Systematic review of recommendations on the use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Most recommendations for the use of methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are issued by developed countries. It is unknown whether they are relevant globally. We reviewed existing recommendations on the use of MTX for the treatment of RA and summarized areas of agreement that could be relevant for least developed countries (LDCs).

Developing the ethical framework of end-stage kidney disease care: from practice to policy.

Ethical issues relating to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) care are increasingly being discussed by clinicians and ethicists but are still infrequently considered at a policy level or in the education and training of health care professionals. In most lower-income countries, access to kidney replacement therapies such as dialysis is not universal, leading to overt or implicit rationing of resources and potential exclusion from care of those who are unable to sustain out-of-pocket payments. These circumstances create significant inequities in access to ESKD care within and between countries and impose emotional and moral burdens on patients, families, and health care workers involved in decision-making and provision of care.

Challenges for sustainable end-stage kidney disease care in low-middle-income countries: the problem of the workforce.

Prevention and early detection of kidney diseases in adults and children should be a priority for any government health department. This is particularly pertinent in the low-middle-income countries, mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where up to 7 million people die because of lack of end-stage kidney disease treatment. The nephrology workforce (nurses, technicians, and doctors) is limited in these countries and expanding the size and expertise of the workforce is essential to permit expansion of treatment for both chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease.

Methotrexate exposure and risk of strongyloidiasis.

Objective: Rheumatologic disease patients receiving immunomodulating drugs such as methotrexate (MTX) have increased infection rates. Strongyloides, a global endemic intestinal parasite, can cause significant or fatal disease in immunocompromised patients. The risk of serious Strongyloides infection with MTX dosed for rheumatologic disease is unknown.

Prevalence of high bloodpressure, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and their determinants in Ethiopia: Evidences from the National NCDs STEPS Survey, 2015.

The prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemias, and high blood pressure is increasing worldwide especially in low and middle income countries. World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of the assessment of the magnitude of the specific disease in each country. We determined the prevalence and determinant factors of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemias and metabolic syndrome in Ethiopia.

Hypertension treatment practices and its determinants among ambulatory patients: retrospective cohort study in Ethiopia.

Objectives: We examined determinants of achieving blood pressure control in patients with hypertension and of treatment intensification in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP).

Design: A retrospective cohort study in six public hospitals, Ethiopia.

Participants: Adult ambulatory patients with hypertension and with at least one previously prescribed antihypertensive medication in the study hospital.

Impact of adverse drug events and treatment satisfaction on patient adherence with antihypertensive medication - a study in ambulatory patients.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of adverse drug events (ADEs) and treatment satisfaction on antihypertensive medication adherence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six public hospitals in Ethiopia. We included adult ambulatory patients on antihypertensive medication.

Drug-related problems in medical wards of Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Ethiopia.

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of drug-related problems (DRPs), identify the most common drugs, and drug classes involved in DRPs as well as associated factors with the occurrence of DRPs.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 patients admitted to medical wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa from March to June 2014. Data regarding patient characteristics, medications, diagnosis, length of hospitalization, investigation, and laboratory results were collected using data abstraction forms through review of patients' medical card and medication charts.