Browsing by Author "Wijekoon, C.N."

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Acceptance and attitudes of healthcare staff towards the introduction of clinical pharmacy service: a descriptive cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
(Biomed Central, 2017) Shanika, L.G.T.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; Mamunuwa, N.; Dawson, A.H.; de Silva, H.A.
BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary patient management including a clinical pharmacist shows an improvement in patient quality use of medicine. Implementation of a clinical pharmacy service represents a significant novel change in practice in Sri Lanka. Although attitudes of doctors and nurses are an important determinant of successful implementation, there is no Sri Lankan data about staff attitudes to such changes in clinical practice. This study determines the level of acceptance and attitudes of doctors and nurses towards the introduction of a ward-based clinical pharmacy service in Sri Lanka. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional sub-study which determines the acceptance and attitudes of healthcare staff about the introduction of a clinical pharmacy service to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. The level of acceptance of pharmacist's recommendations regarding drug-related problems (DRPs) was measured. Data regarding attitudes were collected through a pre-tested self-administered questionnaires distributed to doctors (baseline, N =13, post-intervention period, N = 12) and nurses (12) worked in professorial medical unit at baseline and post-intervention period. RESULTS: A total of 274 (272 to doctors and 2 to nurses) recommendations regarding DRPs were made. Eighty three percent (225/272) and 100% (2/2) of the recommendations were accepted by doctors and nurses, respectively. The rate of implementation of pharmacist's recommendations by doctors was 73.5% (200/272) (95% CI 67.9 - 78.7%; P < 0.001). The response rate of doctors was higher at the post-intervention period (92.3%; 12/13) compared to the baseline (66.7%; 8/12). At the post-intervention survey 91.6% of doctors were happy to work with competent clinical pharmacists and accepted the necessity of this service to improve standards of care. The nurses' rate of response at baseline and post-intervention surveys were 80.0 and 0.0% respectively. Their perceptions on the role of clinical pharmacist were negative at baseline survey. CONCLUSIONS: There was high acceptance and implementation of clinical pharmacist's recommendations regarding DRPs by the healthcare team. The doctors' views and attitudes were positive regarding the inclusion of a ward-based pharmacist to the healthcare team. However there is a need to improve liaison between clinical pharmacist and nursing staff.
Adverse Drug reactions and associated factors in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with non-communicable chronic diseases
(Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, 2016) Shanika, L.G.T.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; Coombes, I.; Wijekoon, C.N.
Adverse drug reactions in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with non-communicable chronic diseases
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Shanika, L.G.T.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; de Silva, H.A.; Dawson, A.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major problem in drug utilization. The study aimed to describe the incidence and nature of ADRs in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs). METHOD: This prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary-care hospital recruited in-ward patients with NCCDs. All ADRs that occurred during the index hospital admission and in the 6-month period following discharge were detected by active surveillance. Details were recorded using the ADR reporting form, developed based on the publication of the Clinical Center, Pharmacy Department, National Institutes of Health. RESULTS: 715 patients were studied (females-50.3%, mean age–57.6 years). The mean number of medicines given per patient was 6.11±2.97. The most prevalent NCCDs were hypertension (48.4%; 346/715), diabetes (45.3%; 324/715) and ischemic heart disease (29.4%; 210/715). 112 patients (15.7%) experienced at least one ADR. In the 112 patients, 154 ADRs (33 during index hospital admission; 121 during 6-month period following discharge) were detected. 51.9% (80/154) of them were potentially avoidable. 47% (73/154) of ADR swere Serious Adverse Events (SAEs); 13 were life threatening, 46 caused hospitalization and 14 caused disability. The most common causes for re-hospitalization due to ADRs were hypoglycemia due to anti-diabetic drugs (17/46), bleeding due to warfarin (14/46) and hypotension due to anti-hypertensives (6/46). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of ADRs was high in the study population. A large proportion of them were SAEs. The majority of ADRs that required re-hospitalization were caused by widely used medicines and were potentially avoidable.
Adverse drug reactions in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with non-communicable chronic diseases
(Elsevier, 2017) Wijekoon, C.N.; Shanika, L.G.T.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; Dawson, A.
BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose a major problem in medication use. This study was done to describe incidence, nature and associated factors of ADRs in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs). METHODS: The prospective observational data presented here are obtained as a part of a large study conducted in a tertiary-care hospital in Sri Lanka. In-ward patients with NCCDs were recruited systematically using the admission register in the ward as the sampling frame. All ADRs occurred during the index hospital admission and 6-month post-discharge period were detected by active surveillance. RESULTS: 715 patients were studied (females – 50.3%; mean age – 58.3±15.4years). 35.4% were aged ≥65years. Mean number of drugs prescribed per patient was 6.11±2.97. Most prevalent NCCDs were hypertension (48.4%), diabetes (45.3%) and ischemic heart disease (29.4%). 154 ADRs [33 (21.4%) during index hospital admission; 121 (78.6%) during 6-month post-discharge period) were detected involving 112 (15.7%) patients. 51.9%(80/154) of them were potentially avoidable. 47% (73/154) of ADRs were serious adverse events (SAEs); 13 were life threatening, 46 caused hospitalization and 14 caused disability. The most common causes for re-hospitalization due to ADRs were hypoglycemia due to anti-diabetic drugs (17/46), bleeding due to warfarin (6/46) and hypotension due to anti-hypertensives (6/46). ADRs were more common in elderly (34% vs 14.7%, p<0.001), in those who were on ≥5 drugs (25.9% vs 12.7%, p<0.001) and among those with diabetes (28.5% vs 15.6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS : Incidence of ADRs was high in the study population. A large proportion of them were SAEs. The majority of ADRs that required re-hospitalization were caused by widely used drugs and were potentially avoidable. Factors associated with a higher incidence of ADRs were age ≥65years, ≥5drugs in the prescription and presence of diabetes. The healthcare system in the study setting needs improvement in order to minimize ADRs.
Anaphylaxis: the “killer allergy”
(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2016) Wijekoon, C.N.; Undugodage, C.; Fernando, D.; Atapattu, P.; Malavige, G.N.; Ranawaka, U.K.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and empirical prescribing practices in treating urinary tract infections
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Wijekoon, C.N.; Dassanayake, K.M.M.P.; Pathmeswaran, A.
INTRODUCTION: Empiric antimicrobials are recommended for urinary tract infection (UTI). Knowledge of local antimicrobial susceptibility is essential for prudent empiric therapy. Aims: To describe antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and empirical prescribing practices in adult in¬ward patients with UTI. METHODS: Data for this descriptive study was collected prospectively from consecutive adult patients with positive urine culture admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital. Sensitivity testing was done using Joan Stokes method. RESULTS: Among 745 patients, 441 (59.2%] were females. Mean (SD) age of the study population was 48.2 (19) years. Coliforms were the commonest (85.6%) isolates followed by Streptococcus spp., Candida spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp.. Susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobials was as follows; nitrofurantoin- 76.8%, gentamicin- 62.7%, cefuroxime- 46.3%, co-trimoxazole- 44.1%, norfloxacin-43.6%, cefalexin- 37.6%, ciprofloxacin- 37.3%, co-amoxiclav- 20.7%, ampiciUin- 17.6%. 381(51.1%) received empirical antimicrobial therapy. 75 received more than one antimicrobial. Ciprofloxacin was the most frequently prescribed empirical antimicrobial (208/381; 54.6%). Nitrofurantoin was prescribed in only 9.2%. Concordance between the empirical antimicrobial prescribed and the sensitivity of the isolated organism was seen only in 25.7%. In 29.6%, urinary isolate was resistant to the empirical antimicrobial and in 44.7% the prescribed empirical antimicrobial was not included in sensitivity testing. CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility was low (<50%) to the first line antimicrobials other than nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. Ciprofloxacin was the most frequently prescribed empiric therapy even though susceptibility to it was low. Despite high susceptibility nitrofurantoin was underutilized. There was obvious discrepancy between empirical prescribing practices and susceptibility pattern of isolates.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of urinary isolates and prescribing practices of empirical antimicrobials in patients with urinary tract infection in a tertiary care hospital
(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2009) Wijekoon, C.N.; Dassanayake, K.M.M.P.; Perera, W.P.M.H.; Pathmeswaran, A.
OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of local antimicrobial susceptibility is essential for prudent empiric therapy of urinary tract infection (DTI). We sought to describe antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in in-ward patients with UTI and compare it with prescribing practices. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital in consecutive patients with a positive urine culture between January 2007 and July 2008. Sensitivity testing was done using Joan Stokes method. RESULTS: Coliforms were the commonest (89.6%) isolates in 1206 specimens. The susceptibility was as follows; nitrofurantoin - 83.9% jgentamicin - 74.3%, coamoxiclav - 69.7%, cefalexin - 57.8%, norfloxacin - 57.7%, ciprofloxacin - 50%, cotrimoxazole-37.5%, ampicillin -23.3%. Clinical data analysed for 259 (females -67,95%,^12 years - 95.2%). 25.1% didn't receive empirical antimicrobials. Among the 194 who received an antimicrobial 52.1% received ciprofloxacin and 11.3% received nitrofurantoin. Concordance between the empirical antibiotic prescribed and the sensitivity of the isolated organism was seen only in 21.7%. In 16.5% urinary isolate was resistant to the empirical antibiotic and in 61.8% empirical antibiotic was not included in sensitivity testing. Overall, sensitivity of ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin was tested in 6.7% (susceptibility rate - 50%) and 94.3% (susceptibility rate - 83.9%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Coliforms were the commonest isolate irrespective of the origin, site and type of DTI. Resistance was high (£50%) to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin was the most frequently prescribed empiric therapy but its sensitivity was tested in less than 10%. Despite high susceptibility rate nitrofurantoin was underutilised. There was obvious discrepancy between empirical prescribing practices and both the susceptibility pattern of isolates and sensitivity testing practices.
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and empirical prescribing practices in adult in patients with urinary tract infection: is there a need for changing clinical practices?
(Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology, 2014) Wijekoon, C.N.; Dassanayake, K.M.M.P.; Pathmeswaran, A.
Introduction: Knowledge of local antimicrobial susceptibility is essential for prudent empiric therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI).The aim of this study was to describe antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and empirical prescribing practices in adult in patients with UTI. Methods: The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Data was collected prospectively from consecutive adult in patients with positive urine culture and clinical features compatible with UTI. Sensitivity testing was done using Joan Stokes method. The etiological uropathogens, antibiotic susceptibility rates, association between antimicrobial susceptibility rates and background variables and empirical prescribing practices were analyzed. Results: 745 subjects were studied. Mean (SD) age was 48.2 (19) years and 441(59.2%) were females. Coliforms were the commonest isolates (85.6%). Overall, 76.8% of the isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin. (coliforms-74.9%; Streptococcus spp.-100%; Staphylococcus spp.-95.6%). Overall susceptibility was < 50%, to many antimicrobials. Among coliforms and pseudomonas isolates susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was 37.7% and 29.4% respectively. The susceptibility rates of coliforms varied according to age, gender, origin of UTI and presence of co-morbidities. 381(51.1%) subjects received empirical antimicrobials. Ciprofloxacin was the most frequently prescribed empirical antimicrobial (208/381; 54.6%). Despite high susceptibility nitrofurantoin was prescribed in 9.2% only. Conclusions: Susceptibility was low to many first line and second line antimicrobials used to treat UTI in adults. There was obvious discrepancy between empirical prescribing practices and the susceptibility pattern of isolates. Incorporation of local surveillance data in to clinical practice will be useful to optimize the use of empirical antimicrobial therapy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v4i1.6229 Keywords: Urinary tract infection, Antimicrobial susceptibility, Resistance, Empirical DOI: 10.4038/sljid.v4i1.6229
B vitamins in patients with recent transient ischaemic attack or stroke in the VITAmins TO Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS) trial: a randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial.
(Lancet Pub. Group, 2010) Hankey, G.J.; Eikelboom, J.W.; Baker, R.I.; Gelavis, A.; Hickling, S.C.; Jamrozik, K.; van Bockxmeer, F.M.; Vasikaran, S.; Chen, C.; Eikelboom, J.W.; Lees, K.R.; Yi, Q.; Hankey, G.J.; Algra, A.; Chen, C.; Wong, M.C.; Cheung, R.; Wong, I.; Divjak, I.; Ferro, J.; De Freitas, G.; Gommans, J.; Groppa, S.; Hill, M.; Spence, J.D.; Lees, K.R.; Lisheng, L.; Navarro, J.; Ranawaka, U.; Ricci, S.; Schmidt, R.; Slivka, A.; Tan, A.; Tsiskaridze, A.; Uddin, W.; Vanhooren, G.; Xavier, D.; Armitage, J.; Hobbs, M.; Le, M.; Sudlow, C.; Wheatley, K.; Yi, Q.; Brown, W.; Bulder, M.; Eikelboom, J.W.; Hankey, G.J.; Ho, W.K.; Jamrozik, K.; Klijn, C.J.; Koedam, E.; Langton, P.; Nijboer, E.; Tuch, P.; Pizzi, J.; Tang, M.; Alaparthi, R.; Antenucci, M.; Chew, Y.; Chinnery, C.; Cockayne, C.; Holt, R.; Loh, K.; McMullin, L.; Mulholland, G.; Nahoo, B.; Read, E.; Smith, F.; Yip, C.Y.; Hankey, G.J.; Loh, K.; Crimmins, D.; Davis, T.; England, M.; Rakic, V.; Schultz, D.W.; Frayne, J.; Bladin, C.; Kokkinos, J.; Dunbabin, D.; Harper, J.; Rees, P.; Warden, D.; Levi, C.; Parsons, M.; Russell, M.; Spratt, N.; Clayton, P.; Nayagam, P.; Sharp, J.; Grainger, K.; De Wytt, C.; McDougall, A.; Donnan, G.A.; Grimley, R.; Neynens, E.; Reinhart, B.; Ropele, S.; Schmidt, R.; Stögerer, E.; Dedeken, P.; Schelstraete, C.; Vanhooren, G.; Veyt, A.; Andre, C.; De Freitas, G.R.; Gomes, S.E.; Mok, V.C.; Wong, A.; Wong, L.K.; Cheung, R.T.; Li, L.S.; Pais, P.; Xavier, D.; Joshi, S.; Parthasaradhi, S.; Roy, A.K.; Varghese, R.V.; Kochar, K.; Panwar, R.B.; Chidambaram, N.; Rajasekaharan, U.; Bala, S.; Pandian, J.D.; Singh, Y.; Karadan, U.; Salam, A.; Shivkumar, S.; Sundararajan, A.; Joshi, R.; Kalantri, S.P.; Singh, H.; Rath, A.; Balasubramanian, N.T.; Kalanidhi, A.; Babu, K.; Bharani, A.; Choudhary, P.; Jain, M.; Agarwal, A.; Singh, M.; Agarwal, R.R.; Gupta, R.; Kothari, S.; Mijar, S.; Wadia, R.S.; Paul, S.K.; Sekhar Nandi, S.; Mehndiratta, M.M.; Tukaram, U.; Mittal, K.; Rohatgi, A.; Kumar, S.; Vinayan, K.P.; Muralidharan, R.S.; Celani, M.G.; Favorito, I.; Mazzoli, T.; Ricci, S.; Righetti, E.; Blundo, M.; Carnemolla, A.; D'Asta, A.; Giordano, A.; Iemolo, F.; Favorito, L.; Mazzoli, T.; Ricci, S.; Righetti, E.; Gresele, P.; Guercini, F.; Caporalini, R.; De Dominicis, L.; Giovagnetti, M.; Giuliani, G.; Paoletti, S.; Pucci, E.; Cavallini, A.; Persico, A.; Casoni, F.; Costa, A.; Magoni, M.; Spezi, R.; Tortorella, R.; Venturelli, E.; Vergani, V.; Caprioli, S.; Provisione, M.; Zanotta, D.; Abdullah, J.M.; Damitri, T.; Idris, B.; Sayuthi, S.; Hong, J.J.; Tan, C.T.; Tan, K.S.; Dutca, G.; Grigor, V.; Groppa, S.; Manea, D.; Achterberg, S.; Algra, A.; Halkes, P.H.; Kappelle, L.J.; Boon, A.M.; Doelman, J.C.; Sips, R.; Visscher, F.; Kwa, V.I.; Ternede, O.A.; van der Sande, J.J.; Frendin, T.; Gommans, J.; Anderson, N.E.; Bennett, P.; Charleston, A.; Spriggs, D.; Singh, J.; Bourke, J.; Bucknell, R.; McNaughton, H.; Anwar, A.; Murtaza, H.; Uddin, W.; Ismail, J.; Khan, N.U.; Navarro, J.C.; Amor, V.G.; Canete, M.T.; Lim, C.; Ravelo, E.B.; Siguenza, M.; Villahermosa, M.O.; Siguenza, M.; Canete, M.T.; Cardino, M.J.; Cenabre, R.; Gara, M.; Salas, Z.; Batac, A.; Canete, M.T.; Conde, L.; Dumdum, P.; Garcia, F.S.; Libarnes, S.; Matig-a, N.; Olanda, N.; Arcenas, R.; Canete, M.T.; Loraña, A.; Surdilla, A.; Araullo, M.L.; Lokin, J.; Maylem, G.; Marques, E.; Veloso, M.; Correia, M.; Lopes, G.; Canhão, P.; Ferro, J.M.; Melo, T.P.; Dias, A.; Sousa, A.P.; Tsiskaridze, A.; Vashadze, T.; Divjak, I.; Papic, V.; Chang, H.M.; Chen, C.P.; de Silva, D.A.; Tan, E.K.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Wijesekera, J.C.; de Silva, H.A.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Dawson, U.K.; Higgins, P.; Lees, K.R.; MacDonald, L.; McArthur, K.; McIlvenna, Y.; Quinn, T.; Walters, M.; Curless, R.; Dickson, J.; Murdy, J.; Scott, A.; Cameron, S.; Darnley, K.; Dennis, M.; Lyle, D.; Hunter, A.; Watt, M.; Watt, M.; Wiggam, I.; Murdy, J.; Rodgers, H.; Dick, F.; Macleod, M.; McKenzie, A.; Jones, P.; Jones, S.; Hussain, M.; Albazzaz, M.K.; Elliott, K.; Hardware, B.; Bacabac, E.; Martin, H.; Sharma, A.; Sutton, V.; Baht, H.; Cowie, L.; Gunathilagan, G.; Hargrove, D.R.; Smithard, D.J.; Adrian, M.; Bath, P.; Hammonds, F.; Maguire, H.; Roff, C.; Datta-chaudhuri, M.; Diyazee, K.; Krishnamoorthy, S.; McNulty, K.; Okwera, J.; Hilaire, C.; Kelly, D.; Barron, L.; James, M.; Wedge, N.; Bruce, M.; Macleod, M.; Barber, M.; Esson, D.; Ames, D.; Chataway, J.; Bulley, S.; Jenkins, K.; Rashed, K.; Dafalla, B.E.; Venugopalan, T.C.; Ball, M.; Punnoose, S.; Justin, F.; Sekaran, L.; Sethuraman, S.; Goddard, H.; Howard, J.; McIlmoyle, J.; Diver-Hall, C.; McCarron, M.; McNicholl, M.P.; Clamp, B.; Hunter, J.; Oke, A.; Weaver, A.; Fraser, P.; McAlpine, C.; Chambers, J.; Dymond, H.; Saunders, G.; Langhorne, P.; Stott, D.; Wright, F.; Adie, K.; Bland, R.; Courtauld, G.; Harrington, F.; James, A.; Mate, A.; Schofield, C.; Wroath, C.; Duberley, S.; Punekar, S.; Niranjan, K.; Sandler, D.; Krishna, P.; Moussouttas, M.; Notestine, M.A.; Slivka, A.; Vallini, D.; Hwang, T.; Saverance, M.; Booth, K.; Murphy, D.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest that raised plasma concentrations of total homocysteine might be a risk factor for major vascular events. Whether lowering total homocysteine with B vitamins prevents major vascular events in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack is unknown. We aimed to assess whether the addition of once-daily supplements of B vitamins to usual medical care would lower total homocysteine and reduce the combined incidence of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and death attributable to vascular causes in patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack of the brain or eye. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack (within the past 7 months) from 123 medical centres in 20 countries to receive one tablet daily of placebo or B vitamins (2 mg folic acid, 25 mg vitamin B6, and 0.5 mg vitamin B12). Patients were randomly allocated by means of a central 24-h telephone service or an interactive website, and allocation was by use of random permuted blocks stratified by hospital. Participants, clinicians, carers, and investigators who assessed outcomes were masked to the assigned intervention. The primary endpoint was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. All patients randomly allocated to a group were included in the analysis of the primary endpoint. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00097669, and Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN74743444. FINDINGS: Between Nov 19, 1998, and Dec 31, 2008, 8164 patients were randomly assigned to receive B vitamins (n=4089) or placebo (n=4075). Patients were followed up for a median duration of 3.4 years (IQR 2.0-5.5). 616 (15%) patients assigned to B vitamins and 678 (17%) assigned to placebo reached the primary endpoint (risk ratio [RR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.00, p=0.05; absolute risk reduction 1.56%, -0.01 to 3.16). There were no unexpected serious adverse reactions and no significant differences in common adverse effects between the treatment groups. INTERPRETATION: Daily administration of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack was safe but did not seem to be more effective than placebo in reducing the incidence of major vascular events. These results do not support the use of B vitamins to prevent recurrent stroke. The results of ongoing trials and an individual patient data meta-analysis will add statistical power and precision to present estimates of the effect of B vitamins. FUNDING: Australia National Health and Medical Research Council, UK Medical Research Council, Singapore Biomedical Research Council, Singapore National Medical Research Council, Australia National Heart Foundation, Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation, and Health Department of Western Australia.
Cardiovascular risk in a Sri Lankan community
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Ranawaka, U.K.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, L.D.R.; Gunasekara, D.; Chackrewarthy, S.; Mizoue, T.; Kato, N.
OBJECTIVE: Identifying the cardiovascular disease (CVD) [coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke] risk in a community is important in planning preventive strategies, but such data are lacking from Sri Lanka. We sought to describe the CVD and CHD risk in a Sri Lankan community. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: A community survey was conducted in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area (Ragama Health Study) involving individuals aged 35-65 years, selected by stratified random sampling. Their 10-year CVD and CHD risks were estimated using three widely used risk stratification ALGORITHMS: Framingham score, NCEP-ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III), and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Results: In the study population (n=2985), 54.5% were females, and the mean age [SD] was 52.4 [7.8] years. According to the Framingham (CHD risk), NCEP-ATP III (CHD risk) and SCORE (total CVD mortality risk) criteria, 11.5%, 37.2% and 9.7% respectively were classified as 'moderate or high risk'. Risks were not significantly different between sexes, except with NCEP-ATP III criteria (M- 54.1%, F- 21%, p55y- 38%, p55y- 64.7%, p<0.001; SCORE: <55y- 9.0%, >55y- 14.6%, P
Case report: Opportunities for Medication Review and Reconciliation by a Clinical Pharmacist to Prevent Drug-Related Hospital Re-Admissions: Evidence from a Case Series in Sri Lanka
(Pharmaceutical Journal of Sri Lanka, 2018) Shanika, L.G.T.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; Perera, D.; Pathiraja, V.M.; Mamunuwa, N.; Mohamed, F.; Coombes, I.; Lynch, C.; de Silva, H.A.; Dawson, A.H.
ABSTRACT: Medication review by a clinical pharmacist improves quality use of medicines in patients by identifying, reducing and preventing drug related problems and hospital re-admissions. This service is new to Sri Lanka. We present two cases from a non-randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. The first case is from the control group where no clinical pharmacist was engaged and the next case is from the intervention group. The first case was a drug related hospital re-admission because of missing medicines in the discharge prescription and the second case was a re-admission which was prevented by the intervention of a ward pharmacist by performing a clinical medication review of the prescription.
A Comparison between revised NCEP ATP III and IDF definitions in diagnosing metabolic syndrome in an urban Sri Lankan population: the Ragama Health Study
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2013) Chackrewarthy, S.; Gunasekara, D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Kato, N.; Takeuchi, F.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
Background. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) within individual cohorts varies with the definition used. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of MetS between IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria in an urban Sri Lankan population and to investigate the characteristics of discrepant cases. Methods. 2985 individuals, aged 35-65 years, were recruited to the study. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements and laboratory investigations were carried out following standard protocols. Results. Age and sex-adjusted prevalences of MetS were 46.1% and 38.9% by revised NCEP and IDF definitions, respectively. IDF criteria failed to identify 21% of men and 7% of women identified by the revised NCEP criteria. The discrepant group had more adverse metabolic profiles despite having a lower waist circumference than those diagnosed by both criteria. Conclusion. MetS is common in this urban Sri Lankan cohort regardless of the definition used. The revised NCEP definition was more appropriate in identifying the metabolically abnormal but nonobese individuals, especially among the males predisposed to type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to determine the suitability of the currently accepted Asian-specific cut-offs for waist circumference in Sri Lankan adults. Copyright © 2013 S. Chackrewarthy et al
Dengue hemorrhagic fever presenting with acute pancreatitis
(SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Project, 2010) Wijekoon, C.N.; Wijekoon, P.W.
Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon manifestation of dengue fever. Here we present a 47 year old male with dengue hemorrhagic fever who presented with acute pancreatitis and associated hyperglycemia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of dengue complicated with acute pancreatitis from South Asia.
Evaluation of an IS 6110 - based PCR assay for laboratory detection of M. tuberculosis complex DNA in clinical samples
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Palliyaguruge, R.H.; Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S.; Manamperi, A.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Wellawaththage, L.C.; Abeyewickreme, W.
Due to the slow growth rate of the causative agent, the diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) takes considerable time period leading to the complication and spread of the disease. Towards this end, use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, has revolutionized diagnosis of TB by reducing the diagnostic time. The aim of the present study was to compare two primer pairs and DNA extraction methods for the PCR based detection of M. tuberculosis complex (MTB) DNA in clinical samples for the routine laboratory diagnosis of TB. Two DNA extraction methods (Modified Boom's method and Roche commercial kit) and two IS 6110-based primer pairs were compared with respect to the sensitivity, time and quality/quantity of DNA. Extra pulmonary and pulmonary specimens from 45 TB suspected patients referred to the Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Kelaniya from February 2007 to April 2008 were analyzed. Results indicated 50 % and 70 % of the samples extracted from modified Boom's method and commercial kit, respectively, had high quality DNA, while 17 % and 67 % of the specimens extracted by the Boom's method and commercial kit, respectively, had over 200 µg/ml DNA. Both primer pairs exhibited similar level of sensitivity (200 fg of MTB DNA). In comparison to the time consuming culture, which takes 4 to 6 weeks, the modified Boom's method and commercial kit combined with PCR takes only 48 and 24 hrs, respectively. Of the 19 positives (42.22%) 11 were males while 17 and 02 were extra-pulmonary and pulmonary TB, respectively. The commonest clinical indication for sending samples was suspected disseminated TB. Presence or absence of fever or presence or absence of very high ESR (>100 mm) did not have a significant positive or negative predictive value for PCR. Moderately high ESR (>50 mm) had a negative predictive value of 0.8 and Mantaux test had a positive predictive value of 0.8. According to the time required for completion, labour, quality/quantity of DNA (statically significant at p=0.05) and reproducibility the commercial kit proved to be an efficient DNA extraction procedure. Both sets of primers elicited similar discriminating power. There was not a single clinical indicator with satisfactory predictive values, which is useful in clinical decision making regarding the need for PCR diagnosis in individual patients. We report a simple, rapid and reproducible PCR assay for routine laboratory diagnosis of MTB DNA from both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary specimens.
Patterns of blood pressure in a group of Sri Lankan patients with acute stroke
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2010) Wijekoon, C.N.; de Silva, H.A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Ranawaka, U.K.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Both low and high blood pressures (BP) in acute phase of stroke are associated independently with poor outcome. Differences in BP patterns in acute stroke are reported in different populations, but data from developing countries are limited. We sought to describe patterns of BP in Sri Lankan patients with acute stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital within 7 days of stroke onset were screened for participation in an international multicentre triai on BP control in acute stroke. BP was measured with Ornron 705CP automated device. RESULTS: Among study subjects (n=596), 61.2% were males. Mean age [SD] was 64.3[12.6] years. 23% were studied within 24 hours from symptom onset, and 72.5% within 72 hours. 60.6% had pre-existing hypertension; 59.8% of them were on regular treatment. Mean [SD; range] systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBF) were 148.7[28.7; 88-248] mmHg and 83.6[14.9; 46-137] mmHg, respectively. SBP was 140-159mmHg m 27.4% and >160mmHg in 30.2%. No significant difference was noted in mean SBP and DBF with time from stroke onset. Mean SBP and DBF were respectively ISmmHg (pO.OOl) and 6mmHg (pO.OOl) higher among those with pre-existing hypertension. Mean SBP and DBF were respectively 8.8mmHg (p=0.011) and 5.2mmHg (p=0.003) higher tn haemorrhagic compared to ischaemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of our study population had elevated SBP in acute phase, but low BP was also noted. Mean BP values observed were lower than those described from other populations. BP was higher among those with pre-existing hypertension and haemorrhagic stroke.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a Sri Lankan community
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Chackrewarthy, S.; Gunasekera, D.; de Silva, L.D.R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Mizoue, T.; Kato, N.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Sri Lankan community. Limited information is available about MetS in Sri Lankans. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: A total of 2948 individuals (1345 males and 1603 females) who participated in the Ragama Health Study comprised the study population. Prevalence of MetS was estimated using three widely used criteria: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), WHO and National Cholesterol Education Programme - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). RESULTS: Age and sex adjusted prevalence rates of MetS were 38.9%, 38.9% and 41.6% as defined by IDF, WHO and NCEP-ATP III respectively. Prevalence increased with age (for age groups 35-44, 45-54 and 55- 65 years respectively; IDF - 27.9%, 40,1%, 42.9% ; WHO - 28.7%, 43.2%, 52.6%; NCEP ATP III - 34.6%, 46.7%, 50.6%; P<0.001 in all). MetS was commoner in women (IDF - 45.8% Vs. 23.0%, P<0.001; WHO - 37.3% Vs. 40.5%, P>0.05; NCEP-ATP III - 49.8% Vs. 33.1%, P<0.001). Prevalence of central obesity (using Asian cutoff values) was higher in women. (70.8% Vs. 35.5%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MetS is high in this community. Preventive measures towards reducing trie risks associated with MetS should be promoted.
Risk estimates of cardiovascular diseases in a Sri Lankan community
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Ranawaka, U.K.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Gunasekara, D.; Chackrewarthy, S.; Kato, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
OBJECTIVES: Quantifying the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a community is important in planning preventive strategies, but such data are limited from developing countries, especially South Asia. We aimed to estimate the risks of coronary heart disease (CHD), total CVD, and CVD mortality in a Sri Lankan community. METHODS: A community survey was conducted in an urban health administrative area among individuals aged 35- 64 years, selected by stratified random sampling. Their 10-year CHD, total CVD, and CVD mortality risks were estimated using three risk prediction tools: National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and World Health Organisation/ International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) charts. RESULTS: Among study participants (n=2985), 54.5% were females, and mean age (SD) was 52.4 (7.8) years. According to NCEP-ATP III (‘hard’ CHD risk), WHO/ISH (total CVD risk), and SCORE (CVD mortality risk) criteria, 25.4% (95% CI 23.6-27.2), 8.2% (95% CI 7.3-9.2), and 11.8 (95% CI 10.5-13.1) respectively were classified as at ‘high risk’. The proportion of high risk participants increased with age. ‘High risk’ was commoner among males (30.3% vs 20.6%, p<0.001) according to NCEPATP III criteria, but among females (9.7% vs. 6.7%, p<0.001) according to WHO/ISH criteria. No significant gender difference was noted in SCORE risk categories. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of individuals in this community are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, especially in older age groups. Risk estimates varied with the different prediction tools, and were comparatively higher with NCEP-ATP III charts.
Unusual massive gastric mucosal bleeding in a patient with dengue
(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2013) Wijekoon, C.N.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Wijekoon, P.W.M.C.S.B.; Ratnamalala, V.
Utility of glycosylated haemoglobin in diagnosing diabetes in an urban Sri Lankan community
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Wijekoon, C.N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Chackrewarthy, S.; Kato, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION: American Diabetes Association (ADA) has officially endorsed glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a diagnostic tool. The recommended cut-off for diagnosing diabetes is  6.5%. OBJECTIVES: To compare use of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) to diagnose diabetes in an urban Sri Lankan community. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on baseline data from a prospective study on non-communicable diseases in randomly selected individuals aged 35-64 years in a selected community. HbA1c was measured by National Glycohaemoglobin Standardization Program certified Bio Rad Variant HbA1c HPLC method. Diagnostic performance of HbA1c was evaluated in those without previous diabetes. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve was used to identify optimum HbA1c threshold. RESULTS: We studied 2516 individuals with no previous history of diabetes. Of these 53.8% were women. Mean age was 52 ± 7.9 years. FPG was 7mmol/l in 245 (9.7%). HbA1c was  6.5% in 173 (6.9%). Concordance between FPG and HbA1c was 95% (both criteria positive: 5.8%; both criteria negative: 89.2%). Compared to FPG, HbA1c cut-off of 6.5% had specificity of 98.9% (95% CI 98.3-99.3) and sensitivity of 60% (95% CI 53.6-66.2). Positive and negative predictive values were 85% (95% CI 78.8-89.9) and 95.8% (95% CI 94.9-96.6), respectively. Compared to FPG, optimum HbA1c threshold for diagnosing diabetes was 5.9% (sensitivity: 84%; specificity: 88.8%; area under the curve: 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: In the study population, detection of diabetes with ADA recommended HbA1ccriterion was 29% less than with FPG criterion. Compared to FPG, HbA1c had high specificity but sensitivity was low. Further research is needed to refine the optimum HbA1c threshold in Sri Lankans.
Ward-based clinical pharmacists and hospital readmission: a non-randomized controlled trial in Sri Lanka
(2018) Shanika, L.G.T.; Jayamanne, S.; Wijekoon, C.N.; Coombes, J.; Perera, D.; Mohamed, F.; Coombes, I.; de Silva, H.A.; Dawson, A.H.
OBJECTIVE: To assess if a ward-based clinical pharmacy service resolving drug-related problems improved medication appropriateness at discharge and prevented drug-related hospital readmissions. METHOD: Between March and September 2013, we recruited patients with noncommunicable diseases in a Sri Lankan tertiary-care hospital, for a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received usual care and clinical pharmacy service. The intervention pharmacist made prospective medication reviews, identified drug-related problems and discussed recommendations with the health-care team and patients. At discharge, the patients received oral and written medication information. The control group received usual care. We used the medication appropriateness index to assess appropriateness of prescribing at discharge. During a six-month follow-up period, a pharmacist interviewed patients to identify drug-related hospital readmissions. RESULTS: Data from 361 patients in the intervention group and 354 patients in the control group were available for analysis. Resolutions of drug-related problems were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (57.6%; 592/1027, versus 13.2%; 161/1217; P < 0.001) and the medication was more appropriate in the intervention group. Mean score of medication appropriateness index per patient was 1.25 versus 4.3 in the control group (P < 0.001). Patients in the intervention group were less likely to be readmitted due to drug-related problems (44 patients of 311 versus 93 of 311 in the control group; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A ward-based clinical pharmacy service improved appropriate prescribing, reduced drug-related problems and readmissions for patients with noncommunicable diseases. Implementation of such a service could improve health care in Sri Lanka and similar settings.