Knowledge about the presence of animal products in clinical otolaryngological practice

Abstract

Introduction: Various religions and lifestyles, such as veganism, limit the consumption of animal products, restricting in some cases, the use of medication containing them (active in­gredients or excipients). This situation is an emerging problem with limited attention in the medical literature. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of otorhinolaryngologists and re­sidents in training about the presence of animal components in products commonly used in clinical practice. Material and Methods: On-line survey, inviting members of the Chilean Society of Otorhinolaryngology to classify products according to synthetic or animal origin, answer a questionnaire on excipients, and report situations in which patients requested information on these products. Results: Regarding products of non-animal origin, approxi­mately half of the respondents answered correctly for Prolene®, Merocel®, and Tegaderm® dressings, while correct answers were lower for Rapid Rhino®, Surgicel® and Restylane®. Regarding products of animal origin, 62.5% knew that Catgut and Chromic Catgut were of animal origin. Approximately one third knew that silk suture and PosiSep®X are also of animal origin. On only two occasions, the patient requested information regarding animal products because they are vegetarians. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge on the part of otolaryngologists regarding products and excipients of animal origin. This situation is probably observed in other medical specialties. There is scarce information regarding the knowledge of animal products in medical practice.