Studying Microbial Ecology of Diabetic Foot Infections: Significance of PCR Analysis for Prudent Antimicrobial Stewardship.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the microbial ecology of diabetic foot infections (DFIs), using molecular-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to accurately identify the causative agents. One hundred DFI patients were recruited and classified using the Depth Extent Phase and Associated Etiology (DEPA) score according to their severity. Results revealed polymicrobial infections in 75% of cases, predominantly featuring Staphylococcus epidermidis (83%) and Staphylococcus aureus (63%). Importantly, 20% of samples exhibited facultative anaerobes Bacteroides fragilis or Clostridium perfringens, exclusively in high DEPA score ulcers. Candida albicans coinfection was identified in 19.2% of cases, underscoring the need for mycological evaluation. Empirical antimicrobial therapy regimens were tailored to DEPA severity, yet our findings highlighted a potential gap in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage. Despite an 88% prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, vancomycin usage was suboptimal. This raises concerns about the underestimation of MRSA risk and the need for tailored antibiotic guidelines. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of molecular-PCR analysis in identifying diverse microbial communities in DFIs, influencing targeted antibiotic choices. The results advocate for refined antimicrobial guidelines, considering regional variations in microbial patterns and judiciously addressing multidrug-resistant strains. This research contributes crucial insights for optimizing DFIs management and helps the physicians to have a fast decision in selection the suitable antibiotic for each patient and to decrease the risk of bacterial resistance from the improper use of broad-spectrum empirical therapies.

Prevalence and predictive factors for infertility-related stress among infertile couples: A cross-sectional study from Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of infertility-related stress, associated socio-economic, and demographic factors among infertile couples living in Jordan and those living under the chronic Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a number of fertility and reproductive clinics in Jordan and occupied Palestinian territories over a period of 6 months. Trained clinical pharmacists interviewed the identified couples. RESULTS: A total of 443 participants were interviewed. Three variables were significantly and independently associated with global stress scores. The need of parenthood appears higher in women than men among infertile couples in Jordan and Palestine (p=0.005). The country of origin (p<0.001) made the greatest contribution of unique variance followed by family type (p=0.035). Additionally, a significant contribution to the model was carried out by the number of clinicians who followed up on the case (p=0.013). The average total cost of treatment since the problem had been diagnosed was 2936±4529 Jordanian dinar, which may be of concern to both Jordanians and Palestinians given the limited resources available in developing nations. CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant degree of stress among infertile couples. The place of origin, family structure, and presence of medical insurance had a significant impact on the infertility global stress score. This study emphasizes the necessity for specific psychological therapies that are currently lacking in public healthcare practices in both Jordan and Palestine.

Effect of Diluted Dakin's Solution Versus Standard Care on Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the main cause of hospitalizations and amputations in diabetic patients. Failure of standard foot care is the most important cause of impaired DFU healing. Dakin's solution (DS) is a promising broad-spectrum bactericidal antiseptic for management of DFUs. Studies investigating the efficacy of using DS on the healing process of DFUs are scarce. Accordingly, this is the first evidence-based, randomized, controlled trial conducted to evaluate the effect of using diluted DS compared with the standard care in the management of infected DFUs. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of DS in the management of infected DFUs. Patients were distributed randomly to the control group (DFUs irrigated with normal saline) or the intervention group (DFUs irrigated with 0.1% DS). Patients were followed for at least 24 weeks for healing, reinfection, or amputations. In vitro antimicrobial testing on DS was performed, including determination of its minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration, minimum biofilm eradication concentration, and suspension test. RESULTS: Replacing normal saline irrigation in DFU standard care with 0.1% DS followed by soaking the ulcer with commercial sodium hypochlorite (0.08%) after patient discharge significantly improved ulcer healing (P < .001) and decreased the number of amputations and hospitalizations (P < .001). The endpoint of death from any cause (risk ratio, 0.13; P = .029) and the amputation rate (risk ratio, 0.27; P < .001) were also significantly reduced. The effect on ulcer closure (OR, 11.9; P < .001) was significantly enhanced in comparison with the control group. Moreover, DS irrigation for inpatients significantly decreased bacterial load (P < .001). The highest values for the in-vitro analysis of DS were as follows: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 1.44%; minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 1.44%; minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), 2.16%; and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), 2.87%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with standard care, diluted DS (0.1%) was more effective in the management of infected DFUs. Dakin's solution (0.1%) irrigation with debridement followed by standard care is a promising method in the management of infected DFUs.

Frequency of antiepileptic drugs and response change in pediatric patients receiving 2 or more antiepileptic drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of changes in antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) use, as well as concomitant changes in the degree of seizure control in pediatric patients, who are receiving 2 or more AEDs. METHODS: A prospective follow-up study at Jordan University Hospital`s pediatric neurology clinics was conducted on epileptic pediatric patients receiving at least 2 AEDs between December 2013 and April 2014. Patients were followed for 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were included, with a mean age of 7.2+/- 4.7 years. The mean number of AEDs received by patients at enrollment was 2.4+/-0.6, and 2.5+/-0.7 after follow-up. Most patients (63.4%) experienced no change in seizure control, and the majority reported at least one adverse drug reaction. Most patients received lower doses than recommended, both at the beginning and end of the study. During the year, only 3 patients (4%) were eligible for dose tapering, which would then be converted to monotherapy. Follow-up appointments average was 4.2+/-2.9 visits/patients in one year. The frequency of medication changes and dose adjustment was very low, about one-third (29.3%) of patients requiring no change in AEDs during any follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: During the one year follow-up study, most patients on polytherapy maintained their level of response to the AEDs, with minimal changes in their regimen despite frequent follow-up visits. Only a small percent could be converted to AEDs monotherapy.

Nutritional Support of Very Low Birth Weight Infants in a Tertiary Center in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) are at high risk for nutritional deficiency. Enteral feeding is usually challenged by increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The nutritional needs of VLBWIs are usually dependent on parenteral nutrition during early postnatal life. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional service of VLBWIs at Jordan University Hospital. METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up study of VLBWIs with birth weight ≤ 1,500 g. Data were extracted from medical charts and laboratory database. RESULTS: In total, 43 VLBWIs met our inclusion criteria; of them, 21% were extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs). The mean gestational age was 29 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1,218 g. The mean age of starting feeds was 3 days. Mean full feed age is 2 weeks. The most common side effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was hypertriglyceridemia (35%). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional care of VLBWIs is well established in our center. Initiating fortification earlier and working to increase mother's own breast milk supply is vital to improve growth in low resource setting.

The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan.

ZIKA virus (ZIKAV) outbreak in Latin America was associated with international concerns of ZIKAV circulation. The lack of vaccine and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against this virus rendered prevention as the single most effective method to control its spread. Hence, this study aimed to assess Jordanian population knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ZIKAV and its prevention. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to adults in Amman, Jordan. The overall knowledge of participants was poor (mean knowledge score of 13.7/32). Between 75% and 86% of the respondents did not know the highest risk group of ZIKAV infection, its complications, and the major routes of transmission. About 40% of the population did not know that ZIKAV is sexually transmitted. Only 40% of the population believed that prevention measures are effective. Female gender, working in the medical field, having children, and the source of medical information were associated with significantly higher level of knowledge (R 2 = 0.143, P-value < 0.0001). Being pregnant, however, was not associated with a significantly high knowledge score. Physician recommendations and government's role were the most important predictors of practices toward ZIKAV prevention. Of the 14 returnees from outbreak areas, only six were tested for ZIKAV on coming back and only three continued the use of prevention measures for a sufficient time. Therefore, formulation of a national health policy, preparedness plans against any potential transmission, and organization of educational campaigns to meet the population's health educational needs are required. Special emphasis should be placed on pregnant women and travelers to/returnees from ZIKAV-affected areas.

Correlates of resistin and retinol-binding protein 4 in metabolic syndrome patients with and without prediabetes.

Background Resistin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) can work in an intricate in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and prediabetes (PreDM) molecular crosstalk. Materials and methods Resistin and RBP4 were evaluated using colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in 29 normoglycemic MetS, 30 newly diagnosed drug naïve MetS-preDM patients and 29 lean and normoglycemic controls. Results In this cross-sectional design; the gradual increase in resistin levels (ng/mL), though not ascribed any statistically marked variation, was appreciable in both normoglycemic and preDM MetS groups vs. controls. RBP4 mean circulating levels (ng/mL) in both MetS groups (non-diabetic and preDM) invariably lacked discrepancy vs. controls. Except for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and A1C; no further intergroup discrepancy could be identified between MetS arms. Adiposity indices: body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) (but not conicity index) were substantially higher in both MetS (non- and preDM) groups vs. those of controls. Likewise, the atherogenicity index of plasma [but not non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (nonHDL-C)/HDL-C ratio, or triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C ratio] or any of the hematological indices [red cell distribution width (RDW-CV %), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet (PLT) to lymphocyte ratios (PLR)] had any marked variations as compared to controls. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio,visceral adiposity index, and waist circumference (WC)/hip circumference (HC) ratio were noticeably greater in MetS-preDM vs. normoglycemic MetS recruits. Neither biomarker could relate to each other, or any of the atherogenecity indices in 59 MetS participants (non- and preDM). Unlike RBP4; resistin associated proportionally with each of HC, BAI, MLR and NLR. Conclusions Both biomarkers can be putative indicator/surrogate prognostic tools for the prediction/prevention and pharmacotherapy of MetS anomalies.

Proportional correlates of cystatin-C with pentraxin-3, visceral adiposity index and atherogenicity index of plasma but not blood indices in metabolic syndrome patients with and without prediabetes.

Background Pentraxin-3 (PXT-3) and cystatin-C (Cys-C) are robustly related with central obesity and insulin resistance in prediabetes/metabolic syndrome (preDM-MetS). Materials and methods This cross-sectional study aimed to compare and correlate PXT-3 and Cys-C plasma levels in 29 normoglycemic MetS patients, 30 newly diagnosed drug naive preDM-MetS cases vs. 29 normoglycemic lean controls. Results Unlike PXT-3; Cys-C level was significantly higher in normoglycemic MetS (but not preDM-MetS) vs. healthy controls. Except for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c; no further intergroup discrepancy could be identified between the MetS arms. Adiposity indices [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist/height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) but not conicity index (CI)], atherogenicity index of plasma (AIP) (but not non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (nonHDL)-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio or total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio) or any of blood indices were substantially higher in both MetS (normoglycemic and preDM) groups vs. controls. Low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C/HDL-C ratio, visceral adiposity index (VAI) and WHR were exceptionally greater in MetS-preDM vs. controls. Marked proportional PTX-3-Cys-C correlation was noted in 59 MetS participants (normoglycemic and preDM). PTX-3 (but not Cys-C) correlated proportionally with each of neutrophils, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio but inversely with the lymphocyte count. Substantially, Cys-C (but not PXT-3) positively associated with both VAI and AIP but inversely with HDL-C. Neither biomarker in MetS pool had relations with red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV%), BMI, WC, HC, CI, WHR, WHtR, BAI, LAP, non-HDL-C, ratios of non-HDL-C/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C or TC/HDL-C. Conclusion PXT-3 and Cys-C can be surrogate prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers or putative MetS therapy targets.

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorders among Jordanian women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, associated factors, and management approaches of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Jordanian women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Three hundred premenopausal women completed a self-administered questionnaire. FINDINGS: Moderate-severe PMS was reported by 29% of women, while 14% had PMDD. Younger unmarried women had the more severe condition. Herbal remedies and no medication were the most common approaches used to manage PMS/PMDD. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: High rates of PMS and PMDD found in this study highlight the need to increase awareness to this condition among health providers in order to facilitate its identification, diagnosis, and management.

Impact of clinical pharmacists intervention on management of hyperglycemia in pregnancy in Jordan.

Background and objective Hyperglycemia in pregnancy is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and postpartum (PP) diabetes. This study aimed to assess the impact of the clinical pharmacist-assisted program (CPAP) of optimizing drug therapy and intensive education on main management outcome measures of patient knowledge about diabetes, Quality of life (QoL) as measured by SF-36 including maternal complications, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) control, and HbA1c. Method This is a randomized controlled study. Pregnant (20-28 weeks) patients with hyperglycemia received CPAP (n = 51) as compared with conventional management (n = 34). Patients were then followed up for 6 weeks pp. Results A significant change was shown in the intervention group for diabetes knowledge (3.47% vs. control 2.03%, P < 0.05) and three aspects of health-related QoL. The need for caesarian delivery (58.8% vs. control 35.3%) and severe episodes of hypoglycemia (0% vs. control 8.8%) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the intervention group. Six weeks PP reduction in HbA1c values was greater in the intervention group (- 0.54% vs. control - 0.08%, P = 0.04) with more FPG-controlled patients during pregnancy (94% vs. control 64.7%). Conclusion Clinical pharmacist assisted services in the management of pregnancy hyperglycemia fundamentally and significantly improve knowledge and disease control.

Type and etiology of pediatric epilepsy in Jordan. A multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To study types and etiologies of epilepsy in Jordanian pediatric epileptic patients maintained on antiepileptic drugs using customized classification scheme of International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) (2010) report. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, multi-centre study on pediatric epileptic patients on antiepileptic drugs, who were managed in the pediatric neurology clinics at 6 teaching public hospitals in Jordan. RESULTS: Out of the 663 patients included in the study, (90.2%) had one seizure type, (53%) of this type were focal seizures followed by generalized seizures (41.5%) and spasms (5.5%). Distinctive constellations were found in 11/663 (1.7%) patients. Benign epilepsies with centrotemporal spikes were the most common electro clinical syndromes 60/221 (27.1%). Epilepsies attributed to structural-metabolic causes were documented in 278/663 (41.9%) patients, unknown causes 268/663(40.4%) and genetic causes in 117/663(17.7%). Most common causes of structural-metabolic group were due to perinatal insults (32%) and most common causes of the genetic group were the presumed genetic electro clinical syndromes (93.1%). CONCLUSION: Our study is on pediatric epilepsy, using customized classification scheme from the ILAE 2010 report which showed interesting results about type and etiology of epileptic seizures from developing country with potential impact on the international level.

Knowledge, awareness and practices towards seasonal influenza and its vaccine: implications for future vaccination campaigns in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an underestimated contributor to morbidity and mortality. Population knowledge regarding influenza and its vaccination has a key role in enhancing vaccination coverage. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the gaps of knowledge among Jordanian population towards influenza and its vaccine, and to identify the major determinants of accepting seasonal influenza vaccine in adults and children in Jordan. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 941 randomly selected adults in Amman, Jordan. A four-section questionnaire was used which included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about influenza and the factors that affect seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance and refusal. RESULTS: Only 47.3% of the participants were considered knowledgeable. About half of the participants (51.9%) correctly identified the main influenza preventative measures. Lack of knowledge about the important role of seasonal influenza vaccine in disease prevention was observed. Low vaccination rate (20% of adults) was reported. The most critical barrier against vaccination in adults and children was the concern about the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine, while the most important predictors for future vaccination in adults and children were physician recommendation and government role. In children, the inclusion of the vaccine within the national immunization program was an important determinant of vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION: Formulating new strategies to improve the population's level of knowledge, assuring the population about the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine and the inclusion of the vaccine within the national immunization program are the essential factors to enhance vaccination coverage in Jordan.

Patterns of antiepileptic drugs use in epileptic pediatric patients in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in pediatric patients with confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, and to provide knowledge of general practice of physicians. METHODS: The study was a multi-center crosssectional observational study, in specialized clinics for management of epilepsy in north, central and south Jordan. This study was conducted from January 2014 to July 2014. These were 3 from university tertiary care hospitals and 4 from governmental tertiary care hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 694 pediatric patients were included. Monotherapy AED use had the highest frequency 465 (67.0%), followed by dual therapy 162 (23.3%). The frequency of monotherapy in university hospitals was lower than governmental hospitals (p<0.05); however, Polytherapy was more frequent in younger children. Two old AEDs were most frequently prescribed as a monotherapy; Valproic acid 235 (50.5%) and carbamazepine 155 (33.3%). The most common combination in dual therapy was valproic acid with carbamazepine 28 (17.3%). The second most common combinations were carbamazepine with levetiracetam 21 (13.0%) or valproic acid with levetiracetam 20 (12.3%). CONCLUSION: Older AED remain first line drugs for use in both monotherapy and combination therapy for epileptic disorders. Polytherapy is associated with younger kids and being treated in a university hospital.

Role of clinical pharmacist in the management of blood pressure in dialysis patients.

Background Hypertension is highly prevalent yet undertreated condition in hemodialysis patients. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical pharmacist's role in the management of blood pressure in hemodialysis patients guided by home blood pressure monitoring. Setting Outpatient hemodialysis units of Jordan University Hospital and Isra'a Hospital. Method This was a randomized controlled study. It lasted 6 months (September 2011 till the end of March 2012). All hypertensive patients receiving hemodialysis were invited to participate in the study. Out of 60 patients approached, 56 were actually included. Patients were randomly allocated to an intervention (29) or control group (27). In the intervention arm, patients received physician-pharmacist collaborative care. While in the control arm patients received standard medical care. Main outcome measure Percentage of patients achieving weekly average home blood pressure below or equal 135/85 mmHg. Other secondary measures that were assessed include absolute reduction in peridialysis blood pressure, interdialytic weight gain, adherence to medications and dialysis sessions. Results A total of 52 patients completed the study. Forty-six percent of patients in the intervention arm achieved BP target (mean home blood pressure ≤135/85 mmHg) compared to only 14.3 % of patients in the control arm (p = 0.02). Average decline in weekly mean home systolic blood pressure was 10.9 ± 17.7 mmHg in the intervention arm (p = 0.004), while weekly mean home systolic blood pressure increased by 3.5 ± 18.4 mmHg in the control arm (p = 0.396). No significant reduction was achieved in weekly home diastolic blood pressure, dialysis blood pressure readings, or interdialytic weight gain in either arm. Conclusions Clinical pharmacist-physicians' collaboration improved rate of blood pressure control in hemodialysis patients. Using home blood pressure monitoring was found to be an efficient way to guide blood pressure therapy.

Evaluation of VTE Prophylaxis in an Educational Hospital: Comparison Between the Institutional Guideline (Caprini 2006) and the ACCP Guideline (Ninth Edition).

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common preventable cause of hospital death; the burden of VTE includes the management of the acute event (deep vein thrombosis [DVT]/pulmonary embolism) and the chronic subsequents such as postthrombotic syndrome and recurrent DVT. All experts agree that despite the abundance of knowledge available on VTE and how to prevent it, it is still underused, and since the first step in prophylaxis is to identify those who are at high risk of VTE, several risk assessment models have been developed to identify these patients and provide appropriate prophylaxis. In our study, the institutional guideline in a tertiary educational hospital is the Caprini score (2006), a comparison was conducted between the institutional guideline and the American College of Chest Physicians guideline (ACCP ninth edition [ACCP-9]) in terms of the degree of agreement of the actual prophylaxis with the institutional guideline and the ACCP-9 and the differences in risk levels. The concordance with the ACCP-9 guideline was higher than with the institutional guideline, specifically in those patients receiving prophylaxis, and there was an overestimation of the risk levels in the institutional guideline, especially in medical patients. The replacement of the existing Caprini-2006 with the ACCP-9 is prudent, since it agrees with the physicians' clinical judgment and may result in reduced use of pharmacologic prophylaxis which could lead to lower costs and fewer adverse effects.

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a primary care setting.

AIM: This study was designed to investigate primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a primary care setting in Jordan. METHODS: Adult patients without clinical cardiovascular disease who attended a primary care setting were interviewed and their medical files were reviewed. Data collected to assess primary prevention of cardiovascular disease included lifestyle/risk factor screening, weight assessment, blood pressure measurement and control, and blood lipid measurement and control. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients were interviewed. The proportions of patients' files with risk factors documentation were 37.9% for smoking status, 30.4% for physical activity assessment and 72.8% for blood pressure assessment. The majority of hypertensive patients (95.9%) had a blood pressure reading at their most recent visit of ⩽ 140/90 or was prescribed ⩾ 2 antihypertensive medications. CONCLUSION: Documentation of cardiovascular disease risk factors was suboptimal. Healthcare providers should be encouraged to document and assess cardiovascular risk factors to improve primary prevention.

Evaluation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after the introduction of an institutional guideline: Extent of application and implementation of its recommendations.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although much is known about risk factors for VTE, there is failure in administration of appropriate prophylaxis to patients who are at risk for VTE. A paper-based reminder system is considered to be among the most effective methods of improving VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients. However, their success relies on choosing an evidence-based institutional guideline and implementation of its recommendations. This study was carried out to detect the extent of application of the institutional guideline (Caprini score risk assessment sheet). The study was carried out in the Jordan University Hospital; 354 patients were enrolled in the study and distributed among the following wards: nonorthopedic surgical (n = 119), medical (n = 220), and surgical orthopedic wards (n = 15). The risk assessment sheet was present in only 47.2% of the patient's' files, and the scores in the files were estimated correctly in only 52.1% of cases. Prophylaxis received by patients matched the recommendation of the Caprini score in 67.1% of the patients. The degree of concordance of the VTE prophylaxis with the Caprini score was 59.9%. This study showed that the institutional guideline was poorly implemented in the hospital.

Evaluating unfractionated heparin fixed dosing protocol and establishing an institutional therapeutic range for UFH in hospital setting in Jordan.

This study was conducted to evaluate current unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing regimen and establish an institutional therapeutic range for UFH in a public hospital in Jordan. In the first part, medical records of 241 patients who received UFH were reviewed retrospectively. In the second part, blood samples were withdrawn from 60 patients on UFH, and activated partial thromboplastin time and anti-Xa assay were measured. Most activated partial thromboplastin time readings were not therapeutic (91.4%) and recurrence of thrombosis was reported in 35.3% of patients. In the second part, therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time range corresponding to the UFH concentration of 0.3 to 0.7 anti-factor Xa unit/mL was 56 to 95 seconds, which corresponds to an activated partial thromboplastin time range of 1.5 of 2.8 times the mean control value. The traditional activated partial thromboplastin time range ratio of 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value can result in subtherapeutic UFH levels.

The role of clinical pharmacist on lipid control in dyslipidemic patients in North of Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of introducing clinical pharmacy services in achieving goal lipid profile in dyslipidemia patients in North of Jordan. Setting the study was carried out in a primary care facility in North of Jordan. METHODS: One hundred fifty two dyslipidemia patients were randomized into intervention and control groups and followed for 6 months period. Intervention group patients were followed intensively by a clinical pharmacist who worked closely with physicians in controlling lipid profiles according to the third edition of recommendations by The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel, control group patients were provided with standard medical care. Main outcome measure percent of patients at their low density lipoprotein cholesterol target in the intervention group compared to percent of patients at their low density lipoprotein cholesterol target in the control group by the end of the study. RESULTS: One hundred twenty five patients completed the study duration. After 6 months, 94.5% of intervention group patients and 71.2 % of control group patients reached their goal low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P value < 0.001, Pearson Chi-Square test) compared to 24.7 and 28.8% respectively at baseline. Majority of pharmacist recommendations (90.4%) were followed by physicians and overall lipid lowering agents use was increased to 91.8% in intervention group patients and 86.5% in control group patients compared to 69.9 and 78.8% respectively at baseline. CONCLUSION: Implementing clinical pharmacy services in Jordan has improved the lipid profiles of dyslipidemic patients.

A randomized controlled trial to assess pharmacist- physician collaborative practice in the management of metabolic syndrome in a university medical clinic in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, and patients with metabolic syndrome have increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Although specific criteria vary, the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria (2002) defined metabolic syndrome as the presence of 3 or more of the following 5 components: waist circumference more than 102 centimeters (cm) for men or more than 88 cm for women; triglycerides 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg per dL) or more; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) less than 40 mg per dL for men or less than 50 mg per dL for women; blood pressure (BP) 130/85 millimeters mercury (mm Hg) or more; and fasting blood glucose 110 mg per dL or more. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-physician collaborative practice compared with usual care in the management of patients with metabolic syndrome as defined by the NCEP/ATP III criteria. METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted in family medicine outpatient clinics in Jordan enrolled 199 patients who met the NCEP/ATP III criteria for metabolic syndrome during an enrollment period from March 15, 2009, through May 10, 2009. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 110 in the intervention group (pharmacist-physician collaborative practice) and 89 in usual care (physician only). The patients in the intervention group were provided with pharmacist recommendations and pharmaceutical care counseling. Outcome measures included metabolic syndrome status (binomial) and changes in mean values for each metabolic syndrome component (waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-C, fasting blood glucose, and systolic and diastolic BP) and for body weight. A 2 ￗ 2 contingency table with a Pearson chi-square test was used to assess bygroup differences in metabolic syndrome status after 6 months of followup. In difference-in-difference analyses, t-tests (Mann-Whitney U tests when appropriate) were used to assess by-group differences in changes in the individual metabolic syndrome components and body weight. RESULTS: From baseline to follow-up, 39.1% (n = 43) of intervention group patients versus 24.7% (n = 22) of usual care patients were successfully shifted from a status of metabolic syndrome to no metabolic syndrome (P = 0.032). Three of 7 outcome measures were improved more in the intervention group compared with the usual care group. Mean (SD) triglyceride (mg per dL) declined by 30.9 (54.4) from 189.3 (79.6) to 158.4 (77.3) in the intervention group and by 14.5 (50.7) from 202.5 (88.0) to 188.5 (89.0) in the usual care group (P = 0.029). For the intervention and usual care groups, mean baseline systolic BPs were 134.7 (16.2) mm Hg and 134.6 (12.2) mm Hg, respectively, declining after 6 months follow-up by 12.1 (20.1) mm Hg in the intervention group versus 6.9 (14.6) mm Hg in the usual care group (P = 0.018). Mean baseline diastolic BPs were 83.6 (10.7) mm Hg and 83.6 (7.9) mm Hg, respectively, declining by 7.2 (12.6) mm Hg in the intervention group versus 4.9 (8.1) mm Hg in the usual care group (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with usual care provided by physicians only, pharmacist involvement in the clinical management of patients with metabolic syndrome increased the proportion of patients who no longer met criteria for the syndrome after 6 months follow-up and improved control of BP and triglycerides.