Increases in anaphylaxis fatalities in Australia from 1997 to 2013

Abstract

Australian anaphylaxis fatality rates (most causes) have increased over the last 16 years, contrasting with UK- and US-based studies that describe overall lower and static overall anaphylaxis fatality rates (0.047-0.069/10(5) population).

Fatal anaphylaxis in children in France: Analysis of national data

“…For example, the most common triggers of pediatric anaphylaxis fatalities the United Kingdom and Australia are food allergens, whereas drugs account for most of the pediatric anaphylaxis fatalities in the United States. [1][2][3][4] In France, an official system recording vital statistics-the National As shown in Figure 2, the main trigger for pediatric fatal anaphylaxis was iatrogenic (n = 21, 48.8%), mainly drugs, but was specified in only 5 cases (antibiotics, n = 3). In the overall population, iatrogenic- respectively.…”

Food‐induced fatal anaphylaxis: From epidemiological data to general prevention strategies

“…For instance, in Europe, the lifetime prevalence of anaphylaxis is estimated to be 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-0.5), 1 but higher in the United States of America at 1.6% to 5.1%. 5,8,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Using these methods, the case fatality rate is estimated to be 0.65%-2%. 5,6 These reported increases probably reflect a true increase in the prevalence of allergic disease, but are also confounded by cumulative incidence of anaphylaxis, better awareness and recognition of anaphylaxis, and changes in anaphylaxis coding, in part due to modifications in the international classification of diseases.…”

“…2,3 Hospitalizations due to anaphylaxis are also increasing in many countries, [4][5][6] in particular in young children; these increases are noted particularly for medication and food triggers. 5,8,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Data from National Vital Statistics Systems can be used to facilitate comparisons between different geographical zones and time periods, so long as the data have been compiled using the same methods and according to the same standards. 5,[7][8][9] Anaphylaxis is an uncommon cause of death, [10][11][12] particularly for food, and is difficult to study because it is typically a community event, occurring outside the hospital environment.…”

Food allergy: immune mechanisms, diagnosis and immunotherapy

“…Between 1998 and 2012, the number of food allergy anaphylaxis-related hospital admissions increased by 137% in children 14 years and younger in England and Wales without an increase in the number of fatalities 11 . Between 1997 and 2013, the number of food allergy anaphylaxis-related deaths increased by an average of 9.7% per year in Australia 12 . The apparent increase in food allergy prevalence over a short time period suggests that environmental factors have a role in its aetiology.…”