Anaphylaxis Research - Ayel L. R. Batac
ANAPHYLAXIS
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Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction that requires rapid recognition and immediate treatment with intramuscular epinephrine. Despite the availability of clinical guidelines and growing global awareness, the treatment of anaphylaxis remains inconsistent, particularly in low-resource settings. Barriers—including limited access to epinephrine, diagnostic delays, and inadequate emergency response systems—continue to drive preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide.
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Understanding Global Variation in Anaphylaxis Treatment
There is growing recognition of global variation in how anaphylaxis is treated across different healthcare systems. While epinephrine is the recommended first-line treatment, evidence shows it remains under-utilised worldwide, with antihistamines and glucocorticoids often used instead in emergency and acute care settings. This variation may be influenced by differences in clinical training, national guidelines, healthcare infrastructure, or cultural practices.
Our current research is synthesising global evidence on:
- International differences in anaphylaxis treatment and outcomes
- Access to epinephrine, including auto-injectors (EAIs) and ampoules
- Alignment with clinical guidelines across healthcare systems
- Barriers to timely care, including regulatory, cost, and training constraints
This research aims to characterise diverse treatment practices across global contexts. The findings are intended to inform policy recommendations that support more consistent, evidence-based emergency care for anaphylaxis worldwide.
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Anaphylaxis Treatment in China
In this work, I examined the introduction and integration of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) in mainland China, highlighting several persistent challenges in a context where access had historically been limited:
- Outlined the evolving landscape of anaphylaxis management in China
- Highlighted systemic barriers to EAI access and implementation
- Identified gaps in clinical training and public awareness
- Explored how global best practices may inform national protocols
- Contributed to broader discussions on health equity and emergency preparedness
This work underscores the need for sustained policy attention, enhanced clinical training, and system-level adaptation to expand access to life-saving anaphylaxis treatment and strengthen emergency preparedness.
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Contribution to Public Health
Anaphylaxis is both a clinical emergency and a public health concern. Our research addresses critical gaps in how anaphylaxis is recognised, treated, and prevented across diverse health systems. By examining variations in treatment practices and barriers to epinephrine access, this work informs strategies to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality on a population level.
Key public health contributions include:
- Generating evidence to support policy and regulatory reform on epinephrine access
- Informing training and education strategies for clinicians, emergency responders, and the public
- Identifying opportunities to standardise emergency care protocols in alignment with global best practices
- Contributing to health equity initiatives by addressing disparities in access to life-saving treatment
- Supporting international collaboration on anaphylaxis research and response planning
This work aims to bridge clinical insight with system-level action, reinforcing the importance of coordinated, evidence-based approaches to allergy emergencies in public health planning and preparedness.
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Featured Publication
From Ampoules to Auto-Injectors: Advancing Anaphylaxis Management in China
This publication examines the evolving landscape of anaphylaxis treatment in mainland China, with particular attention to the introduction of adrenaline auto-injectors. It highlights persistent challenges, such as regulatory barriers, cost constraints, and limited provider awareness, and offers policy recommendations to support the integration of standardised, life-saving interventions into national emergency response systems.
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Stay tuned — publications and data visualisations related to this work will be made available here soon.
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This research is conducted under my leadership in collaboration with physician and allied health partners in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based, patient-centred approaches to the prevention, recognition, and management of anaphylaxis.