RESUMEN
Background: Regimen change remains a significant challenge towards the achievement of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success. In developing countries where limited treatment options are available, strategies are required to ensure the sustainability and durability of the starting regimens. Nevertheless, information regarding the rate and predictors of regimen change is limited in these settings. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and predictors of changes in ART regimens among patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at XX. Materials and methods: An institutional based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among adult naïve HIV patients who had initiated HAART at XX between 2010. Data were extracted by reviewing their medical charts using a pretested structured check-list. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to describe the probability of ARV regimen changes while Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to identify the predictors of ARV regimen modifications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software, and statistical significant was deemed at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 770 patients were enrolled in this study of these 165 (21.43%) had their ART regimen modified at least once. Drug toxicity was the main reason for regimen change followed by TB comorbidity, and treatment failure. Positive baseline TB symptoms (aHR = 1.63, p = 0.037), and Zidovudine based regimen (aHR = 1.76, p = 0.011) as compared to Stavudine based regimen were at higher risk of ART modification. Conversely, urban residence, baseline World Health organization (WHO) stage 2 as compared to WHO stage 1, baseline CD4 count ≥301 as compared to CD4 count ≤200 were at lower risk of ART modification. Conclusion: The rate of initial HAART regimen change was found to be high. Thus, less toxic and better tolerated HIV treatment options should be available and used more frequently. Moreover, early detection and initiation of ART by the government is highly demanded to maximize the benefit and reduce risk of ART modifications.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Inappropriate and unnecessary use of antibiotics can increase morbidity, mortality, medical expenses or patient cost, and microbial antibiotic resistance. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, information regarding appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing pattern to guide improvement strategies is scant. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess appropriateness and pattern of antibiotic prescription in pediatric patients at pediatric ward of Adigrat General Hospital. METHODS: Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern in pediatric inpatient and outpatient ward of Adigrat General Hospital from December 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Data was collected by using structured data collection checklist, and the systematic random sampling technique was employed to enroll the required sample size during the study period. Appropriateness of drug use in pediatrics was evaluated using Ethiopian Standard Treatment guideline and WHO pediatric guideline. RESULT: A total of 692 pediatric patients' medical charts were reviewed. The median age of patients on antibiotics was 3.26 years (IQR: 2-4). Majority (49.13%) of the patients were hospitalized for 5-9 days. SCAP (195), tonsillitis (114), and cellulitis (99) were most frequently encountered pediatric diseases. Penicillins (37.86%) followed by cephalosporins (31.79%) antibiotics were the most prescribed antibiotics in pediatric wards. This study also showed that ceftriaxone and ceftriaxone+amoxicillin were the most frequently used single and combination antibiotics, respectively. The prescribing practices were not stick to WHO core indicators and standards. Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics was observed in 28.3% of patients. Advanced age of children, children aged between 6 to 10 years (AOR = 3.225; CI = 1.080 - 9.630; P = .036) and 11-18 years (AOR = 18.691; CI = 5.156 - 67.756; P = .000), was the independent determinant of inappropriate drug use. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was encountered in 28.3% of children. The rate of generic prescription was not in line with WHO recommendation. Advanced age of children was the independent factor for inappropriate use of antibiotics.