Two available injectable adrenaline devices e.g. Epipen, should be available for food allergic children

Many children with food allergies carry EpiPens, which are self-injectable doses of epinephrine that can halt a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

A study of emergency room treatment in children with these life-threatening reactions supports recommendations that children carry two EpiPens, not just one. Dr. Susan Rudders of Children’s Hospital Boston led a review of more than 1,200 medical charts over six years from the emergency departments at Children’s and Massachusetts General Hospital. A little over half of the children who were seen for allergic reactions to food were suffering from anaphylaxis, which can include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal problems. Among the patients who were given epinephrine either before or during their ER visit, 12 percent received a second dose.

The researchers also found that guidelines for care were not always being followed by emergency rooms. More children were given antihistamines or corticosteroids than the recommended epinephrine. Fewer than half left the hospital with a prescription for an EpiPen and fewer than a quarter were referred to an allergist.

The authors go on to say “The results of our study indicate that food-related anaphylaxis continues to be underrecognized and inadequately treated in the [emergency department] setting"

Source Pediatrics Online March 22/2010