Drug therapy problems and predicting factors among ambulatory epileptic patients in Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The care of epileptic patients is complicated by the cognitive adverse effect of the drug, disease, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics properties of antiepileptic drugs which in turn intensify the risk of drug therapy problems among epileptic patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess drug therapy problems and predicting factors among ambulatory epileptic patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia, from September 2020 to May 2021. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from patients as well as from charts. Drug therapy problems were identified using Cipolle's, Morley, and Strand drug therapy problem identification and classification method. Data were entered into Epi data manager version 4.6 and exported to statistical software package for social science version 23.0 for analysis. Multiplestepwise backward logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of drug therapy problems. The 95% CI was used to show an association between the dependent and independent variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the total 320 epileptic patients 224(70.0%) patients had at least one drug therapy problem. A total of 395 drug therapy problems were identified among two hundred twenty-four patients with an average of 1.2 drug therapy problems per patient. The frequently identified drug therapy problems were non-compliance 115(29.11), adverse drug reaction 110(27.84%), and dose too low 103(26%). Getting of a drug by purchasing [AOR = 4.6,95%CI:(2.05-10.7)], poorly involvement of the patients in therapeutic decision making [AOR = 3.02,95%CI:(1.5-6.06)], the number of medications ≥ two [AOR = 5.3,95%CI:(1.2-22.9)] and having had uncontrolled seizure [AOR = 10.9,95%CI:(4.9-24.2)] were independent predictors of drug therapy problems. CONCLUSIONS: Drug therapy problems were common among epileptic patients in the study area. Patients who were getting their drugs by purchasing, poorly involved in therapeutic decision making, having had an uncontrolled seizure, and taking two and above drugs were more likely to experience drug therapy problems. Therefore, due attention should be given to patients with the aforementioned problems to decrease the occurrence of drug therapy problems and improve overall outcomes among epileptic patients.

Treatment and Clinical Outcomes of Osteoarticular Infections Among Pediatrics Admitted to Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high burden of osteoarticular infections in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of data regarding the osteoarticular infections management approach and clinical outcomes in the region. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate a management protocol, clinical outcomes, and its determinants among pediatric patients with osteoarticular infections. METHODS: A pediatric patient admitted to Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), Ethiopia, with a diagnosis of osteoarticular infections was enrolled prospectively from April 30 to October 30, 2019. Clinical characteristics, management modality, and in-hospital complications were recorded from admission to discharge. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v.23 and the p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among a total of 150 pediatric patients enrolled in this study, osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 111 (74%), while the rest 39 (26%) had septic arthritis. The majority 105 (70%) of the study participants were male with a mean age of 8.79 ± 4.2 years. The culture was performed for only 3.6% of the patients. Almost all (98.7%) of the patients received intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and ceftriaxone was the most common IV antibiotic used as a monotherapy 66 (44.6%) or in combination with metronidazole 47 (31.8%) or gentamicin (12.8%). Almost half (45.3%) of the patients had poor treatment outcomes. Factors associated with poor treatment outcome were comorbidity [AOR=3.3, 95% CI (1.08-10.16)] and use of combination antibiotics [AOR=2.9, 95% CI (1.16-7.3)]. Rural residence [AOR=0.39, 95% CI (0.168-0.92)] and surgical interventions [AOR=0.29, 95% CI (0.006-0.144)] were associated with good treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: Almost half of pediatric patients with osteoarticular infections had poor treatment outcome. Health providers should increase the accessibility of microbiological tests and diagnostic imaging, which can guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes of patients with osteoarticular infections.

Prevalence and Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing burden of metabolic syndrome (MS) and ischemic heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa, data on the prevalence of MS among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from the regions are limited. Hence, this study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence and impact of MS on 30-day all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized with ACS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively assessed 176 ACS patients, who were admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. MS was diagnosed based on a harmonized definition of MS. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and 30-day mortality were recorded. Multivariable cox-regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Among 176 ACS patients enrolled, 62 (35.2%) had MS. Majority of the patients (62.5%) were male with the mean age of 56±11.9 years. ACS patients with MS were older, presented with atypical symptoms, and they had history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease compared to those without MS. MS was also significantly associated with in-hospital MACE (30.6% vs 17.5%; p= 0.046) and 30-day mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 3.25, 95% CI=1.72-6.15]. The other significant predictors of 30-day mortality were pre-hospital delay >12h (HR= 4.32, 95% CI=1.68-11.100), killip class ≥2 (HR=10.7, 95% CI= 2.54-44.95), and ejection fraction <40 (HR= 2.59 95% CI=1.39-4.84). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS among patients with ACS in Ethiopia is high. MS was significantly associated with high in-hospital MACE and it was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Initiating appropriate strategies on MS prevention and timely diagnosis of MS components could decrease the burden of ACS and improve patient's outcome.

Management quality indicators and in-hospital mortality among acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia: prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity worldwide. While the management quality measures and clinical outcomes of patients with ACS have been evaluated widely in developed countries, inadequate data are available from sub-Saharan Africa countries. So, this study aimed to assess the clinical profiles, management quality indicators, and in-hospital outcomes of patients with ACS in Ethiopia. METHODS: A Prospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia from March 2018 to November 2018. The primary outcome of the study was in-hospital mortality. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Multivariable cox-regression was conducted to identify predictors of time to in-hospital mortality. Variable with p -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 181 ACS patients enrolled, about (61%) were presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The mean age of the study participant was 55.8 ± 11.9 years and 62.4% were males. The use of guideline-directed medications within 24 h of hospitalization were sub-optimal (57%) [Dual antiplatelet (73%), statin (74%), beta-blocker (67%) and ACEI (61%)]. Only (7%) ACS patients received the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Discharge aspirin and statin were high (> 90%) while other medications were sub-optimal (< 80%). The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 20.4% and the non-fatal MACE rate was 25%. Rural residence (AHR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.81-7.29), symptom onset to hospital arrival > 12 h (AHR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.28-13.81), and Cardiogenic shock (AHR: 7.20, 95% CI: 3.55-14.55) were independent predictors of time to in-hospital death among ACS patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the use of guideline-directed in-hospital medications was sub-optimal. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was unacceptably high and highlights the urgent need for national quality-improvement focusing on timely initiation of evidence-based medications, reperfusion therapy, and strategies to reduce pre-hospital delay.

Medical History, Clinical Features, Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Infectious Keratitis Patients in Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Infectious keratitis is a major global cause of visual impairment and irreversible blindness among the corneal diseases. Its diagnosis and management remain getting challenge. The clinical and visual outcome remains poor in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine treatment outcome and its predictors among patients with infectious keratitis. METHODS: Prospective observational study was conducted among adult patients diagnosed with infectious keratitis at the Ophthalmology Department in Jimma University Medical Center from April 1 to September 30, 2019. The primary outcome indicator was response of the ulcer to empirical treatment. Ulcers that did not heal and required surgery had a poor outcome. Variables with a p-value of <0.25 were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the independent predictors of poor treatment outcome and variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The research involved 131 adult patients. Eighty-seven (66.4%) were males. The mean age was 39.38 (±18.9) years. Eighty-three (63.4%) patients had poor treatment outcome. Mean length of hospital stay was 17.38 (±12.563) days. Poor visual outcome was observed among 71 (54.2%) participants. Evisceration was done for seven (5.3%) patients. Independent predictors of poor treatment outcome include perforation at admission (AOR=6.1, 95%CI: 1.5-25.1), presence of comorbidity (AOR=7.7, 95%CI: 2.16-27.3), poor adherence (AOR=5.3, 95%CI: 1.8-25.9), traditional medicine use (AOR=6.7, 95%CI: 1.8-25.4), ulcer depth >1/3 (AOR=7.6, 95%CI: 2.48-48.23) and farm workers (AOR=3.59, 95%CI: 1.09-11.77). Major complications occurred after admissions were perforation (14.5%), followed by endophthalmitis (7.63%) and corneal opacity (6.87%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Our study found high poor treatment outcomes and high poor visual outcomes. Presence of comorbidity, perforation at admission, traditional medicine use, working on a farm, poor adherence, and ulcer depth were the predictors of poor treatment outcome. This high poor outcome requires a nationwide interventional study and urgent intervention that may reach rural communities.

Author Correction: Treatment response and predictors in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Treatment response and predictors in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease with a variable therapeutic response. To design effective treatment strategies for epilepsy, it is important to understand treatment responses and predictive factors. However, limited data are available in Africa, including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was therefore to assess treatment response and identify prognostic predictors among patients with epilepsy at Jimma university medical center, Ethiopia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 404 newly diagnosed adult epilepsy patients receiving antiepileptic treatment between May 2010 and May 2015. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected for all patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors of poor seizure remission. Overall, 261 (64.6%) of the patients achieved seizure remission for at least one year. High number of pre-treatment seizures (adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.83) and poor adherence (AHR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44-0.75) were significant predictors of poor seizure remission. In conclusion, our study showed that only about two-thirds of patients had achieved seizure remission. The high number of pre-treatment seizures and non-adherence to antiepileptic medications were predictors of poor seizure remission. Patients with these characteristics should be given special attention.

Prevalence and predictors of self care practices among hypertensive patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a major risk factor and precursor of myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, heart failure and premature death. These vascular events increased costs of hypertension management. Self-care Practices were recommended to control blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess predictors of self-care practices among hypertensive patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. RESULTS: A 341-hypertensive patients participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 54.35 ± 12.48 years with range of 26 to 89 years. One hundred seventy-seven (51.9%) respondents were males and male to female ratio is 1.08. About 61.9% of respondents were adherent to medication usage and 30.5%, 44.9%, 88.3%, 93.5% and 56.9% of respondents were adherent to low salt diet, physical activity, non-alcohol drinking, nonsmoking and weight management respectively. Normal weight (AOR = 1.822, 95% CI 1.073-3.093) was independent predictor of medication usage whereas good self-efficacy (AOR = 2.584, 95% CI 1.477-4.521) and being female (AOR = 0.517, 95% CI 0.301-0.887) were independent predictor of low salt diet and physical activity respectively. Also being female (AOR = 3.626, 95% CI 1.211-10.851) was independent predictors of non-smoking.

Drug-related problems and potential contributing factors in the management of deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving anticoagulant drugs must be carefully screened for drug-related problems, as such medications, including warfarin have narrow therapeutic ranges and a high potential for complications. Thus, this study was designed to assess drug-related problems in the management of patients with deep vein thrombosis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving retrospective chart review of adult patients with deep vein thrombosis was conducted from patients who visited the hospital from July 2012 to June 2013, using structured data collection format and this was complemented by key informant interview. RESULTS: The study included 91 patients with venous thromboembolism. Fifty three (58.2 %) were females. Mean age was 38.6 (±13.76) years and more than 2/3 were below the age of 44 years. About 54 % of them presented with concurrent medical conditions and most commonly with cancer. Adjustment of warfarin dose up or down was done in increments of 16 to 100 % for recent subtherapeutic International Normalized Ratios, 16 to 50 % for therapeutic and 11 to 66 % for overtherapeutic International Normalized Ratios, with the mean of 36.5 (±18.03) based on the cumulative weekly dose of warfarin. There was significant linear relationship between percentage of dose change and consequent International Normalized Ratio values (R(2) = 0.419; p = 0.000). Accordingly, more than 51 % of them presented with nontherapeutic International Normalized Ratio ranges following dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The most prevalent anticoagulation drug-related problems were subtherapeutic doses, overtherapeutic doses and potential drug interactions. Institutional validated decision support tools for dosing decisions during maintenance anticoagulation therapy should be developed and used accordingly in order to prevent recurrent and hemorrhagic complications and to improve clinical outcomes.