Knowledge and management of chronic spontaneous urticaria in Latin America: a cross-sectional study in Ecuador

• Published in: The World Allergy Organization journal 2017, Vol.10 (1), p.21-21, Article 21
• Main Authors: Cherrez, A, Maurer, M, Weller, K, Calderon, J C, Simancas-Racines, D, Cherrez Ojeda, I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergies; Care and treatment; Clinical medicine; Cross-sectional studies; Dermatitis; Diagnosis; Education; Medical diagnosis; Medical treatment; Monoclonal antibodies; Original Research; Physicians; Practice; Practice guidelines (Medicine); Quality of care; Skin diseases; Urticaria
• ISSN: 1939-4551; 1939-4551
• DOI: 10.1186/s40413-017-0150-7

The current EAACI/GA LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for urticaria provide specific recommendations for the diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CsU). This study explored if physicians in Ecuador know these recommendations and implement them in their actual clinical practice for CsU. We investigated physicians who treat CsU patients in a cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed, adjusted logistic regression was performed to assess the link of guideline knowledge and use of therapy. Seven hundred forty surveys were collected and analyzed. The mean age of physicians was 42.3 (±12.5) years. Most of the participants (65.1%) were general physicians (GP), 13.7% were pediatricians, 11.0% internists, 6.8% dermatologists or allergists (D/A). Only 18.8% knew the EAACI/GA LEN/EDF/WAO guideline. 44.5% of GPs searched for CsU etiology in contrast to 90% of D/A. Most common diagnostic test was total serum IgE (83.5%). Most common first line symptomatic treatment was oral corticoids (46.3%), followed by second generation antihistamines (sgAHs, 36.8%). A/D prescribed more sgAHs (regular doses) (74.1 vs 28.6% of GP) (