Purpose of review
To describe and analyze epidemiology, major triggers, diagnosis, and management of drug-induced anaphylaxis in pediatric population.
Recent findings
Despite the fact that foods are the most common elicitors of anaphylaxis during childhood, frequency of those reactions during adolescence seems to be increasing and they are associated with more severe reactions. Betactam antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are described as major triggers of those reactions. Despite its higher severity, anaphylaxis continues to be underrecognized and undertreated.
Summary
Drugs are associated with more severe anaphylactic reactions in all age groups, but it is still underdiagnosed and wrongly managed. Patients who seek assistance for anaphylaxis in the emergency departments should be referred to an allergist consultation and pediatricians should be better trained to recognize and correctly manage this severe condition.