A retrospective observational study on drug-related problems in patients with rheumatic heart disease

Abstract

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD is one of the leading cause of public health degradation among children and adults since the twentieth century. Rheumatic fever mostly affects the population of developing countries, especially where poverty is widespread. About 2% of deaths worldwide due to cardiac failure is associated with RHD. Although pharmacotherapy in RHD is beneficial in its management, its outcomes may often be compromised due to the associated drug therapy problems (DTP). Data containing their demographic details, clinical presentation and drug chart was obtained and noted in a structured case report form. The data was compiled, and the drug-related problems associated with commonly prescribed drugs were evaluated. The prescription was critically analysed as per WHO guidelines for its appropriateness. The most commonly occurring DTP was potential drug interactions, sub-therapeutic dose, adverse drug reaction and drug duplication. Majority of the prescriptions were compliant to the recommendations of WHO guide-lines. The study highlights the potential drug-related problems in the management of RHD and hence indicates that there is still room to improve rational prescribing for patients with RHD. Rheumatic Heart Disease, drug-related problems, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, drug duplication, overdosage, Rheumatic fever.