Background: Calcium channel blockers are widely prescribed either as monotherapies or in combination therapies in the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. One of the major challenges with this class of drugs is their association with difficult to treat peripheral edema. There is limited literature evidence on the incidence and severity of CCB induced edema and the efficacy of management practices in developing countries. This study therefore aims to assess incidence and the common treatments. Methods: A total of 193 eligible subjects were enrolled into an eight week study and allocated into three treatment groups for each drug [Amlodipine 10mg or Nifedipine 20mg]. One group received no intervention, while the other two groups received either Bendrofluthiazide 5mg [BDF] or Lisinopril 5mg depending on blood pressure or other patient factors. Edema was monitored every two weeks throughout the study using standard tools. The data were analyzed using students t test, one way ANOVA and descriptive statistics as appropriate. P values ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results/Discussion: The overall incidence of edema was about 29% at the end of the study period. Lisinopril addition to therapy resulted in significant reduction in incidence and severity of edema as opposed to other interventions. This suggests that ACEIs have a positive role in minimizing incidence of peripheral edema. Conclusion: Peripheral edema remains a complication factor in CCB therapy and ACEIs may be considered in management of edema induced by this class of drugs.
Objective: To assess fetal outcomes after in-utero exposure to unsafe drugs.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data from medical records of pregnant women who received antenatal care over a two-year period (2019/2020). Inclusion was based on identification of prescription of potentially risky medications during pregnancy. Medication records, as well as delivery data, were extracted for analysis. The Australian drug evaluation committee classification system of risky medications was used for analysis.Results: Results showed that 44 – 65% of medicines prescribed in pregnancy carry significant risks to fetal wellbeing. Fetal outcomes showed high levels of low birth weight, still birth, and early neonatal death. The common medicines prescribed irrationally in pregnancy were, among others, antibiotics, ACEIs, NSAIDs, Biguanides, and opiates, all of which are associated with adverse fetal outcomes.Conclusion: There is a high level of fetal exposure to risky medications and adverse delivery outcomes. There is a need to improve prescription through prescriber training and awareness raising on existing guidelines on good prescribing practice for pregnant women.
Background: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global healthcare challenge and efforts to contain it are being outpaced by rapid emergence of resistant microbes. Common environmental pathogens have been reported to be manifesting resistance to several antibiotics to which they were once sensitive. In hospital setting, close contact between patients and caregivers allow resistant strains to easily spread in hospital wards. Evidence of antibiotic resistance is needed to inform rational selection of drugs for infectious diseases. Aim: The aims of this study were to determine common pathogenic bacterial isolates among patients and their antibiotic sensitivity profiles. Methods: This was a cross sectional retrospective study using laboratory records of antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterial isolates obtained from patient medical samples. Antibiogram records for one year period were obtained and relevant data extracted for analysis Results and Discussion: The most commonly isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae which together accounted for over two thirds of all isolates. Most of the isolates were resistant to at least four antibiotics; Penicillins, Sulphonamides and Tetracyclines exhibited the highest level of resistance. Resistance to these antibiotics is well reported in literature and their empirical prescription threatens their efficacy in the management of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria was high, there is need to emphasize evidence based prescriptions to not only improve clinical outcomes but also to preserve the efficacy of current antibiotic stock.
Background: There is increasing acceptance that learning environment has significant impact on academic performance. Learning and teaching experiences influence satisfaction and perception of quality. Pharmacy education in Nigeria is evolving rapidly with new emphasis on acquisition of cognitive skills that upon graduation students can effectively implement pharmaceutical care. The evaluation of satisfaction can be used as a measure of quality and feedback system of teaching and learning experiences of students. The purpose of this study is to assess satisfaction with teaching and learning and their determinants.Methods: This was a cross sectional survey study involving third to fifth year pharmacy students. The educational service quality instrument was used to elicit response on items related to satisfaction. The 37-item questionnaire was administered on consenting students to elicit responses on a five-point Likert scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA with post Hoc test. Factor analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation was used to identify items that have the most impact on satisfaction. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significantResults: Majority of students have less than average satisfaction across six domains of the instrument, though significant differences exist between lower and higher-level students in areas of administration and expertise (p<0.01). Several studies reported contrasting results some of which have comparable results with this study. Satisfaction and its determinants vary widely so emphasis should be in areas that produce the greatest impact on academic performanceConclusions: Satisfaction with quality of learning is generally low and there is need for institutions leadership to improve learning environment for students.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.