4 research outputs found
Comparison of Viral Load Suppression among HIV-1 Infected Children Aged 5 to 12 Years on Once Daily Versus Twice Daily Abacavir-Containing Regimens at University Teaching Hospitals - Children’s Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
No full textAbacavir is one of the first-line drugs used to treat HIV infection in paediatric patients in Zambia, whose use in children has not been widely published. This study compared the virologic response of abacavir given as part of a once-daily regimen with the response when given as part of a twice-daily regimen. A total of eighty-two children aged two to twelve years currently receiving antiretroviral therapy at the Paediatric Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia, were observed in the study. This was a prospective cohort study. All the children were initially on twice daily abacavir containing regimen with lamivudine twice daily and efavirenz once daily, with 40 maintained on this regimen by the attending clinician and 42 switched to once-daily abacavir, lamivudine and efavirenz by the attending clinician. Profiles were obtained for each child to compare viral load at baseline and week 24. Data was analysed using Stata Version 16.The proportion of children with undetectable viral load in the once-daily group at twenty-four weeks was 64.3 per cent compared to 72.5 per centin the twice-daily group. Twice-daily dosing reduced the odds of achieving an undetectable viral load by about 59 per cent, while being male reduced the odds of achieving an undetectable HIV viral load by 19.6 per cent. Baseline haemoglobin, creatinine, or alanine transferase levels were not predictors of viral load suppression.The study suggests that once-daily dosing of an abacavir-containing regimen achieved a lower viral suppression rate when compared to twice-daily dosing. It is recommended that once-daily dosing of abacavir containing regimen should be considered as a dosing option for Zambian children living with HIV
Rational Use of Antimicrobials in the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia at Ndola Teaching Hospital
No full textBackground: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant lower respiratory tract infection that poses challenges in treatment due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Rational antibiotic use is crucial for effective management and reducing the risk of resistant pathogens. This study aims to assess the rational use of antibiotics in treating CAP at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) and evaluate adherence to established guidelines. By examining prescribing practices, the study seeks to identify gaps and inform best practices that enhance antibiotic stewardship. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to improving patient outcomes and guiding antibiotic prescriptions in similar healthcare settings in Zambia.
Objective: To assess the rational use of antibiotics in the management of community acquired pneumonia at Ndola Teaching Hospital.
Study Methodology: This was a mixed-method study that assessed the rational use of antibiotics in managing CAP at NTH. Data was collected and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26, employing Chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify factors influencing in-hospital mortality.
Results: Out of 142 patient files reviewed, most patients were female (61.3%) and under 65 years old (69.0%), with ceftriaxone being the most prescribed antibiotic. Significant factors influencing in-hospital mortality included age over 65, length of hospital stay, allergies, co-morbidities, and management inconsistent with the 2020 national Standard Treatment Guidelines (p < 0.000). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that older age (aOR: 0.295, CI: 0.173-0.418, p < 0.000) and Length of hospital stay (aOR: 0.118, CI: 0.058-0.178, p < 0.000) significantly increased mortality risk. Additionally, 41.2% of prescribers had not seen the guidelines, highlighting the need for better dissemination and improved resources for effective CAP management at NTH.
Conclusion: This study emphasized the importance of improved adherence to national treatment guidelines. The implementation of educational interventions and the promotion of collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential to optimizing antibiotic use in the management of CAP, which could lead to reduced mortality rates and improved patient outcomes
Opuntia stricta cladode Extract reduces blood glucose levels in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice.
No full textOpuntia stricta (commonly called prickly pear cactus) is a natural plant that grows in some parts of Zambia where its fruits and cladodes are commonly consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes, including glycaemic control among some patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). There is insufficient evidence whether Opuntia stricta indigenously growing in Zambia possess antidiabetic effects.To assess in vivo antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Opuntia stricta cladodes in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted involving 20 adult Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) weighing 18-30 g. DM was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of alloxan monohydrate 90 mg/kg. Opuntia stricta aqueous extract was administered orally and blood glucose levels (in mmol/L) monitored daily for 10 days. Alloxan induced a 4- to 5-fold sustained increase in blood glucose levels at 72 hours after administration in mice. Within a 10-day experimental period, Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose levels in vivo (from 16.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L, 95% CI: 14.9-18.3 at baseline to 7.5 ± 1.0 mmol/L, 95% CI: 6.2-8.9 at endpoint, p < 0.001, n = 5). Similarly, at a dose of 2 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels (from 18.7 ± 4.6 mmol/L, 95% CI: 13.0-24.4 at baseline to 6.9 ± 1.7 mmol/L, 95% CI: 4.7-9.0 at endpoint, p = 0.001, n = 5). Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract attained a greater reduction in blood glucose levels compared to Glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg. Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract demonstrated a presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, carbohydrates, phenols and tannins. Opuntia stricta cladode from Zambia demonstrates antidiabetic effects to reduce blood glucose levels in vivo
Opuntia stricta cladode Extract reduces blood glucose levels in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice.
No full textOpuntia stricta (commonly called prickly pear cactus) is a natural plant that grows in some parts of Zambia where its fruits and cladodes are commonly consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes, including glycaemic control among some patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). There is insufficient evidence whether Opuntia stricta indigenously growing in Zambia possess antidiabetic effects.To assess in vivo antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Opuntia stricta cladodes in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted involving 20 adult Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) weighing 18-30 g. DM was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of alloxan monohydrate 90 mg/kg. Opuntia stricta aqueous extract was administered orally and blood glucose levels (in mmol/L) monitored daily for 10 days. Alloxan induced a 4- to 5-fold sustained increase in blood glucose levels at 72 hours after administration in mice. Within a 10-day experimental period, Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose levels in vivo (from 16.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L, 95% CI: 14.9-18.3 at baseline to 7.5 ± 1.0 mmol/L, 95% CI: 6.2-8.9 at endpoint, p < 0.001, n = 5). Similarly, at a dose of 2 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels (from 18.7 ± 4.6 mmol/L, 95% CI: 13.0-24.4 at baseline to 6.9 ± 1.7 mmol/L, 95% CI: 4.7-9.0 at endpoint, p = 0.001, n = 5). Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract attained a greater reduction in blood glucose levels compared to Glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg. Opuntia stricta cladode aqueous extract demonstrated a presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, carbohydrates, phenols and tannins. Opuntia stricta cladode from Zambia demonstrates antidiabetic effects to reduce blood glucose levels in vivo
