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ObjectiveFalling is common among older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and potential inappropriate psychotropic medicines (PIPMs) use may increase the risk of falling. This study aimed to determine the impact of PIPMs on falls using longitudinal observational data.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted using routinely collected electronic health data from 23 RACFs in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The study included 3064 permanent residents aged ≥65 (2020–2021). PIPMs were identified using updated Beers criteria 2023. We considered three fall outcome groups: all falls, injurious falls and falls requiring hospitalisation. The falls incidence rates (IRs) were calculated for overall residents in RACFs as well as for central nervous system (CNS)-PIPM users and non-users. We applied a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model to assess the association between falls and CNS-PIPMs.ResultsA total of 40% (n=1224) of long-term care residents used at least one CNS-PIPM and 10% of residents (n=302) used two or more. The falls IRs of CNS-PIPM users were 16.2 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 15.9 to 16.5) for all falls, 5.68 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 5.48 to 5.88) for injurious falls and 1.77 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 1.66 to 1.88) for falls requiring hospitalisation, whereas the falls IRs of non-CNS-PIPM users were 10.8 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 10.6 to 11.0) for all falls, 3.65 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 3.52 to 3.78) for injurious falls and 1.26 falls per 1000 resident days (95% CI 1.19 to 1.33) for falls requiring hospitalisation. CNS-PIPM users had a significantly greater rate of falls overall compared with non-users (IRR 1.29; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.44) for all outcomes.ConclusionsFalls are frequent among CNS-PIPM users resulting in injury and hospitalisation, with 70% of CNS-PIPM users falling at least once and one in three requiring admissions to hospital. Reviewing residents’ use of psychotropic medicines should be considered as part of strategies to reduce falls incidence among older adults in RACFs.

Background Psychotropic medications are frequently utilised in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Longitudinal medication administration data can offer crucial insights into the potential inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines (PIPMs), guiding future quality improvement initiatives. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of PIPMs use and assess variation in PIPMs use by facility for residents of RACFs. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using routinely collected electronic health data (2020–2021) relating to 3064 residents from 23 RACFs in New South Wales, Australia. The study included permanent residents aged ≥ 65 years and median length of stay was 483 days. The prevalence of PIPMs use was estimated using updated Beers criteria 2023. The extent of exposure to PIPMs was measured using two metrics i.e., number of days residents were exposed to PIPMs and the proportion of days covered by PIPMs. We used logistic regression model to determine factors associated with PIPM use. Funnel plots to visualised variation in PIPMs use across facilities. Results In total 40% ( n  = 1224) residents used at least one PIPM and 10% ( n  = 302) used ≥ 2. The most frequently used PIPMs categories were benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (27.4%), followed by first and second generation antipsychotics (17.2%). Certain diagnoses (dementia, pain, depression, anxiety, and endocrine disorders) were associated with the increased use of PIPMs. For example, residents with dementia were 1.94 times more likely to use ≥ 2 PIPMs (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.50–2.51). The prevalence of at least one PIPM by residents in each facility ranged from 23.3 to 57.0% across facilities. The overall median number of days residents were exposed to PIPMs were 91 days (IQR 6-320) while the median proportion of days covered by at least one PIPM was 39.3% (IQR 2.6–86.6%). Conclusions Residents in aged care facilities showed a high rate of PIPMs use with substantial variation across facilities. Quality improvement initiatives which target inappropriate psychotropic medication use are necessary, particularly considering the link between psychotropic drug use and adverse events such as falls.

Background: There are concerns with inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in hospitals especially broad spectrum in Pakistan and the subsequent impact on antimicrobial resistance rates. One recognized way to reduce inappropriate prescribing is for empiric therapy to be adjusted according to the result of culture sensitivity reports. Objective: Using culture sensitivity reports to optimize antibiotic prescribing in a teaching hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective observational study was undertaken in Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital. A total of 465 positive cultures were taken from patients during the study period (May 2018 and December 2018). The results of pathogen identification and susceptibility testing from patient-infected sites were assessed. Additional data was collected from the patient’s medical file. This included demographic data, sample type, causative microbe, antimicrobial treatment, and whether empiric or definitive treatment as well as medicine costs. Antimicrobial data was assessed using World Health Organization’s Defined Daily Dose methodology. Results: A total of 497 isolates were detected from the 465 patient samples as 32 patients had polymicrobes, which included 309 g-negative rods and 188 g-positive cocci. Out of 497 isolates, the most common Gram-positive pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) (125) (25.1%) and the most common Gram-negative pathogen was Escherichia coli (140) (28.1%). Most of the gram-negative isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin and co-amoxiclav. Most of the Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenems. Gram-positive bacteria showed the maximum sensitivity to linezolid and vancomycin. The most widely used antibiotics for empiric therapy were cefoperazone plus sulbactam, ceftriaxone, amikacin, vancomycin, and metronidazole whereas high use of linezolid, clindamycin, meropenem, and piperacillin + tazobactam was seen in definitive treatment. Empiric therapy was adjusted in 220 (71.1%) cases of Gram-negative infections and 134 (71.2%) cases of Gram-positive infections. Compared with empiric therapy, there was a 13.8% reduction in the number of antibiotics in definitive treatment. The average cost of antibiotics in definitive treatment was less than seen with empiric treatment (8.2%) and the length of hospitalization also decreased. Conclusions: Culture sensitivity reports helped reduced antibiotic utilization and costs as well as helped select the most appropriate treatment. We also found an urgent need for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and the development of hospital antibiotic guidelines to reduce unnecessary prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Background There is limited information on complementary medicine (CM) use among older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of CM use and to examine differences in CM use by facility for residents of RACFs. Methods We conducted a retrospective study using routinely collected electronic data about permanent residents aged ≥ 65 years in December 2021 from 23 RACFs in Sydney. The prevalence of CM product use was estimated, and modelling was used to determine factors associated with CM use. Funnel plots visualised differences in prevalence of CM use between facilities. Results A total of 1,873 residents were included in the analysis with 78.4% (95% CI: 76.5–80.3) using at least one CM product and 41.2% (95% CI: 39-43.4) using 2 or more CMs. The most frequently used CM products were vitamin D (61.4%), magnesium (18.0%) and calcium (13.1%). Certain diagnoses were associated with both the likelihood of using a CM as well as the number of CMs used. For example, individuals with fractures were more likely to use ≥ 2 CMs (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05–1.58), as were those with an endocrine disorder. Residents with circulatory conditions and dementia were less likely to use ≥ 2 CMs. The prevalence of residents using at least one CMs ranged from 54 to 88% between facilities. Conclusions The prevalence of CM use is high in RACFs. Research to investigate the appropriateness of CM use to ensure their safe and effective use in RACFs is needed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced antimicrobial use in hospitals, raising concerns regarding increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through their overuse. The objective of this study was to assess patterns of antimicrobial prescribing during the current COVID-19 pandemic among hospitals in Pakistan, including the prevalence of COVID-19. A point prevalence survey (PPS) was performed among 11 different hospitals from November 2020 to January 2021. The study included all hospitalized patients receiving an antibiotic on the day of the PPS. The Global-PPS web-based application was used for data entry and analysis. Out of 1024 hospitalized patients, 662 (64.64%) received antimicrobials. The top three most common indications for antimicrobial use were pneumonia (13.3%), central nervous system infections (10.4%) and gastrointestinal indications (10.4%). Ceftriaxone (26.6%), metronidazole (9.7%) and vancomycin (7.9%) were the top three most commonly prescribed antimicrobials among surveyed patients, with the majority of antibiotics administered empirically (97.9%). Most antimicrobials for surgical prophylaxis were given for more than one day, which is a concern. Overall, a high percentage of antimicrobial use, including broad-spectrums, was seen among the different hospitals in Pakistan during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Multifaceted interventions are needed to enhance rational antimicrobial prescribing including limiting their prescribing post-operatively for surgical prophylaxis.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) post-operatively. However, there are concerns with the extent of prophylaxis post-operatively, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a key issue in Pakistan. Consequently, we conducted an observational cross-sectional study on 583 patients undergoing surgery at a leading teaching hospital in Pakistan with respect to the choice, time and duration of antimicrobials to prevent SSIs. The identified variables included post-operative prophylactic antimicrobials given to all patients for all surgical procedures. In addition, cephalosporins were frequently used for all surgical procedures, and among these, the use of third-generation cephalosporins was common. The duration of post-operative prophylaxis was 3–4 days, appreciably longer than the suggestions of the guidelines, with most patients prescribed antimicrobials until discharge. The inappropriate choice of antimicrobials combined with prolonged post-operative antibiotic administration need to be addressed. This includes appropriate interventions, such as antimicrobial stewardship programs, which have been successful in other LMICs to improve antibiotic utilization associated with SSIs and to reduce AMR.

Some studies have highlighted the effect of COVID-19 infection on the quality of sleep; however, the data is limited. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of insomnia in patients who recently recovered from the COVID-19 infection to evaluate the prevalence and extent of its impact.INTRODUCTION Some studies have highlighted the effect of COVID-19 infection on the quality of sleep; however, the data is limited. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of insomnia in patients who recently recovered from the COVID-19 infection to evaluate the prevalence and extent of its impact.This longitudinal study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2021. A total of 500 patients admitted to the intensive care unit or isolation unit of COVID-19 were included in the study at the time of their discharge. The pre-COVID-19 sleep quality of the participants was inquired using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Post-COVID sleep quality was assessed at a 30-day follow-up. Sleep quality was considered poor if the global score was ≥5. Participants that failed to follow up were not included in the study.METHODSThis longitudinal study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2021. A total of 500 patients admitted to the intensive care unit or isolation unit of COVID-19 were included in the study at the time of their discharge. The pre-COVID-19 sleep quality of the participants was inquired using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Post-COVID sleep quality was assessed at a 30-day follow-up. Sleep quality was considered poor if the global score was ≥5. Participants that failed to follow up were not included in the study.The mean PSQI score was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (6.28 ± 2.11 vs. 3.22 ± 0.80; p-value <0.0001). The percentage of participants with a PSQI score of ≥5 was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (45.1% vs. 12.1%; p-value <0.0001).RESULTSThe mean PSQI score was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (6.28 ± 2.11 vs. 3.22 ± 0.80; p-value <0.0001). The percentage of participants with a PSQI score of ≥5 was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (45.1% vs. 12.1%; p-value <0.0001).Insomnia has a significant prevalence in recovered COVID-19 patients after 30 days of follow-up. Hence, patients need to be counseled to follow up in case they experience poor sleep. To avoid the long-term negative impact on patients experiencing insomnia, timely identification and treatment are important.CONCLUSIONInsomnia has a significant prevalence in recovered COVID-19 patients after 30 days of follow-up. Hence, patients need to be counseled to follow up in case they experience poor sleep. To avoid the long-term negative impact on patients experiencing insomnia, timely identification and treatment are important.

Antibiotic de-escalation is a key element of antimicrobial stewardship programs that restrict the spread and emergence of resistance. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of positive culture sensitivity reports of or ( ) on de-escalation of antibiotic therapy. This prospective observational study was performed on 256 infected patients. The samples were obtained principally from the pus of infected sites for the identification of pathogens and culture-sensitivity testing. The data were collected from patient medical files, which included their demographic data, sample type, causative microbe and antimicrobial treatment as empiric or definitive treatment based on cultures. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Of 256 isolated microbes, 138 (53.9%) were and 118 were (46.1%). showed 100% sensitivity to cefoxitin, oxacillin, vancomycin, fosfomycin, colistin and more than 90% to linezolid (95.3%), tigecycline (93.1%), chloramphenicol (92.2%) and amikacin (90.2%). showed 100% sensitivity to only fosfomycin and more than 90% to colistin (96.7%), polymyxin-B (95.1%) and tigecycline (92.9%). The high use of cefoperazone+sulbactam (151), amikacin (149), ceftriaxone (33), metronidazole (30) and piperacillin + tazobactam (22) was seen with empiric prescribing. Following susceptibility testing, the most common antibiotics prescribed for were meropenem IV (34), amikacin (34), ciprofloxacin (29) and cefoperazone+sulbactam (25). For cases, linezolid (48), clindamycin (30), cefoperazone+ sulbactam IV (16) and amikacin (15) was used commonly. Overall, there was 23% reduction in antibiotic use in case of and 43% reduction in cases. Culture sensitivity reports helped in the de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy, reducing the prescribing of especially broad-spectrum antibiotics. Consequently, it is recommended that local hospital guidelines be developed based on local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns while preventing the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for empiric treatment.

This project comprises the assessment of awareness about HCV modes of transmission & implementation rate of preventive measures to prevent hepatitis C in different literacy groups. The researchers want to find out the reason of spread of hepatitis C either there is lack of awareness or there is lack of follow up of precautionary measures. In this regard, they designed a questionnaire according to WHO guidelines & got it filled from different education levels. They also gave the awareness about the disease to the general public. After the survey, they analyzed & calculated the percentages of awareness about Hepatitis C & follow up rates of precautionary measures in the individuals. They assessed that the literacy group of primary level had lowest awareness with lowest follow up rates. And the literacy group of under-graduate level had maximum awareness & follow up.

Currently prescribed medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that are based on acetylcholinesterase inhibition only offer symptomatic relief but do not provide protection against neurodegeneration. There appear to be an intense need for the development of therapeutic strategies that not only improve brain functions but also prevent neurodegeneration. The oxidative stress is one of the main causative factors of AD. Various antioxidants are being investigated to prevent neurodegeneration in AD. The objective of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of naringenin (NAR) against AlCl3+D-gal induced AD-like symptoms in an animal model. Rats were orally pre-treated with NAR (50 mg/kg) for two weeks and then exposed to AlCl3+D-gal (150 mg/kg + 300 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for one week to develop AD-like symptoms. The standard drug, donepezil (DPZ) was used as a stimulator of cholinergic activity. Our results showed that NAR pre-treatment significantly protected AD-like behavioral disturbances in rats. In DPZ group, rats showed improved cognitive and cholinergic functions but the neuropsychiatric functions were not completely improved and showed marked histopathological alterations. However, NAR not only prevented AlCl3+D-gal induced AD-like symptoms but also significantly prevented neuropsychiatric dysfunctions in rats. Results of present study suggest that NAR may play a role in enhancing neuroprotective and cognition functions and it can potentially be considered as a neuroprotective compound for therapeutic management of AD in the future.