Tertiary Care Hospital In Puducherry Research Articles

Attitude Towards Prescribed Drugs in a Rural Training Center of Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry:From Patients Perspective

Attitude Towards Prescribed Drugs in a Rural Training Center of Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry:From Patients Perspective

Prevalence and molecular characterization of human herpes virus 6 and 7 in patients with pityriasis rosea using polymerase chain reaction in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Human herpes virus (HHV) 6 and 7 belongs to <em>Betaherpesviridae</em> a sub-family of <em>Herpesviridae</em>. HHV-6 and HHV-7 are double stranded DNA group viruses. The cause of PR and the disease caused by HHV is not well established. The association of HHV 6 and HHV 7 with pityriasis rosea (PR) is under controversy. The HHV DNA is also detected in normal controls which evidence the non- significance of HHV in the pathogenesis of PR.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study design was planned for 35 consecutive cases of pityriasis rosea of all age groups. This study was carried out at the department of Dermatology and Central Research Lab, at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. Since there is no universally accepted diagnostic protocol for PR, we have planned to detect HHV-6 and 7 DNA by PCR from the lesions of all clinically diagnosed cases of pityriasis rosea.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In contrary to the expected outcome that HHV-6 and HHV-7 positivity would correlate to the possible pathogenesis of the disease, the PCR results of all the 35 samples from clinically suspected PR cases were found to be negative.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We conclude that HHV-6 and HHV-7 viruses may not always play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus PR speculated to have more than one etiology may have agents other than HHV6 and HHV7 involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.</p>

A retrospective analysis of acute poisoning cases admitted to a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Acute poisoning is a medical emergency and a global public health problem. The poisoning pattern varies across countries and even between different regions within a country. The aim of this was to explore the demographic, etiological, and clinical characteristics of acute poisoning cases admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India.Methods: This was a retrospective hospital record based study of acute poisoning cases admitted to our hospital during the period from January 2015 to December 2017. The patients’ demographic, etiological and clinical characteristics were analyzed.Results: Of the total of 275 cases of acute poisoning, majority of them were in the age group of 21- 30 years (32%) and were females (58.5%). Most of the cases were suicidal in nature (75.3%). Majority of the patients consumed a single poisonous agent (92.7%) and the route of poisoning was oral in all of them. Majority of the patients (56.7%) reached the hospital within 2 hours of exposure to the poison with median duration of hospital stay of 2 days, and mortality of 2.9%. Majority of the suicidal poisonings were associated with abuse of insecticides (39.4%), rodenticides (19.7%) and plant seeds (14.4%); whereas the accidental poisonings were mostly due to household agents (79.1%).Conclusions: Our study shows that the majority of the poisoning cases occurred with a single poisonous agent consumed orally, for suicidal purposes in young age group and women. Pesticides and plant seeds were commonly abused for committing suicides and household agents dominated the list of causes for accidental poisoning.

Evaluation of Dry Eye Disease in Geriatric and Pre-Geriatric Middle-Aged Subjects Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease in Geriatric (>65 years) and Pre-geriatric (40-65 years) populations and to compare the same between both the groups.  Setting:  Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post graduate Institute, Puducherry, India Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, clinical study Methods:  All patients above 40 years attending the out-patient departments were given the Mc Monnie and Ho screening questionnaire for dry eye symptoms and risk factors. Those with a score of > 14.5 were further evaluated using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) severity subjective questionnaire, and objective clinical tests inclusive of Schirmer’s test, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) assessment, Tear Film Break Up Time (TBUT), Fluorescein staining and Impression cytology. The prevalence, risk factors, clinical signs and symptom-sign correlation were determined and compared between the two groups.  Results:  Among the 1029 patients screened, the prevalence of dry eye was 9.9%, being significantly higher among the geriatric (15.4%) versus pre-geriatric group (7.7%), p<0.000, among women (12%) versus men (6.6%), p<0.000, among arthritic (22.8%) versus non-arthritic (9.6%), p=0.005, and among diabetic (30.4%) versus non-diabetic patients (3.4%), p<0.000. Geriatric patients had a greater prevalence of Grade 4 MGD (66%) versus pre- geriatric group (26.9%), p<0.000. TBUT scores were low (<10 seconds) in both groups and co-related with OSDI symptom severity scores (r=1).  Conclusions:  Aging, female gender, arthritis and diabetes were found to be significant risk factors. The Mc-Monnie and Ho questionnaire is a valid screening tool only for evaporative dry eye and is complemented by OSDI for screening in a hospital based setting.    

Adherence to prescribed medication and its association with quality of life among COPD patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry – a cross sectional study

Adherence to prescribed medication and its association with quality of life among COPD patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry – a cross sectional study

Cross-sectional study of the breastfeeding practices among women delivering in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India

Background: Global Public Health recommends that infants should receive only breastfeeding for first 6 months of life for their optimal growth and development. This study was done to find the rate of exclusive breast feeding and other feeding practices in children up to 6 months of age.Methods: A hospital based longitudinal study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year. Data from 158 mothers who were admitted for safe confinement was collected using structured questionnaire which was administered at every monthly follow up visit following delivery till first six months. Data included socio-demographic factors, psychosocial factors, breastfeeding details, maternal and infant factors. Data was entered in MS-Excel and analysed on SPSS version 18 software.Results: About 82.9% mothers had the knowledge about benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was initiated within one hour in 74% babies but exclusive breastfeeding for first six months was given only in 42.4% babies. Pre-lacteal feeds were given only in 3.2% babies. Early complementary feeds were started in 57.6% predominantly with cereal based diet. Perceived insufficiency of milk (30.3%) was the major reason mentioned for starting early complementary feeds.Conclusions: There is a wide gap between the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding should be reinforced at every immunization visit so as to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

Tuberculosis screening among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India: is it worth the effort?

ABSTRACTBackground: The national tuberculosis (TB) programme in India recommends screening all pregnant women for TB, but this is rarely implemented. We carried out systematic TB screening among women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India, during February to April 2018.Objective: To assess the number screened and number (proportion) with presumptive and active TB, and understand potential implementation from the healthcare providers’ perspective.Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study. The quantitative phase was a cross-sectional study including 4203 pregnant women. Data were captured using a structured proforma. Any of the following symptoms constituted ‘presumptive TB’: any cough, haemoptysis, fever, weight loss, night sweats, neck swellings, joint pains, neck stiffness and disorientation. Those screening positive were referred for investigations and evaluation by a chest physician. The qualitative phase involved seven one-to-one interviews with healthcare providers. Manual thematic analysis was performed to generate themes.Results: Among 4203 women (two HIV-positive) screened, 77 (1.8%) had presumptive TB. Cough was the predominant symptom (n = 75). Only 12 women could produce a sputum sample, of whom one (0.02%) was diagnosed with active TB by the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Challenges cited by healthcare providers were lack of awareness among clients and providers, high case load, lack of dedicated staff, perception that TB screening is a low-yield, low-priority activity and losses in the referral process. Suggested solutions were providing dedicated staff and space for screening, educating women to self-report using posters and videos, and creating a one-stop care provision.Conclusions: The TB yield among pregnant women was very low, calling into question the value of systematic screening in a low-HIV setting. However, the findings may not be generalizable. Evidence is urgently needed from primary and secondary care facilities. The challenges and solutions identified may help in optimizing the screening process.

A community-based cross-sectional study on hypertension screening in Puducherry, India.

Background & objectives:Hypertension is a health problem of global priority. Screening and early diagnosis is important to plan appropriate interventions. The present study objectives were to screen the urban population aged 30 yr and above and diagnose for hypertension and to identify the factors associated with poor screening for hypertension, if any.Methods:A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India, among individuals aged 30 yr and above. Individuals were asked if they have tested themselves for hypertension in the past two years. Pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collection was done during regular working time of the health centre. All eligible participants from consecutive households were included till the required sample size of 394 was achieved.Results:Of the 394 individuals interviewed, 252 (64%) had undergone screening for hypertension. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension among those screened was 26.2 per cent with no significant gender-wise differences. Screening for hypertension was better among females (71.6%) as compared to males (55.2%). Population who were at a higher risk of not getting screened for hypertension were relatively younger (30-44 yr) individuals and males.Interpretation & conclusions:The prevalence of self-reported hypertension among those screened was 26.2 per cent [95% confidence interval (21.1-31.9)]. Screening needs to be targeted more towards males and younger population.

Process of care indicators among patients treated for hypertension at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India

Background: Routine follow-ups, laboratory tests, and fundus examination are necessary in controlling blood pressure (BP) and thus control the complications of hypertension (HTN). Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine the process of care indicators among patients with HTN who have obtained care at a tertiary care center, South India.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among patients with HTN who were registered on or before September 2017 and were on treatment for a minimum of 1 year. Patient case records were retrospectively reviewed to identify the process indicators.Results: A total of 385 patients with HTN were included in this study. The mean (standard deviation) age was 57.9 (9.8) years and more than half were females (51.7%). Of total, 274 (71.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.5–75.5]) patients have consulted their physicians on the last two scheduled visits and 62% (95% CI 56.9–66.5) have got their BPs measured. Only one-fifth underwent retinal examination and lipid profiling. Only 77 (20% [95% CI 15.8–23.7]) of the patients achieve at least three processes of care indicators we studied. Outcome indicators showed that around one-third (36.9%) of the participants had unsatisfactory outcome indicators with respect to BP control. Care-availing outpatients have 1.2 (95% CI 1–1.4) times higher poor care indicators (not underwent last three processes of care indicators) as compared to those availing care from HTN clinic (P = 0.01).Conclusions: We found suboptimal adherence to process of care indicators among patients with HTN availing care at a tertiary care hospital.

Low incidence and the prevalence of brucellosis among patients with pyrexia of unknown origin based on real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and standard agglutination test results in Puducherry, South India

CONTEXT: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease and an important differential to be considered in patients with pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). The laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis has always been affected by various factors such as the slow growth of the organism and cross-reacting antibodies. Hence, a diagnostic test with high sensitivity and specificity is the key for the accurate and rapid diagnosis. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the role of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the rapid diagnosis of human brucellosis from direct serum samples of patients with PUO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted from October 2014 to September 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry where 138 blood samples were obtained from the patients with PUO. Serum separated from each sample was tested for brucellosis using Cobas 480 Z real-time PCR system. Simultaneously, the samples were also subject to blood culture, standard agglutination test (SAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgG and IgM) for brucellosis. RESULTS: All the samples were found to be negative for brucellosis using real-time PCR. Blood culture also did not yield any growth of Brucella spp. Among the serological tests, all the samples were negative by SAT, whereas two were positive for IgM and four for IgG anti-Brucella antibodies using ELISA. CONCLUSION: Brucellosis is not a common cause of PUO among patients attending this hospital since all the samples were negative by highly sensitive and specific tests such as real-time PCR and blood culture. This study highlights the limitations of serological tests such as ELISA in the accurate diagnosis of brucellosis.

Prescription Pattern of fixed dose drug combinations in obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India: an observational study

Background: Fixed drug combinations (FDCs)have various advantages and disadvantages. In countries like India there are numerous irrational prescriptions as highlighted by the recent banning of FDCs in October 2018. Studying the prescription pattern helps in developing national database which can be used to promote rational use of drugs.Methods: All the Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) prescriptions from department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) during the study period were used for the study. The drugs were classified according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. Other data studied were the number of FDCs and the number of currently banned combinations which were used during the study period.Results: The 41% of the drugs prescribed as FDCs. Most FDCs belonged to alimentary system followed by anti-infectives and blood and blood forming organs group. Vitamin D3 and Calcium combination was the most commonly prescribed FDC. Approximately 20% of these prescribed drugs are currently banned.Conclusions: A significant number of drugs are being prescribed as FDCs which also includes various irrational combinations.

Quality of nursing work life among staff nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

Background: Quality of nursing work life (QNWL) is degree to which nurses can satisfy important personal needs through their experiences in work organization, while achieving the organization's goals, to make meaningful contributions to their organization. Objectives of the study were to assess the quality of nursing work life among staff nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry and to study the influence of socio-demographic factors on the QNWL of these staff nurses.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry between January and June 2017. Based on universal sampling, all 429 nurses with more than one-year work experience were selected for the study. After obtaining Ethical approval from the institution and informed consent from the study participants, data on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related information and QNWL were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Double data entry was done in Epidata entry client (v4.2.0) and analysed using STATA (v14) software.Results: Among the nurses, 90% were females and 60% were from rural background. The study revealed that there was a moderate QNWL score reported among majority (60%) of staff nurses. Bivariate analysis showed higher the age, female gender, absence of dependent individuals at home, higher income, more work experience, having only a diploma degree, working in OPDs and no nightshifts were the significant factors contributing to higher QNWL scores (p<0.05).Conclusions: The study identified factors that influence the nurses’ work life quality which can be used for developing and appropriately implementing successful induction programs to improve the QNWL.

Prevalence of paediatric dermatoses among patients attending Dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Skin diseases are a major health problem in the paediatric age group and are associated with significant morbidity. Dermatoses in children are more influenced by socioeconomic status, dietary habits, climatic exposure and external environment as compared to adults. The present study was undertaken to know the prevalence of paediatric dermatoses among patients attending Dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> All newly diagnosed, untreated male and female paediatric patients (from neonates to adolescents ≤19 years of age) attending Dermatology OPD, from October 2015 to September 2017 were evaluated to study the prevalence and patterns of paediatric dermatoses. The skin disorders were classified into groups like infections, infestations, eczemas, acne, hypersensitivity disorders, sweat gland disorders, pigmentary disorders, nevi, keratinisation disorders, hair and scalp disorders, papulosquamous disorders, bullous disorders, nail disorders, drug reactions, other dermatoses.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The prevalence of pediatric dermatoses in our OPD is 25.21%. Incidence of pediatric dermatoses was found to be more in males 237 (59.39%) than in females 162 (40.60%) and the majority of the patients were in adolescent age group (217; 54.38%). Present study showed that majority of cases belonged to the lower socioeconomic group 186(46.6 %). In our study, majority (58.98%) of dermatoses belonged to infections and infestations group. Of the infective dermatoses, fungal infections (27.88%) were the most common.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Infectious dermatoses were commonly seen in this study that may be due to poverty, overcrowding, poor hygiene. There is an increasing trend of fungal infections which might be related to hygiene and environment. </p>

An epidemiological study of road traffic accidents among patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTA) are the only public health problem for which society and decision makers still accept death and disability among young people on a large scale. This study was undertaken to determine the various epidemiological factors influencing RTA with a view to suggest appropriate remedial measures for prevention of accidents.Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. All the patients admitted in the hospital due to RTA from Jan to Dec 2014 were interviewed by using a pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Institute ethics committee clearance was obtained.Results: Among 541 participants, 50% of the victims were in the productive age group of 20-40 yrs. The approximate speed of majority of the vehicles (55.6%) at the time of accident was 40-80 km/hr. Among the accident victims, 85.8% of the two wheeler riders did not use helmet and 70.9% of the car drivers did not wear seat belt at the time of accident. Around 39% of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of accident. Mobile phone is the major cause of distraction (51.9%) at the time of accident.Conclusions: Based on this study it is evident that prevention and control of most of the modifiable factors can bring about a change in the statistics that would ensure our future to be safer.

Drug utilization pattern in pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry: a cross sectional observational study

Background: Drug utilization pattern in pregnancy population provide insights regarding drug profile and interventional measures and also minimizes the inherent risk occurring due to unethical prescription.Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study where prescription slips were collected. Further drugs were categorized according to the classification defined by US Food and drug Administration for pregnancy. Using Pre validated questionnaire the pregnant women were interviewed and parameters regarding knowledge about antenatal visit and contraception, self-medication practices were noted.Results: Among the total 365 participants, 81.4% had finish their high schooling and were in reproductive age group of 22-25. Study revealed predominant usage category- A drugs in I (95.5%), II (97.8%), III (96.4%) trimester. None of them received Category D or X drugs. Almost 100% and 98.6% in III and II trimester respectively received iron. Other drugs prescribed were calcium, anti-emetics, anti-ulcer, NSAIDS and antimicrobial. The awareness about Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices and Oral Contraceptive Pills were 48.2% and 31.5% respectively. Unfortunately only 4.9% felt that drug use could be dangerous to foetus. 58.9% were aware about antenatal examination during pregnancy.Conclusions: Evaluation of drug utilization pattern periodically will minimize incidence of risk to foetus and mother during pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of Dengue from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Dengue is a mosquito borne viral fever transmitted by Aedes aegypti and albopictus mosquito. The globally estimated burden of symptomatic cases ranges to 96 million and 58.4 million cases/year). The estimated mortality amounts 2.5% and the endemicity is spread around 128 countries of the world. The aim of our study is to identify the prevalence of dengue to the patients reporting to our tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. A prospective crosssectional study was conducted at our tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. The study was conducted over a period of 4 years from January 2013 to December 2016. The serum samples were tested by Rapid immunochromatography test. Around 272 (12.3%) cases of both primary and secondary dengue were identified. The age wise distribution of cases showed more cases in 21 to 30 age group (38.6%). The seasonal distribution shows more cases were present from September to January. There was a gradual increase in the positive cases from 2013 onwards with a peak during 2016. Being a persistent viral infection a proper vector control measure, concomitant monitoring on the Seroprevalence of dengue among the population is needed.

Impact of Health Education Programs on Awareness of Glaucoma in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Objective: To assess the impact of health education programs on the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among subjects attending the Ophthalmology office in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. Methods: It is a cross sectional study with 1000 subjects of age >40 years attending the Ophthalmology outpatient department. A questionnaire was administered in English/Tamil to assess the awareness (heard about glaucoma) and knowledge (understanding the disease and risk factors) about glaucoma. Glaucoma awareness programs are being conducted in our hospital and in Puducherry since 2010. Results: The awareness about glaucoma was found to be 41%. Majority of the people who were aware of glaucoma had a good level of knowledge (56.8%). Conclusion: Our study concluded increase in awareness of glaucoma among the people attending the outpatient department post awareness programs. But the awareness was still less than that of cataract and diabetic retinopathy.

Pattern of Utilization of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Services in A Tertiary Centre in South India

Background and Objective: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (C-LP) services, an important aspect of every general hospital has wide variations in their pattern of services being utilized. Studies in this area are mostly conducted in northern states of India. Our study aims to see the pattern of inpatient referrals to the department of psychiatry in a tertiary hospital in South India. Material and Methods: One hundred and seventeen inpatient referrals to the Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry over a period of six months were included for the study. Informed consent was taken. Information about sociodemographic profiles was collected. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PLUS), a semi-structured diagnostic interview tool was administered for psychiatric diagnosis. Results: The inpatient referral rate was 1.50%. Evaluation of para-suicide was the commonest reason for referral (36.7%), followed by depressive symptoms (12.8%), alcohol related problems (12.8%), and abnormal behaviour (10.3%). Psychiatric diagnosis was found in 86% of cases referred; 41% had multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Deliberate Self-harm (DSH) was present in 28% and depressive disorder in 22% of cases. Gastro-intestinal disorders (12%), infectious disorders (11%) and cardiovascular disorders (9%) were the commonest medical diagnoses in the population. Department of Medicine had the highest referral rate; however referrals from most departments were very low. Conclusion: The study depicts a low referral rate which can be attributed to the lack of knowledge and high rate of stigma of psychiatric disorders. Thus, there is an urgent need to strengthen the existing C-LP services and screen for psychiatric disorders in non-psychiatric inpatients.

Antibiotics prescription pattern and compliance for common childhood illnesses – an observational study

Introduction: Antibiotics are generally overused in children. Frequent inappropriate use of antibiotics and poor compliance contributes to antibiotic resistance. An observational study was undertaken to determine the pattern of antibiotic use and compliance for common ailments in children attending a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India. Methods: Data was obtained from 197 consecutive children who had visited a health care provider during the previous two weeks for any ailment, in a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data was entered on MS Excel spreadsheet and analysed using Stata14.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, Tx). Chi square test with Fisher’s modification and logistic regression models were used in the analysis. Results: Acute respiratory infections were the most common infections in all age groups followed by diarrheal disorders in infants and fever in older children. Proportion of illnesses which received antibiotics was 75% for respiratory illnesses, 78% for fever, 50% for diarrheal disorders and 64% for other infections, there being no statistically significant difference between them. Out of 143 children who were prescribed antibiotics, 127 (89%) gave the medicines as prescribed. However, only 53 (37%) completed the full course of antibiotics. Compliance with treatment was not associated with age or the type of illness. Most of the parents (73%) discontinued antibiotics because of worsening of symptoms. Adverse reaction to antibiotics was seen in 32 (22%) children. Conclusion: Overuse of antibiotics for common ailments and poor compliance with treatment were perhaps important contributory causes for development of antimicrobial resistance in this region.

Prescription pattern of patients admitted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India: a cross sectional study

Background: Patients with varied demographic characteristics, admission criteria and heterogeneous group are admitted to medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and are usually associated with co-morbid illnesses. Instituting rational pharmacotherapy is the need of the hour for saving the life of critically-ill patients while irrational drug use may be life threatening. Drug use patterns and prescribing behaviour are the essential tools to measure drug use in health care facilities.Methods: A record based, cross-sectional, observational study was done at medical ICU, IGMC and RI, Puducherry after obtaining IEC approval. Systemic random sampling was followed and data was collected for a period of one year. Data were analysed based on demographic characteristics, prescribing pattern and WHO drug use indicators.Results: The data of 151 patients were analysed. Mean age of the patients admitted in ICU was 52.9±17.7 years. Percentage of male patients (57.6) admitted in ICU were more when compared to female patients (42.4). Infective etiology was the most common factor for ICU admission followed by cardiac disorders. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common co-morbidities. The average length of stay in ICU was 4.11±2.99 days. Duration of stay in ICU ranged from 1-5 days (78.8% patients) to 15-20 days (0.1% patients). On an average 10.6±4.3 drugs were prescribed for each patient. Percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 45.8%. Majority of the drugs (87.4%) were from essential medicine list. Antibiotics in the prescription was 13.8% and 44.4% of drugs were administered in parenteral route. The prescription was complete in 145 case sheets (96%). Majority of the patients (68.9%) were discharged with improvement in the condition for which they were admitted.Conclusions: This drug utilization study has highlighted the strengths and shortcomings of the prescription pattern of patients who were admitted in the critical care setup. The information derived from this research work will be transmitted to the stakeholders for implementing the modifications wherever applicable for the betterment of the patient and the community.