Published Paper Details:

Background: Adverse drug reactions reporting in India are inadequate due to lack of awareness in patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). The main objective of this study to identify and characterize adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients admitted in intensive care units (ICU) of a newly established tertiary care teaching hospital in south Rajasthan. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted in 910 patients who experienced ADRs in ICU from October 2018- March 2019. ADRs were classified based on Naranjo�s probability scale, Modified Hartwig�s criteria of severity and Schumock�Thornton preventability scale. Further, ADRs were analyzed in terms of age group, gender, organ system and number of drugs involved. Results: Out of 910 study patients, 127 patients (13.95%) developed 152 ADRs. Antimicrobials drugs were suspected to have caused the majority (37.5%) of the ADRs. The most affected organ systems were the gastrointestinal system (42%) and dermatological system (25%). Number of patients with ADRs was significantly more in patients (48.9%) prescribed ?10 drugs. On the causality scale, 58% ADRs were probably related to suspected medications. About 88% ADRs were probably preventable and 57% ADRs were moderately severe. Conclusion: Majority of ADRs are possible in ICU setup. Based on the findings a rigorous study is recommended to determine the burden and identify the risk factors of adverse drug reactions to target interventions. Importance of such studies and need for creating awareness among health professionals about looking for and reporting such reactions.