Abstract

DRUG PRESCRIBING PATTERNS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS IN A TERITARY CARE HOSPITAL

Nimmy Babu*, J. S. Venkatesh, Nimmy P. George*, Neethu Samuel*, Mahin M. G.*, Vinuth Chikkamath

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic Kidney Disease is a worldwide public health problem with an increasing incidence and prevalence, poor outcomes and high cost of treatment due to comorbidities and polypharmacy. The aim of this study is to assess the current prescribing pattern and quality of life among CKD patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months in inpatient medicine department of Chigateri District Hospital, Davangere to evaluate the current prescribing pattern and QoL among the CKD patients. All patients having CKD and on hemodialysis were included in our study. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled out of which 99 patients were males and 21 were females. Most of the patients belongs to the age group of 45-53 years. Among the 120 patients, 72 patients belongs to stage V followed by 33 patients on stage IV and 10 patients on stage III. Out of total patients, 91 patients were on haemodialysis and 29 patients were not on haemodialysis. Among 120 patients, 80 patients had hypertension followed by DM in 63 patients, and anemia in 55 patients. In the study, 141 antihypertensive agents were prescribed followed by 132 diuretics. CCBs (9.9%) were the most prescribed drug class. Mean MCS (42.5) lower than the mean PCS score (48.6). 71 patients had moderate QOL, 33 patients had high QOL and 16 patients had poor QOL. Conclusion: The study concluded that males could be more affected by CKD. Antihypertensive agents were the most prescribed drugs followed by diuretics, antidiabetic agents, calcium and vitamin D3 and gastrointestinal agents. The highest comorbidity seen within CKD patients is hypertension followed by diabetes mellitus, anemia, thyroid disorders and others. Most of the patients had a moderate QOL.

Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease, Prescribing Patterns, Antihypertensive Agents, Quality of Life.