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Evaluation of pediatricians' awareness about anaphylaxis
1Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul, University of Health Science, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. nevinbinnurkurt@gmail.com.
Insights
Pediatrician knowledge of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) in Turkey is improving, with high recognition of clinical symptoms and appropriate epinephrine use. However, further training is needed, especially for atypical presentations and in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Anaphylaxis is a critical, rapid-onset hypersensitivity reaction requiring prompt treatment.
- Assessing pediatrician knowledge is vital for effective anaphylaxis management.
- Understanding global trends in anaphylaxis awareness is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Turkish pediatricians' knowledge of anaphylaxis recognition and treatment.
- To compare anaphylaxis awareness studies in Turkey chronologically.
- To analyze global trends in anaphylaxis awareness in developed and developing nations.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessing anaphylaxis knowledge was distributed online to pediatric residents and specialists across Turkey.
- Data from 524 participants were analyzed using statistical tests.
- The study included a comparative analysis of previous Turkish studies and global trends.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of pediatricians correctly identified anaphylaxis clinical features and the primary role of epinephrine.
- Knowledge of correct epinephrine dosage, route, and site of administration was high (82.8%-89.7%).
- Experience (less than 10 years) and public hospital affiliation correlated with better knowledge of atypical anaphylaxis symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Anaphylaxis awareness and knowledge among Turkish pediatricians show an increasing trend.
- Gaps persist in recognizing atypical symptoms and managing anaphylaxis, particularly in rural areas of developing countries.
- Continuous medical education is essential to enhance anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment expertise.
Objective:
Anaphylaxis is a severe hypersensitivity reaction with a rapid onset and is potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of pediatricians in Turkey in recognizing and treating the clinical symptoms of anaphylaxis, compare the previous studies conducted in Turkey chronologically, and show the current trends on awareness of anaphylaxis in developed and developing countries in the world.
Subjects And Methods:
Pediatric residents and specialists from all over Turkey were included in the study. A questionnaire was prepared by compiling the current literature. Questions were sent to pediatricians via online applications. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data.
Results:
A total of 524 pediatricians participated in the study. All participants accepted that anaphylaxis was a life-threatening condition. Almost all suggested epinephrine as the primary drug used in anaphylaxis. The proportion of pediatricians who knew the appropriate dose, route of administration, and place of administration of epinephrine was 82.8%, 88.9%, and 89.7%, respectively. The rate of pediatricians who recognized the clinical features of anaphylaxis was over 90%. The proportion of pediatricians who knew the epinephrine auto-injector and dose was 74.4% and 53.1%, respectively. Pediatricians with less than 10 years of experience and those working in public hospitals had better knowledge about atypical symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Conclusions:
Although there are still inadequacies in identifying atypical symptoms and treating anaphylaxis, our study revealed that the level of awareness of anaphylaxis had shown an increasing trend in Turkey over time. On the other hand, the knowledge on diagnosing and treating anaphylaxis still needs to be improved, especially for physicians working in rural areas of developing countries.
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