Drug Utilization Pattern In Patients Research Articles

Drug utilization pattern evaluation and cost variation analysis of anti-fungal agents in tinea infected patients in dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Tinea infections are chronic superficial fungal infections, highly prevalent in tropical countries like India. Therefore, long-term therapy is needed and this can inflict a financial burden on the patients. Aim of the study was to assess drug utilization patterns in patients diagnosed with tinea infection and to evaluate the cost variability of anti-fungal agents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients for 3 months after taking permission from IEC. All adult patients already diagnosed with tinea infection were enrolled. Evaluation of drug utilization pattern was carried out using WHO core drug prescribing indicators and percentage of cost variability was calculated between different brands of anti-fungal agents. Results: A total of 252 patients were enrolled. Tinea corporis and cruris were the most commonly diagnosed tinea infection. Pruritus was the most common presenting symptom. Past history of similar illness was seen in 74 (29.4%) patients mean of 3.83±0.87 drugs were prescribed per patient. Drugs prescribed from NLEM was only 42.1%. Most commonly prescribed drugs were oral itraconazole and topical miconazole. Percentage of cost variability was seen maximum with capsule itraconazole 200 mg (237.5%) by oral route and luliconazole 30 gm (175.6%) by topical route. Conclusions: Prescribing practices of drugs can be improved by promoting generic drug and prescribing drugs from NLEM. Wide range of cost variation can lead to high economic burden in tinea infected patients.

Evaluation of Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Evaluation of Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Drug utilization pattern in patients of upper respiratory tract infections in pediatrics outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common and frequently occurring infections in the pediatric population. These infections include conditions like common cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis and acute otitis media. Young children have an average of 6-8 colds per year, however 10 -15% of children have at least 12 infections per year. This study concentrates on prescription pattern of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in children. primary objective was to study the prescription pattern of drugs used in URTI in pediatric outpatient department and the secondary objective was to determine whether the drugs being prescribed comply with those listed in the National list of essential medicines. Methods: This study was a Cross-sectional, observational study conducted at the Pediatric Outpatient Department in a tertiary care hospital, India. The data was collected from patients visiting Pediatrics OPD from June 2021 to December 2021 after taking written informed consent. Sample size was calculated to be 303. Results: Total 943 drugs were prescribed for 303 patients with an average of 3.11±1.15 drugs per prescription. Most common class of drugs prescribed was Antipyretics of which Paracetamol was the most common drug. Antibiotics were prescribed for 19.80% patients & combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid was the most common antibiotic prescribed. 68.29% drugs were prescribed by generic name. 43.16% drugs were prescribed from National List of Essential Medicines 2015. Conclusions: The study revealed that the majority of children suffering from URTI were below 5 years of age. Our study highlighted the prescribing.

A Prospective Study of Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients from Orthopaedic Department in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

A Prospective Study of Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients from Orthopaedic Department in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Study on pattern of drug utilization in the treatment of congestive cardiac failure in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Congestive cardiac failure/congestive heart failure (CCF/CHF) is one of the major public health problem seen in more than 23 million people worldwide. Drug utilization studies were stood as a powerful exploratory tool to ascertain the role of drugs in determining the therapeutic efficacy, cost effectiveness and also in minimizing the adverse effects due to it during the treatment of a disease. Aims and Objectives: The present study undertaken to describe the drug utilization pattern in patients of CHF in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective, Observational, and Non-interventional study. The study was undertaken after obtaining the ethical committee approval in the in-patient department of Medicine. Case records of 100 patients were obtained and treatments were noted. Results: The present study had 60 male and 40 female patients admitted and undergoing treatment for CCF. Most of them were above 50 years of age and the most common comorbidity among them were hypertension (25%) followed by diabetes mellitus (19%). The most commonly used drugs were diuretics and antihypertensives. Conclusion: In our study, patients use of more than 2 −3 drugs (Polytherapy) was found very common than use of one drug (Monotherapy).

A STUDY OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN MEDICAL CRITICAL CARE UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND:Chronic disease and life threatening disorders among CCU patients have resulted in medicating them with drugs from different pharmacological classes, which is further complicated by the altered physiology and multi-organ system failure. OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the drug utilization pattern in patients admitted in Medical Critical Care Unit (MCCU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study carried out in Medical Critical Care Unit at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The data were entered in pre tested case record form and analysed for demographic details, clinical management and prescribing pattern. The DDD per 100 bed days was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 400 patients were evaluated consisting 70% male patients. Average duration of stay was 7.38 + 0.34 (mean + SE) days. Most common causes for admission to the ICU were intraparenchymal haemorrhage (18%), cerebrovascular stroke (15%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15%). An average number of drugs per patient was 15.14 + 0.19 (mean + SE). Commonly prescribed drug group was the antimicrobial agents (AMAs) in which metronidazole has highest DDD/100 bed days of 11.08. Other commonly prescribed groups were drugs affecting blood and gastrointestinal drugs. It was observed that out of 400 patients, 223 (56%) patients were discharged and 177 (44%) patients were expired. CONCLUSION: The polypharmacy was present and antimicrobials were highest prescribed drug in our MCCU. The prescribers should be making aware about risks of polypharmacy.

Drug utilization study in patients affected with COVID-19 in a dedicated COVID hospital

Background: There exists a treatment dilemma regarding the optimal and effective use of therapeutic drugs (hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine/azithromycin) for COVID-19. Furthermore, with changing guidelines, the data on drug utilization patterns across India are limited. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the prescription pattern and drug utilization trends in COVID-19 patients with the aim to study the drug utilization pattern in patients affected with COVID-19 in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To study drug utilization patterns according to the severity of the disease. (2) To study the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from 100 medical records of patients ≥18 years irrespective of sex admitted in the COVID ward and ICU of a dedicated COVID hospital from May to August 2020. Pregnant and lactating women were excluded from the study. ADRs reported were also analyzed. Results: About 71% were mild in this study, 18% were moderate, and 11% were severe COVID-19 patients. Overall, the most common drugs prescribed were multivitamins, followed by pantoprazole, paracetamol, and azithromycin. Hydroxychloroquine was prescribed in 22%, favipiravir in 7%, and remdesivir in 3% of cases. The majority of moderate COVID patients received injectables piperacillin-tazobactam, methylprednisolone, and enoxaparin. The mean number of medications, duration of admission, and number of days on oxygen were higher and significant in moderate compared to mild and severe COVID patients. Overall, ADRs were encountered in 9% of cases. Conclusion: The prescribed pattern of drugs was by the national standard guidelines. Multivitamins, followed by pantoprazole, paracetamol, and azithromycin dominated the prescription pattern. Polypharmacy was encountered, which needs to be addressed for the rational use of drugs.

Drug Utilization Evaluation Study and Dose Adjustment in Patients with Kidney Disease in Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Kidney disease is becoming a worldwide public health problem with an increase in incidence and prevalence, poor outcomes and high cost. Rational prescription is necessary in kidney disease patients. These patients are at higher risk of developing drug related problems since they need complex therapeutic regimens that include comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease and infection that require frequent monitoring and dosage adjustment. Inappropriate use of medications can increase adverse drug effects, which can be reflected by excessive length of hospital stays, excessive health care utilization and cost. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess, evaluate and analyze the prescribing pattern of drugs in kidney disease and their dose adjustments in medicine and emergency department of tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted for a period of 6 months. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee of S C S College of Pharmacy, Harapanahalli. Collected data was analyzed to identify the current prescribing trend and dosage regimen in the management of renal failure patients and to know whether the prescribing rationality was obtained in Medicine and Emergency unit in hospital by using KDIGO guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria in which 104 were males and 36 were females. 134 CKD cases and 6 AKI cases were found. In the study, 105 (75%) patients were hypertensive, 62 (44.28%) patients were anemic, 54 (38.57%) patients were diabetic and dyslipidemia was associated with 21 (15%) patients. 87 patients were on hemodialysis. On the basis of ATC classification of drugs, cardiovascular system (35.7%) class of drugs was the commonly prescribed followed by drugs for alimentary tract and metabolism (25.97%), anti-infective (10.11%) and blood and blood forming agents (7.97%). Out of 1028 studied drugs, only 105 (10.21%) required dose adjustment where 76 (72.38%) were adjusted and 29 (27.61%) were not adjusted. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the need for proper dose adjustment and drug utilization pattern in patients with renal failure. Appropriate dosing of antibiotics as well as other drugs, including narrow therapeutic drugs play a vital role in preventing dose related adverse reactions and toxicities. This study will provide an outline for management strategies and will influence the decision making process in clinical practice.

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG USAGE PATTERN IN PATIENTS OF ASTHMA: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Background: In India, asthma imposes a substantial burden; though the disease still remains under-recognized, underestimated and under-treated in masses.With a global need of promoting rational drug use in healthcare, drug utilization pattern studies could provide feedback to prescribers and help in fostering rational drug usage. The present study was planned to study the drug utilization pattern in patients of asthma in a tertiary care set-up in eastern India and to evaluate it with respect to GINA guidelines. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out over a period of one year where cases with confirmed diagnosis of asthma, who gave informed consent to participate were included.Drug usage pattern was determined in the light of drugs prescribed, mean drugs per prescription, percentage of drugs prescribed in generic name and having conformation to national essential drug list. Percentage of inhalational, injectable, fixed dose combination and antibiotics per prescription were noted. Data were checked for completeness and statistically analysed. Results: The present study included 370 participants. A total of 1514 drugs were prescribed, with 4.09 drugs per prescription. 12.55% of drugs prescribed were from national essential drug list. A total of 1031 anti-asthma drugs were prescribed with 2.8 anti-asthma drugs per prescription. Among the various classes of anti-asthma drugs, maximum prescribed were inhalational corticosteroids, followed by long acting inhalational beta 2 agonist and anti-leukotriene drugs. 96.5% of total patients were on inhalational drugs, with budesonide and formeterol being majorly prescribed. Conclusion: The usage pattern as assessed in our study was in conformation to GINA guidelines. Guidelines like GINA have enlightened physicians about the rational prescribing in asthmatic patients.

Assessment of drug utilization pattern in patients undergoing chemotherapy for various types of metastatic cancers in a tertiary care government hospital

Background: Cancer is one among main causes of morbidity and mortality in developing and developed countries. The World Cancer Report 2014 of World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), states that in 2012 the global incidence of cancer increased to a 14 million new cases, the figure expected to rise to an annual 19.3 million by 2025. The prescription pattern of anticancer drugs has evolved considerably in recent years because of better understanding of underlying pathophysiology of carcinomas as well as introduction of newer drugs. Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Oncology, GGH, Kakinada for a period of twelve months from February 2017 to January 2018. A total of 100 patients were enrolled using convenience sampling technique. Patient demographics like age, gender, educational level, employment status, marital status, smoking category, alcohol consumption, stage of cancer was collected. Drug utilization pattern was obtained from inpatient case reports, prescriptions and medication charts used during a chemotherapy cycle.Results: Among all anticancer drugs, cisplatin and 5-flurouracil were most commonly prescribed followed by Adriamycin. The most commonly used adjuvant drugs were B-complex, diclofenac, granisetron, ranitidine, dexamethasone. Antibiotic use was found to be very limited.Conclusions: Various anticancer drug prescription patterns are being used for treatment of patient with metastatic cancers. In this study, cisplatin and 5-flurouracil were commonly used. Injudicious antibiotic prescribing was not observed.

Drug Utilization Patterns in Patients with Diabetes Initiating Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) in Japan: A Multi-Database Study (2014-2017).

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify drug utilization patterns in patients initiating sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in the first 3 years of their launch in Japan.MethodsThis was a retrospective study using three administrative databases in Japan: a pharmacy claims database, a hospital-based database, and an insurance claims database. Prescription data were extracted from adult outpatients with diabetes who started SGLT2i between April 2014 and March 2017 to evaluate pre-index and concomitant medications. For glimepiride and insulin co-users, dose at SGLT2i add-on was also assessed.ResultsData from a total of 14,861 patients in the pharmacy dataset (P-dataset), 27,039 in the hospital dataset (H-dataset), and 12,408 in the insurance dataset (I-dataset) were analyzed. The majority of SGLT2i new users (ca. 70%) were taking one to three concomitant antidiabetic medications. Around half of SGLT2i initiators used dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors and/or biguanides before using SGLT2i or concomitantly with SGLT2i. The average daily glimepiride dose decreased from 2.1 mg/day during the pre-index period to 1.8 mg/day at SGLT2i add-on in the P-dataset and from 1.9 to 1.7 mg/day in the both H- and I-datasets, respectively, with a decreasing trend observed during the first 3 years of launch. The average daily insulin dose at SGLT2i add-on was higher during the first 15 months of launch and then decreased thereafter. Nearly 40% or more SGLT2i new users were taking at least five concomitant medications: cardiovascular agents were predominantly co-prescribed.ConclusionSGLT2i were frequently used as second- or later-line treatment and as part of a dual, triple, or quadruple regimen, as well as co-prescribed with many other medications in the first 3 years of their launch. For SGLT2i users taking concomitant SU or insulin medications, the average daily doses of SU and insulin at SGLT2i add-on decreased slightly over the study period.FundingAstellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-019-00710-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Utilization Patterns of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Italy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

IntroductionReal-world evidence on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) usage is emerging in different European countries but is lacking in Italy. This retrospective cohort study aimed to describe the real-world drug utilization patterns in patients initiating GLP-1 RAs for treating T2DM in Italy.MethodsAdults aged ≥ 20 years and with ≥ 1 oral antidiabetic drug (alone or in combination with insulin) other than GLP-1 RAs in the 6 months prior to initiating exenatide twice daily (exBID), exenatide once weekly (exQW), dulaglutide once weekly (DULA), liraglutide once daily (LIRA) or lixisenatide once daily (LIXI) between March and July 2016 were retrospectively identified in the Italian IMS LifeLink™ longitudinal prescriptions database (retail pharmacy data). Patients with ≥ 6-month follow-up (defined as evidence of any prescription activity) were included. Proportions of patients who remained persistent (continued treatment until discontinuation/switch) in the first 6 months and of those who discontinued or switched to a different GLP-1 RA over the entire follow-up were recorded. For each treatment, the average daily/weekly dosage (ADD/AWD) while persistent during the available follow-up was calculated.ResultsWe identified 7319 patients: 92 exBID, 970 exQW, 3368 DULA, 2573 LIRA and 316 LIXI. Across treatments, 89% patients were ≥ 50 years old, 54% were males, and the median follow-up duration ranged between 8.1 and 8.7 months. At 6 months, 35% exBID, 47% exQW, 62% DULA, 50% LIRA and 40% LIXI patients remained persistent. Over the entire follow-up, median persistence days varied from 73 (exBID) to > 300 days (DULA). The mean ± SD ADD/AWD was exBID: 17.7 ± 2.1 µg/day; exQW: 2.1 ± 0.1 mg/week; DULA: 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/week; LIRA: 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/day; LIXI: 21.0 ± 5.5 µg/day.ConclusionsThis real-world analysis suggests differences exist in persistence between patients treated with various GLP-1 RAs. Among the investigated treatments, patients prescribed exBID recorded the lowest and those prescribed DULA the highest persistence with therapy.FundingEli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN, USA.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-018-0396-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

TO STUDY THE DRUG USE PATTERN IN PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING

Objective: To study the drug utilization pattern in patients suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: It is a prospective study done on 50 patients of POAG (comprising of individuals belonging to any age group). This study was carried for a period of 2-month, and the data included patient’s demographic details and the drugs prescribed. Data were analyzed for drug use pattern.Results: After screening the prescriptions of patients, it was found out that out of total 50 prescriptions, 30 were males, and 20 were females. Out of50 prescriptions, prostaglandins (58%) were most commonly prescribed. β-blockers (16%) were also prescribed. Fixed dose combination constituted60% of the prescriptions. Instructions about the route, frequency, and duration of treatment were present in all prescriptions. Drugs prescribed by their generic names were 18.75% and about 81.25% of the drugs were prescribed by their brand names.Conclusions: Fixed drug combination of timolol and dorzolamide was the most frequently prescribed combination. Prescribers must be aware ofimportance of prescribing drugs with generic names.Keywords: Primary open-angle glaucoma, Intraocular pressure, Fixed dose combination.

A Prospective Study To Analyze The Cognitive Function And Drug Utilization Pattern In Patients With Dementia In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Dementia is a condition of the gradual decline of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning that is severe enough to interfere with a person's daily functioning. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases or conditions. Cognitive decline is one of the important factors affecting the quality of life in geriatric patients, although the WHO has declared ‘Dementia’ as a priority health condition. Drug utilization review is defined as an authorized, structured, ongoing review of prescribing, dispensing and use of medications. The aim of this study was to analyze the cognitive function and drug utilization pattern in dementia cases. The study design was an observational, prospective study of one month – interval follows up, including both male and female patients of age group > 45 yrs in Pushpagiri medical college hospital, Thiruvalla. The total sample size of the study was 56. The cognitive function was analyzed by Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination scale and drug utilization pattern analyzed through patient’s prescription records and a detailed patient data collection proforma

A Study on the Drug Utilization Pattern in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease with Emphasis on Antibiotics

Objective: To study and describe the utilization pattern of various classes of drugs including antibiotics in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: A total of 185 CKD patients were finally recruited after strictly obeying the selection criteria in this cross-sectional, observational study that was conducted over a period of 6 months in Nephrology Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Relevant data were extracted by interviewing the patients and from prescriptions, case records, and investigational reports. Results: Mean age of CKD patients was 45.81 ± 11.16 with male predominance (58%). CKD Stage III comprised of the maximum number (28%) of patients. Polypharmacy was executed in 83% of these patients. Hypertension (95%), diabetes (87%), and anemia (86%) are the most common co-morbidities. The five most frequently prescribed drugs were diuretics (100%), anti-ulcer agents like proton pump inhibitors and H 2 blockers (98%), anti-hypertensives (95%), vitamins and minerals supplements including calcium (92%), and hematinics (85%). Infectious diseases like respiratory tract infection (37%) and urinary tract infection (34%) had shown to have a high prevalence in CKD patients. Cefoperazone, metronidazole, piperacillin + tazobactam were the most prescribed parenteral antibiotics. Azithromycin and levofloxacin were the extensively used oral antibiotics. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the variability of drug utilization in CKD patients. Drug utilization studies on a regular basis give a framework to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers and help to build management strategies. However, the right choice of drugs and inappropriate doses will reduce the incidence of nephrotoxicity and ultimately result better clinical outcomes. Managing infections and prescribing antibiotics in CKD are crucial and hence claim rationalization of the use of antibiotics to improve the quality of life of CKD patients.

Drug utilization pattern in patients with different types of dementia in Western India.

Background. Dementia is one of the most frequent disorders among elderly patients, reaching to epidemic proportions with an estimated 4.6 million new cases globally annually. Partially effective treatments are available for dementia. Aims & Objectives. We aim to study drugs used in dementia and find out frequency of types of Dementia. Method. This was an observational study conducted at rurally based tertiary care hospital. Prospective data was collected from outpatient department, while retrospective data was collected from medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Result. Total 125 prescriptions of patients diagnosed with dementia were analyzed. Alzheimer's dementia was most common (65.6%), followed by vascular dementia (21.6%), and frontotemporal dementia (10.4%), with the rarest being Lewy body dementia in (2.4%) cases. 60.57% of patients were males. Mini Mental Score Examination mean score was 15.93 ± 1.37. Frontal Battery Assessment mean score was 4.75 ± 1.01. Prescribed drugs were Donepezil (68.49%), Rivastigmine (13.63%), Donepezil + Memantine (6.43%) and Galantamine (12.83%), Quetiapine (38.46%), Lorazepam (23.07%), Clozapine (11.53%), Escitalopram (10.25%), Haloperidol (3.84%), Zolpidem, Sertraline, Olanzepine (2.56%), Nitrazepine, Lamotrigine, Fluoxetine, Tianeptine (1.28%), Folic acid, and Vitamin B12, respectively. Conclusion. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia while Donepezil was the most frequent drug.

Use of evidence-based pharmacotherapy after myocardial infarction in Estonia.

BackgroundMortality from cardiovascular disease in Estonia is among the highest in Europe. The reasons for this have not been clearly explained. Also, there are no studies available examining outpatient drug utilization patterns in patients who suffered from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Estonia. The objective of the present study was to examine drug utilization in different age and gender groups following AMI in Estonia.MethodsPatients admitted to hospital with AMI (ICD code I21-I22) during the period of 01.01.2004-31.12.2005 and who survived more than 30 days were followed 365 days from the index episode. Data about reimbursed prescriptions of beta-blockers (BBs), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACE/ARBs) and statins for these patients was obtained from the database of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. Data were mainly analysed using frequency tables and, where appropriate, the Pearson's χ2 test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the t-test were used. A logistic regression method was used to investigate the relationship between drug allocation and age and gender. We presented drug utilization data as defined daily dosages (DDD) per life day in four age groups and described proportions of different combinations used in men and women.ResultsFour thousand nine hundred patients were hospitalized due to AMI and 3854 of them (78.7%) were treated by BBs, ACE/ARBs and/or statins. Of the 4025 inpatients who survived more than 30 days, 3799 (94.4%) were treated at least by the one of drug groups studied. Median daily dosages differed significantly between men and women in the age group 60-79 years for BBs and ACE/ARBs, respectively. Various combinations of the drugs studied were not allocated in equal proportions for men and women, although the same combinations were the most frequently used for both genders. The logistic regression analysis adjusted to gender and age revealed that some combinations of drugs were not allocated similarly in different age and gender groups.ConclusionsMost of the patients were prescribed at least one of commonly recommended drugs. Only 40% of them were treated by combinations of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins, which is inconsistent with guideline recommendations in Estonia. Standards of training and quality programs in Estonia should be reviewed and updated aiming to improve an adherence to guidelines of management of acute myocardial infarction in all age and gender groups.