Abstract:
Background: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction of increasing global incidence. Regional epidemiological data on triggers and management are essential for improving outcomes. No previous study has investigated this condition in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province. This study aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations, causes, and management of anaphylaxis in emergency departments in Zahedan, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 78 patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis using standard criteria who presented to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences emergency departments in 2023. Data on demographics, triggers, clinical features, and treatment were collected via checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Patients' mean age was 26.6±17.6 years, with 52.6% female. Most reactions occurred at home (62.8%). Medications and insect stings were the most common triggers (32.9% each), followed by food (27.3%). Cutaneous (83.3%) and respiratory (78.2%) symptoms predominated. Intravenous fluids (88.5%), antihistamines (85.9%), and steroids (76.9%) were most frequently administered. Epinephrine was used in 65.4% of cases, with recipients being significantly younger than non-recipients (24.6±16.6 vs 31.2±19.1 years, p=0.048). Most patients (42.3%) recovered completely in the emergency department with no fatalities.
Conclusion: Insect stings and medications are the predominant anaphylaxis triggers in this region. The high prevalence of cutaneous and respiratory symptoms requires heightened clinical suspicion. Suboptimal epinephrine use indicates a critical management gap, necessitating improved guideline adherence and enhanced education for healthcare professionals and the public.