Showing 4 results for Utilization
Khalili H, Gholami Kh, Hajiabdolbaghi M, Sairafipoor Z,
Volume 64, Issue 12 (11-2006)
Abstract
Background: Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are performed to define, determine, and finally improve the quality of drug usage. These types of studies are especially valuable for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index or specific indication, or for expensive medications. In Iran, vancomycin is only available by prescription for methicillin-resistant staphylococcal and enterococcal infections. It is obvious that extensive and irrational use of this drug can increase bacterial resistance to this antibiotic. The goal of this study was to assess vancomycin utilization.
Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study performed during the fall and winter of 2004, this vancomycin DUE was done in the Infectious Disease Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. All of the patients receiving vancomycin were enrolled in this study. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) protocols have been used to perform this study.
Results: Of the 565 inpatients at this hospital, 39 subjects (7%) received vancomycin. Vancomycin utilization among these patients was compatible with CDC and ASHP protocols in only 28% and 35% of the patients, respectively.
Conculusion: Vancomycin is predominantly administered empirically, rather than being based on the antibiogram. This may be due to the routine protocol of the ward or the physician doubting the reliability of the antibiogram.
Kashi Ah, Yadyad Mj, Hajiabdolbaghi M, Jafari S,
Volume 66, Issue 9 (12-2008)
Abstract
Background: Behavioral Consultation Centers are the main organizations responsible for providing HIV/AIDS patients with services according to the Iranian Ministry of Health guidelines. In this study we assessed provision of these supposed services to Iranian HIV/AIDS patients referring to Behavioral Consultation Centers.
Methods: One hundred seventy one clinical files were selected by systematic random sampling from the files of all new HIV/AIDS patients accepted at Imam Khomeini behavioral consultation center who were registered during 2005-2006 and were followed for at least six months. Data were extracted from files and included consultation, vaccination, laboratory and treatment services.
Results: Family planning and HIV prevention methods consultation were performed for 32.5% and 2.29% of patients respectively. CD4 count was done for 69% of patients. 65.6% of patients who needed anti-retroviral treatment were given medication. Hepatitis B and Td vaccination were done for 21.7% and 3.5% of patients respectively. Coverage of pneumococal and influenza vaccinations was less than 5%. 79.5% of patients who needs tuberculosis prophylaxis were given medication. TB case finding was 14% during one year and the cure rate for patients under anti TB treatment were 95.8%.
Conclusion: Coverage of consultations and vaccination services are very low. Antiretroviral therapy coverage is intermediate. TB case finding and its cure rate are appropriate.
Mohammad Abbasinazari , Afshin Mohammad Alizadeh , Yusef Jamshidi,
Volume 72, Issue 3 (6-2014)
Abstract
Background: Judicious use of antibiotics is essential considering the growth of antimi-crobial resistance and escalating costs in health care. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin used widely for the treatment of various infections in outpatient and in-patient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ceftriaxone utilization before and after implementation of guidelines and physicians education.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional, before-after intervention study was performed in 6 wards of a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted in three phases: pre-guideline, educational interventions and post guideline implementation. The pre intervention phase included chart analysis of current ceftriaxone use in 200 consecutive patients from the representative wards included in the study. The educational interventions included preparation and distribution of ceftriaxone guidelines as pamphlets among physicians working in the studied wards. Also the clinical pharmacist returned to each ward and trained physicians regarding the correct use of ceftriaxone. In the post intervention phase immediately after the instruction, and in the follow up phase, one month later, a prospective analysis of ceftriaxone utilization was performed by chart review of 200 patients to detect changes in ceftriaxone utilization pattern.
Results: Four hundred cases were evaluated during study (200 before and 200 after physician’s education). The correct indication of ceftriaxone was 93% and 96% before and after the educational interventions respectively. Analysis showed that correct indi-cation of ceftriaxone did not change significantly before and after education (P= 0.188). Regarding to proper administration (dose, interval and duration) ceftriaxone utilization significantly changed after education (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: Adoption of the guidelines with associated training resulted in significant improvement in ceftriaxone administration pattern in the hospitals.
Shadi Khazaei, Shahrbanoo Keyhanian , Mahila Monajati , Shahram Ala, Ebrahim Salehifar ,
Volume 75, Issue 9 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in the hematology-oncology units and is frequently associated with adverse effects. High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is indicated in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), osteosarcoma, systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. The side effect profile of MTX varies markedly according to dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uses and adverse effects of HDMTX in a cancer center in north of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in Emam Sajjad Hospital, Ramsar, Iran from June 2016 to July 2017. Doses more than 500 mg/m2 of MTX was considered as a high-dose. Hydration status, evaluation of the renal and hepatic function, blood tests, urine pH, doses and frequencies of leucovorin administration, measurement of serum levels of MTX and side effects were evaluated. Recommendations of UpToDate 2017 were considered as standards of administration of HDMTX.
Results: Forty-four courses of HDMTX were evaluated in this study. HDMTX were prescribed for lymphoma (30 cases), ALL (8 cases) and osteosarcoma (6 cases). In all patients, hydration was done with 1340.9±894 normal saline plus 25 ml sodium bicarbonate 8.4%, one to two hours before HDMTX. The solution used for dilution of MTX was 5% dextrose (1022.7±105.5 ml). Urine pH was not measured in any patient. The frequency of leucovorin administration was 5.64±3.03 times with doses of 17.6±1.7 mg/m2 every 6 hours. Serum levels of MTX were not measured in any patient. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine measurement was carried out before administration of HDMTX in all patients. The most common adverse effects were nausea (64.4%), anxiety (44%) and headache (43.2%).
Conclusion: The appropriate aspects of HDMTX usage were good hydration, urine alkalinization with bicarbonate and administration of leucovorin in patients receiving HDMTX, whereas monitoring of serum levels of MTX and administration of bicarbonate based on urinary pH were not done in any of the patients.
