Author(s):
Mariya Hassan, Mohammad A. Al-Ghazali, Basma Al-Jabry
Email(s):
mohammadalghazali@nu.edu.om
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00541 
Address:
Mariya Hassan1, Mohammad A. Al-Ghazali1*, Basma Al-Jabry2
1Department of Pharmacology and Biological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, National University, PO 620, Muscat, Oman.
2Department of Clinical Pharmacy- Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 8,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Anti-retroviral drugs (ART) are used in the management therapy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The study aimed to describe prescribing patterns of ART regimens used for pediatric patients at ROH, possible reasons for switching between ART regimens, and other documented reasons. A retrospective approach was used to gather treatment data for HIV positive children aged 0-12 years at ROH. Patients over 12 and with non-HIV conditions were excluded. A sample of 54 HIV patients was selected based on available hospital records. Data, including demographics, treatment details, regimen changes, and additional notes, were taken from ROH’s Al Shifa System, and information was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Male patients were predominant (57.4%), and 38.8% of patients started ART between ages 1-3 years, while 25.9% started before age one. Three initial ART regimens were used, combining drugs like zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, klatera, and efavirenz. Over half (53.7%) of the patients needed second- or third-line therapies during the study. Treatment adherence was 51.85%, and the common reason for switching regimens was due to intolerance, resistance, or drug unavailability issues. ART significantly improved immune function, with CD4 counts rising (p < 0.0005) and viral loads dropping (p = 0.001 and 0.002), showing the treatment’s effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of personalized antiretroviral therapy for children with HIV at Royal Oman Hospital, showing notable improvements in immune function and viral suppression. It explores the different categories of ART regimens used, reasons for switching regimens, and adherence challenges, offering insights into local treatment practices.
Cite this article:
Mariya Hassan, Mohammad A. Al-Ghazali, Basma Al-Jabry. Patterns of Prescribing Anti-retroviral Drugs in Pediatric OPD. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(8):3843-7. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00541
Cite(Electronic):
Mariya Hassan, Mohammad A. Al-Ghazali, Basma Al-Jabry. Patterns of Prescribing Anti-retroviral Drugs in Pediatric OPD. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(8):3843-7. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00541 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-8-58
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