Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

M. Srinavya¹, Sai Deepthi¹, G. Veda Prateek¹, Prithi¹ and T. Rama Mohan Reddy¹

Abstract

Introduction: Drug utilization pattern is useful in the evaluation of the standards of therapy for people suffering with epilepsy and seizures. Drug utilization statistics are an important tool with which we can evaluate the quality of prescribing in a defined setting. Drug utilization pattern can increase understanding the rational drug use in seizures and its outcomes. Aim: To study the drug utilization pattern of antiepileptic drugs in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted for duration of six months in general medicine and pediatric wards of Gandhi hospital. During study period all anti-epileptic cases were collected on regular basis and these cases were analyzed for following results. Results: Age wise distribution shows 2-12 were more prevalent (P value -<0.01), males were more affected. Atypical febrile seizures were found to be highest in infants (P value- < 0.01),in Children GTCS 39.53%(n=17) was found to be highest, in adolescents GTCS, Unclassified seizures, Complex partial seizures, Status epilepticus, Atypical febrile seizures were distributed equally, in adults GTCS was found to be highest (P value- < 0.05). Causes for different type of seizures found that, space occupying lesions were significant cause for GTCS (P value < 0.01) and Infectious causes were significant for Unclassified seizures (P value- < 0.0001), Status epilepticus (P value-< 0.05), Atypical febrile seizures (P value- < 0.05), Simple febrile seizures (P value- < 0.05). Idiopathic cause is significant (P value- < 0.05) for Typical febrile seizures. Simple partial seizures were mostly caused due to Circulatory disturbances (P value- < 0.05). Dual therapy was most frequently used in Atypical febrile seizures, Complex partial seizures, Simple febrile seizures, simple partial seizures and monotherapy was used in GTCS, Unclassified seizures, Status epilepticus. Phenytoin was most commonly used drug in all types of therapy. Conclusion: Utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs depends on age group, cause, type of seizure and choice of physician. Dual therapy was frequently used treatment option followed by monotherapy and Phenytoin was most common drug prescribed in all types of therapy.

Keywords: antiepileptic drugs, choice of therapy, distribution of seizures, type of therapy, type of seizures.