INTRODUCTION
The World Allergy Organization (WAO) Guidelines
for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis
(subsequently referred to as the Guidelines) were
published on 3 March 2011 [1&&] in response to
the need for global guidelines on anaphylaxis diagnosis
and treatment. Unique aspects of the Guidelines
are summarized below.
The Guidelines were developed without corporate
funding in response to absence of global
guidelines for anaphylaxis, absence of national
guidelines in most countries, and for use as an
additional resource in countries with their own
national guidelines. They were based on the best
evidence available from publications in indexed,
peer-reviewed journals to the end of 2010. They
highlighted the role of the allergy/immunology
specialist, particularly in prevention of anaphylactic
episodes; however, they have been widely used by a
broader group of healthcare professionals [1&&].
The Guidelines were preceded by documentation
of global availability of essentials for assessment
and management of anaphylaxis. They
provide a global perspective on anaphylaxis
with regard to vulnerable patients, risk factors
for severe or fatal anaphylaxis, and co-factors
that amplify anaphylaxis symptoms, as well as
perspective on mechanisms and triggers. They
emphasize prompt clinical diagnosis, basic initial
treatment, and prevention of anaphylaxis recurrences.
They are written in a concise format
(22 pages) with recommendations supported by
citation of 150 references, most of which were
published from 2006 to 2010. They include color
illustrations that highlight the key concepts in the
text. They propose a global agenda for anaphylaxis
research (Table 1).