Abstract

A STUDY ON PRESCRIBING PATTERNS OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS IN PATIENTS AMONG THE AGE GROUP OF 3 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS IN PEDIATRICS ICU/WARD IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Ravi Prakash Degala*, Meruva Swathi, Ch. Vamsi, V. Pravallika, D. Nain Solomon, V. Lekhya Tejaswi

Abstract

Title: A Study on Prescribing Patterns of Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients among the Age Group of 3 Months to 10 Years in Pediatrics ICU/Ward in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the pediatric population, and its management is crucial, especially in critical care settings. Appropriate selection and rational use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are essential to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. This study aims to evaluate the prescribing patterns of AEDs in children aged 3 months to 10 years admitted to the pediatric ICU/ward of a tertiary care hospital. Objectives  To assess the commonly prescribed AEDs in pediatric patients.  To evaluate the drug combinations, dosages, and routes of administration.  To analyze the adherence of prescriptions to standard treatment guidelines.  To identify any drug-related problems or adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted over a defined period in the pediatric ICU/ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Pediatric patients aged between 3 months and 10 years receiving AEDs were included. Data on demographics, diagnosis, AEDs prescribed, dosage forms, frequency, duration, and route of administration were collected and analyzed. The rationality of prescriptions was evaluated using standard guidelines such as WHO and national protocols. Results: Preliminary findings indicate that sodium valproate and levetiracetam were among the most frequently prescribed AEDs. Monotherapy was preferred in mild to moderate seizure cases, while polytherapy was more common in refractory seizures and status epilepticus. Most prescriptions adhered to standard guidelines; however, instances of dose adjustment and off-label use were noted, particularly in younger children. Conclusion: The study highlights the current trends in AED prescribing in a tertiary care pediatric setting. While overall adherence to guidelines was satisfactory, certain areas, such as polytherapy and dosing in infants, require more standardized approaches. Continuous monitoring and periodic audits of prescribing practices are recommended to enhance the quality of pediatric epilepsy management.

Keywords: Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs), Prescribing Patterns, Pediatric Epilepsy, Tertiary Care Hospital, Pediatric ICU, Drug Utilization.