PubMed, the Internet portal of biomedical and life sciences literature, indexed an interesting article, entitled Anaphylaxis in childhood and adolescence. (Hautarzt. 2007 Nov 14). Authors are Ott H Lehmann S Wurpts G et al., from the Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland. Anaphylaxis represents a severe, systemic and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction that severely impairs the life of affected children. Foods are the most frequent triggers in children; less frequent causes include drugs and insect venom. Particularly in case of idiopathic anaphylaxis, systemic mastocytosis should be ruled out as a potential differential diagnosis in this age group as well. First line emergency treatment consists of parenteral epinephrine in a weight-adjusted dosage, and after cardiovascular stabilization systemic antihistamines and corticosteroids as well as inhaled beta-mimetics can be administered. To access the full abstract of the article, click here.
381