Should intravitreal dexamethasone implant in refractory diabetic macular edema be used as an adjuvant therapy or switch therapy?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant used as either an adjuvant or a switching therapy for diabetic macular edema in patients with poor anatomic response after three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with diabetic macular edema who received three consecutive doses of ranibizumab as initial therapy and demonstrated poor response. A single dose of intravitreal de xamethasone implant was administered to these patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities: the adjuvant therapy group, consisting of patients who continued treatment with ranibizumab injection after receiving intravitreal dexamethasone implant, and the switch therapy group, consisting of patients who were switched from ranibizumab treatment to intravitreal dexamethasone implant as needed. The main outcome measurements were best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. Results: In this study that included 64 eyes of 64 patients, the best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness values did not significantly differ between the groups at baseline and at 6 months of follow-up (p>0.05). However, at 12 months, the best corrected visual acuity values in the adjuvant and switch therapy groups were 0.46 and 0.35 LogMAR, respectively (p=0.012), and the central retinal thickness values were 344.8 and 270.9, respectively (p=0.007). Conclusions: In a real-world setting, it seems more reasonable to use intravitreal dexamethasone implant as a switch therapy rather than an adjuvant therapy for diabetic macula edema refractory to ranibizumab despite three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab. Patients switched to intravitreal dexamethasone implant were found to have better anatomic and visual outcomes at 12 months than those who continued ranibizumab therapy despite their less-than-optimal responses.

Guardians of the ocular surface: lessons learned from a challenging case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with eyelid involvement

ABSTRACT Langerhans cell histiocytosis comprises a heterogeneous range of clinical manifestations secondary to clonal proliferation of histiocytes, characterized by the accumulation of these cells in various organs and tissues. The ophthalmological component commonly involved is the orbit. Herein, we report a rare case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with eyelid involvement, which resulted in severe ocular surface complications, which subsequently significantly impacted the patient's quality of life. This case report highlights the fact that despite being rare, Langerhans cell histiocytosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of eyelid lesions. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach with a systemic overview is crucial for managing the ocular complications.

Características del almacenamiento de antibióticos en una población suburbana de México

Objetivo: Determinar las características de almacenamiento de los antibióticos de las familias en una población suburbana en México. Metodología: El enfoque del estudio es cuantitativo, observacional, de corte transversal y alcance descriptivo. La unidad de estudio fueron las familias que vivían en el área de estudio de una zona suburbana en México. Resultados: Se encuestaron un total de 235 familias, dentro de las cuales existen diversos grupos etarios, de los cuales predominaron las edades de entre 36 a 64 años en 153 familias. Se obtuvo que más del 70 % presentaban enfermedades y, respecto a la posibilidad de que tuviesen almacenados medicamentos antibióticos caducados o próximos a caducar, el 68.1 % mencionó que no era probable. Conclusiones: El importante número de población adulta, la amplia presencia de comorbilidades y diversos factores sociodemográficos impactan en las prácticas y actitudes en relación con las formas en que las familias obtienen, usan, almacenan y desechan los medicamentos dentro de sus hogares. Esta investigación busca contribuir a la concientización y creación de diversos programas para la adopción de medidas de seguridad para el almacenamiento de medicamentos dentro del hogar, así como servir de guía en la identificación de procedimientos óptimos, eficientes y eficaces para tratar este fenómeno.

Objetivo: Determinar as características do armazenamento de antibióticos das famílias em uma população suburbana no México. Metodologia: A abordagem do estudo é quantitativa, observacional, transversal e de escopo descritivo. A unidade de estudo foram as famílias que viviam na área de estudo de uma zona suburbana no México. Resultados: Foram pesquisadas 235 famílias, de diversas faixas etárias, das quais predominaram as idades de 36 a 64 anos em 153 famílias. Verificou-se que mais de 70% apresentavam enfermidades, e com relação à possibilidade de terem medicamentos antibióticos vencidos ou prestes a vencer armazenados, 68,1 % mencionaram que não era provável. Conclusões: O significativo número de população adulta, a ampla presença de comorbidades e vários fatores sociodemográficos impactam nas práticas e atitudes relativas às formas como as famílias obtêm, usam, armazenam e descartam medicamentos em suas residências. Esta pesquisa busca contribuir para a conscientização e a criação de vários programas para a adoção de medidas de segurança para o armazenamento de medicamentos em casa, bem como servir de guia na identificação de procedimentos ideais, eficientes e eficazes para lidar com esse fenômeno.

Objective: To determine the antibiotic storage characteristics of families in a suburban population in Mexico. Methodology: The study approach is quantitative, observational, cross-sectional and descriptive in scope. The unit of study was families living in the area under study in a suburban zone of Mexico. Results: A total of 235 families were surveyed, within which there are different age groups, with 153 families predominantly aged between 36 and 64 years old. It was obtained that more than 70 % presented illnesses and, regarding the possibility that they had stored expired or soon to expire antibiotic drugs, 68.1 % mentioned that it was not likely. Conclusions: The significant number of adult population, the wide presence of comorbidities and various sociodemographic factors impact practices and attitudes regarding the ways in which families obtain, use, store and dispose of medications within their homes. This research seeks to contribute to the awareness and creation of various programs for the adoption of safety measures for the storage of medicines within the home, as well as to serve as a guide in the identification of optimal, efficient and effective procedures to deal with this phenomenon.

Assistência pré-natal às usuárias de substâncias psicoativas: dificuldades elencadas pelos profissionais da saúde / Prenatal care for users of psychoactive substances: difficulties listed by health professionals / Atención prenatal a consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas: dificultades mencionadas por los profesionales de la salud

Objetivo: conhecer as dificuldades elencadas pelos profissionais de saúde na assistência pré-natal às usuárias de substâncias psicoativas. Método: estudo qualitativo, exploratório-descritivo, realizado nas mídias sociais, com profissionais da área da saúde que realizam atendimento pré-natal. A coleta de dados ocorreu de novembro de 2022 a janeiro de 2023 por meio de questionário eletrônico. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise temática. Protocolo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: os profissionais destacam o déficit de conhecimento para abordar este público em específico. A abordagem superficial e condenatória do uso de substâncias pelas políticas públicas corrobora para que os profissionais se sintam preparados em parte para atender essas gestantes. Considerações finais: a capacitação dos profissionais é necessária para superar práticas condenatórias e retrógradas de cuidado que focam unicamente a abstinência; como também, o investimento na capacitação acerca da rede de atenção à saúde, buscando ampliar sua visibilidade e utilização.

Objective: understanding the difficulties listed by health professionals in prenatal care for users of psychoactive substances. Method: this is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study carried out on social media with health professionals who provide prenatal care. Data was collected from November 2022 to January 2023 using an electronic questionnaire. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the professionals highlight the lack of knowledge to deal with this specific public. The superficial and condemnatory approach to substance use by public policies contributes to making professionals feel partly prepared to deal with these pregnant women. Final considerations: the training of professionals is necessary to overcome condemnatory and retrograde care practices that focus solely on abstinence; and investment in training about the health care network, seeking to increase its visibility and use.

Objetivo: conocer las dificultades mencionadas por los profesionales de la salud en la atención prenatal de las consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas. Método: estudio cualitativo, exploratorio-descriptivo, realizado en redes sociales, con profesionales de la salud que brindan atención prenatal. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo de noviembre de 2022 a enero de 2023 a través de un cuestionario electrónico. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis temático. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: los profesionales destacan que les falta el conocimiento para atender a este público específico. El abordaje superficial y condenatorio del consumo de sustancias por parte de las políticas públicas contribuye a que los profesionales se sientan parcialmente preparados para atender a esas gestantes. Consideraciones finales: es necesario capacitar a los profesionales para superar las prácticas asistenciales condenatorias y retrógradas que se centran únicamente en evitar el consumo; e invertir en capacitación sobre la red de atención de salud, para ampliar su visibilidad y uso.

Usabilidade de um aplicativo móvel de apoio aos profissionaisde saúde para cálculos de doses de vancomicina / Usability of a mobile application supporting healthprofessionals on vancomycin dosing calculation

O aplicativo móvel CalcVAN foi desenvolvido para auxiliar os profissionais de saúde para otimizar as doses de vancomicina em pacientes hospitalizados. Porém, é imprescindível avaliar a sua usabilidade antes de disponibilizá-lo para prática clínica. Assim, o objetivo do estudo é avaliar a usabilidade do aplicativo móvel na perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de avaliação heurística da usabilidade de um aplicativo móvel. Foram convidados profissionais da área de saúde com expertise no tema de gerenciamento de antimicrobianos e vancomicina. O instrumento validado Smartphone Usability questionnaiRE (SURE) foi utilizado para mensuração da usabilidade por meio de um questionário on-line. Vinte e um especialistas participaram do estudo, com média de idade de 32,6 anos, sendo a maioria de mulheres (n = 14, 66,7%), profissionais farmacêuticos (n = 13, 61,9%), com pós-graduação lato sensu (n = 10, 47,6%), que trabalhavam em hospitais públicos ou privados (n = 15, 71,4%) e com média de experiência em 9,7 anos. Com base na interpretação dos resultados obtidos pelo instrumento SURE, a média de usabilidade geral do CalcVAN foi de 83 pontos, com escore menor de 78 e maior de 90 pontos. O teste de usabilidade foi enquadrado nos dois últimos níveis, 70 e 80, onde os profissionais de saúde passaram a concordar fortemente e totalmente, indicando que o aplicativo móvel apresenta uma usabilidade satisfatória. O CalcVAN atingiu uma usabilidade satisfatória e atende as necessidades e exigências dos profissionais de saúde, mostrando--se eficiente para realizar as funções propostas.

The CalcVAN app was developed to assist healthcare professionals in optimizing vancomycin doses for hospitalized patients. However, the usability test before making it available for clinical practice is essential. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the usability of the app from the perspective of health professionals. A descriptive study, a heuristic evaluation of the usability of a mobile application was conducted. Healthcare professionals with expertise in antimicrobial management and vancomycin were invited to participate. The validated Smartphone Usability questionnaiRE (SURE) was used to measure usability through an online questionnaire. Twenty-one experts participated in the study, with a mean age of 32.6 years, mostly of them women (n = 14, 66.7%), pharmacists (n = 13, 61.9%), with postgraduate education (n = 10, 47.6%), working in private or public hospitals (n = 15, 71.4%), and a mean experience of 9.7 years. Overall usability score for CalcVAN was 83 points, ranging from a minimum of 78 to a maximum of 90 points. The usability test registered within the last two levels, 70 and 80, with users expressing strongly and fully agreed, indicating that the app demonstrates satisfactory usability. CalcVAN achieved satisfactory usability, fulfilling the needs and requirements of health professionals, proving to be efficient in performing the intended functions.

Prurigo: review of its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract Prurigo is a reactive, hyperplastic skin condition characterized by pruritic papules, plaques, and/or nodules. The temporal classification includes acute/subacute and chronic disease (≥ 6 weeks), with different clinical variants, synonymies, and underlying etiological factors. The immunology of chronic prurigo shows similarities with atopic dermatitis due to the involvement of IL-4 and IL-13, IL-22, and IL-31. Treatment includes antihistamines, topical steroids, dupilumab, and JAK inhibitors. Several conditions manifest clinically as prurigo-like lesions, and the correct clinical diagnosis must precede correct treatment. Furthermore, chronic prurigos represent a recalcitrant and distressing dermatosis, and at least 50% of these patients have atopic diathesis, the treatment of which may induce adverse effects, especially in the elderly. The quality of life is significantly compromised, and topical treatments are often unable to control symptoms and skin lesions. Systemic immunosuppressants, immunobiologicals, and JAK inhibitors, despite the cost and potential adverse effects, may be necessary to achieve clinical improvement and quality of life. This manuscript reviews the main types of prurigo, associated diseases, their immunological bases, diagnosis, and treatment.

Tratamiento para tuberculosis resistente a rifampicina o multirresistente: análisis comparativo de indicadores programáticos entre Buenaventura y otros municipios del Valle del Cauca, Colombia / Treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A comparative analysis of programmatic outcome indicators between Buenaventura and other municipalities of Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El manejo adecuado de la tuberculosis multirresistente es una estrategia priorizada para el control de la tuberculosis en el mundo. Objetivo. Evaluar las diferencias entre las características demográficas y clínicas, y los indicadores programáticos de los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de tuberculosis pulmonar resistente a rifampicina o multirresistente en Buenaventura, frente a la cohorte de los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca entre 2013 y 2016. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un estudio analítico de cohortes para comparar los registros de pacientes mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis multirresistente, del Programa de Tuberculosis de Buenaventura (con ácido paraaminosalicílico), frente a los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca (sin ácido paraaminosalicílico). Resultados. Se registraron 99 casos con una mediana de edad de 40 años (RIC = 26 - 53); en Buenaventura, el 56 % eran mujeres; en los demás municipios, predominaron los hombres (67 %); el 95 % de los evaluados tenía aseguramiento en salud. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue diabetes (14 %). Las reacciones adversas a medicamentos antituberculosos en Buenaventura fueron 1,3 veces más frecuentes que en los demás municipios (OR = 2,3; IC95 %: 0,993 - 5,568; p = 0,04). En Buenaventura falleció el 5 % de los casos frente al 15 % reportado en los demás municipios. No hubo fracasos con el tratamiento en Buenaventura, pero se reportó un 35 % de pérdida del seguimiento. El éxito del tratamiento fue mayor en Buenaventura en el 56 %. Conclusión. El programa fortalecido de Buenaventura presentó mejores resultados programáticos que los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca. El acceso a pruebas moleculares, la disponibilidad de tratamientos acortados y el seguimiento continuo para identificar reacciones adversas a medicamentos antituberculosos son un derrotero para todos los programas de control.

Abstract Introduction. Proper management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a prioritized strategy for tuberculosis control worldwide. Objective. To evaluate differences concerning demographic and clinical characteristics and programmatic indicators of Buenaventura patient cohort with confirmed diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, compared to those of the other municipalities from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, 2013-2016. Materials and methods. We conducted an analytical cohort study to compare records of patients older than 15 years with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis included in the Programa de Tuberculosis de Buenaventura (with para-aminosalicylic acid) versus the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca (without para-aminosalicylic). Results. Ninety-nine cases were recorded with a median age of 40 years (IQR = 26 - 53); in Buenaventura, 56% of the patients were women, while in the other municipalities, men predominated with 67%; 95% had health insurance. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (14%). Adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications in Buenaventura were 1.3 times more frequent than in the other municipalities (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 0.993 - 5.568; p = 0.04). In Buenaventura, the mortality rate was 5% compared to the 15% reported in the other municipalities. Treatment failures were not reported in Buenaventura, but 35% did not continue with the follow-up. Treatment success was higher in Buenaventura (56 %). Conclusion. A strengthened program in Buenaventura presented better programmatic results than those from the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca. Access to molecular tests, availability of shortened treatments, and continuous monitoring to identify adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications are routes for all other control programs.

Atención médica de body packers en un territorio colombiano / Medical care for body packers in a Colombian territory

Introducción. El número de capturas a los body packers, que son aquellas personas que ingieren paquetes con estupefacientes para tráfico ilegal, ha aumentado paulatinamente. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar los casos de body packers atendidos en dos instituciones de salud de Florencia, un territorio al sur de Colombia, entre 2003 y 2017. Métodos. Este es un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Se hizo un análisis univariado en RStudio y Microsoft Excel® de variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se emplearon medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para las variables continuas, frecuencias y proporciones para las variables categóricas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 72 pacientes. La mayoría de los casos fueron reportados entre 2007 y 2012 (77,5 %). La relación entre hombres y mujeres fue de 4,9:1. La edad media fue de 29,1 años. El principal motivo de admisión fue para chequeo médico tras captura por parte de los organismos de seguridad nacional (76,4 %). En 9 de cada 10 admitidos se realizaron estudios de imagen (94,4 %); la principal ayuda diagnóstica fue la radiografía de abdomen simple (84,7 %), con una sensibilidad del 91,6 %. Se realizó manejo expectante en tres de cada cuatro pacientes (74,6 %). El 6,9 % presentaron complicaciones, con una mortalidad (1,4 %). Conclusiones. La radiografía de abdomen simple es una ayuda diagnóstica adecuada para el tamizaje de los body packers. El manejo conservador es aceptable, teniendo en cuenta el porcentaje bajo de complicaciones.

Introduction. The number of arrests of body packers, who are those people who ingest packages with narcotics for illegal trafficking, has gradually increased. The objective of this study was to present the cases of body packers treated in two health institutions in Florencia, a territory in southern Colombia, between 2003 and 2017. Methods. This is a descriptive retrospective study. A univariate analysis was performed in RStudio and Microsoft Excel® of sociodemographic and clinical variables. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used for continuous variables, frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Results. 72 patients were included. Most cases were reported between 2007 and 2012 (77.5%). The ratio between men and women was 4.9:1. The mean age was 29.1 years. The main reason for admission was for medical check-up after capture by national security agencies (76.4%). In nine out of ten admitted patients, imaging studies were performed (94.4%); the main diagnostic imaging was simple abdominal X-ray (84.7%), with a sensitivity of 91.6%. Expectant management was performed in three out of four patients (74.6%). 6.9% presented complications, with one mortality (1.4%). Conclusions. Simple abdominal x-ray is an adequate diagnostic tool for screening body packers. Conservative management is acceptable, taking into account the low percentage of complications.

Unveiling supply chain efficiency: exploring ABC-VED analysis studies on drug inventory management in India

About one-third of annual hospital budget is spent on buying materials and supplies including medicines. In any health facility, be it small health center or a big teaching institution, drugs forms an essential and indispensable element. Non-availability of drugs particularly in the developing countries is due to lack of proper material management. A poor management in a public pharmaceutical supply can result in wastage or blockade of financial resources, irrational utilization of drugs, shortage or overage of essential drugs, increased holding cost, and reduction in flexibility and decline in quality of health care services. Adaptation of a scientific approach of inventory management in healthcare manages all the issues regarding stocking of pharmaceutical items, ensuring safety, stability, efficacy, availability and maintenance of quality of drugs to provide better healthcare services. This review will focus on inventory management and its importance with special emphasis on always better control-vital, essential, desirable (ABC-VED) analysis technique on essential medicine concept and report of various research studies conducted on ABC-VED analysis in different parts of country.

Enhancing patient safety: leveraging artificial intelligence-powered electronic medical records for effective drug-drug interaction nudge in real-world prescribing practices

Background: Concurrent prescriptions of various medications may lead to unfavorable and unanticipated potential drug-drug interactions. Hence, the elimination of drug-drug interactions is a key aspect of delivering a coherent treatment regime. In response to this concern, HealthPlix, one of India's largest AI-powered electronic medical record providers, introduced a drug-drug interaction nudge feature in June 2022, providing a proactive solution for physicians to address potential interactions between incompatible drugs. This study aimed to elucidate the role of electronic medical records in identifying and managing drug interactions and the advantages of interaction nudges for doctors in prescribing appropriate medications. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from HealthPlix, containing two or more drugs, written for patients older than 18 years. Results: In an average of 1.9 million patient visits analyzed, the interaction visits were observed to be 1.2 million. An average of 185,745 interactions were observed during the study period. For all observed interactions, an average of 72,383 molecules were removed. These results provide insights into the efficiency of HealthPlix in abrogating interactions and illustrate the tangible benefits of nudges in modifying prescription practices. Conclusions: The above results illustrate the effectiveness of drug-drug interaction nudges as a clinical decision support tool integrated into HealthPlix, marking a significant advancement in Indian healthcare. This unique feature contributes to reducing the frequency of potent drug interactions, showcasing its potential to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.

Fast dissolving oral thin films: an innovative herbal drug delivery system

Fast-dissolving drug delivery systems were first developed as an alternative to common dosage forms in the late 1970s. The oral thin film is an innovative drug administration approach based on transdermal patch technology. These systems consist of solid dosage forms that dissolve and disintegrate quickly in the mouth without the need for water. Oral thin films (OTFs) and oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are two types of fast-acting pharmaceutical delivery methods. ODTs are "A solid dosage form containing medicinal substances, which disintegrates rapidly, usually within a matter of seconds, when placed upon the tongue." As a result, OTFs hydrate fast before dissolving or disintegrating, allowing the medicine to be absorbed locally and systemically. This method provides a solid platform for extending the patient lives of existing products while also developing new ones without infringing on patients. Fast- dissolving oral thin films are being used for sublingual and gastro retentive administration methods in addition to the buccal technique. This review focusses on the composition of various types of polymers, both natural and synthetic, as well as manufacturing processes, packaging materials, and OTF evaluation tests.

Management and repair strategies for abdominal perforations during abdominoplasty innovative techniques and clinical outcomes: a systematic review

Current suture advancements in abdominoplasty and abdominal perforation repair have enhanced surgical outcomes. Innovations include antimicrobial sutures, which use agents like triclosan and silver nanoparticles to reduce surgical site infections without compromising suture integrity. Drug-eluting sutures release therapeutic agents directly at the wound site promote healing and reducing the need for systemic medications. Bioactive sutures and those seeded with stem cells aid tissue regeneration promising confirmed success in complex surgeries. Smart sutures featuring shape-memory polymers and electronic sutures that monitor physiological parameters represent cutting-edge developments. Barbed sutures eliminate the need for knots, distribute tension evenly, and decrease operative time. Mesh repair techniques come with biocompatible materials enhancing tissue integration and reducing complications. Endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches augmented by artificial intelligence and have further refined abdominal perforation repairs and offer superior outcomes. Fibrin sealants and adhesives have also seen improvements in efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility, with advances in synthetic alternatives and bioactive formulations further enhancing surgical success.

Prescription pattern of inhalational medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in India: insights from cross-sectional survey of pulmonologists across India

Background: Treatment of COPD depends on disease severity, phenotype and exacerbation risk. Inhaled medications are the treatment of choice in COPD. We undertook this survey to find the most commonly prescribed inhalational medication in COPD as per the severity of the disease. Methods: It was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of pulmonologists in real-world clinical practice settings conducted across India. Results: The participants included 806 pulmonologists across India. Seventy-five per cent of pulmonologists ranked symptom relief, reduction in the frequency of exacerbations and improvement in lung function as the most important treatment targets. In COPD patients falling under GOLD group A, the treatment choice by pulmonologists in descending rank order was fomroterol/glycopyrronium (32%), ipratropium (38%), and tiotropium (30%) and for gold group B, this was fomroterol/glycopyrronium (34%), followed by indacaterol/glycopyrronium (26%) and tiotropium/formoterol (40%). In the GOLD group E, triple therapy (formoterol/glycopyrronium/budesonide) was preferred by 41% of pulmonologists. In the frequent exacerbator, predominant emphysema, chronic bronchitis and concomitant asthma phenotype, 44%, 38%, 46% and 32% of pulmonologists ranked formoterol/ glycopyrronium/budesonide as their preferred 1st therapy, respectively. Among COPD patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) comorbidity, 31% of pulmonologists selected formoterol/glycopyrronium/budesonide as 1st-preference drug therapy. Similar results were obtained for COPD patients with metabolic syndrome comorbidity. Conclusions: For the management of COPD patients, pulmonologists predominantly preferred a triple drug combination of formoterol/glycopyrronium/budesonide in GOLD group E and also in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities. Fomroterol/glycopyrronium was the most preferred combination for GOLD group A and GOLD group B.

A study on pharmacist intervention in anti-epileptic drugs at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders since 19th century. Several classes of AEDs are available for epilepsy, many of them are also used for migraines, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and neuropathy. Methods: Total 212 patients participated in an Ambi-directional observational cohort study conducted at Mallige medical center, Bangalore. Reviewed and evaluated both inpatients and outpatients case sheets and the data were entered into Microsoft excel. The data was analysed using version 27 of SPSS and statistical significance was determined by using p value less than 0.05 and Pearson correlation. Results: The result show that among 212 patients 130 were males and 82 females and the major risk factors were hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Levetiracetam and pregabalin were the commonest AED prescribed. Among 109 adverse drug reaction (ADRs) occurred in 82 patients, dizziness, and sedation (20%) were common. Valproate (17.4%) was the main drug causing ADRs and treatment was discontinued in 2 patients due to phenytoin (PHT) toxicity. A total of 90 drug-drug interaction (DDI) was observed using online drug database. Conclusions: This study revealed that monitoring and evaluating the prescription pattern in these patients enables modification in prescribing pattern that improves the patient抯 quality of life and can reduce drug related problems. Clinical pharmacist plays an important role in evaluating the prescribing pattern of drugs based on standard treatment guidelines and rationality of prescriptions.

Causalidade e Gravidade das Reações Adversas e Alterações Laboratoriais ao Tratamento com Benznidazol em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas Crônica / Causality and Severity of Adverse Reactions and Biochemical Changes to Benznidazole Treatment in Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease

Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) representa um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina. O Benznidazol (BNZ) é utilizado para o tratamento DC e, apesar do seu amplo uso, poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre sua toxicidade e mecanismos das Reações Adversas ao Medicamento (RAM). Objetivos Identificar e classificar as reações adversas clínicas e laboratoriais ocasionadas pelo uso do BNZ quanto à sua causalidade e gravidade. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. O acompanhamento do tratamento incluiu consultas e análises laboratoriais antes, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento. As RAM foram classificadas quanto à causalidade e gravidade. Na análise estatística o nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Resultados Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes com DC crônica, observou-se alta prevalência de RAM com um total de 161 em 30 (90%) pacientes. Destas, 104 (64,6%) foram classificadas como possíveis e 57 (35,4%) como prováveis. As reações foram classificadas em moderadas e leves. Dos 40 pacientes, nove (22,5%) suspenderam o tratamento. As RAM associadas à interrupção e intervenções foram as que afetaram o sistema dermatológico, sistema nervoso central e periférico ou que culminaram em ageusia. Após 30 dias de tratamento, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas leves foram observadas como linfopenia. Conclusão Apesar do elevado percentual de RAM, muitos pacientes foram capazes de completar o tratamento, o que se atribui ao êxito da estratégia de acompanhamento com intervenções de tratamento sintomático juntamente ao aconselhamento, levando à compreensão da sintomatologia e manutenção do tratamento.

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is a serious public health problem in Latin America. Benznidazole (BNZ) is used for the treatment of CD and, despite its wide use, little information is available about its toxicity and mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives To identify and classify clinical and laboratory adverse reactions caused by BNZ in terms of causality and severity. Methods Prospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2021. Treatment follow-up included visits and biochemical tests (complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) before, during and after treatment. ADR were classified according to causality and severity. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Forty patients with chronic CD were included. A high prevalence of ADR was observed 161 ADR in 30 patients [90%]; of these, 104 (64.6%) were classified as possible and 57 (35.4%) as probable. The ADR were classified as moderate and mild. Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) discontinued treatment. ADR associated with treatment discontinuation and interventions were those that affected the dermatological system, central and peripheral nervous system and sense organs such as ageusia. Mild hematological and biochemical changes such as lymphopenia were observed after 30 days of treatment. Conclusion Many patients were able to complete the treatment even with ADR, which can be attributed to the successful follow-up strategy with symptomatic treatment and counseling, leading to patient's awareness of symptoms and treatment adherence.

Efectividad de la terapia empírica con Cefotaxima y Ceftriaxona en servicios médico-quirúrgicos del hospital "Dr. Benigno Sánchez" de Quillacollo

Introducción: El uso inadecuado de antibióticos contribuye al aumento de la resistencia bacteriana, las cepas resistentes son muy difíciles de tratar con los antibióticos disponibles. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento farmacológico empírico con Cefotaxima y Ceftriaxona en servicios clínicos y quirúrgicos del hospital "Dr. Benigno Sánchez" de Quillacollo, durante la gestión 2022. Metodología: Es un estudio observacional de tipo analítico, subtipo casos y controles, longitudinal prospectivo. La población fue pacientes 1395, obteniendo una muestra de 884 pacientes subdividiendo en grupos casos n=741 y controles n=126. Resultados: En el servicio quirúrgico la frecuencia entre varones y mujeres fue de 45 % y 55 % respectivamente; 73 % del total no presentó enfermedades de base, el 90 % del total tuvo una hospitalización de menos de una semana con 95 % de mejoría sin diferencia significativa entre casos y controles. En el servicio de clínico, 60 % fueron mujeres el resto varones, 50 % del total no presentó enfermedades de base, el 78 % del total tuvo una hospitalización de menos de una semana con 85 % de mejoría sin diferencia significativa entre casos y controles. Discusión: Las características sociodemográficas, el presente estudio identificó que en el servicio quirúrgico a la edad media fue 43 años, de estos 45 % fueron varones y 55 % mujeres, en cambio en el servicio clínico, la edad media fue de 55 años, 60 % mujeres el resto varones. El presente estudio identificó que, en el servicio quirúrgico, el 95 % de los casos cuentan con mejoría, sin que exista una relación entre la terapia empleada o no. En el servicio clínico se apreció un 85 % de mejoría sin que exista diferencia entre los grupos. No existe una diferencia significativa entre los grupos, en los servicios medico quirúrgicos, con respecto a la mejoría.

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the increase in bacterial resistance; resistant strains are very difficult to treat with available antibiotics. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of empirical pharmacological treatment with Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone in clinical and surgical services of the "Dr. Benigno Sánchez" from Quillacollo, during the 2022 administration. Methodology: It is an observational study of analytical type, case-control subtype, prospective longitudinal. The population was 1395 patients, obtaining a sample of 884 patients, subdividing cases n=741 and controls n=126 into groups. Results: In the surgical service, the frequency among men and women was 45 % and 55 % respectively; 73 % of the total did not present underlying diseases, 90 % of the total had a hospitalization of less than one week with 95 % improvement without significant difference between cases and controls. In the clinical service, 60 % were women, the rest men, 50 % of the total did not present underlying diseases, 78 % of the total had a hospitalization of less than a week with 85 % improvement without significant difference between cases and controls. Discussion: The sociodemographic characteristics, the present study identified that in the surgical service the average age was 43 years, of these 45 % were men and 55 % women, however in the clinical service, the average age was 55 years, 60 % women the rest men. The present study identified that, in the surgical service, 95 % of the cases have improvement, without there being a relationship between the therapy used or not. In the clinical service, an 85 % improvement was seen with no difference between the groups. There is no significant difference between the groups, in medical surgical services, with respect to improvement.

Perfil de prescripción de levetiracetam en niños menores de cuatro años atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Chile / Levetiracetam prescription profile in children younger than 4 years treated at a tertiary care hospital in Chile

Introducción. El levetiracetam (LEV) es un antiepiléptico aprobado por el Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile como terapia concomitante en crisis epilépticas en niños mayores de cuatro años. Sin embargo, es ampliamente indicado desde el periodo neonatal, lo que hace necesario evaluar su utilización fuera de ficha técnica. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil de prescripción-indicación de LEV en el tratamiento de las crisis epilépticas en menores de cuatro años en un hospital de alta complejidad del sur de Chile. Población y método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de quienes iniciaron tratamiento con LEV entre 2014 y 2019, y se recopilaron datos sobre variables sociodemográficas, farmacológicas y clínicas. El análisis se basó en la descripción del perfil de los pacientes, prescripción, seguimiento y seguridad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 68 pacientes: 40 (58,8 %) de sexo masculino, 49 (72,1 %) con edad gestacional ≥ 37 semanas. La etiología principal de la epilepsia fue de tipo estructural (35,3 %); el LEV se utilizó principalmente en niños diagnosticados con malformación del sistema nervioso central (17,6 %) y predominó la monoterapia (55,9 %). En el 50 % se usó LEV para crisis focales. Cinco niños (7,3 %) presentaron trastornos de tipo psiquiátrico clasificados como probables reacciones adversas al medicamento. Conclusión. El LEV se utilizó en niños con diferentes diagnósticos con baja frecuencia de eventos adversos. El perfil de utilización varió en los diferentes grupos etarios. Es necesario identificar en futuros estudios la efectividad especialmente en el recién nacido y en epilepsias refractarias.

Introduction. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug approved by the Chilean Institute of Public Health as concomitant therapy for epileptic seizures in children older than 4 years of age. However, it is widely prescribed from the neonatal period, which makes it necessary to evaluate its off-label use. Objective. To determine the prescription-indication profile of LEV in the treatment of epileptic seizures in children younger than 4 years in a tertiary care hospital in southern Chile. Population and method. Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. The medical records of patients who started treatment with LEV between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed, and data on sociodemographic, pharmacological, and clinical variables were collected. The analysis was based on the description of the profile of patients, prescriptions, follow-up, and safety. Results. A total of 68 patients were included: 40 (58.8%) were males, 49 (72.1%) were born at a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks. The main etiology of epilepsy was structural (35.3%); LEV was mostly used in children diagnosed with central nervous system malformation (17.6%), and monotherapy was the prevailing dosage (55.9%). LEV was used for focal seizures in 50% of cases. Five children (7.3%) had psychiatric disorders, classified as probable adverse drug reactions. Conclusion. LEV was used in children with various diagnoses, with a low rate of adverse events. The profile of drug use varied in the different age groups. Future studies are needed to identify effectiveness, especially in newborn infants and patients with refractory epilepsy.

Ethambutol induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in an elderly female with co-morbidities

Papulosquamous lesions in an elderly female with multiple co-morbidities often pose diagnostic challenge. We present an interesting case of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) induced sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The patient presented with papulosquamous lesions in generalised distribution, which showed interface dermatitis on histopathology. The serology for anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-Ro and anti-La was positive. The rash resolved spontaneously after stopping all the suspected drugs. Oral provocation was performed with first line anti-tubercular drugs and ethambutol was found to be the culprit drug, which was later confirmed by reappearance of skin rash by inadvertent ingestion of one dose of ethambutol by the patient.

Comparative study of transdermal buprenorphine and fentanyl patch for post-operative analgesia in abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia: a randomised single blinded study

Background: Postoperative pain is one of the main concerns for the patient undergoing any major surgery. Effective control of post-operative pain is a major challenge to the surgeon and the attending anaesthesiologist. In spite of recent developments in pain treatment, many patients still experienced moderate to severe pain after surgery. Methods: The study groups divided into two, named group A and group B. The total sample size was 80, 40 patients in each group. Patients were allotted in two groups after block randomization viz: Group A (n=40)-patients received buprenorphine patch (10 ?g/h) and patients in group B (n=40) received fentanyl patch of (25 礸/h). Results: Difference in VAS scores among the two groups were found statistically significant from the end of surgery to 6 hours after surgery. However, from 12 hours after surgery, both the groups had comparable VAS scores. Among hemodynamic parameters, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure variation came out to be insignificant among both study groups. Group B showed more incidence of vomiting and constipation as compared to group A. There was no incidence of skin irritation, respiratory depression and urinary retention in both the groups. Conclusions: The present study concluded that for elective abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia, transdermal buprenorphine 10 mcg/hr and fentanyl 25 mcg/hr administered 12 hours prior to surgery are safe, reliable, maintaining haemodynamic stability with continuous effective post operative pain relief. Buprenorphine patch is more cost effective and PONV is more with fentanyl and hence, buprenorphine is better than fentanyl patch.