The prevalence of 'triple whammy' prescriptions in surgical inpatients and associated pharmacist recommendations.

Abstract

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are beneficial in surgical settings, they may however lead to adverse drug reactions including decreased renal function, a risk, which is exacerbated by combination with other nephrotoxics, and particularly when NSAIDs are given as part of a so-called 'Triple Whammy' (TW) with diuretics and renin-angiotensin system blockers. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of TW-prescriptions in a surgical inpatient setting and to document the changes in renal function after pharmacist recommendations. A prospective, observational single centre pilot study was performed using a series of eleven weekly Point-Prevalence Analyses (PPA). Adult surgical inpatients were screened for a TW-prescription by a clinical pharmacist, who made one of two recommendations on identification of a TW: for patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73m² close monitoring of renal function; for patients with eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73m² discontinuation of NSAID. A TW was identified in 18 of 317 patients (prevalence 5.7%; mean age 75 years). NSAID discontinuation was recommended for 7/18 patients (39%) and implemented for six (33%). In cases where the NSAID was de-prescribed, an improvement in renal function until the time of discharge was observed, whilst in patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73m² for whom monitoring was recommended eGFR remained stable. TW-prescriptions were found to be a potential problem in the studied group of older surgical inpatients. Clinical pharmacists are well placed to identify patients who are prescribed a TW, and to advise on the management of these patients.