Corticosteroid utilization pattern: A prospective study at a tertiary care teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prescribing pattern of steroids among patients from different departments and study the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid medications and the assessment of patient knowledge about the use of corticosteroids. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study on 120 patients receiving corticosteroids in the department of General medicine, Respiratory and Orthopedic in a tertiary care teaching hospital for the period of 6 months. Inpatients between 18–60 years receiving corticosteroid therapy were included in the study, exclusion of those patients who were under critical condition, lactating and nursing mothers and those not willing to sign on inform consent form. Key findings: The study involved 120 patients to evaluate the appropriate use of corticosteroids. The analysis of prescription was done and 24% of the prescriptions were found with drug interactions, the majority of drug interactions were minor (72%), followed by moderate (26%) and no severe interaction was found, and 76% were without interactions. Total 29(24.1%) side effects were found in the study due to corticosteroid use, hypertension was detected in 8 (28%), hyperglycemia in 7 (24%), sleep disturbance in 5 (17%), weight gain in 5 (17%) and gastrointestinal upset in 4 (14%). The use of inhaler was improved in patients from 55% to 83%. Conclusions: The study was found to be rational as the majority of interactions were minor, followed by moderate and no severe interaction was found. Greater awareness for use of corticosteroids is essential; therefore, strategies to improve drug safety, and better patients outcome. Prevention of side effects and rational prescribing can be better achieved by clinical pharmacist's intervention in patient care.