Abstract

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF VIRAL HEPATITIS IN PEDIATRICS–OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Maheshkumar V.P*, Madhusudhan.S, Dhanapal.C.K

Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT

Viral Hepatitis is an infectious disease and important health problem in children. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of drugs in management of viral hepatitis patients. This prospective observational study was carried out in the Paediatric ward of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University. The study included 50 hospitalised viral hepatitis patients of both sex. Demographic data, immunisation history, medical and medication history were collected from the patient’s case sheet and analysed and evaluated the drugs prescribed in viral hepatitis patients. Study included 44% (n =22) male children and 56% (n=28) female children. Most of rural area patients 68% (n=34) are affected by viral hepatitis and their age group 4- 6. Fever and yellow colour urine were the major complaints of the patients. Prescription pattern of drugs in viral hepatitis patients were analysed that almost 98% of prescription contains antibiotics, 70% of prescription contains laxative drugs, 58% of prescription contains hepatobilary preparation. Hospital stay of patients were analysed that majority of patients stayed in hospital for 5 to 10 days and their treatment outcomes show that 58% of patients were relived and 32% of patients were cured. The study concludes that disease prevention through good hygiene and avoidance of high risk situations, including illicit drugs, is more important to disease control than any therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Viral Hepatitis, Paediatric, Prescription, Therapeutic management.