Drug-related problems in oral pharmacotherapy of hospitalized pediatric patients in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the occurrence of drug-related problems (DRP) associates to the use of oral drugs in hospitalized pediatric patients. Method: A cross-sectional study, with data collection performed on the prescriptions of patients using oral medications admitted to the pediatric ward at a reference institute in maternal and child care in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was carried out from September/2020 to November/2020. Convenience sample was used. Patients aged 0 to 18 years, with oral medications prescribed during the hospitalization period and with a hospital stay of more than 48 hours, were included. DRP were collected and classified based on the pharmacotherapy clinical review guide. Data related to drug interactions were collected in order to identify a possible association with the occurrence of DRP. Pharmaceutical interventions were performed when necessary. Results: Thirty-eight patients were evaluated in this study, most of them male (57.9%) and aged between 0 and 4 years (65.8%). Sixteen patients (42.1%) had at least one DRP. We found 50 DRP, representing a rate of 131.6 DRP per 100 patients. Among the oral medications used, 42.4% were related to DRP. Drugs with action on the nervous system were related to most DRP (37%), with emphasis on the class of antiepileptics. Conclusion: The number of medications used during hospitalization and the number of drug interactions showed statistically significant diferences in patients who had DRP. The review of oral pharmacotherapy identified drug classes and profiles of patients with greater susceptibility to the occurrence of DRP and demonstrated its importance in promoting safety in the use of drugs in the pediatric population.