Global patterns of drug allergy-induced fatalities: a wake-up call to prevent avoidable deaths

Purpose of review To identify patterns and key issues though a systematic review in order to support prevention strategies and reduce avoidable deaths related to drug-induced anaphylaxis (DAF). Recent findings DAF rate has been estimated by 0.13-0.53/10(6) population/year. General global trends of DAF are increasing over time, mostly occurring at healthcare settings (62%) with a similar gender distribution and an average age of 53 years. Antibiotics, anaesthetics, radio-contrast media and NSAIDs were the most frequently implicated agents. Main comorbidities were personal history of drug allergy, cardiovascular diseases and asthma. Main manifestations were cardiovascular and respiratory commitments. Use of adrenaline is mentioned in only 29% of the articles. DAF is increasing worldwide and most cases are iatrogenic. This first systematic review of DAF identified key gaps and served as a wake-up call to prevent avoidable deaths. Phenotype at risk for DAF was represented by patients aged more than 54 years, with personal history of drug allergy/hypersensitivity with no or incomplete allergological work-up, cardiovascular disease and/or asthma with need of hospitalization and/or frequent healthcare assistance. Additional risk for those who need frequent use of intravenous antibiotics and/or undergoing surgery or image investigation with radiocontrast media.

Automated summary

The rate of drug-induced anaphylaxis (DAF) is increasing globally, with the main implicated drugs being antibiotics, anaesthetics, radio-contrast media, and NSAIDs. The main manifestations are cardiovascular and respiratory commitments, and those at risk for DAF are patients over 54 years old with a history of drug allergy, cardiovascular disease, and/or asthma. The use of adrenaline is mentioned in only 29% of the articles.