Browsing by Author "Sánchez, Jorge"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Atopic Dermatitis in Latin America: a Roadmap to Address Data Collection, Knowledge Gaps, and Challenges Ahead
    (2022) Borzutzky Schachter, Arturo; Larco, José Ignacio; Luna, Paula C.; McElwee, Elizabeth; Pires, Mario Cezar; Rico Restrepo, Mariana; Saez-de-Ocariz, Marimar; Sánchez, Jorge
    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a systemic, multifactorial disease that causes significant morbidity and health care burden in Latin America (LA). Data on AD are scarce in LA. Lack of disease registries and non-standardized study methodologies, coupled with region-specific genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, hamper data collection. A panel of LA experts in AD was given a series of relevant questions to address before a conference. Each narrative was discussed and edited through numerous rounds of deliberation until achieving consensus. Identified knowledge gaps in AD research were updated prevalence, adult-disease epidemiology, local phenotypes and endotypes, severe-disease prevalence, specialist distribution, and AD public health policy. Underlying reasons for these gaps include limited funding for AD research, from epidemiology and public policy to clinical and translational studies. Regional heterogeneity requires that complex interactions between race, ethnicity, and environmental factors be further studied. Informed awareness, education, and decision making should be encouraged.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Healthcare disparities in atopic dermatitis in Latin America: A narrative review
    (2022) Sánchez, Jorge; Ale, Iris-Selva; Angles, María Valeria; Fogelbach, Guillermo Guidos; Janse, Angela Marie; Takaoka, Roberto; Borzutzky Schachter, Arturo
    Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic skin disease caused by a mixture of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, characterized by periods of inflammation and remission. In Latin America (LA), the prevalence of AD ranges up to 25% in children and 1–3% in adults. The natural history of the disease for most patients is that AD goes into remission in adolescence and adult life. Only 10–30% of patients continue to have symptoms of the disease in adulthood. There are patients (3–4%) who have the onset of AD during adolescence or after adulthood. Those with limited access to healthcare services, such as diagnosis and treatment, have increased difficulties coping with AD. Healthcare disparities are a complex topic that include social, political, racial/ethnic, and geographical factors. Publications about healthcare disparities in AD in LA are scarce. As a result, recognizing and resolving healthcare inequalities is critical to improving the treatment and quality of life (QoL) of individuals with AD. Methods: A panel of Latin American experts in dermatology and allergies was provided with a series of relevant questions to address before a multiday conference. During this conference, the entire group discussed and edited each narrative through numerous drafts and rounds of discussion until they reached a consensus. Results: This paper examines the barriers to equal access to care and recommends realistic actions to overcome them. Inadequate disease knowledge, cultural and linguistic barriers, stigmatization, maldistribution of resources, absence of local clinical practice guidelines, arduous patient journey, and limited consultation time were identified as causes of health inequality. Conclusions: Among the suggested solutions are enhanced education for healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public, a focus on underprivileged communities, telemedicine and telementoring, translators, multidisciplinary teams, and local living clinical practice guidelines.