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Prevalence of adverse drug reactions in adult patients on anti-retrovirals at Kenyatta National Hospital, Comprehensive Care Centre


LEM Mwangangi
R Juma
DK Scott
DG Nyamu
KAM Kuria

Abstract

Background: There has been an increased access to anti-retrovirals in resourceconstrained settings. However, few studies have addressed the area of adverse drug reactions in these settings.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of adverse drugs reactions in HIV-infected persons receiving anti-retrovirals.
Design: A retrospective cohort study.
Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, Comprehensive Care Centre.
Subjects: Adult patients receiving anti-retroviral drug during the four year period between January 2003 and December 2006.
Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was a documented adverse drug reaction after exposure to antiretrovirals.
Results: Systematic random sampling was used to pick 350 patients’ files. There were 219 recorded adverse drug reactions in 170 (48.6%) patients (some patients had more than one adverse drug reaction). Peripheral neuropathy was the most common adverse drug reaction with a prevalence of 28.9% followed by lipid abnormalities at 14.3%.                   Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of adverse drug reactions among HIV/AIDS patients on anti-retroviral therapy at Kenyatta National Hospital, Comprehensive Care Centre.

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eISSN: 0012-835X