Application of precision medicine to the treatment of anaphylaxis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recognize the presentation of anaphylaxis for prompt management and treatment and to provide tools for the diagnosis of the underlying cause(s) and set up a long-term treatment to prevent recurrence of anaphylaxis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent description of phenotypes provides new insight and understanding into the mechanisms and causes of anaphylaxis through a better understanding of endotypes and biomarkers for broad clinical use.

SUMMARY

Anaphylaxis is the most severe hypersensitivity reaction and can lead to death. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis and it is life-saving. Patients with first-line therapy-induced anaphylaxis are candidates for desensitization to increase their quality of life and life expectancy. Desensitization is a breakthrough novel treatment for patients with anaphylaxis in need of first-line therapy, including chemotherapy, mAbs, aspirin and others. Ultrarush with venom immunotherapy should be considered in patients who present with life-threatening anaphylaxis after Hymenoptera sting with evidence of IgE-mediated mechanisms. Food desensitization is currently being expanded to provide increased safety to adults and children with food-induced anaphylaxis.