Abstract
Introduction: Rational use of corticosteroids is very important in the long term for improving patient safety. The main objective of the study was to analyze the prescribing patterns of steroids in a district general hospital, Amravati.
 Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out over a period of six months in a district general hospital. All patients receiving any category of steroid therapy were enrolled, and the prescribing tapering patterns of steroids were reviewed. The demographic data, disease data and data on the utilization of various steroids were analyzed, and the knowledge of the patients was assessed by using a Michigan questionnaire.
 Results and discussion: 179 patients were recruited for the study. Steroids were prescribed for various (29.6%) respiratory conditions, (10.1%) CVS diseases, (11.7%) CNS, (1.6%) in hepatic disorders, (1.1%) musculoskeletal disorders, (3.4%) skeletal disorders, (0.6%) renal impairments, (3.9%) GI disorders, (19.0%) skin diseases and (19.0%) other diseases. The utilization of steroid dexamethasone was the most commonly prescribed to 111 patients (63.8%) followed by hydrocortisone (57 patients, 32.8%) and prednisolone (6 patients, 3.4 %). Dexamethasone was most commonly associated with adverse effects (1.8% of such as headaches, abdominal pains, and rashes), followed by prednisolone (0.8% of such as facial swelling), clobetasol (0.4%) and fluticasone (0.4 %).
 Conclusions: Very little variation was found in the prescription pattern amongst the healthcare professionals. Most of the drugs were prescribed rationally; the significance of the study is to improve the patient safety in the long-term use of steroid therapy by observing the prescribing patterns as irrational use of steroids can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Highlights
Rational use of corticosteroids is very important in the long term for improving patient safety
In the field of respirology, systemic corticosteroids are used for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe, uncontrolled asthma, as well as for inflammatory parenchymal lung diseases, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and immune mediated vasculitis (Liu et al 2013)
This was a qualitative study during which prospective observational, non-interventional interviews were conducted for six months to gather details about how patients perceived any category of steroid therapy
Summary
Rational use of corticosteroids is very important in the long term for improving patient safety. The main objective of the study was to analyze the prescribing patterns of steroids in a district general hospital, Amravati. Most of the drugs were prescribed rationally; the significance of the study is to improve the patient safety in the long-term use of steroid therapy by observing the prescribing patterns as irrational use of steroids can increase the risk of adverse effects. Corticosteroids are drugs with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Their side effect profile makes careful consideration before use and regular review paramount (Dhandapani et al 2015). Shende M et al.: Assessment of drug utilization pattern of steroids in a district general
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