Optimal Dosing of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure : A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestine

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Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
Annals of Saudi Medicine, V:29, I:2, P: 119-122
Year of Publication: 
2009
Authors: 
Ansam F. Sawalha
Poison Control And Drug Information Center (PCDIC), An-Najah National University. Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Waleed M. Sweileh
College Of Pharmacy, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Tamara M. Rinno
College Of Pharmacy, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Poison Control And Drug Information Center (PCDIC), An-Najah National University. Nablus, Palestine
Samah W. Al-Jabi
College Of Pharmacy, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 

Background And Objective: Because high-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy is desirable in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), we sought to determine the usage and dosing patterns of ACE inhibitors in CHF patients at a governmental hospital in Palestine.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2006 and August 2007. All patients admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF and an ejection fraction <40% were evaluated. After excluding patients with a caution/contraindication to ACE inhibitor use or not taking an ACE inhibitor, we determined the number of patients receiving optimal (captopril 150-300 mg/day, enalapril 20-40 mg/day, ramipril 5-10 mg/day) and suboptimal doses. We then conducted statistical analyses to evaluate associations between ACE inhibitor use and dosing and various demographic and clinical factors.
Results: Of the 165 patients initially evaluated, 69 (41.8%) had a caution/contraindication (n=28, 40.6%) or were not using an ACE inhibitor (n=41, 59.4%). Of the remaining 96 patients (70.1%), 49/96 (51%) were given an optimal dose while 47/96 (49%) were given a suboptimal dose. Of all patients with CHF and no contraindiccation (n=137), 88 (64.2%) were either receiving no ACE inhibitor or a suboptimal dose. Only the presence of hypertension was significantly associated with the use of an ACE inhibitor (P=.009, odds ratio=2.7). The use of an optimal dose was not significantly associated with any of the tested factors (age, gender, presence of hyperttension, diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, ischemic heart disease or number of diagnosis).
Conclusion: Underutilization and suboptimal dosing of ACE inhibitors was common. Since there is an abunddance of evidence in favor of using high-dose ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with CHF, physicians need to be educated about proper dosing of these agents. 

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