BACKGROUND:Antibiotics (abx) constitute the most prescribed therapeutic agent in the world. There is little data regarding antibiotic consumption by young children in Albania.AIM:This study aims to evaluate antibiotic prescription in children in quantitative and qualitative terms, and therefore, propose recommendations to improve overall clinical outcomes.METHODS:A retrospective, cross-sectional drug utilisation study was conducted based on unreimbursed prescriptions collected in 25 pharmacies, randomly selected within the district of Tirana, during the period beginning December 2015 to January 2016. They contain at least one antibacterial therapeutic agent prescribed for children 0-15 years old, for systemic use. The data were analysed using SPSS 20.RESULTS:A group of 904 prescriptions meet inclusion criteria, 54.1% patient were female, and 45.9% were male. The most exposed age group were 2-6 years old. The most common diagnosis was respiratory tract infections: bronchitis (59.2%), tonsillitis (17%) followed by bronchopneumonia (9.6%). The most prescribed antibiotic classes are Penicillins (33%), Cephalosporins (33.2%) and Macrolides (21,5%). Amoxicillin (19.4%), Azithromycin (14.7%), the combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid (13.5%) and Cefaclor (11.7%) were the most commonly prescribed. We observed short duration therapies, with a mean duration of 5.21 days and in 17.4 % of cases with a duration of ≤ 2 days.CONCLUSIONS:We observed a large use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for common respiratory tract infection in children less than 6 years old. We would recommend the creation of an electronic database of patient’s record in order to monitor the quality of prescription and education of the healthcare professionals and patient of risks related to antibiotic resistance.

Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.

Our study provides pioneering evidence on the use and misuse of benzodiazepines in Albania. Findings from this study may influence the reforms and policy formulation related to drug misuse in Albania.

Background: Propolis or bee-glue is used as adjuvant in the therapy because of its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antibacterial properties. Propolis is found in a number of products such as cosmetics, shampoos, toothpastes, lip balms, creams and ointments. In dermatology propolis has been used for wound healing, treatment of ulcers and eczema, and regeneration of the skin. The sensitizing properties of propolis have been reported in the literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to present a case of allergic contact dermatitis after self-treatment with propolis. Methods: We report a case of 46 years old man who presented severe vesiculo-bullous elements on the leg after the treatment with bee-glue for the eczematous elements. Results: The diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to propolis was confirmed due to patch tests. Conclusions: Here we show that allergic contact dermatitis from propolis should be taken in consideration if an allergic reaction is evident. Dermatologists and general physicians should be aware of propolis as an important allergen that can cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The therapeutic use of propolis should be performed under medical advisory.

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