Colistin-induced Nephrotoxicity in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital.

Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity is a well-known major adverse event, which may occur within seven days [early acute kidney injury (AKI)] with a high mortality rate of 70% or after seven days (late AKI). The main objective of this retrospective study is to assess the severity and associated risk factors for the development of colistin-related nephrotoxicity. An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted over 12 months (January-December 2017). All patients with a baseline normal renal function, who received intravenous colistin for >72 h, were included. Nephrotoxicity was defined using the RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal disease). The demographic and clinical variables were retrieved from the hospital's electronic medical record system and compiled in an electronic database. All the statistical analysis was carried out by SAS JMP from SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC. Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity occurred in 45.71% of the patients, of whom 40.6% were at Risk, 21.9% at Injury, and 37.5% at Failure according to RIFLE criteria. In patients who developed AKI, the average total colistin dose received before AKI was 4.4 mg/kg/day. More than half of the AKI group (53.13%) received an inappropriate total dose of colistin. Age, 65 years and older, was significantly associated with a high risk of nephrotoxicity (P <0.05), which developed within 6.8 ± 0.44 days from receiving a colistin dose. Clinical pharmacy services were consulted in 28.13% of the cases, and the dose was adjusted in 37.5% of the patients. Colistin nephrotoxicity is common and is associated more with older age group and inappropriate dosing.

A cross-sectional observational study to assess inhaler technique in Saudi hospitalized patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the proportion of critical errors committed while demonstrating the inhaler technique in hospitalized patients diagnosed with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 47 asthmatic and COPD patients using inhaler devices. The study took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September and December 2013. Two pharmacists independently assessed inhaler technique with a validated checklist.  RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients made at least one critical error while demonstrating their inhaler technique, and the mean number of critical errors per patient was 1.6. Most patients used metered dose inhaler (MDI), and 73% of MDI users and 92% of dry powder inhaler users committed at least one critical error.   CONCLUSION: Inhaler technique in hospitalized Saudi patients was inadequate. Health care professionals should understand the importance of reassessing and educating patients on a regular basis for inhaler technique, recommend the use of a spacer when needed, and regularly assess and update their own inhaler technique skills.