dc.contributor.author | Rono, K. | |
dc.contributor.author | Ilako, D. | |
dc.contributor.author | Kollmann, M. | |
dc.contributor.author | Karimurio, J. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-02-15T09:58:42Z | |
dc.date.available | 2013-02-15T09:58:42Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2008 | |
dc.identifier.citation | East African Journal of Ophthalmology May 2008 | en |
dc.identifier.uri | http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10025 | |
dc.description.abstract | Objectives: To determine whether height can be used as an alternative to
weight in mass treatment of children aged 1-15 years with active trachoma
using azithromycin and propose a height-based dose stick for Kenyan children.
Design: community based operational research
Subjects: A total of 2,020 children were included: 987(48.9%) male and 1033
(51.1%) female. 369 (18.3%) were from Kajiado, 772 (38.2%) from West Pokot
and 879 (43.5%) from Baringo.
Settings: The study was carried out in three trachoma endemic districts: West
Pokot, Baringo and Kajiado. A baseline trachoma survey had been conducted in
the three districts in preparation for the implementation of SAFE.
Results: Children from West Pokot were heavier and taller than those from
Kajiado and Baringo (P < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) of the children in
the three study areas was comparable. There was a close relationship between
weight and height and the distribution was near linear. Height explained 92.8%
of the variance of weight. A height based dose stick that recommends the use
of 40mg/ml suspension and 125mg (half tablet) incremental dosage predicted
doses within tolerance limits (15-30mg/kg) to 98.8% of children and 100%
with extended dose range (13 -35 mg/kg). If 40mg/ml suspension and 1 tablet
(250mg) incremental dosage were to be used, the height stick would predict
doses within tolerance limits to 97.5% of the children and 99.9% with extended
dose range (13 -35 mg/kg).
Conclusions: The theoretical model based on the use of 40mg/ml suspension and
125mg (half tablet) incremental offers better dosing ranges to all the children
of West Pokot, Baringo and Kajiado districts when the extended dosage range
(13-35mgs/kg) is applied.
Recommendations: Similar studies should be conducted in other trachoma
endemic communities in Kenya to determine whether a single height-based
dose stick can be used in the entire country. The manufacturer should look into
the possibility of producing 125mg tablet for mass treatment. | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.subject | Active trachoma | en |
dc.subject | Mass azithromycin | en |
dc.subject | Kenyan children | en |
dc.title | Height as proxy for weight in mass azithromycin dosing of Kenyan children with active trachoma | en |
dc.type | Article | en |
dc.description.department | Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, | |