Abstract

ADR ASSESSMENT OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

Ahmadi Naaz*

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Botswana has a current prevalence of HIV infection at approximately 21.9% though in the age group of 20-45years average prevalence is about 37%. The introduction of HAART (Highly Active Anti- Retroviral Therapy) which comprises combinations of at least 3 efficacious Antiretroviral drugs has shown effective suppressive rates and can improve quality of life. A certain proportion of patients may develop severe and even life-threatening side-effects and complications of therapy. METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out in a district hospital in Botswana for which data was collected from ADR Reporting form. Pharmacists record the ADR’s as reported either by the patient/care-giver/recent lab tests in case of Renal and Liver impairments. Data collection comprised of all reports made for the term 2015.Information collected included patient demographics, HAART, its initiation, co-morbidities, ADR suspected/reported and the change in treatment for the same. ADR assessment was carried out using the standard scales. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were reported for Suspected ADR’s out of which there were 15(22.7%) males and 55(83.3%) females. Common ADR’s were Lipodystrophy, Renal Failure and in few cases were Psychosis, Gynaecomastia. Combivir(71%) was reported for most of them followed by Atripla(18%).ADR’s reported with co morbidities (15%) were less when compared to those with absence of any preexisting conditions. Causality assessment showed ADR’s were Probable (63.6%), Possible (16.6%), and Unclassified (16.6%) while Severity accounted for 51.5% of cases being Severe (Grade -6) and 45.4% being Mild.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction, assessment, Antriretrovirals.