Preference for sublingual immunotherapy with tablets in a Spanish population with allergic rhinitis.

Background: This study investigated patients' preference for allergy immunotherapy (AIT) administered as either sublingual immunotherapy-tablets versus monthly or weekly subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) from a Spanish patient perspective.

Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) consisting of two blocks with eight choice sets in each was constructed to elicit the preferences for AIT. Three attributes were included in the DCE for the mode of administration, including the frequency of administration, the risk of systemic reactions and the co-payment.

Recurrence of anaphylaxis in a Spanish series.

Background: Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal condition, and many patients experience recurrence.

Objective: We report the incidence of first recurrence of anaphylaxis in our series and examine the risk factors associated with recurrence.

Methods: A validated questionnaire was sent to 1512 patients and completed by 887.

Incidence of anaphylaxis in hospitalized patients.

Background: Only two studies have analyzed the incidence of anaphylaxis during admission to hospital. We have analyzed the incidence of anaphylaxis among hospitalized patients and determined the timing of and risk factors for episodes of anaphylaxis.

Methods: Our study was performed between 1999 and 2005.

Variables affecting BMI evolution at 2 and 5 years after vertical banded gastroplasty.

Background: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has been found to result in significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) during the first postoperative year. We investigated the impact of some intrinsic and extrinsic factors on long-term BMI evolution in morbidly obese patients who underwent VBG, with the aim of establishing a long-term weight-loss prognosis.

Methods: 67 consecutive morbidly obese patients who underwent VBG were followed for 2 years; of these, 34 were followed 3 more years, for a total follow-up of 5 years.

Application of the POSSUM system in bariatric surgery.

Background: The POSSUM system has been devised for physiologic and operative scoring. The scoring system produced assessment for morbidity and mortality rates, which did not significantly differ from observed rates. The authors have applied this system to bariatric surgery.