Prevalence of adverse drug reactions in adult patients on anti-retrovirals at Kenyatta National Hospital, Comprehensive Care Centre

Abstract

Background: There has been an increased access to anti-retrovirals in resourceconstrained settings. However, few studies have addressed the area of adverse drug reactions in these settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence of adverse drugs reactions in HIV-infected persons 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 period between January 2003 and December 2006. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was a documented adverse drug reaction after exposure to antiretrovirals. Results: Systematic random sampling was used to pick 350 patients’ files. There were 219 recorded adverse drug reactions in 170 (48.6%) patients (some patients had more than one adverse drug reaction). Peripheral neuropathy was the most common adverse drug reaction with a prevalence of 28.9% followed by lipid abnormalities at 14.3%.                   Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of adverse drug reactions among HIV/AIDS patients on anti-retroviral therapy at Kenyatta National Hospital, Comprehensive Care Centre.