Italian Expert Consensus on Clinical and Therapeutic Management of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Medicine
• Clinical Toxicology
• Syndromic Disorders

Background:

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem disorder triggered by exposures below general population thresholds.
• MCS presents with diverse symptoms affecting cutaneous, gastrointestinal, neurological, and other systems.
• Existing knowledge and management of MCS often lack standardization and are subject to misconceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current clinical and therapeutic evidence for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
• To establish the first Italian consensus on MCS management through an eDelphi approach.
• To standardize clinical and therapeutic approaches and address evidence-based misconceptions regarding MCS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review to gather existing evidence on MCS.
• An eDelphi consensus process involving 10 experts and an MCS patient.
• Discussion and standardization across four key domains: diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care.

Main Results:

• Identification of four critical research domains for MCS management.
• Consensus reached on standardizing clinical and therapeutic strategies for MCS patients.
• Clarification of MCS misconceptions, differentiating them from evidence-based medicine (EBM).

Conclusions:

• The Italian MCS consensus provides a standardized framework for healthcare professionals and patients.
• Improved understanding and management of MCS are expected through evidence-based guidelines.
• The consensus aims to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty and combat misinformation surrounding MCS.