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Alternative Epinephrine Delivery Method During Anaphylaxis for Pediatric Patients

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Project Overview

Anaphylaxis is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to a benign antigen. These reactions can be very severe and need to be treated immediately. Although the occurrence of anaphylaxis is increasing for all ages, children of ages 5-9 are most commonly affected. Therefore, this project will focus on treatment of pediatric patients.

Current treatment methods for anaphylaxis include intramuscular epinephrine injection into the upper thigh of a patient. This which increases blood pressure and flow by increasing peripheral vascular resistance. This method involves the use of an EpiPen, a self-injectable applicator. Although the EpiPen is well known and commonly used, there are many factors that contribute to the need for an alternative administration method. Some of which include: high cost, high usage of expired EpiPens, failure to educate parents and subjects on how to properly use the device, fear of needles, and a very limited variety of doses.

The scope of this project includes developing a dissolving tablet to administer to children while they are experiencing anaphylactic shock. Benefits of this treatment method include easy administration, minimal required training, a longer shelf-life, direct administration into the bloodstream, and the opportunity to create a larger variety of doses to increase the efficiency of the drug.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Marisa Vattendahl Vidal, Sophia Nehs, Katarina Martinet, Gwendolyn Johnson
Team members from left to right: Marisa Vattendahl Vidal, Sophia Nehs, Katarina Martinet, Gwendolyn Johnson

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Marisa Vattendahl Vidal - Team Leader
  • Katarina Martinet - Communicator & BPAG
  • Sophia Nehs - BSAC
  • Gwendolyn Johnson - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Megan McClean - Advisor
  • Dr. Lenard Markman - Client

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