Tolerability and epidemiology of nephrotoxicity associated with conventional amphotericin B therapy: a retrospective study in tertiary care centers in Palestine.

BACKGROUND: In the light of recent years, an increase in the number of life-threatening infections due to various fungi has been observed, especially in tertiary care centres. With Amphotericin B labelled as the first choice in treating these infections, one of its common side effects, nephrotoxicity, along with hypokalemia, were studied to determine the epidemiology, risk factors, and protective measures. METHODOLOGY: The study was a retrospective observational chart review study in which patients were receiving conventional Amphotericin B in two tertiary hospitals in Palestine from January 2018 to December 2020 were evaluated for the development of hypokalemia and nephrotoxicity; according to the KDIGO criteria. A total of 117 patients were included in the study. Patients who have received the drug intermittently, in fewer than two doses, through non-IV routes and patients under the age of 12 were excluded. The data collected included, but were not limited to, age, gender, comorbidities, Amphotericin B treatment details, medications, COVID-19 status, risk factors, and hypothesized protective measures. RESULTS: The incidence of conventional Amphotericin B nephrotoxicity and hypokalemia was 46% and 33%, respectively. With a roughly equal representation of both genders and a median age of 52 years in a range of 13-89. No association between the variables and the development of nephrotoxicity was found. However, a 3.4 increased risk (p-value = 0.01) of developing hypokalemia in females compared to males was observed. CONCLUSION: Our research has shown a relatively lower yet consistent, incidence of conventional amphotericin B nephrotoxicity and hypokalemia compared to literature with gender being a risk factor for developing hypokalemia.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in Palestine: a cross-sectional online study.

INTRODUCTION: In Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), there have been more than 320 890 known cases of COVID-19, resulting in 3452 deaths. The detrimental effects of the virus can be seen in the nation's health, economy and government operations, leading to radical uncertainty that is exacerbated by the absence of any definitive treatment or vaccines. The level of knowledge about and trust in treatment and vaccination varies worldwide. This study aims to assess the willingness of Palestinians to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and their knowledge about such vaccines. METHODS: An online survey of adults over 18 years old (n=1080) was conducted in Palestine in October 2020. Using multivariate logistic regression, we identified correlates of participants' willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: We found that about 63% of participants were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. However, acceptance varied with the specific demographic variables that were investigated. Women, married participants and those aged 18-24 years are more likely to take the vaccine. Further, participants with good knowledge about the vaccine and its side effects are more willing to get the vaccine. CONCLUSION: The availability of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in Palestine is crucial to decrease the burden of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. In addition, to ensure a high vaccination rate, health awareness campaigns should target those who are not willing to get the vaccine, especially those who are more vulnerable and the elderly.