What are the major risk factors for pediatric food anaphylaxis? Asthma and chronic GI symptoms

This prospective study included 160 children with anaphylaxis seen at 29 outpatient allergy clinics throughout Italy. Food sensitization was evaluated by skin-prick test (SPT).


Mind map diagram of anaphylaxis (click to enlarge the image).

A clinical history of asthma increased the risk of wheezing during food-induced anaphylaxis (odds ratio (OR) 2.2) and respiratory arrest (OR 6.9).

A clinical history of chronic/relapsing gastrointestinal symptoms increased the risk of vomiting (OR 2.1), hypotension (OR 7.9), and bradycardia/cardiac arrest (OR 9.2).

Peanut and egg were the most frequent causes of severe anaphylaxis.

A history of asthma and chronic GI symptoms (probably linked to food allergy) may predict the development of respiratory and GI symptoms and the severity of anaphylaxis.

A generic version of the Anaphylaxis Action Plan is available from the AAAAI website.

References:

Risk factors for severe pediatric food anaphylaxis in Italy. Calvani M, Cardinale F, Martelli A, Muraro A, Pucci N, Savino F, Zappalà D, Panetta V; the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP) anaphylaxis’ study group. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2011 Sep 19. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2011.01200.x.
Anaphylaxis Action Plan