Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF HYPOLIPIDEMIC DRUGS AMONG GERIATRIC DIABETIC PATIENTS FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CVD: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Suma Jayaram* and Priya Mohan B. N.

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Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease, comprising mostly ischaemic heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 17·7 million deaths annually. India accounts for about a fifth of cardiovascular deaths globally. There is paucity of data regarding the drug utilization pattern of hypolipidemic drugs in the elderly diabetic population in India. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate current drug utilization patterns of hypolipidemic drugs in elderly diabetic patients. Material & Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in RajaRajeswari Medical College & Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020. A total of 185 elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of both genders were included from the outpatient departments of General Medicine, Endocrinology and Geriatrics. Data on patient demographics, co-morbidities and pattern of hypolipidemic drugs were collected. Baseline data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: 185 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 68 years. There was a male preponderance (63.8%). Comorbid conditions present in these patients with hypertension being the most common comorbidity. Atorvastatin was the most common hypolipidemic drug prescribed. Conclusion: This study depicts the use of hypolipidemic drugs in elderly diabetic patients with comorbidities for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease patients. Prescribing statins in this special population needs to be much emphasized. There is a need to improve utilization of hypolipidemic drugs as well as rational prescribing practices by improving physician and patient education.

Keywords: Elderly, diabetes mellitus, hypolipidemic drugs, primary prevention, statin.