Evaluation of drug interactions in prescriptions of a hospital specialized in cardiology

Simultaneous multiple prescription drugs increases the possibility of drug interactions, situation particularly critical in a hospital. The objective of the present work was to identify interactions by evaluating the originals of prescriptions archived from ward clinical of a hospital specializing in cardiology in the city of Campina Grande/PB, Brazil. The study had transversal, retrospective, and observational character with quantitative approach, and was held in the period from June to July 2010. A total of 196 prescriptions were analyzed and of these, 89.6 % had some type of interaction, and 28.0 % of prescriptions had at least one interaction. The most frequent involved were deslanosideo and furosemide (15.1 %), being classified as moderate. This study showed the importance of the pharmacist in the analysis of requirements, who may exercise the clinical pharmacy and contribute to the continuos education on medicines.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Medications used by pregnant women in primary health service

The study evaluates the use of medications by pregnant women attended at health centers in the city of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. The sample consisted of 250 patients. The number of prescribed medications ranged from 1 to 5, folic acid and ferrous sulfate being the medications most prescribed. It was observed the omission of some basic elements in medical prescriptions, such as time, duration and route of administration. Among the respondents, 75.2 % had no knowledge of the medication name and 92.6 % about dosage. Regarding the purpose and duration of use 52.5 % and 79.8 % of patients, respectively, did not have any correct information. The lack of information that stood out because of the inadequate knowledge was about the unpleasant reactions, with 86.8 %. The results demonstrate the existence of risks relating to drugs used by pregnant women, making it necessary to institute education measures in rational use of drugs for this group of patients.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Use of medication by the elderly assisted by a community pharmacy

Neste trabalho analisou-se a utilização de medicamentos por idosos assistidos por uma farmácia comunitária do município de Campina Grande, PB. O estudo foi descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. A população investigada contou de 450 pacientes, acima de 60 anos, consumidores de medicamentos para dislipidemia, hipertensão e diabetes. O gênero feminino foi predominante, representando 60,0% dos idosos. Foi verificado que 77,8% dos medicamentos utilizados pelos pacientes eram inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina (ECA). O número médio de medicamentos prescritos por idoso foi de 4,5. Foram encontrados 180 Problemas Relacionados a Medicamentos (PRM), sendo o 3 mais prevalente, com 47,8%. Verificou-se que 45,0% dos idosos tinham uma adesão regular ao tratamento. Os resultados demonstraram a existência de riscos relacionados à farmacoterapia utilizada pelos idosos e a necessidade do aprimoramento da atenção farmacêutica para essa população, contribuindo desta maneira, para a melhoria da sua qualidade de vida.This paper analyzed the use of medicines by the elderly assisted by community pharmacy in the city of Campina Grande, PB. The study was descriptive, transversal, with quantitative approach. The investigated population was made up of 450 patients over 60 years of age, users of the medices for dislipdemic, hypertension and diabetes. The feminine gender predominated, representing 60.0% of the elderly. It was verified that 77.8% of the medicines used by the patients were Angiotensin Converting Enzime (ACE) inhibitors. The average number of the medicines prescribed by the elderly was 4.5. The Drug Therapy Problems (DTP) 3 the most prevalent one, with 47.8%. It was verified that 45.0% of the elderly had regular adhesion to the treatment. The results showed the existence of risks related to pharmacotherapy used by the elderly and the necessity of the improvement of pharmaceutical care to this population, contributing, thus, to the improvement of their life quality.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Fibrinogen: cardiometabolic risk marker in obese or overweight children and adolescents

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of increased serum fibrinogen levels and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 138 children and adolescents (overweight or obese) followed at a reference outpatient clinic of the public health care network. Fibrinogen concentration was divided into quartiles, and values above or equal to the third quartile were considered high. The association between high fibrinogen values and cardiometabolic risk factors was assessed using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, as necessary. Logistic regression was used to adjust variables predictive of fibrinogen levels. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0 and SAS software, considering a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: Serum fibrinogen levels were elevated in 28.3% of individuals, showing association with the presence of high CRP (p = 0.003, PR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.30-4.46) and the presence of four or more risk factors (p = 0.042; PR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.00-3.17). After a logistic regression, only elevated CRP remained associated with altered fibrinogen levels (p = 0.024; PR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09-5.25). CONCLUSIONS: Increased fibrinogen was prevalent in the study population and was associated with ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and the presence of four or more cardiovascular risk factors; it should be included in the assessment of individuals at risk