A study of utilization of antimicrobial agents in patients on ventilator in intensive care unit (ICU) at tertiary care teaching hospital, India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of antimicrobial agents in patients on ventilator in ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital Ahmedabad, India. Total 300 patients admitted in ICU and prescribed antimicrobial agents were included in the study. The data were recorded in preformed Case Record Form (CRF) and were analysed by Z and x(2) Test. RESULTS: Patients were divided into group A (patients on ventilator support) and group B (patients without ventilator support). In all the patients antimicrobial agents were prescribed empirically and more than two antimicrobial agents were prescribed in both groups. It was observed that above 60% antimicrobial agents were prescribed according to WHO, National and State Essential Medicine List (EML). Restricted antimicrobial agents (according to antimicrobial policy of tertiary care teaching hospital) were prescribed significantly (p<0.05) higher in group A as compared to group B. Resistance to antimicrobial agents by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Kleibsella shown significantly (p<0.05) higher in group A as compared to group B. Change of antimicrobial therapy after Culture Sensitivity Test (CST) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group A as compared to group B. CONCLUSION: Number of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial resistance and change of antimicrobial therapy after CST were higher in patients on ventilator support.

A study of use of fixed dose combinations in Ahmedabad, India.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of fixed dose combinations (FDCs) in Ahmedabad, a city in western part of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 24 months, prescriptions were collected from 24 pharmacy stores across 6 zones of Ahmedabad city. The information was recorded in pre-formed Data Record Form after written consent from the patients (or relative (s) of the patients). The pattern of use of FDC, rationality and seasonal variation in their use were analyzed. At the end of study, results were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of the total 1170 prescriptions, 941 (80.3%) contained 1647 FDC formulations. The average number of FDCs prescribed was 1.41 ± 1.04 (mean ± SD). The FDCs were more frequently prescribed in the age group of 31 to 40 years (23.7%) and in males (54.4%). FDCs were most commonly prescribed by oral route (92.7%). As per drug category analysis, a higher number of FDCs containing nutritional supplements (20.2%), and those for CNS (18.1%) complaints were prescribed. A seasonal analysis showed that FDCs were commonly prescribed for respiratory complaints (23.4%), central nervous system (CNS) complaints (20.3%) and as nutritional supplements (22.4%) in winter, monsoon and summer months, respectively. Only 5.8%, 9.8% and 10.9% FDCs prescribed were included in WHO (2010), National (2011) and Gujarat State (2011) Essential Medicines Lists (EML), respectively (P < 0.0001). Irrational FDCs that are banned or FDCs containing irrational active ingredients were 1343 (81.5%) and 203 (12.3%), respectively. CONCLUSION: FDCs are widely prescribed with seasonal influence in their use. FDCs containing banned or controversial ingredients are prescribed widely.

Intensive monitoring of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients of two medical units at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To detect incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitalized patients and to assess their causality, seriousness, preventability, and the possible economic impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out in two medical units at a tertiary care, teaching hospital, for about 18 months. All the admitted patients who developed an ADR after admission (group A) or who were admitted primarily for the treatment of an ADR (group B) were included. Descriptive statistics with 95% CI, χ(2), χ(2) for the trend and kappa test were used. RESULTS: Out of 6601 patients, 140 patients developed 154 ADRs with an incidence of 2.12%. Causality of the majority of the ADRs in group A was 'possible' while those in group B was 'probable'. Among 109 ADRs (34 serious) in group A, 38 were preventable. On the other hand, out of 45 serious ADRs in group B, 19 were preventable. The total cost of 154 ADRs in 140 patients was Rs. 1,49,803 with an average of Rs. 1070 per patient. The preventable cost for 57/154 ADR was Rs. 96,310. CONCLUSION: Around 2% of the hospital patients develop ADRs. A large number of these ADRs were preventable. A substantial saving can be made if adequate caution is exerted.