Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction in every age groups. The causative factors, incidence, and severity of anaphylaxis differ between children and adults. Literature on anaphylaxis during childhood is insufficient. We believe that the data of this study will make important contributions to the literature. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients aged 0-18 years who were admitted to the Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinic at Erciyes University between 2015 and 2021 and diagnosed with anaphylaxis. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were male. Females, however, exhibited greater prevalence during adolescence (p<0.001). Of the total number of patients, 153 (86.9%) had atopy, whereas 25.56% had non-allergic chronic diseases. Food-induced anaphylaxis was identified in 49 (27.84%) patients, drug-induced anaphylaxis in 41 (23.29%), venom-induced anaphylaxis in 62 (35.22%) and idiopathic anaphylaxis in 19. The study observed that anaphylaxis affected several systems, including the skin/mucosa (91.47%), respiratory (72.15%), GI (40.34%), cardiovascular system (20.45%), and central nervous system (17.04%). It was also found that drug-induced anaphylaxis increased the severity of symptoms (p=0.003). Additionally, it was statistically significant that antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis (p=0.002) and wasp sting-induced anaphylaxis (p=0.003) developed within the first minute. Patients received intramuscular adrenaline in 95.46% of cases, while 4.54% did not receive appropriate treatment. CONCLUSION: Anaphylaxis is a completely reversible reaction when diagnosed correctly and treated promptly. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the common triggers, know the risk factors, and provide patients with appropriate treatment. We believe that this study will contribute to better recognition of deficiencies in the management of anaphylaxis by highlighting important information for anaphylaxis.