Towards a European registry of severe allergic reactions: current status of national registries and future needs

Abstract

Allergies are among the most common diseases and food allergy as a common cause of severe allergic reactions is estimated to affect between 2% and 4% of the population of industrialized countries, with a prevalence of up to 8% in children. The burden on those directly affected, as well as on their families, is being increasingly recognized (1). Ongoing research is likely to provide accurate and reliable information on the size of the population at risk, as well as the importance of different allergenic foods. Research is also generating information about the distribution of minimum eliciting doses within the allergic population for the more common allergenic foods.The present lack of data impairs estimation of the public health impact of allergic reactions in general and in particular reactions to foods. The effectiveness of allergen control measures and educational efforts for prevention are difficult to evaluate and prioritise. Absence of such information also affects the clinical management of allergic reactions, as experience with regard to treatment, circumstances and etiological agents is not collected systematically and effectively. The present article examines the systems that have been put in place in several European countries for recording severe allergic reactions. It then considers the type of information that such registries should hold to meet the needs of different stakeholders (clinical, public health, regulatory, industrial) and outlines a proposal for a pan-European registry of severe allergic reactions. Severe allergic reactions -a public health problem in EuropeAnaphylaxis is the most severe manifestation of an allergic reaction (2). It may occur following exposure to allergens from a variety of sources including foods, insect venom, drugs and others. An international symposium acknowledged AbstractThe incidence of severe allergic reactions is largely unknown and information about triggering allergens, aggravating factors, demography of patients and medical care is lacking. A European wide registry could provide a powerful tool to improve the management of severe allergic reactions from both a medical and a public health perspective. Analysis of existing registries regarding the type and quality of data being collected was used to develop a plan for a pan-European registry, including the type of system to be used and the range of data to be entered. Surveillance will provide evidence for the efficacy of risk management measures and may identify the emergence of new allergenic foods, and aid monitoring of novel foods, ingredients and technologies. Patients need a clear indication of factors that may increase their risk of having an adverse reaction, which such a registry can help compile. Based on the collected data, food businesses will be able to develop educational programmes for allergen risk assessment and allergen risk communication. Finally, and most importantly preventive measures can be developed and government agencies receive population based data which may be relevant for legisla...

Anaphylaxis in Latin America: a Report of the Online Latin American Survey on Anaphylaxis (OLASA)

“…7,11,[15][16][17][18] Recently, Worm et al proposed a pan-European registry of severe allergic reactions to obtain information about triggering allergens, aggravating factors, patient demographics and medical care. 19 It was proposed that the data of all registries in Europe be collected to allow physicians to promote knowledge on anaphylaxis. 19 Data on anaphylaxis in the Latin American region are scant.…”

“…19 It was proposed that the data of all registries in Europe be collected to allow physicians to promote knowledge on anaphylaxis. 19 Data on anaphylaxis in the Latin American region are scant. The objectives of the Online Latin American Survey of Anaphylaxis (OLASA) were to evaluate the main clinical manifestations, triggers, and treatment of patients with severe allergic reactions who were seen by allergists.…”

Anafilaksijos Dažnis, Rizikos Veiksniai Ir Diagnostika

“…Naudingi ir laboratoriniai tyrimai, pvz., triptazės kiekis ir/ar histamino kiekis kraujyje [8]. Anafilaksija turėtų būti diagnozuojama remiantis Pasaulio alergijos organizacijos (PAO, angl.…”

“…Anafilaksija XXI a. yra dažnesnė, palyginti su praėjusio amžiaus paskutiniu dešimtmečiu [7]. Švedijoje, Norvegijoje, Prancūzijoje, Vokietijoje, Austrijoje, Šveicarijoje ir Italijoje veikia nacionaliniai alerginių reakcijų registrai [8]. Tačiau daugelyje kitų šalių anafilaksija nėra registruojama, todėl tikslūs duomenys nėra žinomi.…”

Gauging Food Allergy Knowledge among Hospitality Students

“…Moreover, factors of lack awareness and knowledge among restaurant manager on food allergy customers were found to be a major challenge in providing allergen-free food while dining out (Abott et.al, 2007). Lack of formal training towards food allergen program is another factor that contributed to the failure in managing the allergies cases from happening in the restaurant (Worm et al, 2010). In particular, there is a study was conducted by telephone survey among owner, managers, waiter and chefs in different types of restaurants such as African, American, Asian, English, European and Italian in Brighton, United Kingdom (Bailey, Albardiaz, Frew, & Smith, 2011).…”