WA researchers identify possible anaphylaxis mediators

A study conducted by the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research has found the concentration of a number of molecules involved in the body's immune response were boosted in patients with anaphylaxis.

In the first study of its kind in the world, blood samples were taken from 76 patients in eight emergency departments in Western Australia and New South Wales while they were actually experiencing severe allergic reactions. The researchers measured the concentrations of potential mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, mast cell tryptase and histamine, over three time-points throughout the treatment. Results were correlated with a global severity scale, hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypoxia.

The findings show a number of cytokines are elevated in blood during anaphylaxis and some correlate with the presence of hypotension, a serious and life-threatening complication of anaphylaxis.

The published results are part of a larger study which the researchers hope will grow the understanding of the causes of anaphylaxis, help predict who is at greatest risk, and ultimately perhaps prevent reactions from occurring.

Across Australia, hospital admissions due to anaphylaxis from all causes have been increasing by nearly nine per cent a year from 1993 to 2005.

Reference: Stone et al. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology – 22 September 2009 (10.1016/j.jaci.2009.07.055)