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Physicians prescribe adrenaline autoinjectors, do parents use them when needed?

Authors :
Esenboga S
Ocak M
Cetinkaya PG
Sahiner UM
Soyer O
Buyuktiryaki B
Sekerel BE
Source :
Allergologia et immunopathologia [Allergol Immunopathol (Madr)] 2020 Jan - Feb; Vol. 48 (1), pp. 3-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Oct 11.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Background: Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, affecting a portion of allergic patients. Adrenaline is the first-line medication for anaphylaxis and available in many parts of the world as adrenaline autoinjectors (AAIs).<br />Objective: Aim of this study was to determine attitudes and knowledge levels of patients/parents regarding the use of AAIs, frequency, and rate of appropriate AAI use and to give a standardized and better education by improving on mistakes during administration.<br />Method: 190 patients aged 1-18 years who were prescribed AAIs for any reason between 2012 and 2017 in Hacettepe University Pediatric Allergy Unit. Demographic data were collected during face-to-face interview or by telephone. Parents completed a mini-survey regarding use, carriage, and storage of AAI.<br />Results: Some 190 patients (64.7% male) aged 7.83 (4.99-12.08) years, median (inter-quartile), were included in the study. The indications for AAI prescription were food allergy (78.9%); venom allergy (14.2%); idiopathic anaphylaxis (3.7%); mastocytosis (2.1%); and drug allergy (1.0%). One-fourth of AAI-prescribed patients experienced anaphylaxis requiring the use of AAI within the past five years. However, only 30% of the patients dared to use AAI; only three-quarters of whom had managed to use it correctly.<br />Conclusion: After prescription of AAI and initial training, patients and parents' concerns and fears should be taken into consideration and necessary support should be provided. At every opportunity and each clinical visit, not only should training sessions be repeated but also the patients and parents should be psychologically supported.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1578-1267
Volume :
48
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Allergologia et immunopathologia
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31611040
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2019.07.009