Occupational anaphylaxis-Data from the anaphylaxis registry

BackgroundEpidemiologic data on occupational anaphylaxis is scarce, and there is a need of more knowledge about work-related anaphylactic episodes.MethodsBased on the data of the Anaphylaxis Registry, we identified cases related to occupational exposure and analyzed the elicitors, demographics, severity of clinical reaction and management.ResultsSince 2017, 5851 cases with an information about the occupational relation of the anaphylactic episode were registered whereby 225 (3.8%) were assigned to be caused by an occupational allergen. The vast majority of these occupational anaphylaxis cases were caused by insects (n = 186, 82.7%) followed by food (n = 27, 12.0%) and drugs (n = 8, 3.6%). Latex elicited occupational anaphylaxis in only two cases. Beekeepers, gardeners, farmers, and individuals working in professions associated with food handling, for example, employees in restaurants, bakery, pastry, and cooks were most frequently affected. The comparison of the occupational insect venom-induced anaphylaxis to a group of non-occupational insect anaphylaxis in adults (n = 1842) revealed a significant younger age in occupational anaphylaxis (46 vs. 53 years), a predominance of bee-induced cases (38% vs. 17%), and a higher rate of venom immunotherapy in a primary care setting (3.3% vs. 1.3%, p = .044). In the occupational- versus non-occupational adults with food-induced anaphylaxis atopic dermatitis as concomitant atopic disease was observed more frequently (n = 486; 20% vs. 10%), although this was not significant.ConclusionOur data demonstrate the impact of venom allergy in work-related anaphylaxis. Foods and drugs are less frequently elicitors, and latex-induced occupational anaphylaxis was rare. More data are needed to determine risk factors associated with occupational anaphylaxis. Insect venom, followed by food were the most frequent elicitors of occupational anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis to bee venom was more frequent in occupational anaphylaxis than non-occupational anaphylaxis in adults. Occupational anaphylaxis to drugs was rare and most frequently induced by antibiotics. Only two occupational cases were latex-induced. Beekeepers, outdoor workers (e.g., gardeners), and farmers were the most frequently affected occupations.image

Automated summary

Epidemiologic data on occupational anaphylaxis is scarce, but this study provides valuable insights into the elicitors, demographics, severity, and management of occupational anaphylactic episodes. The majority of cases were caused by insects, followed by food and drugs. Beekeepers, gardeners, farmers, and individuals working in food-related professions were most frequently affected. More research is needed to determine risk factors associated with occupational anaphylaxis.