Norma de Paula M. Rubini

O conhecimento de pediatras sobre alergia alimentar: estudo piloto

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian pediatricians about food allergy. Methods: Data was obtained from a sent back posted written questionnaire. It was fi lled in by Brazilian pediatricians, affi liated to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Data was transcript to an Excel spread sheet and the frequency of affi rmative responses was reported as percentages. Results: Data from 895 written questionnaire of pediatricians from all over Brazil, (mainly from the southeastern region - 61.6%), were analyzed. The main clinical expressions of food allergy determined by the pediatricians were: respiratory, cutaneous and systemic symptoms (equal proportions). According to these pediatricians, cow’s milk (98.9%), egg white (58.7%) and peanuts (50.9%) were the main allergens related to food allergy symptoms. Although 74.8% of the responders have indicated food dyes and food additives as associated to food allergies, only 19.4% of them knew the identifi cation code of tartrarzine. Conclusions: The presented data reinforce the need to improve the pediatricians’ knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy, in order to assure the use of appropriate diagnostic and treatment criteria.

Validation study of a scale of life quality evaluation in a group of pediatric patients infected by HIV

With the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy and the increase in life expectancy of pediatric patients infected with HIV, the quest for the promotion of enhanced quality of life should currently be the main focus in care of children with HIV/Aids. The scope of this study was to validate the Scale of Childrens Quality of Life in a group of children infected with HIV receiving clinical care in Aids Service Units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This scale consists of 26 questions and was tested on 100 children, with ages varying between 4 and 12, and their respective parents or guardians. Statistical analysis was conducted using canonical correlation and confidence interval analysis and the X² test. The results showed that the cut-off point obtained was 49; the internal consistency with Cronbachs alpha was 0.73 for the children and 0.67 for parents or guardians. The response profile revealed marked satisfaction with aspects such as vacations and birthdays, though less satisfaction with items including hospitalization and playing alone. The conclusion was that the scale revealed satisfactory psychometric measurements, proving to be a reliable, consistent, valid and recommended instrument for measuring the quality of life of children infected with HIV.

Epidemiological survey on the practice of allergen immunotherapy in Brazil

Background Allergen immunotherapy (IT) is widely used to treat patients with allergic diseases, proven effective and recommended by national and international guidelines. Its efficacy and safety depend on the correct indication, use of relevant allergens and good quality extracts, as well as prescription and supervision by a trained professional. Our aims were to evaluate the frequency of use of IT in Brazil and to investigate whether this practice meets recommendations of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI) and Brazilian Medical Association.