Introduction and objective Drugs are a frequent cause of severe anaphylactic reactions. Clinical epidemiology of drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA) supports the identification of the most frequent eliciting drug groups, risk factors, symptoms and treatment procedures. Our aim was to analyze data to promote better recognition and long-term management of affected individuals. Methods Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry (2007-2019) with 1,815 cases of drug-induced anaphylaxis were analyzed regarding demographics, elicitors, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment. Results The most frequent eliciting groups of drugs were analgesics (41.27%) – with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being the most common subgroup (65.42%) – antibiotics (33.17%), local anesthetics (7.38%) and radiocontrast media (5.18%). Adrenaline was used more often in patients with DIA (23.20%) than in anaphylaxis due to other causes (17.82%). The majority of events occurred in female patients (65.34%), although they were admitted to hospital (29.01%) or an intensive care unit (ICU) (9.61%) less often. Skin symptoms were most common (84.02%), while gastrointestinal symptoms were reported less frequently (30.25%). Compared to other anaphylactic reactions in the registry (food/insects) severe reactions occurred significantly more often in DIA (5.62% vs. 1.67%). Hospitalization (31.63%) and ICU admission rates (11.85%) were significantly higher in DIA than anaphylactic reactions to other elicitors (27.58% and 5.45%). Conclusions DIA affects middle aged females more frequently and is more severe in elderly males in the sample observed. Analgesics and antibiotics are the leading causes of DIA. Adrenaline was rarely administered to patients, even though it is recommended by guidelines.

Background: Peanut allergy has a rising prevalence in high-income countries, affecting 0.5–1.4% of children. This study aimed to better understand peanut anaphylaxis in comparison to anaphylaxis to other food triggers in European children and adolescents. Methods: Data was sourced from the European Anaphylaxis Registry via an online questionnaire, after in-depth review of food induced anaphylaxis cases in a tertiary paediatric allergy centre. Results: 3514 cases of food anaphylaxis were reported between July 2007 - March 2018, 56% in patients younger than 18 years. Peanut anaphylaxis was recorded in 459 children and adolescents (85% of all peanut anaphylaxis cases). Previous reactions (42% vs 38%; p=0.001), asthma comorbidity (47% vs 35%; p<0.001), relevant co-factors (29% vs 22%; p=0.004) and biphasic reactions (10% vs 4%; p=0.001) were more commonly reported in peanut anaphylaxis. Most cases were labelled as severe anaphylaxis (Ring&Messmer grade III 65% vs 56% and grade IV 1.1% vs 0.9%; p=0.001). Self-administration of intramuscular adrenaline was low (17% vs 15%), professional adrenaline administration was higher in non-peanut food anaphylaxis (34% vs 26%; p=0.003). Hospitalisation was higher for peanut anaphylaxis (67% vs 54%; p=0.004). Conclusions: The European Anaphylaxis Registry data confirmed peanut as one of the major causes of severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in European children, with some characteristic features e.g. presence of asthma comorbidity and increased rate of biphasic reactions. Usage of intramuscular adrenaline as first line treatment is low and needs to be improved. The Registry, designed as the largest database on anaphylaxis, allows continuous assessment of this condition.

Since the first description of anaphylaxis in 1902, its clinical importance as an emergency condition has been recognized worldwide. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction characterized by rapid onset and the potential to endanger life through respiratory or circulatory compromise. It is usually, although not always, associated with skin and mucosal changes. Although the academic/scientific communities have advocated to promote greater awareness and protocols for management of anaphylaxis based on best evidence, there are few efforts documenting feedback as to the success of these efforts. In this document, we review the key unmet needs related to the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis, propose a public health initiative for prevention measures and a timetable action plan which intends to strengthen the collaboration among health professionals and especially primary care physicians dealing with anaphylaxis that can encourage enhanced quality of care of patients with anaphylaxis. More than calling for harmonized action for best management of anaphylaxis to prevent undue morbidity and mortality, the Montpellier World Health Organization Collaborating Centre here proposes an action plan as a baseline for a global initiative against anaphylaxis. We strongly believe these collaborative efforts are a strong public health and societal priority that is consistent with the overarching goals of providing optimal care of allergic patients and best practices of allergology.