Aminophylline, a
bronchodilator and diuretic can also increase intracellular cAMP levels, as well
as potentiating catecholamines and stimulating their release; these effects make
it a useful tool in dealing with persistent bronchospasm. (Physician Assistant,
8/94) Even though steroids (glucocorticosteroids) have some potentially
beneficial effects for the relief of bronchospasm and hypotension, they are not
recommended for the treatment of acute anaphylactic symptoms due to the fact
that it takes four to six hours for them to be effective. (JAMA, 11/26/82) But,
steroids such as methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone, are useful in shortening
the duration of, and reducing the severity of prolonged anaphylactic reactions,
as well as preventing the recurrence of delayed symptoms. (Physician Assistant,
8/94) The above agents are all widely used to treat anaphylaxis. But there are
studies and experiments underway that are looking at alternative, or additional
treatments. Naloxone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) are both being
looked at in the possible treatment of anaphylaxis as well as traumatic shock.
Naloxone improves cardiovascular function in a variety of animal models of shock
caused by…and anaphylaxis.
Administration of TRH …also has pressor effects in
these shock models. (Annals of Emergency Medicine, 8/85) TRH has been shown to
increase mean arterial pressure during anaphylactic shock. (Annals of Emergency
Medicine, 5/89) In animal studies of anaphylaxis the use of TRH, epinephrine,
and normal saline were compared. TRH treated rabbits responded slightly better
than those treated with epinephrine (the study focused on cardiovascular and
respiratory parameters.) (Annals of Emergency Medicine, 5/89) I started this
project with the aim of identifying alternative treatments for anaphylaxis. I
had mistakenly assumed that there are a host of viable and effective treatment
regiments for anaphylactic shock. What I discovered was that as of today, the
only universally accepted therapy for acute anaphylaxis is… epinephrine. Due to
it’s alpha and beta adrinergic effects epinephrine is miraculously suited for
anaphylaxis. It almost seems to be a natural antidote, a wonder drug with
singular abilities in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
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