TY - JOUR
T1 - Adherence to imported fire ant subcutaneous immunotherapy
AU - Stokes, Shayne C.
AU - Quinn, James M.
AU - Sacha, Joshua J.
AU - White, Kevin M.
N1 - Funding Information:
Funding Sources: This study was supported by the US Air Force .
PY - 2013/3
Y1 - 2013/3
N2 - Background: Imported fire ant (IFA) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is safe and effective. For optimal protection, SCIT is given monthly for 3 to 5 years. Successful outcomes require patient adherence. Objective: To evaluate SCIT adherence in IFA allergic patients in an endemic area. Methods: Patients with systemic reactions to an IFA sting, with detectable specific IgE, who received a recommendation to start IFA SCIT were included. Initial reaction severity and demographic data were collected. Patients were contacted at 1 year regarding interval reactions to stings, SCIT adherence, and reason for nonadherence. Adherence rates were analyzed for association with age, sex, and severity of initial reaction. Results: Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and 71% adhered to the recommendation to start IFA SCIT. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. At 1 year, 97% completed follow-up for analysis, and only 35% remained adherent. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. Inconvenience and fear were reported as reasons for not following the recommendation to start or continue with IFA SCIT. Conclusion: IFA SCIT is a life-saving therapy that is safe and effective. Despite this, only 71% followed the recommendation to start, and at 1 year only 35% remained adherent. Adherence was not statistically related to age, sex, or severity of initial reaction. Logistical constraints and fear were significant impediments.
AB - Background: Imported fire ant (IFA) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is safe and effective. For optimal protection, SCIT is given monthly for 3 to 5 years. Successful outcomes require patient adherence. Objective: To evaluate SCIT adherence in IFA allergic patients in an endemic area. Methods: Patients with systemic reactions to an IFA sting, with detectable specific IgE, who received a recommendation to start IFA SCIT were included. Initial reaction severity and demographic data were collected. Patients were contacted at 1 year regarding interval reactions to stings, SCIT adherence, and reason for nonadherence. Adherence rates were analyzed for association with age, sex, and severity of initial reaction. Results: Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and 71% adhered to the recommendation to start IFA SCIT. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. At 1 year, 97% completed follow-up for analysis, and only 35% remained adherent. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. Inconvenience and fear were reported as reasons for not following the recommendation to start or continue with IFA SCIT. Conclusion: IFA SCIT is a life-saving therapy that is safe and effective. Despite this, only 71% followed the recommendation to start, and at 1 year only 35% remained adherent. Adherence was not statistically related to age, sex, or severity of initial reaction. Logistical constraints and fear were significant impediments.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84875140524&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.anai.2012.11.010
DO - 10.1016/j.anai.2012.11.010
M3 - Article
C2 - 23548525
AN - SCOPUS:84875140524
SN - 1081-1206
VL - 110
SP - 165
EP - 167
JO - Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
JF - Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
IS - 3
ER -