title: Use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV infected in patients at a referral hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the extent of use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in the prevention of opportunistic infections in HIV infected patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Parirenyatwa Hospital, a major referral and teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  234 HIV infected patients admitted between January and June 2004, with a history of symptoms falling into the WHO stage 3 AIDS, were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, PCP prevalence, and mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  234 patients' records were reviewed and 19% of the patients had received cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. PCP prevalence was 36% which was diagnosed mainly by clinical examination and sometimes with the additional help of chest X-rays. Of those who were on prophylaxis, 75% were on primary prophylaxis and the rest on secondary prophylaxis. All patients on prophylaxis were using cotrimoxazole, with the 960 mg once daily dosing being the most common regimen (96%). Receiving prophylaxis was associated with being female (p = 0.0067), widowed (p = 0.012), and taking ARV therapy (p = 0.0026). Prophylaxis significantly reduced mortality (p = 0.0017). The development of PCP was associated with a history oftuberculosis relapse (p = 0.022).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis is important in reducing hospital admissions due to opportunistic infections and increasing survival especially in areas with limited access to antiretroviral therapy.
authors: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, P.O Box A178, Avondale, Harare.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Khoza
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Mkudu
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Mthethwa
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Bulaya-Tembo
authors: C F B
authors: CF
authors: Nhachi
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D045363:Pneumocystis carinii; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination