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Udry S, Latino JO, Perez SM, Belizna C, Aranda F, Esteve-Valverde E, Wingeyer SP, Romero DSF, Alijotas-Reig J, de Larrañaga G. Loss of opportunities in the diagnosis and treatment of primary obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (POAPS): from theory to reality. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1615-1622. [PMID: 38436770 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (I) To identify and measure the clinical consequences of a delayed diagnosis in patients with primary obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (POAPS), in terms of time and events associated to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and (II) to evaluate the impact of their treatment status on perinatal outcomes, before and after diagnosis. METHODS This retrospective multicentre study included 99 POAPS women who were separated in two groups of timelines based on their diagnostic status: group 1: women who met the clinical criteria for POAPS; group 2: included the same patients from group 1 since they meet the laboratory criteria for APS. In group 1, we assessed the following variables: obstetric events, thrombotic events and time (years) to diagnosis of APS. We also compared perinatal outcomes between patients in group 1 vs. group 2. Women in group 2 were treated with standard of care for POAPS. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Regarding the impact of the delay on diagnosis, a total of 87 APS-related events were recorded: 46 miscarriages, 32 foetal losses and 9 premature deliveries before the 34th week due to preeclampsia, and one thrombosis. The estimated rate of preventable events was 20.58 per year/100 patients. The mean diagnostic delay time was 4.27 years. When we compared both groups during pregnancy, we found that patients in group 1 (no treatment) had a higher association with pregnancy losses [OR = 6.71 (95% CI: 3.59-12.55), p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSION Our findings emphasize the negative impact of POAPS underdiagnosis on patient health and the critical importance of a timely intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes. Key Points •Our study shows the relevance of underdiagnosis on primary obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (POAPS). •These patients presented a high risk of APS-related events with each passing year. •Shorter diagnostic delay time was observed in the reference centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Udry
- Research Center "Fundación Respirar", Av. Cabildo 1548, C1426AEN, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Autoimmune Thrombophilic Diseases and Pregnancy Section, Acute Hospital "Dr. Carlos G. Durand", Av. DíazVélez 5044, C1405AEN, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Laboratory, Hospital of Infectious Diseases "Dr, Francisco J. Muñiz", 2272, C1282AEN, UspallataCity of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José O Latino
- Autoimmune Thrombophilic Diseases and Pregnancy Section, Acute Hospital "Dr. Carlos G. Durand", Av. DíazVélez 5044, C1405AEN, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Stephanie Morales Perez
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Parc Tauli University Hospital, Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Cristina Belizna
- Internal Medicine Department Clinique de L'Anjou, 9 Rue de L'Hirondelle, 49000, Angers, France
- Vascular and Coagulation Department, University Hospital Angers, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
- UMR CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, Rue Haute de Reculée, 49045, Angers, France
| | - Federico Aranda
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Laboratory, Hospital of Infectious Diseases "Dr, Francisco J. Muñiz", 2272, C1282AEN, UspallataCity of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique Esteve-Valverde
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Parc Tauli University Hospital, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Silvia Perés Wingeyer
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Laboratory, Hospital of Infectious Diseases "Dr, Francisco J. Muñiz", 2272, C1282AEN, UspallataCity of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego S Fernández Romero
- Autoimmune Thrombophilic Diseases and Pregnancy Section, Acute Hospital "Dr. Carlos G. Durand", Av. DíazVélez 5044, C1405AEN, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jaume Alijotas-Reig
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Vall d'Hebron Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gabriela de Larrañaga
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Laboratory, Hospital of Infectious Diseases "Dr, Francisco J. Muñiz", 2272, C1282AEN, UspallataCity of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zhang J, Meng H, Yin Y, Zhang Y, Wen Y, Zhang R, Wang J. Prevalence and Determinants of Delay in Time-to-Diagnosis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients in Gansu China: A Observational Cohort Study. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:102026. [PMID: 37553061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Current studies of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have shown a significant diagnostic delay. However, the causes and risk factors for this delay are not been well explored in Chinese population. This study aimed to assess the status of diagnostic delay in patients with PAH in China. Additionally, we identified factors associated with the delay. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 153 PAH patients admitted to three tertiary hospitals in Gansu, China, from March 2020 to October 2022. Based on the recorded date, the diagnostic delay was divided into patient delay and health system delay. For analysis, we divided diagnostic delay into 2 groups (≤3 years and >3 years). Factors associated with delay were identified by binary logistic regression. The median diagnostic delay was 3 years (IQR: 0.25-5.88). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that male (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.10-5.58), those with junior high school or below (OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.36-9.78), living far away from the tertiary hospital (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.14-6.18), initially visit hospital before 2018 (OR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.68-8.71), and visit hospital at county level or below (OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.42-10.18) were risk factor for diagnostic delay (>3 years). Despite increased awareness, most patients with PAH in Gansu, China still experienced a delay in diagnosis of more than 3 years. Male sex, lower educational background, and being away from tertiary hospitals are risk factors for delay. Furthermore, factors impacting time-to-diagnosis and its impact should be continuously evaluated as therapeutic strategies continue to evolve and improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juxia Zhang
- Clinical Educational Department, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongyan Meng
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yuhuan Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yujie Wen
- Department of Cardiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Nursing, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Department of General Practice Medicine, Hospital of Gansu health vocational college, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Ruffatti A, Tonello M, Calligaro A, Del Ross T, Favaro M, Zen M, Hoxha A, Alaibac M. Prevalence and adverse consequences of delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. An observational cohort study and a review of the literature. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3007-3019. [PMID: 37453028 PMCID: PMC10587197 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBIECTIVES This study aims to prospectively evaluate the frequency and adverse consequences of diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis in a cohort of patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (TAPS). In addition, a systematic review of the literature concerning the diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis of TAPS was carried out. METHODS Patient enrollment occurred between 1999 and 2022. The study group was formed by TAPS patients whose diagnosis was delayed and those who were misdiagnosed. The control group was made up of patients who were timely and correctly diagnosed with TAPS. RESULTS The literature review showed 42 misdiagnosed patients, 27 of them were in one retrospective cohort study and 15 in 13 case reports. One hundred sixty-one out of 189 patients (85.2%) received a timely, correct diagnosis of TAPS; 28 (14.8%) did not. The number of patients with diagnostic issues was significantly higher for the first period (1999-2010), and the number of patients with a correct diagnosis was significantly higher for the second one (2011-2022). When the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with delayed diagnosis were compared with those with misdiagnosis, there was a significantly higher number of severe adverse consequences characterized by permanent disability or death in the latter group. The two most common types of misdiagnoses were systemic lupus erythematosus (6 cases, 46.1%) and cardiovascular diseases (4 cases, 30.8%). CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that although knowledge about TAPS has improved over time, diagnostic delays and errors remains to be addressed as they are strongly associated to adverse consequences. Key Points •Although knowledge of thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome has improved over time, it is still limited. •Diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis are still an important issue that remains to be addressed as they are strongly associated to adverse consequences. •The three more frequent misdiagnoses are multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Ruffatti
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marta Tonello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonia Calligaro
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Teresa Del Ross
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Favaro
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ariela Hoxha
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, General Internal Medicine Unit, Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Disease Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Dermatology Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Ruzdija D, Bertolo A, Pandya SK, Amaraneni A. A Case Report of Refractory Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage as a Complication of Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Review of Its Management. Cureus 2023; 15:e47267. [PMID: 38022217 PMCID: PMC10655834 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis and treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive agents, along with the achievement of hemostasis and hemodynamic stability, is critical to improving outcomes. This case demonstrates the complexity of managing refractory diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in a 48-year-old woman with antiphospholipid syndrome requiring treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Ruzdija
- Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Aaron Bertolo
- Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | | | - Akshay Amaraneni
- Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, USA
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Dos Santos Pinheiro J, Sena LS, Donis KC, Furtado GV, Saraiva-Pereira ML, Jardim LB. Diagnostic Delay of Hereditary Ataxias in Brazil: the Case of Machado-Joseph Disease. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:348-354. [PMID: 35426040 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is a rare disease with diagnosis offered by the Unified Health System in Brazil. Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic delay in an interval of 23 years in a public university hospital, and some potentially determining factors. METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records of subjects identified at our institution between 1999 and 2017 was carried out, including residents of Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic delay was equivalent to the difference between age at onset of symptoms and age at molecular diagnosis. Calendar years, educational level, sex, distance between the household and the clinics, age and being the index case were studied as modifying factors. RESULTS SCA3/MJD had a median diagnostic delay of 5 years. Index cases had delays of 6 versus 4 years (p<0.001) for subsequent family members. Delay correlated with age (rho=0.346, p<0.001), but not with age at disease onset (rho=0.005, p=0.91). No change was observed with the level of education of individuals or with the distance between household and hospital from 1999 to 2017. DISCUSSION The diagnostic delay of SCA3/MJD is high in our region, where its occurrence has been reported for years. Failure to change the delay over the years suggests ineffective dissemination to the population, but a smaller lag among younger people can portray the effect of digital inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordânia Dos Santos Pinheiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Schenatto Sena
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Karina Carvalho Donis
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Luiza Saraiva-Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura Bannach Jardim
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, Brazil.
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Mannan H, Pain CM. Sex adjusted standardized prevalence ratios for celiac disease and other autoimmune diseases in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12982. [PMID: 36816268 PMCID: PMC9929284 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Standardised sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (SSPRs) have not been published for any autoimmune diseases (ADs) in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), who are predominantly young females. We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines of POTS cohorts reporting the prevalence of at least one AD. Only four studies were found: two providing data on celiac disease; and two with data on 'any AD', Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome and celiac disease and (one study) antiphospholipid syndrome. All studies were assessed as being at high risk of bias for estimating AD prevalence in POTS patients, with under-reporting of ADs likely due to the lack of rigorous prospective screening for ADs. A literature search found a 'gold standard' general population (GP) comparator only for celiac disease in the United States, leading to a pooled SSPR in POTS patients of 2.75 with 95% confidence interval (1.06-4.40). The lack of recent high-quality studies on GP prevalence for the other ADs was noteworthy. Exploratory pooled SSPRs were calculated for 'any AD' and for the other five ADs using GP comparator data from a comprehensive review. All pooled SSPRs were greater than one and statistically significant, implying a higher prevalence of these ADs, and any AD, in POTS patients. The magnitude of the exploratory SSPRs was very large for SLE, Sjögren's syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome, perhaps reflecting the use of non-gold standard GP comparators, which may underestimate AD prevalence. Further research in a large POTS cohort with an appropriately age- and sex-matched GP control group is recommended, to confirm the SSPR for celiac disease and to determine whether SLE, Sjogren's syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome are indeed many times more prevalent in POTS patients than in the GP. The findings are consistent with POTS itself being an AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Mannan
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia,Corresponding author.
| | - Clare M. Pain
- POTS UK, UK Registered Charity No. 1159813, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6DF, United Kingdom
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Gimenez-Lozano C, Páramo-Rodríguez L, Cavero-Carbonell C, Corpas-Burgos F, López-Maside A, Guardiola-Vilarroig S, Zurriaga O. Rare Diseases: Needs and Impact for Patients and Families: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Valencian Region, Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610366. [PMID: 36012000 PMCID: PMC9408677 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Families with rare diseases (RDs) have unmet needs that are often overlooked by health professionals. Describing these needs and the impact of the disease could improve their medical care. A total of 163 surveys were obtained from patients visiting primary care centres in the Valencian Region (Spain), during 2015-2017, with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of RD. Of the 84.7% with a confirmed diagnosis, 50.4% had a diagnostic delay exceeding one year, and it was more prevalent among adults (62.2%). Families with paediatric patients were in a worse economic situation, with lower incomes and higher monthly disease-related expenses (€300 on average). These expenses were incurred by 66.5% of families and were mainly for medication (40.3%). Among them, 58.5% reported not being able to afford adjuvant therapies. The disease had an impact on 73.1% of families, especially on their routine and emotional state. Expenses, needs, and impacts were more frequent among families of patients with a history of hospitalisation or deterioration. Patients with delayed diagnosis had a higher consumption of drugs prior to diagnosis. People affected by RDs in the Valencian Region need therapies to improve their autonomy and emotional state. Health professionals should be aware of these needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gimenez-Lozano
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Páramo-Rodríguez
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Clara Cavero-Carbonell
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisca Corpas-Burgos
- Economic, Demographic and Social Statistics Service, Valencian Institute of Statistics, Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Aurora López-Maside
- Directorate General for Public Health and Addictions, Regional Ministry of Health, Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Guardiola-Vilarroig
- Directorate General for Public Health and Addictions, Regional Ministry of Health, Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Oscar Zurriaga
- Rare Diseases Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Directorate General for Public Health and Addictions, Regional Ministry of Health, Valencian Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Benito-Lozano J, Arias-Merino G, Gómez-Martínez M, Ancochea-Díaz A, Aparicio-García A, Posada de la Paz M, Alonso-Ferreira V. Diagnostic Process in Rare Diseases: Determinants Associated with Diagnostic Delay. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116456. [PMID: 35682039 PMCID: PMC9180264 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many people living with rare disease (RD) report a difficult diagnostic process from the symptom onset until they obtain the definitive diagnosis. The aim of this study was thus to ascertain the diagnostic process in RDs, and explore the determinants related with having to wait for more than one year in this process (defined as “diagnostic delay”). We conducted a case–control study, using a purpose-designed form from the Spanish Rare Diseases Patient Registry for data-collection purposes. A descriptive analysis was performed and multivariate backward logistic regression models fitted. Based on data on 1216 patients living with RDs, we identified a series of determinants associated with experiencing diagnostic delay. These included: having to travel to see a specialist other than that usually consulted in the patient’s home province (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.6–2.9); visiting more than 10 specialists (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.7–4.0); being diagnosed in a region other than that of the patient’s residence at the date of symptom onset (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.5–3.6); suffering from a RD of the nervous system (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.0–1.8). In terms of time taken to see a specialist, waiting more than 6 months to be referred from the first medical visit was the period of time which most contributed to diagnostic delay (PAR 30.2%). In conclusion, this is the first paper to use a collaborative study based on a nationwide registry to address the diagnostic process of patients living with RDs. While the evidence shows that the diagnostic process experienced by these persons is complex, more studies are needed to determine the implications that this has for their lives and those of their families at a social, educational, occupational, psychological, and financial level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Benito-Lozano
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.-L.); (G.A.-M.); (M.G.-M.); (M.P.d.l.P.)
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Greta Arias-Merino
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.-L.); (G.A.-M.); (M.G.-M.); (M.P.d.l.P.)
| | - Mario Gómez-Martínez
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.-L.); (G.A.-M.); (M.G.-M.); (M.P.d.l.P.)
| | | | - Aitor Aparicio-García
- The State Reference Center for Assistance to People Living with Rare Diseases and Their Families (CREER), Centro de Referencia Estatal de Atención a Personas con Enfermedades Raras y sus Familias, Dependiente del IMSERSO, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Manuel Posada de la Paz
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.-L.); (G.A.-M.); (M.G.-M.); (M.P.d.l.P.)
| | - Verónica Alonso-Ferreira
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.-L.); (G.A.-M.); (M.G.-M.); (M.P.d.l.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-822-2089
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