A Prospective Observational Study on Risk Factors and Prescribing Patterns of Drugs used in Stroke Patients at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: The main aim of the study is to identify the different risk factors, prescribing patterns of medication and rationality of the prescription by observing the management of stroke patients carefully.
 Methodology: A prospective and observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months in an in-patient department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients above 18 years of age, patients of either sex and patients who previously had stroke were included. Children below 18 years, pregnant women, AIDS patients, patients unable to respond to verbal questions with no caretakers and patients with head injury were excluded.
 Results: A total of 100 prescriptions were analyzed during the 6 months study period. This was found to be higher in males (79) and females (21). The higher risk with notable occurrence in the age group of 60-79 years (43%). Out of these study populations, (68%) experienced Ischemic stroke and (32%) experienced Hemorrhagic stroke. The major risk factors were Hypertension (62%), alcoholics (41%). Smoking (33%) and Diabetes (24%). Among the 100 prescriptions, Atorvastatin was highly prescribed (96) followed by Pantoprazole (92), Mannitol (64). Out of 100 prescriptions, (67) were rational and (33%) were irrational.
 Conclusion: The prescribing patterns of drug should be based on specificity and severity of stroke in order to facilitate rational use of drugs providing optimal care. Early management of hypertension and diabetes may reduce risk of stroke. Cessation of smoking and alcohol place a key role in prevention of stroke.
 Keywords: Ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, hypertension, diabetes.