RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Global Climate Risk Index 2020 ranked Vietnam as the sixth country in the world most affected by climate variability and extreme weather events over the period 1999-2018. Sea level rise and extreme weather events are projected to be more severe in coming decades, which, without additional action, will increase the number of people at risk of climate-sensitive diseases, challenging the health system. This article summaries the results of a health vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) assessment conducted in Vietnam as evidences for development of the National Climate Change Health Adaptation Plan to 2030. METHODS: The assessment followed the first 4 steps outlined in the World Health Organization's Guidelines in conducting "Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments." A framework and list of indicators were developed for semi-quantitative assessment for the period 2013 to 2017. Three sets of indicators were selected to assess the level of (1) exposure to climate change and extreme weather events, (2) health sensitivity, and (3) adaptation capacity. The indicators were rated and analyzed using a scoring system from 1 to 5. RESULTS: The results showed that climate-sensitive diseases were common, including dengue fever, diarrheal, influenza, etc, with large burdens of disease that are projected to increase. From 2013 to 2017, the level of "exposure" to climate change-related hazards of the health sector was "high" to "very high," with an average score from 3.5 to 4.4 (out of 5.0). For "health sensitivity," the scores decreased from 3.8 in 2013 to 3.5 in 2017, making the overall rating as "high." For "adaptive capacity," the scores were from 4.0 to 4.1, which meant adaptive capacity was "very low." The overall V&A rating in 2013 was "very high risk" (score 4.1) and "high risk" with scores of 3.8 in 2014 and 3.7 in 2015 to 2017. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptation actions of the health sector are urgently needed to reduce the vulnerability to climate change in coming decades. Eight adaptation solutions, among recommendations of V&A assessment, were adopted in the National Health Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: There has been a growing need for colistin as a key drug for the treatment of MDR-GNB infection. Information on colistin use in Asian population is limited. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to assess the efficacy and nephrotoxicity in critically ill adult patients who received intravenous colistin for MDR-GNB infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. Colistin was administered according to the dosing guideline that was based on pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicodynamic principles, adjusted by body weight and creatinine clearance. RESULTS: Twenty-eight eligible patients were included. The mean patient age was 60±20.4 years. The mean body weight was 53±8.6kg. The mean daily dose of colistin was 4.1±1.6 MIU, and the mean cumulative dose of colistin was 48.2±22.8 MIU. Colistin therapies were classified as clinically effective in 19 (67.9%) cases. Six (21.4%) patients developed nephrotoxicity during the study period according to RIFLE criteria. CONCLUSION: A personalized dosing protocol of colistin was effective, with low nephrotoxicity, among critically ill Vietnamese patients with low body weight. Further studies are warranted for assessing the efficacy and toxicity in a larger cohort.
