Belén de la Hoz

Dr. Belén de la Hoz

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 May 2021 in JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CJCristina Jácome
Cristina Jácome
Rute AlmeidaRute Almeida
Rute Almeida
APAna Pereira
Ana Pereira
RARita Amaral
Rita Amaral
Sandra MendesSandra Mendes
Sandra Mendes
JFJoao A. da Fonseca
Joao A. da Fonseca
Background: Poor medication adherence is a major challenge in asthma, and objective assessment of inhaler adherence is needed. The InspirerMundi app aims to monitor adherence while providing a positive experience through gamification and social support. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the InspirerMundi app to monitor medication adherence in adolescents and adults with persistent asthma (treated with daily inhaled medication). Methods: A 1-month mixed method multicenter observational study was conducted in 26 secondary care centers from Portugal and Spain. During an initial face-to-face visit, physicians reported patients’ asthma therapeutic plan in a structured questionnaire. During the visits, patients were invited to use the app daily to register their asthma medication intakes. A scheduled intake was considered taken when patients registered the intake (inhaler, blister, or other drug formulation) by using the image-based medication detection tool. At 1 month, patients were interviewed by phone, and app satisfaction was assessed on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale. Patients were also asked to point out the most and least preferred app features and make suggestions for future app improvements. Results: A total of 107 patients (median 27 [P25-P75 14-40] years) were invited, 92.5% (99/107) installed the app, and 73.8% (79/107) completed the 1-month interview. Patients interacted with the app a median of 9 (P25-P75 1-24) days. At least one medication was registered in the app by 78% (77/99) of patients. A total of 53% (52/99) of participants registered all prescribed inhalers, and 34% (34/99) registered the complete asthma therapeutic plan. Median medication adherence was 75% (P25-P75 25%-90%) for inhalers and 82% (P25-P75 50%-94%) for other drug formulations. Patients were globally satisfied with the app, with 75% (59/79) scoring ≥4,; adherence monitoring, symptom monitoring, and gamification features being the most highly scored components; and the medication detection tool among the lowest scored. A total of 53% (42/79) of the patients stated that the app had motivated them to improve adherence to inhaled medication and 77% (61/79) would recommend the app to other patients. Patient feedback was reflected in 4 major themes: medication-related features (67/79, 85%), gamification and social network (33/79, 42%), symptom monitoring and physician communication (21/79, 27%), and other aspects (16/79, 20%). Conclusions: The InspirerMundi app was feasible and acceptable to monitor medication adherence in patients with asthma. Based on patient feedback and to increase the registering of medications, the therapeutic plan registration and medication detection tool were redesigned. Our results highlight the importance of patient participation to produce a patient-centered and engaging mHealth asthma app.

26 October 2019 in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
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LSLaura Sánchez-Ruano
Laura Sánchez-Ruano
BHBelén de la Hoz
Belén de la Hoz
Javier Martinez-BotasJavier Martinez-Botas
Javier Martinez-Botas

23 August 2019 in Revista Alergia México
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Journal Article
Open access
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VCVictoria Cardona
Victoria Cardona
AÁAlberto Álvarez-Perea
Alberto Álvarez-Perea
IAIgnacio Javier Ansotegui-Zubeldia
Ignacio Javier Ansotegui-Zubeldia
AAAlfredo Arias-Cruz
Alfredo Arias-Cruz
JIJuan Carlos Ivancevich
Juan Carlos Ivancevich
EJEdgardo Jares
Edgardo Jares
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction with a rapid onset and it is potentially life-threatening. Its clinical manifestations are varied; they may affect the skin, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the digestive system, among others. The treatment of choice, which is an intra-muscular injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), must be applied promptly. Therefore, being prepared to recognize it properly is of crucial importance. The objective of this clinical practice guide is to improve the knowledge of health professionals about anaphylaxis and, consequently, to optimize the treatment and long-term management of this reaction. This guide is adapted to the peculiarities of Latin America; especially in matters regarding the treatment. The need to introduce epinephrine auto-injectors in countries that don’t have them yet is highlighted.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLCarlos Fernández Lozano
Carlos Fernández Lozano
ESEmilio Solano-Solares
Emilio Solano-Solares
IEIsabel Elías-Sáenz
Isabel Elías-Sáenz
IPIsabel Pérez-Allegue
Isabel Pérez-Allegue
Montserrat Fernández-GuarinoMontserrat Fernández-Guarino
Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
BHBelén de la Hoz
Belén de la Hoz
In the first wave of COVID-19, up to 20% of patients had skin lesions with variable characteristics. There is no clear evidence of the involvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in all cases; some of these lesions may be secondary to drug hypersensitivity. To analyze the possible cause of the skin lesions, we performed a complete allergology study on 11 patients. One year after recovery from COVID-19, we performed a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) and Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion assays for PBMCs. We included five nonallergic patients treated with the same drugs without lesions. Except for one patient who had an immediate reaction to azithromycin, all patients had a positive LTT result for at least one of the drugs tested (azithromycin, clavulanic acid, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and ritonavir). None of the nonallergic patients had a positive LTT result. We found mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ) in patients with skin lesions corresponding to mixed drug hypersensitivity type IVa and IVb. In all cases, we identified a candidate drug as the culprit for skin lesions during SARS-CoV-2 infection, although only three patients had a positive drug challenge. Therefore, it would be reasonable to recommend avoiding the drug in question in all cases.

7 March 2023 in Contact Dermatitis
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MGMargarita Giraldo‐Tugores
Margarita Giraldo‐Tugores
MSMarcelo Sanmartín
Marcelo Sanmartín
CLCarlos Fernández Lozano
Carlos Fernández Lozano
Javier Martinez-BotasJavier Martinez-Botas
Javier Martinez-Botas
BHBelén de la Hoz
Belén de la Hoz
DGDavid Gonzalez-de-Olano
David Gonzalez-de-Olano

1 January 2025 in Dermatologic Therapy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
LCLuis Carrasco-Gómez
Luis Carrasco-Gómez
ALAlba Lecumberri
Alba Lecumberri
JRJosé María Renilla-Arroyo
José María Renilla-Arroyo
BHBelén de la Hoz
Belén de la Hoz
LMLaura Díaz Montalvo
Laura Díaz Montalvo
Montserrat Fernández-GuarinoMontserrat Fernández-Guarino
Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Background: Symmetrical drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a rare hypersensitivity reaction characterized by symmetric erythematous rashes in intertriginous regions, triggered by systemic drugs. Although self‐limiting, SDRIFE can significantly impact quality of life, requiring accurate diagnosis and management. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and implicated pharmacological agents in the largest reported SDRIFE series, providing insights to improve diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2018 and 2024. Data on demographics, clinical features, implicated drugs, and diagnostic tests—including drug provocation tests (DPTs), lymphocyte transformation tests (LTTs), and intradermal tests—were analyzed. Results: Among 41 patients, the mean age was 66.6 years, with frequent polypharmacy complicating diagnosis. Beta‐lactam antibiotics and iodinated contrast agents were the most implicated drugs. Nine previously unreported drugs were identified as triggers. DPT confirmed causality in six cases, and LTT aided in three complex cases. Avoidance of the suspected drug or pharmacological group was the main therapeutic measure. Conclusions: Systematic medication reviews and standardized protocols are crucial for SDRIFE diagnosis. DPT remains the gold standard, while LTT adds value in complex cases, avoiding unnecessary drug restrictions and expanding therapeutic options.