Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastroprotection in primary health care users.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of gastroprotection and identify the main factors that influence the taking of protective drugs by the adult population treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). METHODS: This study was cross-sectional, conducted by including a contingent of 800 users of primary health care services (n=369, 46% males and n=431, 54% females). Included in the study were individuals of both genders aged 18+ who sought counselling or treatment during the three-month period. The data collection of this study was based on the completion of a structured questionnaire, which included questions related to the use of NSAIDs, the way these drugs were prescribed and administered and the simultaneous taking of gastroprotective drugs. RESULTS: The prevalence of the gastroprotective drugs use was higher among the elderly, individuals living in urban areas, those with higher education, those with daily use of NSAID, individuals receiving prescriptions from their own doctors, and those suffering from side effects from the use of NSAID, as well as subjects that had a longer duration of NSAID use. Diclofenac was the most prescribed NSAID. Gastric pain and dizziness were the most experienced side effects. CONCLUSION: This paper demonstrates the need to improve the quality of primary health care service through informing and educating patients regarding the need to take gastro-protective drugs for those at high risk of adverse effects manifested by the use of NSAIDs.

Prevalence and correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Kosovo.

BACKGROUND: In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines is unknown to date. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as "inappropriate use") in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18-87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.7). CONCLUSION: Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescriptions identified by Beers and STOPP criteria in co-morbid older patients at hospital discharge.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) and the association with polypharmacy (more than six drugs prescribed) in co-morbid older patients in a critical moment of care transition such as hospital discharge by means of two explicit criteria (Beers 2012 and STOPP 2008). METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out in an older patients' population (≥65 years old) discharged from a university hospital in Spain. We recorded patients' information regarding demographics, diagnosis, drugs prescribed and associated pathological conditions and calculated the Charlson co-morbidity index. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records of hospital discharge. Beers (2012) and STOPP criteria (2008) were applied for PIP detection. The strength of association between polypharmacy and the presence of PIP was assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: From 1004 patients of a 15% random sample, just 624 that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The number of prescribed drugs was a risk factor for PIP according to both criteria, even after adjusting for confounding variables. PIP frequency was higher in patients who received more than 12 medications (Beers: 34.8%, STOPP: 54.4%). Each additional medication increased the risk of PIP by 14 or 15% (Beers or STOPP). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the strategies used for PIP reduction in co-morbid older patients should focus on the management of polypharmacy. Medication review at hospital discharge is highly recommended for patients taking more than six drugs.

Prevalence and Correlates of Drug-drug Interactions in the Regional Hospital of Gjilan, Kosovo.

AIM: Our aim was to assess the prevalence and socioeconomic and clinical correlates of drug-drug interactions among the adult population of transitional Kosovo. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including a representative sample of 1921 patients aged ≥18 years (mean age: 57.8±11.2 years; 50.3% women; overall response: 96%) from the regional hospital of Gjilan, Kosovo, during 2011-2013. Potential drug-drug-interactions were assessed and clinical data as well as demographic and socioeconomic information were collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the correlates of drug-drug interactions. RESULTS: Upon multivariable adjustment for all the demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as the clinical characteristics, drug-drug interactions were positively and significantly related to older age (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.3-2.8), a lower educational attainment (OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.1-1.9), a longer hospitalization period (OR=2.7, 95%CI=2.1-3.6), presence of three groups of diseases [infectious diseases (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.3-2.4), cardiovascular diseases (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.4-2.6), respiratory diseases (OR=1.6, 95%CI=1.2-2.5)], presence of comorbid conditions (OR=3.2, 95%CI=2.3-4.4) and an intake of at least four drugs (OR=5.9, 95%CI=4.6-7.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides important evidence on the prevalence and socioeconomic and clinical correlates of drug-drug interactions among the hospitalized patients in the regional hospital of Gjilan, Kosovo. Findings from our study should raise the awareness of decision-makers and policy makers about the prevalence and determinants of drug-drug interactions in the adult population of post-war Kosovo.

Research on alteration of neurons in vagal nuclei in medulla oblongata in newborns with respiratory distress.

Neuronal and axonal degenerative changes in motor vagal neurons (DMNV) and sensory vagal neurons (nTS) in the medulla oblongata in newborns were studied. Material was taken from the autopsies of newborns, live and dead newborns, in different gestational weeks (aborted, immature, premature and mature). 46 cases were studied. Material for research was taken from the medulla oblongata and lung tissue. Serial horizontal incisions were made in the medulla oblongata (± 4 mm), commencing from the obex, where the DMNV and nTS vagal nuclei were explored. Fixed cuttings in buffered formalin (10%) were used for histochemical staining. Serial cuttings were done with a microtome (7 µm). Pulmonary infections, being significant (p < 0.05), have an important place when studying respiratory distress (RD) in newborns. Morphological changes of nerve cells in DMNV and nTS nuclei in the medulla oblongata in newborns in different gestational weeks are more emphasized in matures in comparison to aborted and immature (p < 0.05). Depending on the lifetime of dead newborns, neuronal morphological changes in vagus nerve nuclei are significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that pulmonary infections are often caused due to dramatic respiratory distress in newborns, while hypoxaemic changes in the population of vagus nerve neurons in respiratory distress are more emphasized in matures.

Management and comorbidities of atrial fibrillation in patients admitted in cardiology service in Kosovo-a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Anticoagulation therapy can substantially decrease the risk of stroke in patients with AF. The aim of our study was to investigate the patient's comorbidities and management of patients with AF on the discharge. METHODS: From 5382 consecutive patients admitted in our institution between January 2005 and March 2008, 525 (mean age 66.4+/- 11.4 years, 53.3% male) had AF upon discharge, who were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided in two groups according to prescription of anticoagulation therapy at discharge. Continuous data were compared between groups using a two-tailed unpaired Student t test. Discrete variables were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent clinical and echocardiographic predictors of prescribing oral anticoagulation therapy. RESULTS: Associated comorbidities of AF in our patients were: ischemic heart disease (21.4%), hypertensive heart disease (27.44%), valvular heart disease (17.4%), congestive heart failure (47%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6.7%), and diabetes 14.3%). Of 525 patients 76% were discharged on beta-blockers, 67% on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 23% on digoxin, 16% on calcium antagonists, 67% on diuretics, 72% on aspirin, and 27% on oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, 11% were with both antithrombotics. Multivariate analysis showed that the under-prescription of OAC therapy in patients with AF was independently associated with elder age (OR=0.916, 95%CI 0.891-0.942, p<0.001), non-enlarged left atrium (OR=1.148, 95%CI 1.100-1.198, p<0.001) and good left ventricular ejection fraction (OR=0.970, 95%CI 0.948-0.993, p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with atrial fibrillation were mainly with ischemic, hypertensive heart disease and congestive heart failure. Our study, suggests underuse of anticoagulation therapy. The independent predictors of under prescription of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation were elder age, non-enlarged left atrium, and good left ventricular ejection fraction. Medical treatment with other groups of drugs for atrial fibrillation and comorbidities seems to be according to current guidelines.