Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Anaphylaxis -Key Points of the Revised Guidelines-

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic hypersensitivity reaction, representing the most severe form of an allergic reaction, and all physicians must provide appropriate initial treatment at the onset of the reaction. The World Allergy Organization Anaphylaxis Guidance, revised in 2020, and the Anaphylaxis Guideline 2022, based on the 2020 revision, have updated the definition and diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis to prevent errors in treatment decisions. Adrenaline intramuscular injection remains the first-line treatment, and the prescription of an adrenaline auto-injector for self-management at the onset of symptoms is still recommended. However, the prescription rate of adrenaline auto-injector for anaphylaxis patients remains low, indicating a need for resolution. In Japan, the findings of a large-scale epidemiological study, including a nationwide survey of anaphylaxis cases and analysis of drug-induced anaphylaxis using the adverse drug reactions database, were reported last year. This review focuses on the latest findings on anaphylaxis with specific emphasis on the revised guidelines.