A Study of Patients Prescribed the Epinephrine Auto-injector

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, food allergy has become a social problem, and its relationship with anaphylaxis is very important. The epinephrine auto-injector EpiPen^® is valuable in anaphylaxis treatment. We analyzed EpiPen^® usage in patients with food allergy.

Method: We analyzed 187 pediatric patients prescribed EpiPen^® in our department from 2005 to 2014.

Results: The number of patients prescribed EpiPen^® increased 2012, after a case of death from food-allergy-induced anaphylaxis occurred in Japan. The major reason for EpiPen^® prescription is a history of immediate reactions (IR, 84 %), followed by a history of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA, 11 %). EpiPen^® was used in 21 cases (19 patients). FDEIA cases are 9 cases (40 %). EpiPen^® was injected by patient self in 7 cases, by parent in 12 cases,by faculty member in 1 case and by ambulance attendant in 1 case. Discussion: In the FDEIA group, the patients themselves are responsible for their anaphylaxis treatment. We souhld educate not only the guardians but also the patients in cases where EpiPen^® is prescribed for FDEIA.

Conclusion: It is important to figure out the peculiarity of the cases of EpiPen^® was used and construct ambulance system.