Efficacy-Based Comparison between Adults and Children Regarding Using Advanced Counseling of Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma advanced counseling using smartphone applications has recently become one of the most effective and commonly used methods among adults and children with asthma. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the advanced counseling effectiveness between adults and children with asthma. METHODS: A cohort prospective parallel study was performed on a group of adults and children non-smoking patients with asthma, using a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI). The patients were divided into two groups namely adults with asthma with ages ranging from 19 to 60 years and Children with asthma with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years, the two groups received a two-month course of advanced counseling using "Asthma software" and "Asthma Dodge" smartphone applications, during which the two groups were monitored using the forced expiratory volume in the first second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio and Asthma control test (ACT). The study has obtained ethical approval with the serial number REC-H-PhBSU-23002, adhering to the principles outlined in The Declaration of Helsinki, from the Ethical Approval Committee of Beni-Suef University Faculty of Pharmacy. RESULTS: With a total of 60 patients with asthma (N = 60), 31 adults (N = 31) and 29 children (N = 29), We found that starting from the 1st-month visit of counseling the children group showed superiority over the adult group I in terms of the pulmonary function improvement p = 0.006. Also, regarding ACT scores the children group showed a superiority over the adult group this significance started from the 1st month visit and continued to the 2nd month visit with p-values = 0.032 and p = 0.011respectively. CONCLUSION: The advanced counseling achieved better asthma control and pulmonary function improvement in children and adults however the improvement was much better in the children with asthma than the adults with asthma.

Application of different counseling strategies for better adult asthma control.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of three distinct counseling methods to determine the most effective approach. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study with a two-month follow-up, A group of non-smoking adults, aged 19-60 years, were randomly collected at outpatients clinic with prior asthma diagnosis, based on the forced expiratory volume in one seconds to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) and the guidelines outlined by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), At the baseline assessment, all patients, underwent FEV1/FVC measurements, asthma symptom evaluations using Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and GINA symptoms control assessment questionnaire, and assessment of pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) usage. The patients were divided into three groups, each assigned a distinct counseling strategy: traditional verbal counseling, advanced counseling utilizing the Asthma smartphone-application, and a combination of advanced-verbal counseling. We conducted a two-month monitoring period for all three groups. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < .001) were observed among the three counseling groups in ACT, FEV1/FVC ratio, and GINA symptoms control assessment scores from the first month to the second month visit. Regarding ACQ, the study unveiled a noteworthy disparity in ACQ scores during the second week, with a significant difference (p = .025) observed between the verbal and advanced-verbal counseling groups. Similarly, a significant difference (p = .016) was noted between the advanced counseling group and the advanced-verbal counseling groups. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that the combining advanced-verbal counseling by incorporating the Asthma smartphone-application alongside traditional verbal counseling is a more effective approach for improving asthma control in adults.

The preparedness and knowledge of pharmacists and general practitioners in managing human monkeypox: a highly spreading infectious disease.

BACKGROUND: After the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of pharmacists was emphasized in the battle against highly spreading and infectious diseases like human Monkeypox (hMPV). AIM: Assess the hMPV knowledge of the community, clinical pharmacists, and general practitioners (GPs) and raise their awareness about hMPV. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was distributed randomly to Egyptian community pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, and GPs from all governorates. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: one for demographic information and the other for hMPV knowledge (nature of the disease, incubation period, transmission, symptoms, Prophylaxis, Prevention, and management). The evidence-based answers were provided after completing the submission. Data were descriptively analyzed using IBM SPSS software. RESULTS: From a total of 753 respondents, only 710 participants were included in the final data analysis. The % of respondents who presented good total knowledge scores about hMPV was comparable between study groups (P = 0.826). There were no differences between groups identifying different disease clinical characteristics (P = 0.689) and hMPV management (P = 0.324). Community pharmacists had better knowledge scores than GPs in the prevention and prophylaxis domain (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Pharmacists and GPs have good and similar knowledge levels of hMPV. However, a gap exists in recognizing the right hMPV incubation period, prophylaxis, and omitting antibiotics from hMPV management. Pharmacists and GPs are the frontline health care providers (HCPs), so they would require more knowledge enhancement about such contagious diseases to offer the best possible patient care.

Early Cost-Utility Analysis of Ataluren and Eteplirsen in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: Ataluren and eteplirsen are orphan drugs that delay progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mutation-specific subgroups. They have yet to be approved in Egypt but are expected to reach the market soon. This study describes 2 cost-utility models comparing the drugs with the standard of care. METHODS: We used a partition-survival model with 5 states based on the ambulatory status to model a cohort of ambulatory patients at the age of 5 years. Baseline curves were obtained from a published model; then the ambulation loss curve was updated using the Kaplan-Meier curve of the standard of care from a study by McDonald et al. Other curves were updated by calibration to this curve. Costs and utilities were from a local study. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Prices were estimated based on other orphan drugs' prices. RESULTS: In the base case, ataluren 1000 mg and eteplirsen 50 mg/mL resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EGP 51 745 605 and EGP 69 652 533/quality-adjusted life-year, respectively, at their hypothetical prices of EGP 308 600 for ataluren 30-sachet pack and EGP 62 800 for eteplirsen 10 mL vial. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was sensitive to health state utilities but not to state costs. At EGP 911 719/quality-adjusted life-year threshold, the value-based prices were EGP 4680 for ataluren 1000 mg and EGP 733 for eteplirsen 10 mL vial. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these models, there is a huge gap between the prices of orphan drugs and their value-based prices, which highlights the need for major policy reforms in the assessment and pricing of orphan drugs.

Clinical Care Team's Guide for Awareness on Risk Assessment of Eltrombopag Complicating Acute Kidney Injury in Relapsed Immune Thrombocytopenic Patients: A Case Report.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by antigen-specific T cells and antiplatelet autoantibodies that inhibit platelet production in the bone marrow or destroy platelets in the spleen. ITP is a form of autoimmunity and is closely associated with inflammation. Corticosteroids are the first-line therapy for ITP, with a total response rate of 53-80%. However, corticosteroid therapy is associated with significant side effects and is often ineffective in patients with corticosteroid-resistant or -intolerant disease. Eltrombopag has been validated as a second-line option in ITP therapy. Despite several studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Eltrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia patients, the prevalence of Eltrombopag-induced acute kidney injury has been observed. This case report describes a patient who experienced acute kidney injury during Eltrombopag therapy. A sudden increase in serum creatinine to 6.7 mg/dL and metabolic acidosis occurred after eight weeks of Eltrombopag. The patient's renal failure had worsened, proteinuria was detected, and emergency hemodialysis was initiated. With vigilant kidney function screening and prompt treatment, the patient's renal function improved remarkably following cessation of Eltrombopag and initiation of hemodialysis. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive medication history-taking and vigilant kidney function screening in patients receiving Eltrombopag.

Therapeutic Outcomes of High Dose-Dexamethasone versus Prednisolone + Azathioprine, Rituximab, Eltrombopag, and Romiplostim Strategies in Persistent, Chronic, Refractory, and Relapsed Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can be managed with several treatment options. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the efficacy of these options in different phases of the disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose Dexamethasone (HD-DXM), Prednisolone + Azathioprine, Rituximab, Eltrombopag, and Romiplostim schedules in persistent, chronic refractory or relapsed Egyptian ITP patients with a platelet count ≤30 × 109/L. The primary outcome measure was a sustained increase in platelet counts over 50 × 109/L for an additional 12 months without additional ITP regimens. The study also aimed to identify a suitable treatment regimen with a long remission duration for each phase of ITP. RESULTS: Prednisolone + Azathioprine was significantly more effective in achieving an overall response in persistent patients than Romiplostim, high-dose Dexamethasone, and Rituximab. (90.9% vs. 66.6, [Odds ratio, OR: 5; confidence interval, CI 95% (0.866-28.86)], 45%, [OR: 0.082, CI 95% (0.015-0.448)] and, 25%, [OR: 30, CI 95% (4.24-211.8)], respectively, p-value < 0.01). Eltrombopag was significantly more effective in achieving a durable response in refractory ITP than HD-DXM, Rituximab, and Prednisolone; (80% compared to 32.2% [OR: 0.119, CI 95% (0.035-0.410)], 22.2% [OR:0.071, CI 95% (0.011-0.455)], and 18.1% [OR: 0.056, CI 95% (0.009-0.342)], respectively, p-value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Finally, Eltrombopag following HD-DXM showed the highest percentage of patients with complete treatment-free survival times of at least 330 days. These findings could help clinicians choose the most appropriate treatment for their patients with ITP based on the phase of the disease. This trial is registered in clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT05861297.

The Outcomes and Adverse Drug Patterns of Immunomodulators and Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Egyptian Patients with Hemorrhage Comorbidity.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) treatment has evolved recently. However, none of the treatments have only benefits without drawbacks. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and adverse drug patterns of Eltrombopag, Romiplostim, Prednisolone + Azathioprine, High Dose-dexamethasone (HD-DXM) (control group), and Rituximab in primary ITP Egyptian patients. All patients were initiated with corticosteroids, HD-DXM, as a first-line treatment for the first month immediately following diagnosis. Four hundred sixty-seven ITP patients were randomly assigned to five groups. The outcome measures were judged at baseline, at the end of treatment (6 months), and after an additional 6-month free treatment period. The follow-up period for which relapse is noted was 6 months after the end of treatment. Eltrombopag and Romiplostim resulted in a significantly higher incidence of sustained response than Rituximab, HD-DXM, and Prednisolone + Azathioprine (55.2% and 50.6% vs. 29.2%, 29.1%, and 18%, respectively; p-value < 0.001). More patients on immunomodulators (Prednisolone+ Azathioprine, HD-DXM, and Rituximab) relapsed than those on Romiplostim and Eltrombopag (81.9%, 70.8%, and 70.7% vs. 49.3%, and 44.7%, respectively; p-value < 0.01). We also describe 23 reports of pulmonary hypertension with Prednisolone+ Azathioprine and 13 reports with HD-DXM. The thrombotic events occurred in 16.6% and 13% of patients who received Eltrombopag and Romiplostim treatment, respectively. Most patients had at least one or two risk factors (92.8% of cases). Corticosteroids are effective first-line therapy in primary ITP patients. However, relapse is frequent. Eltrombopag and Romiplostim are safer and more effective than Prednisolone, HD-DXM, and Rituximab. They might be reasonable beneficial options after a one-month HD-DXM regimen.

The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during COVID-19 outbreak lockdown.

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 has spurred a wide range of psychological morbidities. However, its influence on a vulnerable population with chronic conditions is less addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during the elevated psychiatric distress associated with the outbreak and examine the efficacy and feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR). The study involved 149 participants recruited from university hospital outpatient clinics. Patients were allocated into two groups: MBSR training program and control group. Standardized questionnaires were administered to assess depression, anxiety and stress prior to the MBSR program and at completion of the training after 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that MBSR intervention improved psychological distress and decreased the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Mindfulness training program based on audio and smartphone was feasible and effective when it was applied to patients with chronic diseases and showed positive impact on negative psychological stress domains. These findings pave the way for the integration of psychological support for patients with chronic illnesses in clinical settings.

Effect of Fixed-dose Combination Amlodipine/Valsartan in Comparison to Two Drug Combination Nebivolol/Valsartan on 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure.

BACKGROUND: Nebivolol has a dual mechanism of action, exerting a moderate b- blockade effect and reducing peripheral arterial resistance, as a result, the antihypertensive effect of nebivolol may be higher than that of a potent vasodilator CCB such as amlodipine. AIM: The study evaluated the effect of two nebivolol/valsartan on 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure versus amlodipine/valsartan in grade II or III hypertension patients or having uncontrolled BP despite treatment. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a powerful method to monitor the changes in blood pressure over the 24 hour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 from 90 patients continued the study. Fourty patients received amlodipine 10 mg/valsartan 160 mg (group I), and thirty-four patients received nebivolol 5 mg/ valsartan 160 mg (group II). Peripheral blood pressure readings were measured at randomization at 6 and 12 weeks. Ambulatory blood pressure was measured at randomization and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Both drug combinations showed high efficacy in reducing peripheral and 24 hour ambulatory BP. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in lowering peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 6 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, both groups failed to show any significant difference in reducing 24 hour SBP and DBP. Regarding day SBP, the blood pressure dropped by -5.63 ± 14.87 in group I and -6.25 ± 11.59 in group II (p = 0.844). Also, group I reduced the day DBP average by -2.53 ± 9.83 and group II by -3.61 ± 9.78 (p = 0.640). In addition, both drug combinations had no statistically significant difference in lowering night SBP and DBP average. CONCLUSION: Both treatment groups reached the target ambulatory blood pressure, and there was no statistically significant difference between both groups as a regard reduction in all ambulatory blood pressure readings.

Estimating Societal Cost of Illness and Patients' Quality of Life of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disease that causes substantial economic burden. This study aims to measure the DMD cost from societal perspective and the quality of life (QOL) of the Egyptian patients. METHODS: We conducted interviews with caregivers of patients with DMD. The questionnaire included demographics, healthcare resource use, and nonmedical and indirect costs. Total disease burden was estimated with a bottom-up approach. QOL was measured with a disease-specific tool. Costs and utilities were stratified by the disease stage. RESULTS: Caregivers of 97 patients with DMD were interviewed. The mean annual per-patient cost of $17 485 (SD ± 9240) was estimated resulting in a total burden of $138 217 043 in Egypt. Nonmedical costs made up the largest category representing 54% followed by medical then indirect costs. Informal care made the greatest contribution of nonmedical costs whereas physiotherapy was the largest medical subcategory. Nonmedical costs were highest in stage 3 and lowest at early stages whereas medical costs were almost steady among all stages with differences in individual subcategories. Of all medical costs, 95% were out of pocket. The mean utility score was 0.43 (± 0.31), which decreases with disease progression. CONCLUSION: Our study quantified the huge economic burden of DMD on the society and how it differs in different stages. Almost the whole burden is paid by households resulting in catastrophic expenditures, which leads to reduced compliance and quality of care. QOL is also severely compromised. Our findings can inform future healthcare policies and economic evaluation of new DMD therapies.

The Impact of an SGLT2 Inhibitor versus Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Liver Steatosis in Diabetic Patients.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to metabolic syndrome via insulin resistance, where preventing disease progression is crucial in the management process. The study included 240 NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes who were randomly allocated into empagliflozin 25 mg (EMPA group), ursodeoxycholic acid 250 mg (UDCA group), or the control group (placebo). The study outcomes included: changes in liver fat content (LFC; %) (utilizing the Dixon-based MRI-PDFF approach), liver enzymes, lipid and glycemic profiles, FIB-4 index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver score (NFS). All endpoints were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. EMPA outperformed UDCA and placebo in decreasing LFC (−8.73% vs. −5.71% vs. −1.99%; p < 0.0001). In post-treatment ultrasound images and MRI-PDFF calculations, more patients had normal fatty liver grade (no steatosis or LFC < 6.5%) with EMPA compared to UDCA. EMPA and UDCA showed significant regression in the FIB-4 index (−0.34 vs. −0.55; p = 0.011) and NFS scores (−1.00 vs. −1.11; p = 0.392), respectively. UDCA achieved higher reductions in insulin resistance than EMPA (p = 0.03); however, only EMPA significantly increased beta-cell function (54.20; p = 0.03). When exploring the differences between the two drugs, EMPA was better in decreasing LFC (%), while UDCA achieved higher reductions in liver fibrosis scores. Both showed a similar safety profile in managing liver steatosis.

Target Blood Pressure and Combination Therapy: Focus on Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Combination with Either Calcium Channel Blockers or Beta Blockers.

BACKGROUND: The target blood pressure has changed many times in the guidelines in past years. However, there is always a question; is it good to lower blood pressure below 120/80 or not? Control of blood pressure in hypertension is very important in reducing hypertension-modified organ damage. So, the guidelines recommend combining more than one antihypertensive drug to reach the target blood pressure goal. RESULTS: Combination therapy is recommended by guidelines to reach the blood pressure goal. The guidelines recommend many combinations, such as the combination of angiotensin receptor blockers with either calcium channel blockers (CCB) or beta-blocker (BB). Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) combination with CCB has gained superiority over other antihypertension drug combinations because it reduces blood pressure and decreases the incidence of CV events and organ damage. BB combinations are recommended by guidelines in patients with ischemic events but not all hypertensive patients. Unfortunately, the new generation BB, for example, nebivolol, has a vasodilator effect, making it new hope for BB. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy is a must in treating the hypertensive patient. The new generation BBs may change the recommendations of guidelines because they have an effect that is similar to CCBs.

Effect of Amlodipine/Nebivolol combination therapy on central BP and PWV compared to Amlodipine/Valsartan combination therapy.

BACKGROUND: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure (CBP) have been intoduced into managment of hypertensive patients. PWV is positively correlated with arterial wall stiffness while central aortic pressure becomes better predictor of cardiovascular outcome than peripheral pressure. Reduction in CBP provides protective properties against subclinical organ damage. This work aims to investigate the effect of a new combination therapy of Amlodipine/Nebivolol (A/N) on central BP, peripheral BP and PWV. The results of using this combination will be compared to the well-established fixed-dose combination of Amlodipine/Valsartan (A/V). The study conducted between October 2018 and August 2020. One hundred and two hypertensive patients were assigned for Amlodipine 10 mg/Valsartan 160 mg combination therapy (A/V, n = 52) or Amlodipine 10 mg/Nebivolol 5 mg combination therapy (A/N, n = 50) by simple 1:1 randomization. Office, central blood pressure and PWV were measured on first (0 week), second (4-8 weeks) and third visit (10-12). Difference in BP (in each arm and between arms) was calculated along all visits. RESULTS: No statistical significant difference was found between A/V and A/N regarding age, gender, BMI and CV history. OBP, CBP and PWV were significantly reduced in each arm, but no differences were found when comparing both arm results to each other. Recorded side effects were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The new combination therapy Amlodipine/Nebivolol (A/N) affords a significant reduction in CBP, PBP and PWV with minor and tolerable side effects. It has provided comparable results to Amlodipine/Valsartan (A/V) combination therapy.

Aerosol delivery of inhalation devices with different add-on connections to invasively ventilated COPD subjects: An in-vivo study.

Aerosol delivery to mechanically ventilated patients requires add-on connections to place the inhalation device within the ventilation circuit. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of Combihaler in dual limb invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). A ventilator with a humidified dual limb circuit was adjusted to volume-controlled mode to imitate the adult breathing parameters. 24 (12 females) intubated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects had undergone the study. All patients were prescribed inhaled salbutamol dose delivered by either a metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) or vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN). Each subject received salbutamol in four different inhalation device/connection conditions; pMDI+VMN+Combihaler, VMN+Combihaler, VMN+T-piece, and pMDI+T-piece. They were individually placed in the inspiratory limb at Y-piece. 5mg salbutamol was delivered by VMN with and without 2 pMDI puffs of salbutamol (100 µg), and 500µg was delivered by pMDI+T-piece. After aerosol delivery, two urine samples were collected from the patient; 30 min post-inhalation (USAL0.5) and cumulatively 24 h post-inhalation (USAL24) as indexes of lung deposition and systemic absorption, respectively. For the ex-vivo study, a collecting filter was placed before an endotracheal tube (ETT) to collect the delivered inhalable dose. In-vitro aerodynamic characteristics were also investigated. pMDI+VMN+Combihaler delivered more salbutamol to the lung and the ex-vivo filter than VMN+T-piece (p˂0.05, p≤0.01, respectively). VMN delivered a higher salbutamol amount to the lung, systemically, and the ex-vivo filter than pMDI+T-piece (p˂0.001). pMDI+VMN+Combihaler and VMN+Combihaler delivered aerosols with a less mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and higher fine particle fraction (FPF) compared to VMN+T-piece (p≤0.01 for MMAD, p˂0.01 for FPF) and pMDI+T-piece (p˂0.01 for both MMAD and FPF). Results of the study showed that pMDI+VMN+ Combihaler delivered more salbutamol than VMN+T-piece in IMV and demonstrate that 5 puffs (500-µg) of salbutamol with pMDI+T-piece has a lower aerosol delivering power at the level of USAL0.5, USAL24, and the ex-vivo inhalable dose than 5 mg nebulized salbutamol by VMNs in IMV.

Aerosol drug-delivery and short-term clinical outcomes of suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM OF WORK: Suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is highly prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients owing to the mismatch of their own PIFR with the corresponding inhaler-device resistance. This study aimed to evaluate aerosol drug-delivery and short-term clinical outcomes of suboptimal PIFR in COPD subjects. METHODS: Twenty optimal and suboptimal COPD subjects were crossed over in this prospective, randomised, controlled, open-label study. They were tested for urinary salbutamol amount (USAL30) and spirometric response 30 min poststudy dose (200 µg salbutamol) through Aerolizer® and Handihaler® after assessment of their own PIFR through In-Check™ Dial G16. Urine samples were extracted through solid-phase extraction and assayed through a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. RESULTS: Mean USAL30 was significantly higher in the optimal group than in the suboptimal group (P = .001). There was no significant difference in ΔFEV1% predicted and ΔFVC% predicted between optimal and suboptimal groups, with higher values in optimal Aerolizer® and Handihaler® than in suboptimal groups. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal PIFR was associated with a significantly lower drug delivery in COPD subjects at hospital discharge, and a slightly lower pulmonary function response 30 min postbronchodilation if compared with optimal PIFR.

Antibiotic sensitivity/resistance pattern of hospital acquired blood stream infection in children cancer patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The literature shows a growing emphasis on understanding the local patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of local microorganisms that cause bloodstream infections (BSI) and their AMR patterns in an Egyptian institution treating children with cancer. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre, retrospective, study on children with confirmed primary, hospital-acquired, BSIs over one year. The microbiological examination of blood samples was done according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done using VITEK® 2 system. RESULTS: We retrieved the data of 607 children with a median age of 5 (0.25-18) years old. The most encountered diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (40%). Most identified microorganisms were gram-negative bacilli, mainly Escherichia coli (27.8%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.2%). Gram-negative bacilli showed high resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, and meropenem. The lowest resistance rates for Gram-negative bacilli isolates were noted for colistin and tigecycline. Similarly, the gram-positive cocci showed high resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefoxitin, and clindamycin; and low resistance regarding vancomycin and linezolid. CONCLUSION: Resistance proportions (pattern) were similar to those reported in other countries with a higher distribution of E coli and a growing resistance to levofloxacin. Further investigation of the predisposing factors and the development of more effective strategies for the prevention of BSI should be a significant public health priority.

Efficacy and Safety of Ombitasvir plus Paritaprevir, Ritonavir and Ribavirin in Non-cirrhotic Treatment-naïve and Treatment-experienced Egyptians with Chronic HCV Genotype-4 Infection.

Hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-GT4) is a risk factor for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. A combination of three new direct-acting antivirals ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir has been recommended for treatment of HCV-GT4 infection. The current study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this combination plus ribavirin in non-cirrhotic, treatment-naïve and -experienced Egyptians with HCV-GT4 infection in a real-world setting. A total of 255 Egyptians with HCV-GT4 infection were enrolled, including 82 treatment-experienced and 173 treatment-naïve patients. All of them completed 12-week treatment protocol of ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir as an oral dose combination with ribavirin. Virological response (VR) was measured, as well as the biochemical parameters related to treatment efficacy and adverse events at baseline and after treatment, at 4 (VR4) and 12 (VR12) weeks post-treatment. The results showed that the VR4 rates were 98.8% in both groups, and VR12 rates were 97.7% and 96.3% in treatment-naïve and -experienced patients, respectively, with no significant differences found between the groups concerning VR4 (P=0.9) and VR12 (P=0.3). The most common adverse events were headache and fatigue, which were significantly more common (P=0.001 and 0.003, respectively) in treatment-experienced than in treatment-naïve group. The quadruple regimen was well-tolerated, and the reported adverse events were generally mild to moderate. This real-world setting study confirms that the combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and ribavirin is highly effective in the treatment of HCV- GT4 infection with a good safety and tolerability profile.

Aerosol delivery aspects within a high-flow therapy system in COPD patients.

There is a lack of information about the influence of patient interfaces such as facemasks or mouthpieces on the effective dose of aerosolised drugs while using high-flow therapy in a clinical setting. These interfaces can improve pulmonary drug delivery over nasal cannulas but patient preference and comfort should also be considered. The present work was to determine the effect of three different interfaces (nasal cannula, valved face mask, and mouthpiece) when combined with titrated oxygen flow on aerosol delivery in patients with COPD hospitalised due to acute exacerbation. The variations between these interfaces were addressed in terms of change in lung function measurements pre-and post-inhalation, the delivered salbutamol dose, and patient tolerance to each interface. A high-flow nasal cannula was the most comfortable interface used. However, its pulmonary drug delivery was significantly lower than both the valved face mask and mouthpiece (p<0.05). Although drug delivery was different with the three tested interfaces, the lung function improvements were similar.

Antibiotic misuse and compliance with infection control measures during COVID-19 pandemic in community pharmacies in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Globally, antibiotics misuse by the public has been reported in the era of COVID-19, despite the discouraging instructions of the World Health Organization, especially for mild cases. OBJECTIVE: Is to describe this antibiotic misuse and its contributing factors. Also, to measure the pharmacists' application of infection preventive practices during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected Egyptian community pharmacists (Center, East, Delta, and Upper Egypt) using a questionnaire and direct interviews from 1 to 30 August 2020. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, the first covered pharmacist's demographic data and their application of basic infection preventive practices (eg, wearing face masks, regular hand sanitization, etc), and the other part was related to antibiotic dispensing patterns. Data were descriptively analyzed and the impact of participant experience on the responses was evaluated using the χ2 test. RESULTS: From 480 randomly selected Egyptian community pharmacists, 413 (87%) consented to participate in the study. 86.7% of the participants were keen to wear face masks (n = 358) and 86.2% kept regular hand sanitization (n = 356); whereas, 46.9% (n = 194) maintained adequate antibiotic stock supply during the pandemic. Nearly 67% (n = 275) of the pharmacists reported that patients were more likely to be given antibiotics for showing any sign or symptom of COVID-19 infection, and 82% (n = 74 278) of the dispensed antibiotics were given upon physician recommendation. Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, and Linezolid were the major antibiotics dispensed to COVID-19 presumptive patients Azithromycin was given to ~40% of presumptive patients showing only mild or moderate symptoms for 5-10 days. Additionally, antibiotic combinations were given to 74% (n = 62 479) of home-isolated patients for a maximum of 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists applied suitable sanitation and infection control protocols. Meanwhile, antibiotics were dispensed heavily during this pandemic without proper clinical indication and for long durations supporting the idea of antibiotic misuse.

Determinants of incorrect inhaler technique in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

AIMS: There is a lack of an overview of determinants of incorrect inhaler technique among chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible determinants of incorrect inhaler technique in COPD subjects with common inhalers. METHODS: A cross over study was conducted in 180 COPD subjects. Baseline assessment of inhaler technique was evaluated in 10 placebo inhalers including: [pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), Aerolizer, Handihaler, Turbohaler, Discus, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Easyhaler, Diskhaler and Respimat] without receiving any instructions. Subjects were then crossed over to other inhalers in random order. Inhaler technique was assessed. The proper technique of inhalers was demonstrated and the number of counselling attempts needed to achieve a correct technique was recorded. Patient past-experience, demographics/clinical variables were recorded. RESULTS: Incorrect inhaler techniques were highly prevalent among COPD subjects, ranging from 80% of participants demonstrated incorrect use, a minimum of 1 error, with Ellipta, to 100% with Respimat/Diskhaler (P < .001). Past-experience (OR = 14.639 at P < .001) and inhaler-type (OR = 10.397 at P < .001, 4.267 at P =. 007, 2.664 at P =. 057, 8.666 at P =. 001, 10.250 at P < .001, 0.613 at P =. 212 and 0.265 at P< .001 for pMDI, Aerolizer, Handihaler, Turbohaler, Discus, Breezhaler and Ellipta, respectively) were the strongest determinants of incorrect technique followed by gender (OR = 0.310 at P < .001), age category (OR = 0.307 at P < .001) and GOLD group (OR = 2.289 at P =. 005). CONCLUSION: Incorrect inhaler techniques are highly prevalent among COPD subjects. Lack of past-experience, certain inhaler types, female gender, older age and lower GOLD group are the most significant determinants of incorrect technique.