Adherence to imported fire ant subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol
; 110(3): 165-7, 2013 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23548525
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Imported fire ant (IFA) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is safe and effective. For optimal protection, SCIT is given monthly for 3 to 5 years. Successful outcomes require patient adherence.OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate SCIT adherence in IFA allergic patients in an endemic area.METHODS:
Patients with systemic reactions to an IFA sting, with detectable specific IgE, who received a recommendation to start IFA SCIT were included. Initial reaction severity and demographic data were collected. Patients were contacted at 1 year regarding interval reactions to stings, SCIT adherence, and reason for nonadherence. Adherence rates were analyzed for association with age, sex, and severity of initial reaction.RESULTS:
Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and 71% adhered to the recommendation to start IFA SCIT. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. At 1 year, 97% completed follow-up for analysis, and only 35% remained adherent. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. Inconvenience and fear were reported as reasons for not following the recommendation to start or continue with IFA SCIT.CONCLUSION:
IFA SCIT is a life-saving therapy that is safe and effective. Despite this, only 71% followed the recommendation to start, and at 1 year only 35% remained adherent. Adherence was not statistically related to age, sex, or severity of initial reaction. Logistical constraints and fear were significant impediments.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
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Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Animals
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Child
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article