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Tegegne BA, Alehegn AA, Kassahun M. Drug Use Evaluation of Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) Fixed-Dose Combination for Initiation and Transition Among HIV-Infected Individuals Attending Lumame Primary Hospital, North West Ethiopia. Integr Pharm Res Pract 2024; 13:31-42. [PMID: 38650710 PMCID: PMC11034558 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s455351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A key strategy for quality improvement is drug use evaluation, which looks at the safe, appropriate use of medication principles. Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD-FDC) usage has not yet been sufficiently examined in published literature. The purpose of this study was to assess how TLD were used by HIV-positive patients Using WHO drug use evaluation standards in Lumame Primary Hospital, North West Ethiopia. Methods Using WHO drug use evaluation standards, a retrospective study design was used to evaluate the appropriateness of TLD use. Systematic random sampling was utilized to gather patient medical records containing TLD. Accordingly, 100 records that met the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed between April 1 and 15, 2021. Five criteria, namely, indication, dose, contraindication, drug interaction, and TLD safety monitoring were used to evaluate the appropriateness of TLD utilization. Results 80% of patients were transited to TLD from other regimens. The median time on TLD was found to be 13 months with 9 months to 18 months IQR. The latest CD4 count as well as CD4 count at the initiation or transition of TLD was not done for 75% and 89% of the patients, respectively. 3/4 (75%) of the patients were found to have a scheduled medication refill history. TLD dosing, indications, and contraindications were found to be 100% appropriate. No, TLD safety monitoring tests were done for 21% of the patients in this study. However, viral load, liver/kidney function, and serum creatinine tests were done for 77% (95% CI: 74%-79%), 5% (95% CI: 2%-8%), and 14% (95% CI: 11%-17%) of the patients, respectively. More over, In 93% (95% CI: 91%-95%) of the patients, the TLD interaction was appropriate; in 7%, it was not. All recording, documenting, and reporting technologies were available and used efficiently, except for the Electronic Dispensing Tool. Conclusion Generally, good adherence to national and WHO guidelines was obtained regarding dose, indication, and contraindications. However, improvement in safety monitoring tests and CPT utilization is recommended. Drug interactions satisfied the majority of the criteria's threshold, while certain standards were not followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bantayehu Addis Tegegne
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Agumas Alemu Alehegn
- Department of Pharmacy, Lumame Primary Hospital, Lumame, Ethiopia; Health Supplies and Laboratory Equipments Management Directorate Director, Amhara National Regional State Public Health Institute, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistie Kassahun
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Wangchinda W, Srisompong J, Chayangsu S, Ruangkriengsin D, Thamlikitkul V, Koomanachai P, Sirijatuphat R, Rattanaumpawan P. Impact of Antibiotic Authorisation at Three Provincial Hospitals in Thailand: Results from a Quasi-Experimental Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11. [PMID: 35326817 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) at non-university hospitals is challenging. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine the impact of customised antibiotic authorisation implementation on antimicrobial consumption and clinical outcomes at three provincial hospitals in Thailand. Customised pre-authorisation of selected restricted antibiotics and post-authorisation of selected controlled antibiotics were undertaken and implemented at each hospital by the local AMS team with guidance from the AMS team at the university hospital. From January 2019−December 2020, there were 1802 selected patients (901 patients during the pre-implementation period and 901 patients during the post-implementation period). The most commonly used targeted antimicrobial was meropenem (49.61%), followed by piperacillin/tazobactam (36.46%). Comparison of the outcomes of the patients during the pre- and post-implementation periods revealed that the mean day of therapy of the targeted antimicrobials was significantly shorter during the post-implementation period (6.24 vs. 7.64 days; p < 0.001), the favourable clinical response (the improvement in all clinical and laboratory parameters at the end of antibiotic therapy) was significantly higher during the post-implementation period (72.70% vs. 68.04%; p = 0.03) and the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter during the post-implementation period (15.78 vs. 18.90 days; p < 0.001). In conclusion, implementation of antibiotic authorisation at provincial hospitals under experienced AMS team’s guidance was feasible and useful. The study results could be a good model for the implementation of customised AMS strategies at other hospitals with limited resources.
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Amare F, Gashaw T, Sisay M, Baye Y, Tesfa T. The appropriateness of ceftriaxone utilization in government hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia: A retrospective evaluation of clinical practice. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211051525. [PMID: 34691471 PMCID: PMC8532238 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211051525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Drug use evaluation is a method of obtaining information to identify problems related to drug use and if properly developed, a means of correcting the problems. Ceftriaxone is among the most commonly utilized cephalosporins. Owing to a broad spectrum of activity and being used empirically, ceftriaxone has been used inappropriately posing a risk for development of antimicrobial resistance. This study is, therefore, designed to evaluate the appropriateness of ceftriaxone utilization in government hospitals in Harar town. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in four government hospitals of Harar town by reviewing the medical records of 271 patients who received ceftriaxone from 1 January to 31 December 2016. Systematic random sampling was utilized to capture the medical records. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: From the 271 medical records reviewed majority of patients were from surgical ward (n = 85, 31.4%) followed by gynecology and obstetrics ward (n = 67, 24.7%). Demographically, the majority of the patients were female (n = 142, 52.4%). Patients in the age group of 20–29 years were dominant (n = 98, 36.2%). A total of 71 drugs were co-administered with ceftriaxone, the most common being metronidazole followed by tramadol. Among the co-administered drugs, unfractionated heparin (n = 6), warfarin (n = 5), and enoxaparin (n = 1) were found to have a moderate drug interaction with ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone was commonly used for post-operative prophylaxis (n = 80, 27.5%) followed by for the management of pneumonia (n = 62, 21.3%). The result of ceftriaxone use evaluation showed that majority (n = 190, 70.1%) were found to be inappropriate. The inappropriate utilization was primarily due to wrong indication (indications for which ceftriaxone was not the primary option) (n = 114, 60.0%) followed by wrong duration (n = 54, 28.4%). Conclusion: Ceftriaxone was used inappropriately in more than two-thirds of the patients, with wrong indication and wrong duration contributing the majority. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may potentially lead to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms and also ultimately exposes the patient to treatment failure, prolonged hospital stay, and higher cost of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firehiwot Amare
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Gashaw
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mekonnen Sisay
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Baye
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Tesfa
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Delorme C, Viel-Thériault I, Moradipour T, Le Saux N. Drug use evaluation (DUE) of ceftriaxone: A quality metric in a pediatric hospital. J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can 2020; 5:139-144. [PMID: 36341311 PMCID: PMC9608729 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2019-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceftriaxone is frequently used as empiric therapy because of its broad spectrum and dosing characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of ceftriaxone therapy among hospitalized children using drug use evaluation (DUE) methodology. METHODS Hospitalized patients who received one or fewer dose of intravenous ceftriaxone at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018, were identified. Duration was defined as empiric if 72 or less and definitive if more than 72 hours. Two infectious disease physicians reviewed the charts and rated appropriateness using a previously developed scale. RESULTS A total of 276 ceftriaxone courses in 248 patients (mean age 6.0 y) were reviewed. Of these, 153 (55.4%) were assessed as definitively or possibly indicated. The most common reason for inappropriate empiric use was an overly broad spectrum. Of the 120 courses given empirically for which there was no indication, the three most common reasons were lower respiratory infections (51; 42.5%), head and neck infections (18; 15.0%), and intra-abdominal infections (15; 12.5%). Of the 39 (14.1%) courses of ceftriaxone that were given for more than 72 hours, 14 (35.9%) met criteria for a definitive or possible indication. CONCLUSION Ceftriaxone is still overused as empiric therapy. Although 85% of courses were discontinued after three doses, 14% were continued for longer than 72 hours, with approximately one-third ultimately meeting an indication. DUE using Canadian pediatric and local guidelines criteria is useful to identify clinical presentations for which narrower spectrum antimicrobials should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Delorme
- Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences Institute, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Tassnim Moradipour
- Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Le Saux
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gebremichael TG, Gebreyesus HH, Gebremariam A. Assessment of the Appropriateness of Ceftazidime Use in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Drug Healthc Patient Saf 2020; 11:115-123. [PMID: 31908541 PMCID: PMC6930387 DOI: 10.2147/dhps.s226505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Ceftazidime is nowadays one of the most commonly used antibiotics due to its high antibacterial potency, wide spectrum of activity, and low potential for toxicity. However, the global trend shows huge misuse of ceftazidime. Objective This study was conducted to assess the appropriateness of ceftazidime use and to identify areas of intervention to prevent inappropriate use in different wards of Ayder Compressive Specialized Hospital, a tertiary teaching Hospital, Mekelle-Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based prospective cross-sectional study design was steered on 327 patients who received ceftazidime during their hospitalization in the selected wards from February 1 to April 30, 2019. Results In the assessment of the appropriateness of ceftazidime use, 2,084 (70.8%) were appropriate. Appropriateness of indication was 295 (90.2%), the effectiveness of ceftazidime use was 221 (67.6%), correct dose of ceftazidime use was 264 (80.4%), and the correct frequency of ceftazidime use was 230 (70.3%). Its use was empiric in 275 participants (84.1%) and specific in 52 (15.9%) participants. The most common indication for ceftazidime use was uncomplicated pneumonia, at 112 (34.3%). One hundred and seventy-one (52.3%) participants had intervention to prevent inappropriate use of ceftazidime. Changing the drug combination (96, 29.4%), increasing the dose (13, 4%), decreasing the dose (21, 6.4%), holding the (21, 6.4%), and discontinuation of ceftazidime (20, 6.1%) were among the interventions. Conclusion This study revealed that more than one-fourth of the ceftazidime use was inappropriate. This may lead to the emergence of resistant pathogens which in turn lead to treatment failure and increased the cost of therapy. Therefore, adherence to current evidence-based guidelines and initiating antimicrobial stewardship are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teklu Gebrehiwot Gebremichael
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Hiluf Hindeya Gebreyesus
- Medical Physiology Unit, Biomedical Division, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Alem Gebremariam
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
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Sisay M, Bute D, Edessa D, Mengistu G, Amare F, Gashaw T, Bihonegn T. Appropriateness of Cotrimoxazole Prophylactic Therapy Among HIV/AIDS Patients in Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical Practice. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:727. [PMID: 30042677 PMCID: PMC6048359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cotrimoxazole prophylactic therapy (CPT) is a feasible, cost-effective, and safe way of using cotrimoxazole intervention to reduce HIV/AIDS related morbidities and mortalities associated with opportunistic infections. Despite its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of opportunistic infections, the actual drug utilization process has been shown to deviate from World Health Organization (WHO) guideline in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate CPT among HIV/AIDS patients in Jugel Hospital (JH), Harar and Dilchora Referral Hospital (DRH), Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the use of cotrimoxazole as prophylactic therapy. In this study, 556 medical records (305 in JH and 251 in DRH) of HIV/AIDS patients who had been taking CPT within September 2015–August 2016 were reviewed. Systematic random sampling was employed to obtain medical records from the sampling frame. Data were abstracted from the patient medical records using structured checklist customized from the WHO guideline. The data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported to and analyzed with statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The finding was evaluated against the WHO guideline on the use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV/AIDS patients. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in tables, figures and pie chart. Results: Majority of the HIV/AIDS patients who had been taking CPT were adults (95.9%), female (61.2%), married (43.7%), Orthodox Christian (54.3%), and attended primary school (40.1%). At the initiation of CPT, most of the patients were at WHO clinical stage III (40.8%). The major comorbid illnesses identified were tuberculosis and pneumocystis-jiroveci pneumonia. Initially, majority of the patients were at CD4 count of less than 350 cells/mm3 (n = 504, 90.6%). Greater proportion of patients started CPT prior to initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Most of the patients took CPT for greater than 6 months. The primary reasons for premature discontinuation of CPT were CD4 greater than 350 cells/mm3, severe sulfa allergy and first trimester of pregnancy. Generally, the use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was consistent with the WHO guideline for indication to start (n = 519, 93.3%) and dose (n = 552, 99.28%), despite the presence of contraindication in 6.65% patients. Conclusion: In reference to the WHO guideline, the use of CPT was found to be fully appropriate in nearly two-thirds of HIV/AIDS patients. For the rest patients, inappropriate use of cotrimoxazole was observed based on the WHO criteria for initiation, discontinuation, continuation and dose with rate of discontinuation being the dominant one. Such practice may lead to adverse health outcomes including adverse drug reactions and negative treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekonnen Sisay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dida Bute
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dumessa Edessa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mengistu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Firehiwot Amare
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Gashaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Bihonegn
- Department of Animal Health, Kombolcha College of Agriculture, Wollo University, Kombolcha, Ethiopia
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Alwhaibi M, Balkhi B, Alhawassi TM, Alkofide H, Alduhaim N, Alabdulali R, Drweesh H, Sambamoorthi U. Polypharmacy among patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional retrospective study in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020852. [PMID: 29794097 PMCID: PMC5988096 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED ObjectivesPatients with diabetes are at high risk for polypharmacy (ie, use of multiple medications) for treatment of diabetes, associated comorbidities and other coexisting conditions. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy and factors associated with polypharmacy among adult patients with diabetes. METHODS A cross-sectional retrospective observational study of adults with diabetes, who visited the outpatient clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia, was conducted. Data were extracted from the Electronic Health Record database for a period of 12 months (January-December 2016). Polypharmacy was defined as the cumulative use of five or more medications. Polypharmacy among adults with diabetes was measured by calculating the average number of medications prescribed per patient. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with polypharmacy. RESULTS A total of 8932 adults with diabetes were included in this study. Of these, nearly 78% had polypharmacy which was more likely among women as compared with men and more likely among older adults (age ≥60 years) as compared with the adults. Also, polypharmacy was two times as likely among patients with coexisting cardiovascular conditions (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.89; 95% CI 2.54 to 3.29), respiratory disease (AOR=2.42; 95% CI 1.92 to 3.03) and mental health conditions (AOR=2.19; 95% CI 1.74 to 2.76), and three times as likely among patients with coexisting musculoskeletal disease (AOR=3.16; 95% CI 2.31 to 4.30) as compared with those without these coexisting chronic conditions categories. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy is common among patients with diabetes, with an even higher rate in older adults patients. Healthcare providers can help in detecting polypharmacy and in providing recommendations for simplifying medication regimens and minimising medications to enhance the outcome of diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bander Balkhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq M Alhawassi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Service, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel Alkofide
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alduhaim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Alabdulali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel Drweesh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usha Sambamoorthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Afriyie DK, Amponsah SK, Dogbey J, Agyekum K, Kesse S, Truter I, Meyer JC, Godman B. A pilot study evaluating the prescribing of ceftriaxone in hospitals in Ghana: findings and implications. Hosp Pract (1995) 2017; 45:143-149. [PMID: 28657382 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2017.1348139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Widespread empiric use of antibiotics exists especially in developing countries. This is a concern since inappropriate use of antibiotics, including their extended inappropriate use, will increase resistance rates. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate antibiotic utilisation across healthcare sectors to improve future use. This includes ceftriaxone, widely used among hospitals including those in Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional study to evaluate the appropriateness of ceftriaxone prescribing in a leading hospital in Ghana. Ceftriaxone prescribing in patient-record cards was assessed using a modified WHO drug-utilization evaluation criteria as well as referencing the national standard treatment guidelines in Ghana and the ceftriaxone package insert. RESULTS A total of 251 patients were assessed. Ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed for comorbid malaria with bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, sepsis and gastroenteritis. The appropriateness of the indication was 86% (n = 218). The doses most prescribed were 1g (41%) and 2g (39%). Stat dose and once-daily dosage regimen constituted 51.4% and 84.5%, respectively. The most common duration of treatment was 1 (51.4%) and 2 days (35.1%). The overall appropriateness of prescribing was 93% against a pre-set threshold of 97%. CONCLUSION The appropriateness of ceftriaxone prescribing was high in this leading hospital in Ghana; however, there is room for improvement with targeted education initiatives, with further research planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Ghana School of Pharmacy , Legon , Ghana
| | - Justice Dogbey
- c Plastics and Burns Unit, Pharmacy Department , Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital , Accra , Ghana
| | - Kwabena Agyekum
- a Pharmacy Department , Ghana Police Hospital , Accra , Ghana
| | - Samuel Kesse
- a Pharmacy Department , Ghana Police Hospital , Accra , Ghana
| | - Ilse Truter
- d Drug Utilization Research Unit (DURU), Department of Pharmacy , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Port Elizabeth , South Africa
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- e School of Pharmacy , Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University , Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- f Department of Clinical Pharmacology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,g Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , Strathclyde University , Glasgow , UK.,h Health Economics Centre , Liverpool University Management School , Liverpool , UK
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Kairuz T, Truter I, Rossato L, Pudmenzky A. Dispensing Patterns of Anxiolytics and Sedative-Hypnotics: A Feasibility Study Comparing Datasets from a Developed and a Developing Country (Australia and South Africa). Curr Drug Saf 2017; 12:57-61. [PMID: 28067180 DOI: 10.2174/1574886312666170109115741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dispensing patterns reflect drug usage trends. Benzodiazepines are known as drugs with potential for misuse, and frequent dispensing may be a surrogate marker of misuse. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to obtain a comparative snapshot of anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic dispensing in a developing country and a developed country, to determine whether further research about benzodiazepines is warranted. METHOD A cross-national, cross-sectional retrospective drug utilisation study was conducted on benzodiazepines and z-drugs. The South African database was obtained from a national medical insurance administrator and the Australian data were de-identified and extracted from pharmacies in the city of Brisbane in Queensland. RESULTS Diazepam was the most frequently dispensed anxiolytic in the Australian dataset (26.4%; n=1057/4010) while in the South African data, diazepam dispensing (17.2%; n=11597/67354) was superseded by alprazolam (17.8%; n=12009/67354) and followed by bromazepam (13.6%; n=9146/67354). The most frequently dispensed hypnotic in the South African data was zolpidem which accounted for 18.7% of records (n=12603/67354), while in the Australian data it was temazepam (24.9%; n=998/4010). Zolpidem was dispensed more frequently than zopiclone in both datasets. CONCLUSION In South Africa there was relatively frequent use of alprazolam, bromazepam and zolpidem while in the Australian data diazepam, oxazepam and temazepam were most frequently dispensed. The use of alprazolam, identified as a drug of abuse in Australia, warrants further research in South Africa. The indicator described in this paper permitted a (qualitative) cross-sectional comparison of anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics between a developed and a developing country (Australia and South Africa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Kairuz
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308,. Australia
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Yuen YC, Wan MQ, Tan JH, Chan N. Drug use evaluation of transdermal fentanyl in a tertiary hospital. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2016; 23:331-334. [PMID: 31156877 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2015-000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The primary objective of the study was to assess the rationale of fentanyl patch initiation and continuation for pain. The secondary objectives were to analyse prescribing pattern between disciplines, monitoring criteria and adverse events profile of fentanyl patch in the inpatient wards for a tertiary hospital. Methods A retrospective case series review was undertaken of patients who received transdermal fentanyl for pain from April to June 2013 at the National University Hospital, Singapore. Relevant data were collected from electronic and physical medical records and audit criteria applied for indication, opioid tolerance, dosage regimen, adverse events and monitoring criteria. Results 40 patients were prescribed fentanyl patches for pain in the study period. 15 patients (62.5%) had one or more problems during initiation of fentanyl patch. Appropriate use during initiation was low with only 9 (38%) patients meeting all the required criteria. Most of the inappropriate use involved a lack of bridging opioids (58%), wrong opioid conversion dose (42%) and use in opioid-naïve patients (42%). In addition, three cases of inappropriate placement were observed. Monitoring for efficacy and adverse effects generally met audit criteria. There was a low incidence of discontinuation (21%) due to its well-tolerated side effect profile. Conclusions This study highlighted high incidence of inappropriate initiation of fentanyl patch, and we proposed an in-house guideline to aid physicians in initiating fentanyl patches during admission and to educate nursing staff of the monitoring parameters for efficacy and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ching Yuen
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Qi Wan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun Hao Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Noreen Chan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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Gebresillassie BM, Gebeyehu MB, Abegaz TM, Erku DA, Mekuria AB, Tadesse YD. Evaluation of cotrimoxazole use as a preventive therapy among patients living with HIV/AIDS in Gondar University Referral Hospital, northwestern Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2016; 8:125-33. [PMID: 27462178 PMCID: PMC4939980 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s103081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) is a feasible, inexpensive, and well-tolerated way of using cotrimoxazole intervention for patients living with HIV/AIDS to reduce HIV/AIDS-related morbidities and mortalities caused by various bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of cotrimoxazole as a prophylaxis therapy among patients living with HIV/AIDS at Gondar University Referral Hospital (GURH), northwestern Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the use of cotrimoxazole as a prophylaxis therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS at GURH, northwestern Ethiopia from September 2013 to October 2015. Medical records of 264 patients were selected by using systematic random sampling technique from the sampling frame list of all patients' medical records. Data were collected from patients' medical records using the structured checklist and evaluated against World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. The quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical packages for social sciences Version 20. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were used to describe and assess the association between different variables. RESULTS Approximately 95 (36.0%) patients were at WHO clinical stage III at the start of CPT. The use of CPT was consistent with the guidelines in the rationale for indication 200 (75.75%) and dose 263 (99.62%), despite the presence of contraindications in 24 (9.90%) patients. The occurrence of cotrimoxazole-associated side effects was higher in the first month of therapy. Problems regarding drug-drug interactions were identified in 63 (23.86%) patients, and 92 (34.84%) patients discontinued CPT due to different reasons. CONCLUSION Although the practice of discontinuation of CPT and follow-up for adverse drug effects were not consistent with WHO guidelines on the rational use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, the use of CPT among people living with HIV/AIDS at GURH was appropriate. Health professionals who were working in the antiretroviral therapy units should update themselves and adhere to the available updated guidelines to reduce the occurrence of adverse effects and prophylaxis failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Abebe Basazn Mekuria
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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AlSaad D, ElSalem S, Abdulrouf PV, Thomas B, Alsaad T, Ahmed A, AlHail M. A retrospective drug use evaluation of cabergoline for lactation inhibition at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Qatar. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2016; 12:155-60. [PMID: 26929627 PMCID: PMC4754102 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s96298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breastfeeding is considered as gold standard for infant nutrition and should be interrupted only when a compelling indication exists. Certain medical conditions such as abortion, stillbirth, HIV infection, or infant galactosemia and certain medications such as chemotherapy necessitate lactation inhibition to protect the health of mother and infant. Drug use evaluation (DUE) studies are done to explore the current practice in a setting and help to identify areas in which further information and education may be needed by clinicians. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a DUE of cabergoline to assess indications for lactation inhibition, dosage regimen, and its safety. Method A retrospective cross-sectional DUE study was conducted over a period of 4 months from September 1, 2013, till December 31, 2013, at the Women’s Hospital, Qatar. All cabergoline prescriptions written for lactation inhibition within 10 days of delivery or abortion were included in the study. A descriptive data analysis was undertaken. Results Of the 85 patients included, stillbirth (50.6%) was considered as the main reason for lactation inhibition, followed by abortion (27.1%) and neonatal death (12.9%). The remaining 9.4% of the patients had live baby, and the majority of them were prescribed cabergoline for lactation inhibition because their maternal medical conditions required the use of drugs with insufficient safety data (n=6). Seventy-four percent of patients received cabergoline at accurate time and dose. However, 14% of the patients had preexisting hypertensive disorder and 58.3% of them were diagnosed as uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion The current DUE study found that cabergoline was mainly used to inhibit lactation for patients with stillbirth, abortion, and neonatal death. In mothers who use medications for other medical conditions, benefits and risks of breastfeeding should be carefully balanced before prescribing cabergoline. Current prescribing pattern can be further enhanced through informing health care providers regarding appropriate cabergoline dosage regimen and its safety in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doua AlSaad
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samah ElSalem
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Binny Thomas
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tayseer Alsaad
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afif Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moza AlHail
- Clinical Support Service Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Salehifar E, Shiva A, Moshayedi M, Kashi TS, Chabra A. Drug use evaluation of Meropenem at a tertiary care university hospital: A report from Northern Iran. J Res Pharm Pract 2015; 4:222-5. [PMID: 26645030 PMCID: PMC4645136 DOI: 10.4103/2279-042x.167047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The inappropriate use of antibiotics remains the primary factor in antimicrobial drug resistance. In this study, we evaluate the use of meropenem in surgical/medical wards of Imam Khomeini Tertiary Referral Hospital, Sari, Iran. Methods: This retrospective observational study was used to assess rational use of meropenem. The study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 100 admitted patients who received meropenem during March 2013 to January 2014. Findings: Meropenem was prescribed most frequently in Intensive Care Unit (22%), and pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (35%). The third-generation cephalosporins were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobials after meropenem (53%). In 21% of the patients, imipenem was changed to meropenem. Most of the inappropriate uses were seen in terms of frequency of meropenem use (34%), followed by duration of meropenem therapy (28%). Conclusion: Comparing our study results has shown higher inappropriate use. It is necessary to take action to improve prescribing habit in order to reduce the unnecessary usage of antibiotic thus enhance rational antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Salehifar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Thalassemia Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Afshin Shiva
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mona Moshayedi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Taravat Samiei Kashi
- Student's Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Aroona Chabra
- Student's Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The outpatient management of stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation has recently been published and provides insight into the benefits and risks of the new direct-acting oral anti-coagulants. However, real-world use of these agents for hospital inpatients requires additional study. OBJECTIVE To determine prescribing patterns for dabigatran at 3 Canadian hospitals, specifically adherence with the hospitals' prescribing restriction limiting dabigatran to patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and creatinine clearance above 30 mL/min (primary outcome) and assessment of age-related prescribing, prescribing of medications with defined contraindications or potential for interaction when given concurrently with dabigatran, and use of risk stratification tools (secondary outcomes). METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients for whom dabigatran was prescribed from August to October 2011 was performed at 3 hospitals in Toronto, Ontario. Descriptive statistics were used for all outcomes assessed. RESULTS Overall, dabigatran was prescribed for 69 inpatients, of whom 16 (23%) were new users (dabigatran initiated during hospital admission) and 53 (77%) were prior users (dabigatran prescribed before admission to hospital). Fifty-eight patients (84%; 14 new users and 44 prior users) received dabigatran according to the hospitals' prescribing restriction. For the remaining 11 patients, dabigatran therapy did not meet prescribing restrictions for use because of valvular disease or presence of prosthetic valve (10 patients [14% of the total sample]) and impaired renal function (1 patient [1%]). Among those whose dabigatran therapy met the prescribing restrictions for use, amiodarone and acetylsalicylic acid were the most common concurrently prescribed medications (17 patients [29%] and 14 patients [24%], respectively). Stroke and bleeding risk were documented for only 27 patients (47%) and 10 patients (17%), respectively. CONCLUSION At the study hospitals, dabigatran was appropriately prescribed for the indication of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in patients without renal impairment in most cases. However, greater consideration of cardiac history (including valvular disease and presence of prosthetic valves), drug interactions, and documentation of risks and benefits is warranted. These research findings highlight the importance of and opportunity for pharmacist review and involvement in assessment and selection of patients with indications for anticoagulant therapy, particularly when agents are new to the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleesa A Carter
- PharmD, is a Critical Care Pharmacist with the Department of Pharmacy Services, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, and an Adjunct Lecturer, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Kori Leblanc
- PharmD, is the Research Coordinator and a Pharmacotherapy Specialist with the Department of Pharmacy Services and OpenLab, University Health Network, and an Assistant Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Amita Woods
- PharmD, is a Clinical Site Leader with the Department of Pharmacy Services and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Family Health Team, University Health Network, and an Assistant Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Donna Lowe
- PharmD, was, at the time of the study, a Drug Utilization Coordinator with the University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario. She is now a Pharmacy Quality Coordinator with the Department of Pharmacy Services, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network
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