Food allergy is an increasing and potentially serious problem that can significantly limit patient's quality of life. The incidence of this disease has been augmenting in recent decades. Classic allergy tests do not reflect the exact immunological reality of allergy. Recently, many food allergens have been characterized at the molecular level, allowing an increased understanding of the immunopathogeny of many allergic disorders and also the development of molecular diagnosis in this field. The use of allergen components and the correct interpretation of the tests results require some degree of knowledge about the basis of allergen components, the concept of cross-reactivity
Introduction: Complex chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent in paediatric age, as a group of diseases requiring a multiplicity of care and technological resources and with a great impact on children, family, and society. Palliative care has a growing significance in its approach.Methods: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective analysis of hospital admissions due to complex chronic conditions in the Paediatric Ward of a level II hospital over a five-year-period (2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019).
Results:We had 431 hospitalizations (209 patients), corresponding to 18% of total hospital admissions in the period studied. Median length of stay was 5 days. Male sex counted for 59% of all hospitalizations and median age was 5 years. The most frequent categories were neurologic and neuromuscular disorders (39%) and hematologic disorders (23%); the main diagnosis were sickle cell disease (23%) and cerebral palsy (16%). We verified pluripathology in 15% and polymedication in 32%. The most associated comorbidities were epilepsy (29%) and sleep disorders (18%). Dependency on technological support was found in 26%. The decompensation of the underlying disease was the main reason for hospitalization (52%); 4 hospitalizations were aimed to caregiver's rest. 14% of patients had ambulatory's specific support. Death occurred in 4 patients.
Conclusion:This study, innovative at national level, revealed a significant rate of hospital admissions due to complex chronic conditions. Awareness of this reality is essential for planning a suitable healthcare system based on a multidisciplinary approach. It is crucial to encourage our national Paediatric Palliative Care network and enhance education and social security support.
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