KNOWLEDGE OF ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT AMONG LATIN AMERICAN DENTISTS

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening disorder that could occur in dental practice and can be triggered by antibiotics, chlorhexidine, local and general anesthetic and latex. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge of anaphylaxis management among Latin American dentists. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study using a validated web-based survey. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata. Descriptive and univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to determine potential associations. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 480 board-certified dentists completed the survey. The mean age was 35±10 years. 59.3% were female, and 49.2% were general dentists. The mean of professional experience was 10±9 years. 21.3% had seen a patient with a systemic reaction caused by local anesthesia, 85.2% identified dyspnea as a major clinical manifestation of anaphylaxis, 56.7% knew epinephrine was the drug of choice to treat anaphylaxis, 50.1% of them knew the correct route of administration, and 43.5% had it in their office as part of an emergency medicine kit. Dentists who identified dyspnea as a symptom of an anaphylactic reaction was associated with increased odds of knowing that epinephrine is the drug of choice to treat anaphylaxis (OR=1.73), and age (OR=0.97) was associated with lower odds of knowing that epinephrine is the drug of choice. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The barriers regarding the proper and timely identification of anaphylaxis remain a problem. These findings reinforce the need to increase diffusion regarding clinical criteria of an anaphylactic reaction and its correct management.