Abstract

MEDICATION UTILIZATION PRACTICES IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY, KIMS HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, BANGALORE

S. Varun*, Aparna Nair, Dominick Peter Moonnumackel, Jincy Kunju John, Dr. Shekhar H. S. and Dr. Bhagavan B. C.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus which results in significant morbidity and mortality and results in increased risk of progression of ulcer that may lead to amputation. Objectives: The aim of study was to assess the prescribing practices of medications used in the management of Diabetic foot ulcer, Prevalence of patients in the department of surgery and Preparation of patient information leaflet. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of surgery KIMS Hospital and Research Centre for a period of 6 months. Data collection form with patient consent was used for collecting data. Results: 52 patients were included in the study and a total of 395 drugs were prescribed. The commonly prescribed drugs were metronidazole (26%) and combination dose (52%) of antibiotics, regular insulin (87.23%) as hypoglycemic agent, paracetamol (40.9%) and combination therapy (57.6%) of analgesics and antipyretics, Pantoprazole (36.3%) and monotherapy (59.6%) of anti-emetics and acid reducers, metoprolol (22%) and combination therapy (11.5%) of antihypertensive, combination of trypsin and chymotrypsin (44.4%) and combination therapy of anti-inflammatory drugs. Vitamins, dietary and nutritional supplements were given alongside; vitamin C being the most commonly used antioxidant (52.9%). Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was more in males. Effective medication utilization practices of drugs and education of the patient on care and management of ulcers were required to increase the well-being and quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Foot ulcer, Medication utilization.