Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) as a Cause of Hospitalization at a Government Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: ADRs represent a substantial burden on health care resources worldwide and are considered as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality which significantly affects hospitalization rates. However, ADR related hospital admissions are not well explored in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The current study aims to evaluate ADR-related admissions at King Saud Hospital, Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Method: A prospective, observational study was conducted at King Saud Hospital Unaizah. Over a period of 6 months, patients above 12 years of age who visited the Emergency Department (ED) with an ADR were included in this study. The investigators collected patient data by reviewing the patient's medical records and the ED records for admission. The Naranjo algorithm was used to assess the causality of the suspected ADR, and Hartwig’s Severity Assessment Scale was used to assess the severity of the ADR. Results: Out of 4739 admissions to the wards, 38 (0.801%) were related to an ADR. The majority of patients were male (52.6%), with a mean age of ± 49.08 years. The total length of hospital stay was 565 days with a mean of ± 14.87 days. The causality assessment shows that 35 (92.1%) cases were probable ADRs, whereas 3 (7.9%) cases were possible ADRs. Moreover, the severity assessment showed that 6 (15.1%) cases were mild, and 27 (71.1%) and 5 (13.2%) cases were moderate and severe, respectively. In regard to the outcome of patients, most patients recovered after the ADR, and 2 ADRs resulted in the death of the patient. Conclusion: Our study shows that ADRs as a cause of hospitalization in Qassim population is considerably low. However, ADRs may contribute to morbidity and mortality and result in a considerable financial burden. </jats:sec

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population