Med. praxi. 2020;17(3):174-181 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2020.034

Anaphylaxis and use of adrenalin autoinjectors

MUDr. Irena Krčmová, CSc.¹, MUDr. Adriana Šrotová¹, doc. MUDr. Vít Petrů, CSc.²

¹ Ústav klinické imunologie a alergologie, Fakultní nemocnice, Hradec Králové

² Alergologie a klinická imunologie, Synlab Czech, s.r.o., Praha

Anaphylactic symptoms and anaphylactic shock are serious, rapidly developing systemic reactions, followed by release of a number of substances that affect vascular permeability, smooth muscle tone of blood vessels and bronchi with activation of the systemic inflammatory cascade. From a pathophysiological point of view, it can be an IgE-mediated immune response followed by massive release of biologically active mediators from mast cells and basophils (IgE dependent). If the mastocyt/basophil is degranulated via a direct IgE-free pathway, it is non-allergic (non-IgE dependent, anaphylactoid anaphylaxis). Regardless of the etiopathogenesis of anaphylaxis, adrenaline is a critical drug of choice and there is no contraindication to its administration. Due to the urgent anaphylactic condition, adrenaline in a pre-filled autoinjector is suitable for intramuscular administration. Prescription of the autoinjector is not dependent on the physician's expertise. The cure should be already available to the at-risk patient upon release from acute care. The patient should be properly instructed in the use of the autoinjector, including practical training.

Keywords: anaphylaxis, adrenalin, auto-injector.

Published: June 18, 2020  Show citation