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Postgrad Med J 2002;78:416-418 doi:10.1136/pmj.78.921.416
  • Original article

Proposed use of adrenaline (epinephrine) in anaphylaxis and related conditions: a study of senior house officers starting accident and emergency posts

  1. L L Gompels1,
  2. C Bethune2,
  3. S L Johnston3,
  4. M M Gompels3
  1. 1Department of Medicine, North Avon NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
  2. 2Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
  3. 3Department of Immunology, North Avon NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Mark Gompels, Department of Immunology, Southmead Hospital, North Avon NHS Trust, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
 gompels-m{at}southmead.swest.nhs.uk
  • Received 17 December 2001
  • Accepted 4 March 2002

Abstract

Senior house officers (SHOs) (n=78) at the start of their accident and emergency (A&E) post were given an anonymous five case history questionnaire, containing one case of true anaphylaxis, and asked to complete the medication they would prescribe. In the case of anaphylaxis, 100% would administer adrenaline (epinephrine) but 55% would do so by the incorrect route. In the remaining cases, 10%–56% would be prepared to administer adrenaline inappropriately. Only 5% were able to indicate the correct route and dose of adrenaline according to Resuscitation Council guidelines (UK). This has implications for training as the survey took place before the start of the A&E posting. Anaphylaxis is over-diagnosed and poorly treated despite Resuscitation Council guidelines.

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