A Prospective Observational Studies on Drug Utilization Evaluation and Rational Use of Corticosteroids in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Corticosteroids are widely prescribed Drugs in Hospitals, forming a part of standard treatment of modern medicine for a wide range of diseases, associated with inflammation and immune activation. Apart from beneficial effects they also produce number of adverse effects. In the present study, Prospective Observational studies on DUE (Drug utilization evaluation) and rationality of Corticosteroids has been Performed. Objectives: To Investigate the Drug utilization evaluation, Prescription pattern and Rationality of corticosteroids in various department of tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients receiving corticosteroids in the various departments of Osmania general Hospital, Hyderabad. Patients prescribed corticosteroids therapy was included in the study. Exclusion of those patients with age less than 18, psychiatric disease, pregnant women and patients not willing to sign on consent form. Result: This study included 100 Patients out of which 68 were Male and 32 were female. In Age wise distribution, 15  Patients prescribed with corticosteroid in age group 18-28 years, 20  patients in 29- 38 years, 12 in 32-48 years, 16  in 49-58 years, 22 in 59-68 years, 11  in 69-78 years and 4  in above 80 years. This data showed that commonly male populations are more prone to diseases. As per the demographic data our finding shows that Budesonide was the most frequent prescribed corticosteroid (31.75%) followed by Hydrocortisone (26.19%), Dexamethasone (15.08%), Prednisolone 13.49%, Betamethasone (7.94%), Methyl prednisolone (5.56%). Out of 100 prescriptions total 10 ADRs and 25 Drug interactions were detected in this study. The majority of drug interactions were minor 24 followed by major 1. Conclusion: The Prescription pattern of corticosteroids was found to be rational as there is no Major drug interaction. Commonly geriatric population was more prone to diseases, for which steroids were used. Hence close observation is required to ensure safety, effectiveness and well-balanced therapeutic management with corticosteroids, both patients and prescribers should be more aware of the appropriate dose, dosage regimen, Drug - Drug interactions, ADRs and overall guidelines for corticosteroids prescribing. Keywords: Corticosteroids, Drug utilization evaluation, Prescription pattern