Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector for the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without cardiovascular collapse in the community

Adrenaline auto-injector is effective and shortens the delay for treatment for anaphylaxis although there is no evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Comment: The quality of evidence is upgraded by very large magnitude of effect.

Comment: Use adrenaline auto-injector as first line treatment for anaphylaxis in the community.

Summary

There are no randomized controlled trials of adrenaline auto-injectors in the treatment of anaphylaxis. While adrenaline is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis, trials are unlikely to be performed because of ethical concerns associated with randomization to placebo. Several observational studies and case series show a better prognosis for patients who receive adrenaline early compared to those who receive delayed adrenaline.

Date of latest search: 20. January 2012

Ədəbiyyat

1. Sheikh A, Simons FE, Barbour V et al. Adrenaline auto-injectors for the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without cardiovascular collapse in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;8:CD008935.