Anaphylactic shock in children

Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction with cardiovascu lar collapse. The cardiovascular collapse may occur suddenly without warnin g signs or may be preceded by symptoms such as pruritus, wheezing, dyspnea, urticaria, pallor, digestive symptoms, and weakness. Food allergens, injec ted drugs and hymenoptera stings are the main etiologies. Anaphylactic shoc k requires an emergency treatment with immediate intramuscular or subcutane ous epinephrine injection. Subsequent avoidance of the inciting allergens i s mandatory together with the availability of a first aid kit including rea dy-to-use epinephrine syringes. Besides its absolute necessity in any docto r's office, such first aid kits should be available in any children's group . (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.