SEICAP

The Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica, Alergia y Asma Pediátrica (SEICAP), or the Spanish Society of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, is a distinguished scientific, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge concerning allergic and immunologic diseases in children. Recognized as a Public Interest Entity since June 2012, SEICAP's efforts primarily focus on conditions such as childhood asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria and angioedema, food allergy, drug allergy, allergy to latex, allergy to insect stings, primary immunodeficiency, and various other disorders. These conditions, prevalent especially in developed countries, have led to considerable healthcare expenditures, notably increasing since the 1990s.

History

The development of Pediatrics as a distinct medical specialty in the 19th century marked a pivotal advancement in healthcare, recognizing the unique physiological and pathological processes in children. Spearheaded by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) since 1967, the evolution of pediatrics led to the formation of subspecialties, including the Section of Pediatric Clinical Immunology and Allergology in 1972, which officially commenced in 1976 at the National Congress of Pediatrics in Barcelona. In 1995, this section transitioned into what is now SEICAP, retaining a synergistic relationship with AEP while operating independently with its specific statutes.

Mission and Values

SEICAP's mission encompasses leading and disseminating knowledge on the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric allergic and immunological diseases. Aiming to provide optimal care for affected children, SEICAP emphasizes ethical standards in all endeavors, striving for excellence in pediatric healthcare. The organization also plays a crucial role in promoting research, fostering national and international collaborations, and serving as an advisory body on specialty-related issues.

Structure

With approximately 350 members in 2012, SEICAP is governed by a Board of seven members, elected biennially by the General Assembly. The society has established various working groups focusing on key areas such as Clinical Immunology, Continued Education, Drug Allergy, Food Allergy, Health Public Education, Immunotherapy, Pediatric Allergy Nursing, and Respiratory Allergy. These groups are instrumental in producing reports, position papers, diagnosis and treatment protocols, and in organizing educational initiatives.

Activities

Annually, SEICAP organizes a congress that serves as a platform for updating the specialty's knowledge base and for members to present research findings. Additionally, SEICAP publishes Allergologia et Immunopathologia, a medical journal that serves as the society's official publication, featuring articles from both national and international authors. The SEICAP website offers resources for both professionals and the public, providing current advice on managing allergic diseases, treatment protocols, and general information aimed at public education.

See Also

• List of medical specialties
• Pediatric nursing
• Immunotherapy
• Allergy

External links

• Official website

Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics