Evaluation of diagnostic and management concepts of anaphylaxis in non-allergist physicians in Colombia

Abstract

Background: Several reports show deficiencies in the knowledge of physicians about the diagnostic criteria and the treatment of anaphylaxis, a condition that can have fatal consequences. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of physicians in Colombia on the fundamental aspects of anaphylaxis in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, carried out through a survey of 11 questions that evaluate clinical aspects of anaphylaxis, addressed to general practitioners and specialists in different health areas resident in Colombia. The analysis of the results was based on the correct answers. For approval, a score higher than 70% was needed. Results: A total of 447 non-allergic doctors analyzed were included, of which only 110 (24.6%) approved the questionnaire in both the questions aimed at the diagnosis and in the treatment of anaphylaxis. Among the factors that were associated with the failure of the survey were the age of the doctor (p <0.01) and work at the first level of care (p <0.01). Conclusions: Like previous studies, knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis is scarce among Colombian physicians. The factors associated with said result are potentially modifiable.

Keywords

• alergia
• inmunología
• anafilaxia
• urticaria
• angioedema