PRESCRIBING PATTERNS AND THE USE OF ANTHELMINTIC DRUGS IN COLOMBIAN PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Intestinal parasites continue to be a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Broad use of anthelmintics during deworming programs is still necessary in many regions. However, description of the usage of these medications in general medical practice has been limited. The objective of this study was to determine the use of anthelmintic drugs and their indications in a group of Colombian patients. This was a descriptive study from a drug-dispensing database, identifying patients with prescriptions for anthelmintic drugs. A total of 381 cases were randomly selected, and their medical records were reviewed, analyzing sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological variables (indication of use). The lack of diagnosis registration or clinical manifestations of parasites was determined as a prescription without indication. In total, 50.9% (n = 194) of patients were female, and 67.4% of all patients were under 18 yr of age. The diagnosis of helminthiases was clearly stated in 114 (29.9%) patients, and only 4.2% (n = 16) of these had microbiological confirmation. The most commonly used anthelmintic drug was albendazole (70.4% of all prescriptions). The use of anthelmintics was not indicated in 266 cases (69.8%). Nutritional supplements or vitamin prescriptions were associated with using anthelmintics without indication (odds ratio: 2.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.26-4.03). A high proportion of patients lacked symptoms or diagnoses in their clinical records that supported the use of anthelmintic drugs.

Pharmacological management, and potentially inappropriate prescriptions in patients with osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of osteoporosis involves medications that reduce the risk of fractures, but some medications can decrease bone density. The aim was to identify the treatments, comorbidities, and prescriptions related to reducing bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study that identified patterns of anti-osteoporotic drug prescriptions for outpatient use and potentially inappropriate prescriptions for patients with osteoporosis based on the drug-dispensing database of 8.5 million people in Colombia. All patients ≥65 years with a diagnosis of osteoporosis were included. RESULTS: A total of 16,362 patients with osteoporosis were identified. They had a median age of 74.4 years, and 47.9% received anti-osteoporotic therapy, especially bisphosphonates (41.6%), and 86.5% received calcium and/or vitamin D supplement. 41.6% of those who had a history of bone fractures were prescribed anti-osteoporotic drugs. Potentially inappropriate prescriptions, especially corticosteroids at doses greater than 5mg prednisolone equivalent (4.4%), were found in 41.4% of cases and were more common in older patients and those with a history of fractures or with cardiovascular, digestive, neurological, psychiatric or neoplastic comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients had potentially inappropriate prescriptions, especially older patients, those with certain comorbidities, and those receiving comedication with antirheumatic drugs.

Factors associated with admission to the intensive care unit and mortality in patients with COVID-19, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide, and several sociodemographic variables, comorbidities and care variables have been associated with complications and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with admission to intensive care units (ICUs) and mortality in patients with COVID-19 from 4 clinics in Colombia. METHODS: This was a follow-up study of a cohort of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and August 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical (Charlson comorbidity index and NEWS 2 score) and pharmacological variables were identified. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with the risk of admission to the ICU and death (p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 780 patients were analyzed, with a median age of 57.0 years; 61.2% were male. On admission, 54.9% were classified as severely ill, 65.3% were diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, 32.4% were admitted to the ICU, and 26.0% died. The factors associated with a greater likelihood of ICU admission were severe pneumonia (OR: 9.86; 95%CI:5.99-16.23), each 1-point increase in the NEWS 2 score (OR:1.09; 95%CI:1.002-1.19), history of ischemic heart disease (OR:3.24; 95%CI:1.16-9.00), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR:2.07; 95%CI:1.09-3.90). The risk of dying increased in those older than 65 years (OR:3.08; 95%CI:1.66-5.71), in patients with acute renal failure (OR:6.96; 95%CI:4.41-11.78), admitted to the ICU (OR:6.31; 95%CI:3.63-10.95), and for each 1-point increase in the Charlson comorbidity index (OR:1.16; 95%CI:1.002-1.35). CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to increasing the probability of requiring ICU care or dying in patients with COVID-19 were identified, facilitating the development of anticipatory intervention measures that favor comprehensive care and improve patient prognosis.

Vitamin, micronutrients and supplement prescribing patterns in a group of ambulatory colombian patients, 2016 / Patrones de prescripción de vitaminas y suplementos nutricionales en un grupo de pacientes de Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Vitamins and micronutrients are essential organic substances in the metabolic processes of living things, and supplementation is only recommended in conditions of nutritional deficits. Objective: To determine the prescription patterns of vitamins and supplements in a group of patients enrolled in the Colombian Health System in 2016. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study based on a population database. Vitamin-prescribed patients of both sexes and all ages were selected for 3 consecutive months. A database was designed using the dispensing records. SPSS 23.0 was used for the univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In total, 9998 patients receiving vitamin supplementation were identified. A female predominance was observed (n=8341, 83.4%). The mean age was 57.7±18.7 years. The most commonly formulated vitamins and micronutrients were vitamin D (58.0%), calcium (55.0%) and folic acid (25.0%). Overall, 60.8% of patients were prescribed more than one vitamin. The most frequent multiple-nutrient association was between calcium and vitamin D (n=5505); 77.3% received concurrent treatment with other medications to manage comorbidities. The probability of comedication in the multivariate analysis was higher for folic acid (OR:3.10, 95%CI 2.69-3.59), thiamine (OR:2.75, 95%CI:2.15-3.5) and calcium + vitamin D (OR:1.61, 95%CI: 1.42-1.82) and for those individuals older than 65 years (OR:1.24, 95%CI:1.02-1.51). Conclusions: Vitamins are widely used in the Colombian population. The results of this study elucidate the patterns of use of these supplements and offer proposed strategies to the future and to evaluate and minimize prescriptions that are potentially inappropriate or of little therapeutic value. MÉD.UIS. 2020;33(2):41-8.

Resumen Introducción: Las vitaminas y micronutrientes son sustancias orgánicas esenciales en los procesos metabólicos de los seres vivos y solo se recomienda suplementación en condiciones con déficits nutricionales. Objetivo: Determinar los patrones de prescripción de vitaminas y suplementos en un grupo de pacientes afiliados al Sistema de Salud en Colombia, en el año 2016. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal a partir de una base de datos poblacional. Se seleccionaron pacientes con prescripción de vitaminas por 3 meses consecutivos de ambos sexos y todas las edades. Se diseñó una base de datos con los registros de dispensación. Se usó SPSS 23.0 para análisis univariados, bivariados y multivariados. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Se hallaron 9998 pacientes con prescripción de suplementos vitamínicos. Se halló un predominio femenino (n=8341; 83,4%). La edad media fue de 57,7±18,7 años, las vitaminas y micronutrientes más formulados fueron: vitamina D (58,0%), calcio (55,0%) y ácido fólico (25,0%). El 60,8% de pacientes tenía más de un suplemento prescrito. La asociación más frecuente fue calcio y vitamina D (n=5505), y el 77,3% recibía tratamiento simultáneo con otros medicamentos para el control de comorbilidades. La probabilidad de comedicacion en el análisis multivariado fue mayor en formulados con ácido fólico (OR:3,10; IC95%:2,69-3,59), tiamina (OR:2,75; IC95%:2,15-3,50), calcio+vitamina D (OR:1,61; IC95%:1,42-1,82) y los mayores de 65 años (OR:1,24; IC95%:1,02-1,51). Conclusiones: Las vitaminas son ampliamente usadas en la población colombiana, los hallazgos de este estudio permiten conocer un estado de los patrones de uso de estos suplementos, así como plantear estrategias para racionalizar las prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas o de poco valor terapéutico. MÉD.UIS. 2020;33(2):41-8.

Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological characteristics of older adults with fractures, in three reference centers, Colombia / Características sociodemográficas, clínicas y farmacológicas de adultos mayores con fracturas, en tres centros de referencia, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Falls and bone fractures are important causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Its etiology is multicausal, including inadequate prescriptions and osteoporosis. The aim was to identify the clinical and pharmacological characteristics of a group of older adults diagnosed with fractures in Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study that analyzed the prescriptions made one month before the fracture, during hospitalization and discharge. Patients aged 60 years and over were selected, assisted in three reference centers in Colombia. The quality of the prescriptions was analyzed using the STOPP criteria. Results: 220 pa- tients with fractures were included, with a mean age of 75.3±10.3 years and 68.2 % were women. Hip fracture was the most frequent (37.7 %) and in-hospital mortality was 2.3 %. Prescription of calcium/vitamin D supplements and antiabsortive therapy at discharge was 23.7 % and 12.1 %, respectively. Prescriptions potentially inappropriate to discharge were identified in 11.6 % of patients and having five or more comorbidities was associated with greater probability of having them (OR:9.44, 95 % CI: 2.16-41.20). Conclusions: Medical staff generally do not formulate antiosteporotic medications as secondary prevention or improve the quality of prescriptions for fractured patients once they are hospitalized and discharged, so it is necessary to develop pharmacological strategies to help prevent new episodes of falls and fractures.

Resumen Introducción: las caídas y fracturas óseas son causas importantes de morbilidad y mortalidad en ancianos. Su etiología es multicausal comprendiendo, entre otros, prescripciones inadecuadas y osteoporosis. El objetivo fue identificar las características clínicas y farmacológicas de un grupo de adultos mayores con fracturas. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal que analizó las prescripciones realizadas un mes antes de la fractura, durante la hospitalización y al egreso de 220 pacientes de 60 o más años atendidos en tres centros de referencia de Colombia. Se analizó la calidad de las prescripciones mediante los criterios STOPP. Resultados: la edad media fue de 75,3±10,3 años y 68,2 % eran mujeres. La fractura de cadera fue la más frecuente (37,7 %) y se presentó una mortalidad intrahospitalaria del 2,3 %. La prescripción de suplementos de calcio/vitamina D y terapia antiabsortiva al egreso fue de 23,7 % y 12,1 %, respectivamente. Las prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas al egreso se identificaron en 11,6 % de pacientes y tener cinco o más comorbilidades se asoció con mayor probabilidad de tenerlas (OR:9,44, IC95 %: 2,16-41,20). Conclusiones: generalmente, el personal médico no formula medicamentos antiosteporóticos como prevención secundaria, ni mejoran la calidad de las prescripciones de los pacientes con fracturas una vez que son dados de alta, por lo que se hace necesario el desarrollo de estrategias farmacológicas para ayudar a prevenir nuevos episodios de caídas y fracturas.

[Profile of lithium carbonate use in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia].

INTRODUCTION: Lithium is the drug of choice for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. OBJECTIVE: To define lithium therapeutic profile and adverse reactions to its use in patients with bipolar affective disorder in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study between January 1 and December 31, 2013, which included patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder treated with lithium carbonate in 25 Colombian cities; we evaluated socio-demographic variables, lithium dose, co-medication, drug interactions and adverse reactions. A multivariate analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: The 331 patients had an average age of 44.5 ± 13.9 years; 59.2% were women. The mean dose of lithium was 898 ± 294 mg/day; 22% received doses lower than recommended, and patients had received lithium for 38.0 ± 39.5 months (range: 12-159 months). Lithium levels in blood had been measured only in 13.5% of patients; 71.3% of them had received adjuvant therapy for bipolar disorder with other drugs, especially clozapine (16.6%) and valproic acid (16.6%). The main comorbidities were hypothyroidism (18.1%) and hypertension (12.7%); 390 potentially toxic drug interactions were found, and adverse reactions were reported in 1.2% of patients. A statistically significant association was found between a lower risk of combination therapy and receiving treatment in the cities of Bogotá (OR=0.4, p=0.025), Cartagena (OR=0.3, p=0.015) and Ibagué (OR=0.3, p=0.025). CONCLUSION: Lithium was generally used at recommended doses and intervals, but a significant percentage of patients received lower doses than those recommended, and it was not possible to compare with lithium levels in blood. Adverse reactions and blood lithium levels reporting should be improved in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia.

Perfil de utilización del carbonato de litio en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en 25 ciudades de Colombia / Profile of lithium carbonate use in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El litio es el medicamento de elección para el tratamiento del trastorno afectivo bipolar. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil de uso y las reacciones secundarias del litio en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectiva entre el 1° de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2013, en pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno afectivo bipolar tratados con carbonato de litio en 25 ciudades colombianas. Se evaluaron las variables sociodemográficas, las dosis del litio, la medicación simultánea con otros fármacos, las interacciones medicamentosas y las reacciones adversas. Se hizo un análisis multivariado utilizando el programa SPSS 22.0®. Resultados. La edad promedio de los 331 pacientes fue de 44,5 ± 13,9 años, 59,2 % de ellos eran mujeres, la dosis promedio de litio fue de 898 ± 294 mg/día, y 22 % recibía dosis inferiores a las recomendadas; los participantes habían recibido el medicamento durante 38,0 ± 39,5 meses en promedio (rango: 12-159 meses), y solo a 13,5 % de ellos se les había hecho el análisis de litio en sangre. El 71,3 % recibía otros medicamentos como tratamiento coadyuvante para el trastorno afectivo bipolar, especialmente clozapina (16,6 %) y ácido valproico (16,6 %). Las principales enfermedades concomitantes fueron el hipotiroidismo (18,1 %) y la hipertensión arterial (12,7 %). Se encontraron 390 interacciones medicamentosas potencialmente tóxicas y se reportaron reacciones secundarias en 1,2 % de los casos. Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa con un menor riesgo de recibir tratamiento combinado en pacientes tratados en las ciudades de Bogotá (odds ratio, OR=0,4; p=0,025), Cartagena (OR=0,3; p=0,015) e Ibagué (OR=0,3; p=0,025). Conclusiones. El litio se administraba en las dosis e intervalos recomendados, pero un porcentaje significativo recibía dosis inferiores a las recomendadas y no fue posible contrastar el efecto con los niveles de litio en suero. Se debe mejorar el reporte de reacciones adversas y la medición de los niveles de litio en suero en los pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Lithium is the drug of choice for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. Objective: To define lithium therapeutic profile and adverse reactions to its use in patients with bipolar affective disorder in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study between January 1 and December 31, 2013, which included patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder treated with lithium carbonate in 25 Colombian cities; we evaluated socio-demographic variables, lithium dose, co-medication, drug interactions and adverse reactions. A multivariate analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Results: The 331 patients had an average age of 44.5 ± 13.9 years; 59.2% were women. The mean dose of lithium was 898 ± 294 mg/day; 22% received doses lower than recommended, and patients had received lithium for 38.0 ± 39.5 months (range: 12-159 months). Lithium levels in blood had been measured only in 13.5% of patients; 71.3% of them had received adjuvant therapy for bipolar disorder with other drugs, especially clozapine (16.6%) and valproic acid (16.6%). The main comorbidities were hypothyroidism (18.1%) and hypertension (12.7%); 390 potentially toxic drug interactions were found, and adverse reactions were reported in 1.2% of patients. A statistically significant association was found between a lower risk of combination therapy and receiving treatment in the cities of Bogotá (OR=0.4, p=0.025), Cartagena (OR=0.3, p=0.015) and Ibagué (OR=0.3, p=0.025). Conclusion: Lithium was generally used at recommended doses and intervals, but a significant percentage of patients received lower doses than those recommended, and it was not possible to compare with lithium levels in blood. Adverse reactions and blood lithium levels reporting should be improved in patients with bipolar disorder in Colombia.