Abstract

“EVALUATING TREATMENT STRATEGIES, IMPACT OF URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATIC AILMENTS AND ASSESSING THE SEVERITY WITH MELD SCORE IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL”

Dr. Manasa T., Prof. J. S. Venkatesh, Preetham G. B., Sheba John* and Sneha Charmika

.

Abstract

The increasing burden of liver diseases, coupled with their complex pathogenesis and clinical manifestations, demands innovative research, diagnostic tools and treatment modalities to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. So examining the therapeutic potential of hepatoprotectives, evaluating disease intensity and refining clinical approaches are crucial components in the management of hepatic ailments. This study aims to analyse the treatment strategies, impact of ursodeoxycholic acid in managing hepatic ailments with or without comorbidities and also to assess the severity of the disease using MELD score. A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months in inpatient Medicine department of Chigateri District Hospital, Davangere. Out of 173 patients enrolled in the study 83% were males and 17% were females were most belonged to the age group of 31-40(31%). Alcoholic liver disease(73%) was the mostly observed type of liver disease. Portal hypertension(50%) and ascites(34%) were frequently seen complication. The majority of the cases presented with concurrent anaemia(30%) and hypertension(14%). The pattern of drug prescription revealed that antibiotics (ceftriaxone), vitaminsupplements, gastroprotectives (pantoprazole), hepatoprotectives(ursodeoxycholic acid) were the leading medications prescribed and among the 1690 drugs administrated only 1318 was in compliance with NLEM. We also illustrated UDCA a better option for the treatment. The majority of patients (62) had a MELD score between 20-29 indicating a moderate to severe level of liver disease. This study provided valuable insights into prescription patterns, UDCA effectiveness and the essential role of MELD scores in accurately assessing liver disease severity.

Keywords: Hepatic ailments, Comorbidities, Complications, Treatment strategies, Ursodeoxycholic acid, MELD score.