Pediatric allergy and immunology in Spain.

The data of the ISAAC project in Spain show a prevalence of childhood asthma ranging from 7.1% to 15.3%, with regional differences; a higher prevalence, 22.

[External assessment of the GEMA2009 recommendations by a multidisciplinary expert panel on asthma].

Objectives: To assess the level of agreement on the GEMA 2009 clinical recommendations by a Spanish expert panel on asthma.

Materials And Methods: The study was divided into four stages: 1) establishment of a 9 member scientific committee (GEMA authors) for selection of GEMA recommendations to use in the survey; 2) formation of a panel of 74 professionals with expertise in this field (pulmonologists, allergists, family doctors, ear, nose and throat and paediatric specialists); 3) Delphi survey in two rounds, sent by mail, with intermediate processing of opinions and a report to the panel members; and 4) analysis and discussion of results for the Scientific Committee.

Results: Seventy four participants completed the two rounds of survey.

Efficacy of an adverse drug reaction electronic reporting system integrated into a hospital information system.

Background: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) spontaneous reporting is the primary method of postmarketing drug surveillance; although it is an important part of postmarketing drug surveillance, it is underused. Before 2004, almost no ADRs were reported in our 400-bed hospital. As an electronic hospital information system was available in our hospital, we developed a tool (ADR-RS-IHIS) for ADR reporting integrated into the hospital information system to facilitate reporting through easy use, automatic input of certain information, increased accessibility, real-time review, and intervention.

Eosinophilic esophagitis.

Background: Esophagitis is an increasingly diagnosed disease. Patients with gastroesophagic reflux, dysphagia, vomiting or abdominal pain, with a torpid response to the treatment, could be suffering from it.

Material And Methods: A 37 year-old male patient with background of gastroesophagic reflux and dysphagia for solids since 2002, self-limited diarrhea episodes and intolerance to alcoholic drinks due to epigastric pain.