Are physicians aware of the side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors?: a questionnaire survey in different medical categories.
OBJECTIVE
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are considered safe, but they are associated with characteristic side effects, namely cough and angioedema, usually requiring discontinuation. We perceived that referrals for these side effects have become more and more frequent; therefore, we evaluated the degree of knowledge on the safety of ACE-I in different medical categories.


METHODS
A questionnaire (13 questions) on side effects of ACE-I was posted to physicians.


METHODS
Everyday clinical practice.


METHODS
Cardiologists, allergists, and general practitioners (GPs) from the National Healthcare System.


RESULTS
Three hundred twelve physicians were contacted, and 154 returned questionnaires that could be analyzed. Of the 154 physicians (mean age, 45 years) 48 were cardiologists, 52 were GPs, and 54 were allergists. The percentage of correct answers was low: 31.9% for cardiologists, 40% for GPs, and 33% for allergists. Thus, GPs provided a significantly higher percentage of correct answers with respect to the remaining categories (p = 0.05). The lower rate of correct answers (0 to 15.9%) concerned the time of onset of cough and the action to take. Cardiologists seemed to be less aware of the fact that angiotensin receptor blockers (sartans) can cross-react with ACE-I.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, there was a poor knowledge of the side effects of ACE-I. This may account for the increased referrals for chronic cough and angioedema.
Lombardi
Carlo
C
Allergy-Pulmonology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, S. Orsola FBF Hospital, Brescia.
Crivellaro
Mariangiola
M
Dama
Annarita
A
Senna
Gianenrico
G
Gargioni
Sabrina
S
Passalacqua
Giovanni
G
D000328:Adult; D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002309:Cardiology; D005194:Family Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors