Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION STUDY IN A NEONATOLOGY UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PUNE CITY

Sonali Suryawanshi*, Pradeep Suryawanshi, Vijaya Pandit

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite great advances in medicines, child mortality rates are still high in many areas of the world. Neonates particularly preterm and very preterm neonates are the most vulnerable population. There is paucity of information to guide rational prescribing in children and newborns. Objective: To analyze disease and drug utilisation patterns in newborns in tertiary care NICU, Pune, India. Methodology: A prospective observational study was carried out for 6 months between April to September 2014.The data regarding patient demographics and drug use was collected daily in a structured proforma. Collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results : A total 528 neonates admitted with male preponderance 322 (62%). 24 deaths were noted. Mean gestational age & birth weight were 35±3.2 weeks & 2 kg ± 0.7 kg respectively. Mean length of stay was 14.26 ± 15.36 days (range 1 to 136). Total number of drugs prescribed were 1658. Average number of drugs per prescription was 3.16 (range 0 to 19). Intravenous route (89.7%) was the commonest route of drug administration. Drugs prescribed in generics were 52.53% and 67.73% were antimicrobials. drugs prescribed in compliance with the National list of Essential Medicines were 94.93%. Common diagnosis were prematurity 282, Hyperbilirubinemia 215, Pneumonia 107, Sepsis 78, Perinatal Asphyxia 69, RDS 64. Conclusion : The use of a high number of drugs, mainly antibiotics is a common practice.The prescription of generic drugs is low. Guidelines for the use of drugs in the neonates are required and further studies are needed on this issue.

Keywords: Drug use, Neonates, Indicators, Prescribing, NICU.