A case of the laceration caused by adrenaline auto-injector use at the medical setting

Abstract

The laceration caused by adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) use is the adverse event that could occur when AAIs are used. Here, we experienced a case of the laceration caused by AAI use at the medical settings in a 2-year-old boy. The patient had egg allergy and was prescribed AAI. He experienced an oral food challenge test and started to intake programmed boiled egg. One day, he developed anaphylaxis after intaking the same amount of egg. He and his caregivers visited emergency room without using AAI because they could not decide to use it. His mother asked the doctor to use AAI by herself under the medical staff's supervision and the doctor accepted her wish. Then, the doctor held patient's legs and his mother used AAI, but the patient moved his legs. AAI was removed smoothly from patient's thigh and his symptoms recovered quickly. However, the patient incurred a 10cm-long laceration, which resulted in scar.

Medical staffs have few opportunities where they actually experience AAI use. This might be a rare incident, but it is important to educate medical staffs continuously through appropriate education, such as simulation education so that they are familiar with the management of AAI use.