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Browsing by Author "Fonseca, J"

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  • ARIA 2016: Care pathways implementing emerging technologies for predictive medicine in rhinitis and asthma across the life cycle
    Publication . Bousquet, J; Hellings, PW; Agache, I; Bedbrook, A; Bachert, C; Bergmann, KC; Bewick, M; Bindslev-Jensen, C; Bosnic-Anticevitch, S; Bucca, C; Caimmi, DP; Camargos, PAM; Canonica, G W; Casale, T; Chavannes, NH; Cruz, AA; De Carlo, G; Dahl, R; Demoly, P; Devillier, P; Fonseca, J; Fokkens, WJ; Guldemond, NA; Haahtela, T; Illario, M; Just, J; Keil, T; Klimek, L; Kuna, P; Larenas-Linnemann, D; Morais-Almeida, M; Mullol, J; Murray, R; Naclerio, R; O'Hehir, RE; Papadopoulos, NG; Pawankar, R; Potter, P; Ryan, D; Samolinski, B; Schunemann, HJ; Sheikh, A; Simons, FER; Stellato, C; Todo-Bom, A; Tomazic, PV; Valiulis, A; Valovirta, E; Ventura, MT; Wickman, M; Young, I; Yorgancioglu, A; Zuberbier, T; Aberer, W; Akdis, CA; Akdis, M; Annesi-Maesano, I; Ankri, J; Ansotegui, IJ; Anto, JM; Arnavielhe, S; Asarnoj, A; Arshad, H; Avolio, F; Baiardini, I; Barbara, C; Barbagallo, M; Bateman, D; Beghé, B; Bel, EH; Bennoor, KS; Benson, M; Białoszewski, AZ; Bieber, T; Bjermer, L; Blain, H; Blasi, F; Boner, L; Bonini, M; Bonini, S; Bosse, I; Bouchard, J; Boulet, LP; Bourret, R; Bousquet, PJ; Braido, F; Briggs, AH; Brightling, CE; Brozek, J; Buhl, R; Bunu, C; Burte, E; Bush, A; Caballero-Fonseca, F; Calderon, MA; Camuzat, T; Cardona, V; Carreiro-Martins, P; Carriazo, AM; Carlsen, K H; Carr, W; Cepeda Sarabia, AM; Cesari, M; Chatzi, L; Chiron, R; Chivato, T; Chkhartishvili, E; Chuchalin, AG; Chung, KF; Ciprandi, G; Correia de Sousa, J; Cox, L; Crooks, G; Custovic, A; Dahlen, SE; Darsow, U; Dedeu, T; Deleanu, D; Denburg, JA; De Vries, G; Didier, A; Dinh-Xuan, AT; Dokic, D; Douagui, H; Dray, G; Dubakiene, R; Durham, SR; Du Toit, G; Dykewicz, MS; Eklund, P; El-Gamal, Y; Ellers, E; Emuzyte, R; Farrell, J; Fink Wagner, A; Fiocchi, A; Fletcher, M; Forastiere, F; Gaga, M; Gamkrelidze, A; Gemicioğlu, B; Gereda, J E; van Wick, RG; González Diaz, S; Grisle, I; Grouse, L; Gutter, Z; Guzmán, MA; Hellquist-Dahl, B; Heinrich, J; Horak, F; Hourihane, JOB; Humbert, M; Hyland, M; Iaccarino, G; Jares, EJ; Jeandel, C; Johnston, SL; Joos, G; Jonquet, O; Jung, KS; Jutel, M; Kaidashev, I; Khaitov, M; Kalayci, O; Kalyoncu, A F; Kardas, P; Keith, PK; Kerkhof, M; Kerstjens, HAM; Khaltaev, N; Kogevinas, M; Kolek, V; Koppelman, GH; Kowalski, ML; Kuitunen, M; Kull, I; Kvedariene, V; Lambrecht, B; Lau, S; Laune, D; Le, LTT; Lieberman, P; Lipworth, B; Li, J; Lodrup Carlsen, KC; Louis, R; Lupinek, C; MacNee, W; Magar, Y; Magnan, A; Mahboub, B; Maier, D; Majer, I; Malva, J; Manning, P; De Manuel Keenoy, E; Marshall, GD; Masjedi, MR; Mathieu-Dupas, E; Maurer, M; Mavale-Manuel, S; Melén, E; Melo-Gomes, E; Meltzer, EO; Mercier, J; Merk, H; Miculinic, N; Mihaltan, F; Milenkovic, B; Millot-Keurinck, J; Mohammad, Y; Momas, I; Mösges, R; Muraro, A; Namazova-Baranova, L; Nadif, R; Neffen, H; Nekam, K; Nieto, A; Niggemann, B; Nogueira-Silva, L; Nogues, M; Nyembue, TD; Ohta, K; Okamoto, Y; Okubo, K; Olive-Elias, M; Ouedraogo, S; Paggiaro, P; Pali-Schöll, I; Palkonen, S; Panzner, P; Papi, A; Park, HS; Passalacqua, G; Pedersen, S; Pereira, AM; Pfaar, O; Picard, R; Pigearias, B; Pin, I; Plavec, D; Pohl, W; Popov, TA; Portejoie, F; Postma, D; Poulsen, LK; Price, D; Rabe, KF; Raciborski, F; Roberts, G; Robalo-Cordeiro, C; Rodenas, F; Rodriguez-Mañas, L; Rolland, C; Roman Rodriguez, M; Romano, A; Rosado-Pinto, J; Rosario, N; Rottem, M; Sanchez-Borges, M; Sastre-Dominguez, J; Scadding, GK; Scichilone, N; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P; Serrano, E; Shields, M; Siroux, V; Sisul, JC; Skrindo, I; Smit, HA; Solé, D; Sooronbaev, T; Spranger, O; Stelmach, R; Sterk, PJ; Strandberg, T; Sunyer, J; Thijs, C; Triggiani, M; Valenta, R; Valero, A; van Eerd, M; van Ganse, E; van Hague, M; Vandenplas, O; Varona, LL; Vellas, B; Vezzani, G; Vazankari, T; Viegi, G; Vontetsianos, T; Wagenmann, M; Walker, S; Wang, DY; Wahn, U; Werfel, T; Whalley, B; Williams, DM; Williams, S; Wilson, N; Wright, J; Yawn, BP; Yiallouros, PK; Yusuf, OM; Zaidi, A; Zar, HJ; Zernotti, ME; Zhang, L; Zhong, N; Zidarn, M
    The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative commenced during a World Health Organization workshop in 1999. The initial goals were (1) to propose a new allergic rhinitis classification, (2) to promote the concept of multi-morbidity in asthma and rhinitis and (3) to develop guidelines with all stakeholders that could be used globally for all countries and populations. ARIA-disseminated and implemented in over 70 countries globally-is now focusing on the implementation of emerging technologies for individualized and predictive medicine. MASK [MACVIA (Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un Vieillissement Actif)-ARIA Sentinel NetworK] uses mobile technology to develop care pathways for the management of rhinitis and asthma by a multi-disciplinary group and by patients themselves. An app (Android and iOS) is available in 20 countries and 15 languages. It uses a visual analogue scale to assess symptom control and work productivity as well as a clinical decision support system. It is associated with an inter-operable tablet for physicians and other health care professionals. The scaling up strategy uses the recommendations of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. The aim of the novel ARIA approach is to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers, whatever their age, sex or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequalities incurred by the disease.
    2016Journal article Open access Show more
  • ARIA 2019: An Integrated Care Pathway for Allergic Rhinitis in Portugal
    Publication . Fonseca, J; Taveira-Gomes, T; Pereira, AM; Branco-Ferreira, M; Carreiro-Martins, P; Alves-Correia, M; Correia de Sousa, J; Costa, E; Lourenço, O; Morais-Almeida, M; Morête, A; Regateiro, F; Todo Bom, A; Bachert, C; Pfaar, O; Wallace, D; Bedbrook, A; Czarlewski, W; Bousquet, J
    The Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative started more than 20 years ago and has developed and disseminated evidence-based guidelines and projects in the field of allergic rhinitis. This initiative is currently focused on providing patient-centred guidelines that contribute to an integrated care pathway between the various levels of care and take advantage of digital solutions, and the introduction of integrated care pathways in clinical practice has been recommended. In this article we describe the adaptation for Portugal of the ARIA Integrated Care Pathways document. After a brief review of the epidemiology and impact of allergic rhinitis in Portugal and the activities carried out in Portugal within the ARIA initiative, we describe the broad knowledge base used for the development of recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of allergic rhinitis, and these recommendations are based on the GRADE methodology, real world evidence acquired by mobile technology (mHealth) and resulting from allergenic exposure chamber studies. What follows is a summary of integrated care pathways for allergen immunotherapy produced in 2019. Allergen immunotherapy is considered an example of precision medicine where the use of mHealth technologies will improve stratification for patient selection and response monitoring. These recommendations were considered as best practices of integrated patient-centred care supported by digital systems from Directorate General for Health and Food Safety of the European Union (DG Santé) and represent the ARIA Phase 4 Change Management strategy.
    2021-02-01Journal article Open access Show more
  • Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Impact of Short-Bowel Syndrome/Chronic Intestinal Failure in Portugal (PARENTERAL Study)
    Publication . Silva, R; Guerra, P; Rocha, A; Correia, M; Ferreira, R; Fonseca, J; Lima, E; Oliveira, A; Vargas Gomes, M; Ramos, D; Andreozzi, V; Santos, MD
    Introduction: This study aimed to assess the clinical, economic, and humanistic impact of short-bowel syndrome/chronic intestinal failure (SBS/CIF) in Portugal. Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort chart review study, with a cross-sectional component for quality-of-life (QoL) evaluation. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with SBS/CIF, aged ≥1 year, with stable parenteral nutrition (PN). Data collection included patient chart review over a 12-month period and patient/caregiver self-report and SF-36/PedsQL™ questionnaires. Main endpoints comprised clinical and PN characterization, healthcare resource use (HRU), direct costs, and patient QoL. Results: Thirty-one patients were included (11 adults and 20 children). Patients' mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 57.9 (14.3) years in adults and 7.5 (5.0) years in children, with a mean time since diagnosis of 10.2 (5.9) and 6.6 (4.2) years, respectively. PN was administered for a mean of 5.2 and 6.6 days/week in adults and children, respectively; home PN occurred in 81.8% of adults and 90.0% of children for a mean of 9.6 and 10.8 months/year, respectively. The mean annual number of hospitalizations was 1.9 and 2.0 which lasted for a mean of 34.0 and 29.4 days in adults and children, respectively. Twenty-one and forty hospitalization episodes were reported in adults and children, respectively, of which 71.4% and 85.0% were due to catheter-related complications. Mean annual direct costs per patient amounted to 47,857.53 EUR in adults and 74,734.50 EUR in children, with PN and hospitalizations as the main cost-drivers. QoL assessment showed a clinically significant impaired physical component in adults and a notable deterioration in the school functioning domain in children. Conclusion: In Portugal, SBS/CIF patient management is characterized by a substantial therapeutic burden and HRU, translating into high direct costs and a substantial impairment of the adults' physical function and children's school functioning.
    2023Journal article Open access Show more
  • Desenvolvimento do questionário CARATkids
    Publication . Borrego, LM; Fonseca, J; Pereira, A; Reimão Pinto, V; Linhares, D; Morais-Almeida, M
    Introdução: A asma e a rinite alérgica (ARA) são doenças inflamatórias crónicas das vias aéreas que frequentemente coexistem. O questionário para avaliação do controlo da asma e da rinite alérgica (CARAT) encontra‑se validado para o adulto. O objectivo foi desenvolver o questionário CARATkids para crianças entre os 4 e os 12 anos de idade, com o diagnóstico médico de ARA. Este trabalho pretende descrever o processo do desenvolvimento do questionário. Métodos: O desenvolvimento do questionário foi estruturado em três fases: 1) revisão da literatura sobre questionários pediátricos existentes; 2) realização de reuniões de consenso que permitiu a criação de uma versão preliminar do CARATkids, com duas versões (crianças e pais), composto por 17 itens. Para as crianças, as perguntas foram acompanhadas por ilustrações para cada questão, com formato de resposta dicotómica (sim / não). Para os pais o questionário manteve o formato de CARAT17, com questões com 4 pontos de Likert e outras questões com opção de resposta com escala dicotómica; 3) realização de um estudo transversal através de entrevistas cognitivas efectuadas a 29 crianças e respectivos pais. Resultados: Foram incluídas 29 crianças (11 do sexo feminino) e respectivos pais. A mediana de idades (P25‑P75) foi de 8 (6‑10) anos. As crianças com 4 a 5 anos não sabiam ler o questionário; com 6‑8 eram capazes de ler / compreender as perguntas, embora referindo dificuldades para algumas expressões. As crianças com mais de 9 anos consideraram o questionário muito simples e claro. O grau de concordância entre as crianças e seus pais foi de 61%, tendo ambos considerado as ilustrações muito claras e esclarecedoras quanto aos conceitos subjacentes. Os pais concordaram que a versão destinada aos pais estava muito completa, considerando a versão da criança muito clara e adequada. Consideraram ainda a escala dicotómica como mais apropriada para crianças, em comparação com a escala de Likert do questionário aplicado aos pais. As expressões identificadas como de difícil entendimento foram alteradas. Conclusão: O questionário CARATkids é o primeiro que avalia o controlo da asma e da rinite na criança. Os testes cognitivos demonstraram a sua aplicabilidade dos 6 aos 12 anos de idade.
    2014Journal article Open access Show more
  • Enablers, Barriers and Strategies to Build Resilience Among Cancer Survivors: a Qualitative Study Protocol
    Publication . Fernandes, JB; Domingos, J; Almeida, AS; Castro, C; Simões, A; Fernandes, S; Vareta, D; Bernardes, C; Fonseca, J; Vaz, C; Dias, AR; Fernandes, T; Godinho, C
    Cancer is a life-threatening illness affecting all dimensions of a person's health. Cancer survivors must build resilience to face this adversity and continue their life projects. The present study explores the enablers, barriers, and strategies to build resilience among cancer survivors. This qualitative, descriptive exploratory study will use purposive sampling to recruit cancer survivors and healthcare professionals from two hospital centers in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. Interviews will be conducted until data saturation occurs. Data analysis will be performed using an inductive content analysis process with the help of the QDA Miner Lite database. The findings from this study will generate knowledge that may help stakeholders to identify effective strategies to build resilience among cancer survivors. By implementing strategies to foster resilience, healthcare professionals can potentially promote positive adaptations to cancer by strengthening resilience enablers and reducing the impact of barriers.
    2023Journal article Open access Show more
  • Language Improvement One Week After Thrombolysis in Acute Stroke
    Publication . Martins, IP; Fonseca, J; Morgado, J; Leal, G; Farrajota, L; Fonseca, AC; Melo, TP
    OBJECTIVES: Language recovery following acute stroke is difficult to predict due to several evaluation factors and time constraints. We aimed to investigate the predictors of aphasia recovery and to identify the National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale (NIHSS) items that best reflect linguistic performance, 1 week after thrombolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved data from a prospective registry of patients with aphasia secondary to left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Complete recovery at day 7 (D7) was measured in a composite verbal score (CVS) (Σ Language+Questions+Commands NIHSS scores). Lesion size was categorized by the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) and vascular patency by ultrasound. CVS was correlated with standardized aphasia testing if both were performed within a two-day interval. RESULTS: Of 228 patients included (age average 67.32 years, 131 men), 72% presented some language improvement that was complete in 31%. Total recovery was predicted by ASPECTS (OR=1.65; 95% CI, 1.295-2.108; P < 0.00) and baseline aphasia severity (OR=0.439; 95% CI, 0.242-0.796; P < 0.007). CVS correlated better with standardized aphasia measures (aphasia quotient, severity, comprehension) than NIHSS_Language item. CONCLUSIONS: Lesion size and initial aphasia severity are the main predictors of aphasia recovery one week after thrombolysis. A NIHSS composite verbal score seems to capture the global linguistic performance better than the language item alone.
    2017-03Journal article Open access Show more
  • Low Serum Chromium Is Rare in Patients That Underwent Endoscopic Gastrostomy For Long Term Enteral Feeding
    Publication . Santos, CA; Fonseca, J; Carolino, E; Sousa Guerreiro, A
    BACKGROUND: Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS: Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS: A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION: Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.
    2017-07Journal article Open access Show more
  • Nefrectomia Radical e Nefroureterectomia Laparoscópica "Hand-Assited": a Experiência dos Primeiros 21 Casos
    Publication . Pinheiro, LC; Farinha, R; Fonseca, J; Coelho, JS; Pena, A; Pereira, P; Martins, A
    Objectivos: Os autores apresentam a sua casuística com os primeiros 21 casos submetidos a nefrectomia radical e nefroureterectomia laparoscópica "hand- assisted" e laparoscópica pura. Material e Métodos: Entre o período de Janeiro 2003 a Junho de 2004 procedeu-se à realização de nefrectomia radical e nefroureterectomia laparoscópica em 21 doentes com o diagnóstico clínico de carcinoma de células renais e de carcinoma de células de transição do trato urinário alto. Optámos pela assistência da mão apenas quando útil ou necessário. Realizamos 16 nefrectomias radicais laparoscopicas "hand-assisted", 2 nefroureterectomias radicais laparoscopicas "hand- assisted" com desincer- ção endoscópica do meato ureteral e 3 nefrectomias radicais laparoscopicas "puras". A idade média deste grupo foi de 62 anos.O diâmetro médio da massa renal foi de 4,8 cm. O diagnóstico anatomo-patológico revelou a existência de 17 carcinomas de células renais, 2 carcinomas de células de transição, 1 hemangioma e 1 quisto renal complicado. Tivemos uma taxa de conversão de 5%, e a duração da cirurgia foi de 1,46 horas. O follow- up destes doentes variou entre 1 e 2 anos, não se tendo verificado quaisquer recidivas. Nesta série houve um re-internamento. Conclusão: a nefrectomia radical laparoscópica "hand-assisted" e a nefroureterectomia laparoscópica "hand-assisted" são exequíveis sendo a curva de aprendizagem relativamente curta. A taxa de complicações é baixa.
    2004Journal article Open access Show more
  • Patient-Physician Discordance in Assessment of Adherence to Inhaled Controller Medication: a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Two Cohorts
    Publication . Jácome, C; Pereira, AM; Almeida, R; Ferreira-Magalhaes, M; Couto, M; Araujo, L; Pereira, M; Alves Correia, M; Chaves Loureiro, C; Catarata, MJ; Maia Santos, L; Pereira, J; Ramos, B; Lopes, C; Mendes, A; Cidrais Rodrigues, JC; Oliveira, G; Aguiar, AP; Afonso, I; Carvalho, J; Arrobas, A; Coutinho Costa, J; Dias, J; Todo Bom, A; Azevedo, J; Ribeiro, C; Alves, M; Leiria Pinto, P; Neuparth, N; Palhinha, A; Gaspar Marques, J; Pinto, N; Martins, P; Todo Bom, F; Alvarenga Santos, M; Gomes Costa, A; Silva Neto, A; Santalha, M; Lozoya, C; Santos, N; Silva, D; Vasconcelos, MJ; Taborda-Barata, L; Carvalhal, C; Teixeira, MF; Rodrigues Alves, R; Moreira, AS; Sofia Pinto, C; Morais Silva, P; Alves, C; Câmara, R; Coelho, D; Bordalo, D; Fernandes, R; Ferreira, R; Menezes, F; Gomes, R; Calix, MJ; Marques, A; Cardoso, J; Emiliano, M; Gerardo, R; Nunes, C; Câmara, R; Ferreira, JA; Carvalho, A; Freitas, P; Correia, R; Fonseca, J
    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare patient's and physician's ratings of inhaled medication adherence and to identify predictors of patient-physician discordance. DESIGN: Baseline data from two prospective multicentre observational studies. SETTING: 29 allergy, pulmonology and paediatric secondary care outpatient clinics in Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: 395 patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma. MEASURES: Data on demographics, patient-physician relationship, upper airway control, asthma control, asthma treatment, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and healthcare use were collected. Patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to inhaled controller medication during the previous week using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discordance was defined as classification in distinct VAS categories (low 0-50; medium 51-80; high 81-100) or as an absolute difference in VAS scores ≥10 mm. Correlation between patients' and physicians' VAS scores/categories was explored. A multinomial logistic regression identified the predictors of physician overestimation and underestimation. RESULTS: High inhaler adherence was reported both by patients (median (percentile 25 to percentile 75) 85 (65-95) mm; 53% VAS>80) and by physicians (84 (68-95) mm; 53% VAS>80). Correlation between patient and physician VAS scores was moderate (rs=0.580; p<0.001). Discordance occurred in 56% of cases: in 28% physicians overestimated adherence and in 27% underestimated. Low adherence as assessed by the physician (OR=27.35 (9.85 to 75.95)), FEV1 ≥80% (OR=2.59 (1.08 to 6.20)) and a first appointment (OR=5.63 (1.24 to 25.56)) were predictors of underestimation. An uncontrolled asthma (OR=2.33 (1.25 to 4.34)), uncontrolled upper airway disease (OR=2.86 (1.35 to 6.04)) and prescription of short-acting beta-agonists alone (OR=3.05 (1.15 to 8.08)) were associated with overestimation. Medium adherence as assessed by the physician was significantly associated with higher risk of discordance, both for overestimation and underestimation of adherence (OR=14.50 (6.04 to 34.81); OR=2.21 (1.07 to 4.58)), while having a written action plan decreased the likelihood of discordance (OR=0.25 (0.12 to 0.52); OR=0.41 (0.22 to 0.78)) (R2=44%). CONCLUSION: Although both patients and physicians report high inhaler adherence, discordance occurred in half of cases. Implementation of objective adherence measures and effective communication are needed to improve patient-physician agreement.
    2019-11-07Journal article Open access Show more
  • Pilot Study of Mobile Phone Technology in Allergic Rhinitis in European Countries: the MASK-Rhinitis Study
    Publication . Bousquet, J; Caimmi, DP; Bedbrook, A; Bewick, M; Hellings, PW; Devillier, P; Arnavielhe, S; Bachert, C; Bergmann, KC; Canonica, GW; Chavannes, NH; Cruz, AA; Dahl, R; Demoly, P; De Vries, G; Mathieu-Dupas, E; Finkwagner, A; Fonseca, J; Guldemond, N; Haahtela, T; Hellqvist-Dahl, B; Just, J; Keil, T; Klimek, L; Kowalski, ML; Kuitunen, M; Kuna, P; Kvedariene, V; Laune, D; Pereira, AM; Carreiro-Martins, P; Melén, E; Morais-Almeida, M; Mullol, J; Muraro, A; Murray, R; Nogueira-Silva, L; Papadopoulos, NG; Passalacqua, G; Portejoie, F; Price, D; Ryan, D; Samolinski, B; Sheikh, A; Siroux, V; Spranger, O; Todo Bom, A; Tomazic, PV; Valero, A; Valovirta, E; Valiulis, A; VandenPlas, O; van der Meulen, S; van Eerd, M; Wickman, M; Zuberbier, T
    The use of Apps running on smartphones and tablets profoundly affects medicine. The MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) App (Allergy Diary) assesses allergic rhinitis symptoms, disease control and impact on patients' lives. It is freely available in 20 countries (iOS and Android platforms). AIMS: To assess in a pilot study whether (i) Allergy Diary users were able to properly provide baseline characteristics (ii) simple phenotypic characteristics based upon data captured by the Allergy Diary could be identified and (iii) information gathered by this study could suggest novel research questions. METHODS: The Allergy Diary users were classified into six groups according to the baseline data that they entered into the App: (i) asymptomatic; (ii) nasal symptoms excluding rhinorrhea; (iii) rhinorrhea; (iv) rhinorrhea plus 1-2 nasal/ocular symptoms; (v) rhinorrhea plus ≥3 nasal/ocular symptoms; and (vi) rhinorrhea plus all nasal/ocular symptoms. RESULTS: By 1 June 2016, 3260 users had registered with the Allergy Diary and 2710 had completed the baseline questionnaire. Troublesome symptoms were found mainly in the users with the most symptoms. Around 50% of users with troublesome rhinitis and/or ocular symptoms suffered work impairment. Sleep was impaired by troublesome symptoms and nasal obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first App (iOS and Android) to have tested for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. A simple questionnaire administered by cell phones enables the identification of phenotypic differences between a priori defined rhinitis groups. The results suggest novel concepts and research questions in allergic rhinitis that may not be identified using classical methods
    2017-06Journal article Open access Show more