Abstract
Hypertension is chronic disease with high prevalence, which can successfully be treated with antihypertensive drugs. Previous researches have shown that existing hypertension treatment guidelines are not fully implemented in practice. We have analysed antihypertensive drug utilization in Canton Sarajevo during five-year period (2004-2008). Research findings are discussed in relation to expected drug utilization according to Canton Sarajevo treatment guidelines. Objective of this research is to examine prescription patterns of antihypertensive drugs in primary health care in Canton Sarajevo during five-year period. Based on study findings we did an estimation of adherence to local treatment guidelines, which are similar to those published globally. Drug utilization data were collected from the largest pharmacy (retail) chain, representing more than 80% of pharmacies in Canton Sarajevo. Following drug groups have been analyzed: diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium-channel-blockers, ACE-Inhibitors (plain and combinations), Angiotensin-II-antagonists and alpha-blockers. Drug utilization is expressed in number of defined daily dose (DDDs), defined daily dose per thousand inhabitants per day (DDD/TID), drug utilization 90% (DU90%) and value in euros. ACE-Inhibitors are most prescribed drug class; combination of ACE-Inhibitors and diuretics account 46% of total antihypertensive budget spending. ACEIs are followed by calcium-channel-blockers. Diuretics utilization is decreasing from 2006 and being replaced with beta-blockers. Diuretics, recommended as first line therapy, are ranked as third in total antihypertensive drug utilization. It is necessary to introduce follow-up and enforce adherence to developed treatment guideline. Drug utilization studies can be used as tool for assessment of treatment guidelines adherence in primary health care.
Highlights
Hypertension as worldwide recognized public health problem is one of the leading causes of death influenced by cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like hart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke
We have found that diuretics, recommended as first line medicines fall out drug utilization (DU) segment during
Lization in Canton Sarajevo for each ATC expressed in According to defined daily dose (DDDs) as measure for drug utilization, ACE intotal number of DDDs, DDD/TID and value in euro. hibitors are most prescribed drug class
Summary
Hypertension as worldwide recognized public health problem is one of the leading causes of death influenced by cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like hart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. TARIK ČATIĆ ET AL.: OUTPATIENT ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG UTILIZATION IN CANTON SARAJEVO DURING FIVE YEARS PERIOD 2004 2008 AND ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT GUIDELINES ASSESSMENT. Ministry of Health of Canton Sarajevo (MHCS) has formed expert group of cardiologists and pharmacologist who has developed Guidelines for diagnosing and therapy of hypertension which are published in and have been presented to health professionals, especially general practitioners (GPs). These guidelines do not differ than those published by international professional organizations [ ]. Objective of this paper is to examine prescription patterns related to antihypertensive drugs in primary health care in Canton Sarajevo during five-year period
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