This case involves a middle aged female who suffered from asthma. On the date of the incident in question, she presented for a prick test at an allergists office to determine possible triggers for her asthma. During the test, the patient developed a severe reaction. The patient went into full anaphylactic shock, during which her breathing tubes swelled dramatically and deprived her of air for an extended period of time. As a result of this oxygen deprivation, the patient suffered permanent brain damage and is now permanently disabled. It was alleged that the doctor administering the prick test failed to take proper precautions to prevent this outcome, and that the patient experienced a delay in receiving appropriate care.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients like the one described above, for testing?
2. What safety measures must be taken to avoid an outcome like what has transpired in the matter described above?
3. Have you ever had a patient develop this outcome?
Expert Witness Response E-011960
Allergy prick skin testing is a proven, safe, effective method for allergy assessment. The risk of anaphylaxis or systemic reactions to testing is less than 1:1000 patients tested. I routinely test adults with asthma with skin tests. The physician supervising the testing should be able to recognize the symptoms of systemic reactions and treat appropriately. Appropriate equipment is specified in the The Diagnosis and Management of Anaphylaxis Practice Parameter. Neither I nor my group of allergists and immunologists have had this experience but we have treated patients for systemic reactions and anaphylaxis. I have also published the textbook on Allergen and Allergen Immunotherapy and World Allergy Organization Guidelines in 2012.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
