Vol. 1 No. 6 (2008): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy


Download PDF		 Published: December 2008

In this issue:

  • Adherence To Antihypertensives
  • The Study of Alfuzosin and Finasteride
  • Serum Trace Elements and Immunoglobulin Profile
  • Influences of Patient-Related Factors in Diabetes

Supplement

  • Proceedings of the MPS Pharmacy Scientific Conference 2006

Adherence To Antihypertensives Among Haemodialysis Patients At Five Non-Governmental Organisation Centres In Malaysia

    DOI: 10.52494/LKHP5701
    by Hui-Lin Saw, Yoke-Lin Lo, Chae-Miang Cher and Sean-Hau Chang.
    Vol. 1 No. 6 (2008): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: December 1, 2008
    Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

    Abstract

    Background: Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality among haemodialysis (HD) patients. Poor adherence to antihypertensive regimens was found to contribute to inadequate control of blood pressure. The study is aimed to investigate the adherence to antihypertensives and factors affecting adherence among HD patients at non-governmental organisation (NGO) dialysis centres at the vicinity around Kuala Lumpur Methods: Cross-sectional surveys using questionnaires were conducted in five NGO dialysis centres and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to conduct all statistical analyses. Patients who took at least 80% of the prescribed antihypertensives were considered as adherent. Results: Two hundred and thirty-one respondents were interviewed; of which, 68% of patients were adherent. Patients’ socio-demographic characteristics did not show any correlation to their adherence (p>0.05). On the other hand, the setting of dialysis centres did influence drug adherence significantly (p=0.033). Medication cost influenced adherence in a way that those who received medication for free and who had no difficulty paying for their medications were more adherent when compared to their counterparts (p=0.004 and p=0.016, respectively). The number of prescribed medications also showed significant relationship with adherence (p=0.032). Furthermore, patients who did not experience major side effects from antihypertensives revealed better adherence (p=0.019). Conclusions: Adherence to antihypertensives was suboptimal among HD patients at the NGO dialysis centres studied. Thus, all potential barriers to adherence should be taken into consideration in the treatment of hypertension among these patients.

    The Study of Alfuzosin and Finasteride in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

      DOI: 10.52494/XPJG8847
      by Lee Sau Yong, Tan Meng Wah and Wan Noor Hayati.
      Vol. 1 No. 6 (2008): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: December 1, 2008
      Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

      Abstract

      Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a hyperplasia process where there are an increased number of cells from the transition zone of the gland. The goals of the study were: (1) to compare the effectiveness of finasteride 5mg (Proscar) versus alfuzosin 10mg (Xatral XL) for the treatment of BPH; (2) to compare the treatment costs of both drug; (3) to compare the side-effect profile of both drug. All patients who have been diagnosed with BPH and have been receiving the treatment in SOPD Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were: (1) male more than 45 year old; (2) patients who are not suffering from recurrent or rebound BPH. Subjects were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire The score and side effects occurrence were analysis by SPSS. Only 66 men were analyzed in the study as 6 men (8.3%) were excluded. 36 of them (55%) are taking Finasteride 5mg once daily whereas the other 30 men (45%) are taking the extended released form of Alfuzosin 10mg once daily. The distribution of subject’s age is even. Subjects with Finasteride 5mg have higher score (mean = 22.18) than Alfuzosin 10mg (mean = 18.87) (p<0.05). However, the total side effect score of both drug showed no significant different (p>0.05). Finasteride group (mean = 0.52 case) has experienced a slightly more side effect than the Alfuzosin group (mean = 0.50 case). This study concluded that both Alfuzosin and Finasteride provide symptomatic relief to BPH patients. Alfuzosin with its faster onset of action could be very useful for patients who were diagnosed with BPH and carry moderate IPSS scores.

      Serum Trace Elements and Immunoglobulin Profile

        DOI: 10.52494/ZFSU7894
        by A F M Nazmus Sadat, Md. Iqbal Hossain, Md. Khalid Hossain, Md. Selim Reza, Zabun Nahar, Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, SK. Nazrul Islam and Abul Hasnat.
        Vol. 1 No. 6 (2008): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: December 1, 2008
        Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

        Abstract

        The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb) and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA & IgM) in lung cancer patients. The study was conducted among 45 lung cancer patients and 50 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method was employed to analyze the serum trace element concentrations, and turbidimetry method using immunoglobulin kit was used for the estimation of serum immunoglobulin levels. Results showed that the majority of the patients were literate and older married patients were smokers. Compared to the control volunteers, they had significantly (P<0.05) lower BMI. Serum concentrations of trace elements and IgG were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in the lung cancer patients. In the cancer patients, the concentration of zinc, copper, manganese and lead were 0.028±0.007 mg/L, 0.029±0.027 mg/L, 0.011±0.15 mg/L and 0.053±0.049 mg/L respectively, while these were 1.14±0.27 mg/L, 1.15±1.09 mg/L, 0.44±0.59 mg/L and 2.209±1.885 mg/L, respectively in the healthy controls. IgG concentration was found to be 14.96±3.92 g/L in lung cancer patients and 20.56±8.02 g/L in healthy volunteers. The concentrations of serum IgA and IgM were found to be unchanged. Correlative analysis suggested that serum lead value had a significant correlation with age in the lung cancer patient (r ═ –0.369, p ═ 0.013). The decreased concentration of trace elements and IgG may have a prognostic significance for the detection of lung cancer.

        Influences of Patient-Related Factors in Diabetes Management Among Non- Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetics

          DOI: 10.52494/EVKR8069
          by Yap Li Swan.
          Vol. 1 No. 6 (2008): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: December 1, 2008
          Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

          Abstract

          Study was conducted to investigate the influences of patient-related factors in diabetic management among non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetics in Outpatient Department, Hospital Kemaman. Convenience interview has been conducted, followed by further review of outpatient cards. Data collected from 29 subjects was analyzed by using SPSS Version 11. The inclusive criteria were patients diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year and on oral hypoglycemic agent. Patients on insulin treatment were excluded. The efficacy parameter was the fasting blood glucose level. 86.2% of study population were non-smokers. 41.4% consumed alternative medicines concurrently with antidiabetic medications. Majority of the subjects practiced lifestyle modifications, 62.1% in the form of routine exercise and 79.3% dietary modifications. 24.1% and 20.7% received counseling before being put on diabetic medications and on lifestyle modifications respectively. Many diabetics have poor understanding on their medications. Only 27.6% have their fasting blood glucose level ≤ 7mmol/L during the study duration. 72.4% patients claimed to have good compliance to the medications prescribed. Study revealed that patients had better glycaemic control if they had better understanding/knowledge about the medications, had better compliance, practice lifestyle modifications and had been counseled before. Other variables (age, smoking and concurrent use of alternative medicines) failed to demonstrate significant effect on glycaemic control. This study revealed problems such as non-optimal glycaemic control, insufficient patients’ knowledge about the disease and medications, and inadequate compliance in diabetic population. Pharmacists can help the community to manage diabetes better. This information is expected to be useful for pharmacists in improving their roles.