Objective:

To characterize demographically and clinically the patients with anaphylaxis treated in a third level health institution in Medellin, Colombia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out, which includedpatients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis between 2009 and 2019. Information was retrieved from medical records through a collection instrument. Subsequently, a descriptive statistical analysis of proportions and measures of central tendency of the variables of interest was performed.

Results:

A total of 1820 records were reviewed and data from 253 patients were included. Among the reported comorbidities, drug allergy was the most prevalent (28%). The most frequent manifestations of anaphylaxis were cutaneous and respiratory. Most of the cases presented basal tryptase values ≤ 11.4 ng/mL (94.7%). Different etiological agents (food, drugs, insects and latex) were reported, and their frequency varied according to age. Adrenaline, steroids, and antihistamines were the treatments of choice in 39.9, 34.3, and 39.9% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions:

The characteristics of anaphylaxis in a medical center in Colombia coincide with those reported in Latin American. The treatment of anaphylaxis is not standardized, which makes it necessary to educate the health personnel and develop national guidelines.