ABSTRACT
Introduction.Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute multi-systemic vasculitis of young children and infants. It is the first cause of acquired cardiac disease in children and remains poorly described in Gabon. We therefore wanted to describe the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of this disease in two hospitals in Libreville. Patients and methods.We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study from 2014 to 2021 at the Akanda University Hospital and the El Rapha polyclinic in Libreville. All records of patients hospitalised in paediatrics for MK were included. Results.Thirty three cases of MK were retrieved, giving ahospital prevalence of0.6%. The mean age of patients was 20.4 months, the proportion of patients <18 months was 60.6% and the sex ratio was 1.7. The symptoms were observed mainly during the dry season (69.7%). Fever (100%), conjunctivitis (78.8%) and desquamation (72.7%) were the main reasons for consultation. In 24.2% of cases, a traditional medicine was administered. The average time between the onset of symptoms and hospitalization was 11 days. Once hospitalized, the diagnosis of MK was evoked within an average of 3 days. The typical form was observed in 57.6% of cases. In 100% of cases, the hemoglobin level was <12g/dl and the CRP was >15mg/l. Echocardiography was abnormal in 5 patients. Acetylsalicylic acid was the only treatment with a mean time to apyrexia of 3 days after administration. No deaths were recorded. Conclusion:the MK is relatively present in Libreville. It is important to mention it in the event of a fever of more than 5 days.
Subject(s)
Pharmacoepidemiology , Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome , Therapeutics , Disease , Hyperthermia, InducedABSTRACT
Background: In Morocco, and many other African countries, there is a paucity of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use amongst the general population. Aim: To investigate the epidemiological profile of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use and analysis their adverse reactions. Setting: This study was conducted in the prefecture of Figuig, Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire about their pharmacological treatment and presented using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Sample of 244 subjects, predominantly women 58.15% (p < 0.03) composed of diabetic patients 56.96% (n = 139) and hypertensive patients 43.03% (n = 105). After adjustments, 60.24% of all patients were under monotherapy. The diabetics were being treated using the Biguanide class (26.92%), insulin (20.0%) and sulfonylureas (10.0%) while hypertensive patients were treated by Calcium Channel Blockers (27.36%), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (21.05%), Angiotensin T-Blockers (16.84%), Diuretics (7.36%) and ß-adrenergic receptors blockers (3.15%). In total, 23.00% of all subjects have experienced negative side-effects, mostly, reported (90.38%) to health professionals and 23.52% of them have interrupted temporarily or try to change their treatment. Gastro-intestinal problems were the most adverse reactions reported (11.11%) followed by headache, dizziness and tinnitus (6.66%) and asthenia, feeling sick and feeling of faintness (5.33%). Conclusion: Managing diabetes and hypertension entails a lot of public challenges and requires more focus and interest, especially amongst the illiterate population in remote areas. Some of the suggested ways to help face the problem include the introduction of new innovative measures, systems of fellow-up and adverse reactions
Subject(s)
Antihypertensive Agents , Hypoglycemic Agents , Morocco , Pharmacoepidemiology , Pharmacovigilance , PopulationABSTRACT
Background: The Phelophepa Health Care Train is the only primary healthcare train in the world. Phelophepa is an innovative initiative that attempts to make a positive difference to primary healthcare in rural South Africa. The primary aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and prescribing statistics for Phelophepa during the period that the train was stationed in the Western Cape in 2009. Methods: Phelophepa visited seven stations during the eight weeks that it was stationed in the Western Cape (between 6 April and 5 June 2009). Data were collected by workers and students on the train. Results: A total of 4 026 prescriptions were dispensed by the pharmacy on Phelophepa during the eight weeks. The average number of items per prescription was 3.51. The average cost per prescription was R65;48 (average cost of R18;64 per item). Patients only paid R5;00 per prescription. There was an increase in the number of pulmonary diseases/infections as well as ophthalmic conditions (especially dry eyes). Common problems experienced during the outreach to schools were ear infections and chest infections. Common conditions identified in Caledon; for example; were musculoskeletal problems; genitourinary conditions; fungal infections and eye disorders. Medication is prescribed mainly by nurses and includes those listed in the Primary Healthcare Essential Drug List. Conclusions: The statistics compiled by Phelophepa are a useful source of pharmacoepidemiological data about rural South Africa. It is recommended that more studies be conducted to detect especially epidemiological differences between regions visited; as well as changes over time
Subject(s)
Pharmacoepidemiology , Primary Health Care , StatisticsABSTRACT
Migraine affects between 5.15of males and 13;5-31of females in South Africa. Little is known about the prescribing patterns of anti-migraine drugs in South Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the prescribing of drugs for the treatment of migraine (ATC Group NOZC); with specific emphasis on sumatriptan; in a primary care patient population in South Africa; making use of a computerised prescription database. A total of 3 01 1 products for the treatment of migraine at a cost of R451559 were prescribed to 578 patients in the study over a period of one year (1996) since sumatriptan was the onlytriptan available in South Africa in 1996. The average age of patients was 48;40 (SD = 14;19) years; with 74;57ofpatients between 20 and 59 years of age. Approximately 80of patients were females. Female patients were prescribed 81;53of the products. Most drugs (67;55) were for the prophylaxis of migraine; of which clonidine andflunarizine were the most frequentlyprescribed. Of the drugs prescribedspecifically for the management of migraine; sumatriptan (575prescriptions to 103 patients) was the most frequently prescribed; followed by 400 prescriptions for ergotamine. Tablets were the preferred dosage form. Since migraine affects primarily the economically active sector of the community and its treatment is relatively expensive; pharmacists have an important role to play in managing and counselling migraine sufferers