The RCPCH care pathway for children at risk of anaphylaxis: an evidence and consensus based national approach to caring for children with life-threatening allergies
Research article published in Archives of disease in childhood (2011)
Abstract
AIMS: Numerous studies have identified shortcomings in the management of children at risk of severe acute allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The Science and Research Department at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop competence based national care pathways for children with allergies. Anaphylaxis is the first completed pathway. METHODS: The anaphylaxis pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group, reviewed by a broad group of stakeholders and approved by the Allergy Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. RESULTS: Pathway development is described under five headings: evidence review, mapping, external review, core knowledge documents and key recommendations. The full pathway can be downloaded from www.rcpch.ac.uk/allergy/anaphylaxis. This document describes the entry points and the ideal pathway of care from self-care through to follow-up. The five key recommendations focus on: (1) prompt administration of adrenaline by intramuscular injection; (2) referral to specialists with competence in paediatric allergies; (3) risk analysis; (4) provision of a self-management plan; and (5) suggested creation of a national anaphylaxis death register. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first national care pathway for anaphylaxis, which is based on a critique of published evidence, expert consensus and multi-stakeholder input including patient representation via the Anaphylaxis Campaign. The Project Board urges health professionals to work together across networks to improve care for children at risk of anaphylaxis, in particular during the period after an acute reaction. Additionally, the Project Board strongly recommends the funding of a national anaphylaxis register.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Numerous studies have identified shortcomings in the management of children at risk of severe acute allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This consensus statement outlines the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's national care pathway for managing children at risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis, emphasizing prompt intramuscular adrenaline, specialist referral, risk analysis, self-management plans, and a proposed national anaphylaxis death register. The pathway is based on published evidence, expert consensus, and multi-stakeholder input including patient representation. It provides a structured framework for pediatric allergy management. However, the article does not mention hirudotherapy, leeches, or salivary secretions at any point, and makes no claims about allergic reactions in the context of leech therapy. Its relevance to the ASH domain is therefore nonexistent or strictly limited to general pediatric allergy care.
Citación
The RCPCH care pathway for children at risk of anaphylaxis: an evidence and consensus based national approach to caring for children with life-threatening allergies
Clark A et al. · Archives of disease in childhood, 2011
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026