CCTST K Scholar graduate, Timothy Dribin, M.D., recently published a study in The Lancet: Child and Adolescent Health titled, “Timing of repeat epinephrine to inform paediatric anaphylaxis observation periods: a retrospective cohort study”.
Dr. Dribin, the lead author of the study, examined how children visiting emergency departments for allergic reactions can often be treated and safely discharged quickly – particularly those with epinephrine injectors. However, around 5% may experience a delayed “biphasic reaction,” leading to extended observation out of caution. The study aimed to identify low-risk patients who could be safely sent home sooner.
Researchers analyzed 5,641 emergency cases of anaphylaxis treated with epinephrine. Most reactions were food-related, with some due to medications or insect stings. Though 17% of children were admitted for overnight observation, with others staying in the emergency department for 4 or more hours, the need for a second epinephrine dose usually occurred within two hours – only 1.9% required it after four hours. Just 1% needed intensive interventions like ventilators…
Read the full article here.
