Table 1 Classification of severity of acute hypersensitivity reactions
Grade of reaction | Presence of symptoms Mertes et al | Presence of symptoms Cook et al |
|---|---|---|
1 | Presence of cutaneous signs | Rash, erythema, swelling (any of) |
2 | Presence of measurable but not life-threatening hypotension (defined as a decrease of more than 30% in blood pressure associated with unexplained tachycardia), difficulty of mechanical ventilation | Unexpected hypotension not severe (e.g. not requiring treatment), bronchospasm not severe (e.g. not requiring treatment), or both +/− Grade 1 features |
3 | Presence of life-threatening reactions, including profound hypotension (defined as a decrease of more than 50% of baseline), severe bronchospasm | Unexpected severe hypotension, and or severe bronchospasm, and or swelling with actual or potential airway compromise +/− Grade 1 features |
4 | Circulatory inefficacy (PEA arrest or arrhythmia), severe bronchospasm, inability to ventilate | Fulfilling indications for cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
5 | Grade 5 category not present in Mertes et al. classification. | Fatal |