Type 2 inflammation: a Portuguese consensus using Web-Delphi and decision conferencing (INFLAT2-PT)

Atopic/allergic diseases impose a growing burden on public health, affecting millions of patients worldwide. The main objective of this study was to develop a national expert consensus on relevant clinical questions related to type 2 inflammation.

We conducted: a comprehensive literature review with a qualitative analysis to identify the most repeated themes on the overlap of conditions; a modified 3-round Web-Delphi (or e-Delphi); and a final online decision conference.

We included 51 studies. Following three Web-Delphi rounds, we ended up with 30 statements with a 76% overall full agreement rate, 16% agreement, 2% disagreement, and 0% full disagreement. The decision conference enabled adjustments, and the expert panel agreed unanimously on the final set of statements. The consensus used evidence synthesis, Web-Delphi, and decision conference to produce 30 statements on type 2 inflammation as a driver for multimorbidity in asthma, certain rhinitis phenotypes, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis grouped under five domains in underlying pathophysiology, multimorbidity, diagnosis and management, multidisciplinary management, and impact on mental health.

We expect the first Portuguese expert consensus INFLAT2-PT to promote understanding of type 2 inflammation diseases, multidisciplinary care, integrated care pathways, future research, and inform health authorities.