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How commonly does anaphylaxis occur? To answer this question, Mayo Clinic researchers conducted a population-based study, using the resources of the Rochester (Minnesota) Epidemiology Project. To be classified as anaphylaxis, cases were required to have evidence of mucocutaneous involvement (e.g., flushing, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema) plus respiratory, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal involvement.
A total of 211 cases were identified from 1990 through 2000, which yielded an adjusted incidence rate of 50 cases per 100,000 person-years. Mean patient age was 29, and peak incidence was found among children. The most common inciting agents were foods (33%), insect stings (19%), and medications (14%); causes were unknown in 25% of cases. N…