Prevalence of adverse drug reactions in adult patients on antiretrovirals at Kenyatta National Hospital, comprehensive Care Centre

Abstract

Background: There has been an increased access to anti-retrovirals in resourceconstrainedsettings. However, few studies have addressed the area of adverse drugreactions in these settings.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of adverse drugs reactions in HIV-infectedpersons 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 periodbetween January 2003 and December 2006.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was a documented adverse drug reactionafter exposure to antiretrovirals.

Results: Systematic random sampling was used to pick 350 patients’ files. There were219 recorded adverse drug reactions in 170 (48.6%) patients (some patients had morethan one adverse drug reaction). Peripheral neuropathy was the most common adversedrug reaction with a prevalence of 28.9% followed by lipid abnormalities at 14.3%.

Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of adverse drug reactionsamong HIV/AIDS patients on anti-retroviral therapy at Kenyatta National Hospital,Comprehensive Care Centre.