Blood lead level among Palestinian schoolchildren: a pilot study

In Palestine, chronic exposure to lead has not been adequately addressed as a problem for children. To assess the exposure of Palestinian school children, we surveyed blood lead levels in 3 schools in Nablus city and collected demographic and clinical data. Blood samples were collected from 173 children [140 boys/38 girls], age range 6-8 years. The overall mean blood lead level was 3.2 [SD 2.4] microg/dL, and 4.5% of children had levels above 10 microg/dL Blood lead levels were significantly higher among children living in refugee camps near industrial high traffic regions than among children living in residential areas of the city. Blood lead levels were positively correlated with family size [r = 0.15] and negatively correlated with household area [r =0.18]. Blood lead levels among these Palestinian schoolchildren were higher than those of other countries where leaded gasoline has been banned and seemed to be higher in more economically deprived children

Utilization and cost of antibacterial drugs in 2 general surgery units in Palestine measured using anatomical therapeutic chemical classification and defined daily dose methodology

This study compared the utilization and cost of antibacterial agents in surgical units of 2 government hospitals in Palestine. The consumption and cost of drugs was estimated in the units over a 1-month period in 2010 using the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification and defined daily doses [DDD] per 100 bed-days. The total consumption of antibacterial agents was 414.1 DDD and 591.5 DDD at Thabet and Rafidia hospitals respectively. These corresponded to 133.6 DDD/100 bed-days and 162.2 DDD/100 bed-days respectively, figures that were higher than those reported in surgical units in many other countries. Total cost of antibacterial agents during the study period was 24 800 and 23 481 NIS for Rafidia and Thabet hospitals respectively. Approximately 11.2% and 18.0% of the total antibiotic DDD in Rafidia and Thabet hospitals were given to patients with clean surgeries in which antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated

Analysis of prescriptions dispensed at community pharmacies in Nablus, Palestine

We investigated the prescription quality and prescribing trends of private clinicians in Nablus governorate, Palestine. A total of 363 prescriptions were collected from a random sample of 36 community pharmacies over a study period of 288 working hours. Data regarding elements in the prescription and the types of drugs prescribed were analysed. Physician-related variables were mostly noted, however, patient's address and weight were absent in all prescriptions and less than half included age and sex. Information regarding strength of the medications prescribed was missing in over 70% of prescriptions. Other drug-related variables like frequency and instruction of use were present in over 80% of prescriptions. Antimicrobial agents were the most commonly prescribed followed by NSAIDs/analgesics. Amoxicillin alone or in combination was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents followed by cefuroxime. Prescription writing quality in Nablus is deficient in certain aspects and improvement is required

Characterization of hospitalized ischemic stroke patients in Palestine

Stroke is a major health problem, yet no studies on stroke have been reported from Palestine. This one-year, hospital-based study was conducted to determine the prevalence of risk factors and the in-hospital mortality rate in patients with ischemic stroke. All patients admitted to Al-Watani government hospital and diagnosed with ischemic stroke between September 2006 and August 2007 were included in the study. Data were obtained by retrospective review of medical charts. Pearson Chi-square and independent t test were used in the univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality rates among the patients. Statistical testing and graphics were carried out using SPSS 15. We identified 153 ischemic stroke patients [83 females and 70 males] of whom 92 were having a first-ever stroke [FES]. Patients had several prevalent modifiable risk factors such as hypertension [HTN] [66%], diabetes mellitus [DM] [45.8%], and renal reduced renal function [crcl < 60 ml/ min] [33.9%]. Twenty-six [17%] of the patients died during hospitalization. Four variables were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality: history of previous stroke [P= 0.004], crcl at admission [P=0.004], number of post-stroke complications [P=0.001], and age [P=0.043]. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the number of post-stroke complications [P= 0.001] and previous stroke [P=0.03] were significant independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Screening and better control of risk factors, especially HTN, DM and renal dysfunction, are required to decrease the incidence and in-hospital mortality among patients with ischemic stroke

Comparative analysis of patient package inserts of local and imported anti-infective agents in Palestine

The patient package insert is an important source of drug information. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the PPI of the anti-infective agents manufactured in Palestine with the imported equivalents. The selection criteria generated 15 different anti-infective agents available as 36 locally manufactured products and 15 imported equivalents. The design of the patient package insert was evaluated in terms of the number of words used in eight main headings and the presence or absence of certain information regarding nine statements. Inserts of locally manufactured products have significantly fewer words than those of imported products with respect to warnings, dosage and administration, and side effects. The most significant difference was found in the warnings. Moreover, differences were found between inserts of local and imported products in terms of the presence of the nine informative statements. Locally manufactured products did not mention inactive ingredients, clinical pharmacology or date of last revision, but all of them provided information on the use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation and on the duration of therapy. However, in general they provided less information than the imported equivalents. Palestinian authorities and local manufacturers should implement appropriate measures to regulate the quality and quantity of information in the patient package insert of locally produced anti-infective agents. PPI improvement will better direct health practices to the benefit of the patients