Study of clinico-epidemiological profile, drug utilization pattern, and outcome of swine flu cases: A recent epidemic in Latur

Abstract

Background: Swine flu, an acute respiratory tract disease, is caused by swine flu virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 pandemic in June 2009 after more than 70 countries reported cases of H1N1 infection. Since 2009-2014, 59,677 cases and 4141 deaths have been reported in India. Objective: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile, drug utilization pattern, and outcome of H1N1 positive cases admitted to swine flu ward from January 2015 to September 2015 at a tertiary care hospital in Latur. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2015 to September 2015 at Government Medical College (GMC), Latur. Clinicoepidemiological profile, treatment details, and outcome of the patients were recorded. Prescription pattern was analyzed using the WHO International Network for Rational Use of Drug use indicators. Results: A total of 52 swine flu positive cases were admitted to GMC, Latur, out of which 38 (73.07%) were female patients and 14 (26.92%) were male patients. Total numbers of drugs prescribed were 267. The most common antimicrobial prescribed was oseltamivir. Total drugs prescribed from the National List of Essential Medicine 2015 were 98 (36.70%). Conclusion: This study is an attempt to know the clinico-epidemiological profile, drug utilization pattern, and outcome in swine flu positive patients. A good adherence to the WHO guideline for clinical management of swine flu cases, the Joint Indian Chest Society and the National College of Chest Physician guidelines, and the WHO Essential Drug List was seen in our study. However, prescription with the brand name, polypharmacy, and excessive use of fixed dose combinations are a matter of concern.