Abstract

Aim: In case of systemic anaphylactic reactions after Hymenoptera stings, patients should be provided with an adrenaline autoinjector (AAI). We aimed to evaluate the education and handling competence of patients in a real-world setting. Materials and methods: Patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy presenting for the first time in our clinic with a previously prescribed emergency kit including an AAI were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and were asked to demonstrate the AAI use with a dummy. Results: 82 patients (62.2% female, mean age 52.0 ± 17.3 years) with allergy to wasp venom (85.3%), bee venom (9.8%), or hornet venom (4.9%) were included. 37.8% reported to have received a practical training on the AAI upon prescription. 59.8% of all patients showed significant handling errors which would have led to misinjections in 30.6%. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a considerable lack of education, significant handling errors of the emergency kit, and a high risk of misinjections of the AAI. As the emergency kit is potentially lifesaving, the awareness for a sufficient education and training needs to be risen.

Author Details

Authors

• Julia Zarnowski¹
• Louise Wilkens¹
• Regina Treudler¹,²

Departments

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, and
• ² Institute of Allergology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Address

Dr. med. Julia Zarnowski, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 69, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Email: [email protected]

Citation