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Related Experiment Videos

Potential risks and prevention, Part 1: Fatal adverse drug events.

W N Kelly1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Administration, Southern School of Pharmacy, Mercer University, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341-4155, USA. kelly_wn@mercer.edu

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
|July 27, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Fatal adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant concern, with many potentially preventable. This study highlights risk factors and emphasizes the crucial role of pharmacists in preventing these deadly medication errors.

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Can the frequency and risks of fatal adverse drug events be determined?

Pharmacotherapy·2001

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Drug Safety
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Fatal adverse drug events (ADEs) pose a significant threat to patient safety.
  • Understanding risk factors and preventability is crucial for improving medication safety.
  • Previous studies have not comprehensively analyzed preventable fatal ADEs from published case reports.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential risk factors for fatal adverse drug events (ADEs).
  • To assess the preventability of fatal ADEs.
  • To determine the role of healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, in preventing fatal ADEs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 447 fatal ADE case reports published in Clin-Alert from 1976 to 1995.
  • Identification and assessment of patient, drug, and event variables.

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  • Evaluation of causality, predictability, and preventability using a relational database.

    • Main Results:

    • Fatal ADEs increased with age; 40% of patients were healthy.
    • Central-nervous-system agents, antineoplastics, antimicrobials, and cardiovascular agents were most implicated.
    • Hepatitis, hepatic failure, cardiopulmonary arrest, overdose, and agranulocytosis were common causes of death.
    • 68% of fatal ADEs were deemed preventable, with pharmacists potentially preventing 57% of these.
    • Medication errors and adverse drug reactions were primary ADE types.

    Conclusions:

    • Many fatal adverse drug events (ADEs) are preventable through improved monitoring and adherence to guidelines.
    • Pharmacists play a critical role in preventing fatal ADEs, necessitating enhanced involvement in medication safety.
    • Age and specific drug classes are significant risk factors for fatal ADEs, requiring targeted interventions.