow-up for specialty care
Epinephrine for emergencies
Drugs used for management of anaphylaxis are remembered by the mnemonic EASI:
Epinephrine IM
Antihistamines PO, IM
Steroids PO, IM, IV
Inhaled b2-agonists, if wheezing
Anaphylaxis is common (1 in 20 adults), 50% never received epineprine, the majority have life-threatening reactions. Anaphylaxis represents a huge opportunity for clinical improvement (Wood, JACI, 2014).
References:
SAFE: a multidisciplinary approach to anaphylaxis education in the emergency department. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2007, vol. 98, no. 6, pp. 519 - 523.
Epinephrine Labels May Promote Overdoses for Children. MedPage Today, 01/2008.
Anaphylaxis guidelines by World Allergy Organization. JACI, 2011.
Image source: EpiPen, Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.
Image source: EpiPen, Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.
