Therapeutic drug monitoring for valproate: deriving a novel formula for calculation of free concentration.

Background: Monitoring free valproate concentrations, as with other highly protein-bound anticonvulsants, is essential in clinical situations where protein binding may be disrupted. Conversion of measured total concentrations to approximate free concentrations offers a cost-effective alternative. This study evaluated the relationship between total and free valproate concentrations for discordance and the impact of key determinants.

Doctors' views of disulfiram and their response to relapse in alcohol-dependent patients, Free State, 2009.

Background: Disulfiram is the oldest and best known drug to prevent relapse after detoxification from alcohol. Effective use of the drug is dependent on stringent monitoring and high levels of external motivation. Doctors' perceptions about the drug have not been investigated extensively.

Outcome of the first Medicines Utilization Research in Africa group meeting to promote sustainable and rational medicine use in Africa.

The first Medicines Utilization Research in Africa group workshop and symposium brought researchers together from across Africa to improve their knowledge on drug utilization methodologies as well as exchange ideas. As a result, progress was made on drug utilization research and formulating future strategies to enhance the rational use of medicines in Africa. Anti-infectives were the principal theme for the 1-day symposium following the workshops.

Hazardous, harmful and dependent drinking in hostel-dwelling students at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hazardous, harmful and dependent drinking among hostel-dwelling students on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), and the influence of sex and academic year on the habit.

Method: A quarter of all hostel-dwelling students of UFS were selected by systematic random sampling. Willing participants completed a questionnaire comprising a demographic section and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).