Title
Allergy training and immunotherapy in Latin America: Results of a regional overview
Date Issued
01 January 2013
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Baena-Cagnani C.E.
Linnemann D.L.
Gómez M.
Díaz S.G.
Solé D.
Borges M.S.
Bousquet J.
Sisul J.C.
Canonica G.W.
Passalacqua G.
Publisher(s)
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Abstract
Background One main practice gap in allergology that has been detected in several regions of the world is the application of specific immunotherapy (SIT). The prescription and practice of SIT should characterize allergologic specialists, but there are regional discrepancies in such practice. A detailed knowledge of the regulatory and legislation aspects and drawbacks would help improve and harmonize SIT practice. Objective To describe in Latin America the level of allergy training and the characteristics of the use of SIT, including the medical and legal aspects. Methods Three sources were used: a 24-item questionnaire sent to 22 allergologic leaders in 11 Latin American countries, 2 face-to-face meetings, and information from health authorities involved in the approval of medical substances. Results In 56% of countries, the specialty of allergology is a third-level care specialty and/or a subspecialty. Two countries have a special training program for pediatric allergists. Passing a board examination is mandatory in 3 countries, and recertification every 2 to 5 years occurs without examination. Sublingual and subcutaneous SITs are available in all Latin American countries. No legislation restricts SIT prescription and it can be performed by nonspecialists in 7 of 11 countries. In 90% of countries, allergists use allergen extracts from the United States (subcutaneous immunotherapy) and Europe (sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapies), and 50% also manufacture extracts locally. Only 1 country has legal requirements for the quality of raw materials. Conclusion The present analysis helps to identify gaps in the field of allergologic training and SIT in Latin America, many of them amendable. © 2013 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Start page
415
End page
419.e1
Volume
111
Issue
5
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Epidemiología
Políticas de salud, Servicios de salud
Alergia
Salud pública, Salud ambiental
Medicina clínica
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84885958526
PubMed ID
Source
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
ISSN of the container
10811206
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus