Anaphylaxis; 10 Years’ Experience at a University Hospital in Suwon

Abstract

Background: Anaphylaxis is a systemic hypersensitivity reaction consisting of various etiologies and clinical features. In Korea, reports regarding anaphylaxis are very few. Objective: To evaluate the general characteristics and clinical features of anaphylaxis, especially with regard to the severity of it. Method: A retrospective study was conducted in inpatients, outpatients and patients encountered at the emergency department at the Ajou University Hospital during 1997~2008. The medical records of a total of 158 patients who met diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis were reviewed. Results: Drugs (51.2%) was the most common cause of anaphylaxis followed by insect stings (25.3%), foods (10.8%) and exercise (6.3%) in our hospital. The common manifestations were dyspnea (70.3%), urticaria (57.6%), dizziness (48.1%) and hypotension (46.2%). There were 65 patients (41.1%) with moderate anaphylaxis and 93 patients (58.9%) with severe anaphylaxis. The patients with older age or underlying cardiovascular disease had more severe anaphylaxis (P<0.05, respectively). Although there were no significant correlation between the severity and etiology of anaphylaxis, some drugs such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and radiocontrast media tended to develop severe anaphylaxis. Conclusions: We confirmed that drugs, insect stings, foods, and exercise are the major causes of anaphylaxis. In addition, the patients with older age or a cardiovascular disease had a tendency to develop severe anaphylaxis.