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Hospital admissions due to adverse drug reactions: a comparative study from Jerusalem and Berlin
Insights
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) requiring hospitalization occurred in 4.1% of admissions in Jerusalem and 5.7% in Berlin. Key differences in ADR types and risk factors highlight variations in drug usage and patient populations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Internal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant cause of hospital admissions.
- International comparisons of ADRs are crucial for understanding global drug safety trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence and characteristics of ADRs leading to hospital admission in Jerusalem and Berlin.
- To identify differences in drug usage patterns and associated risk factors between the two cities.
Main Methods:
- A comparative retrospective study of medical admissions in Jerusalem and Berlin.
- Analysis of ADRs leading to hospitalization, including patient demographics, ADR types, and identified risk factors.
Main Results:
- ADRs accounted for 4.1% of admissions in Jerusalem (n=2499) and 5.7% in Berlin (n=2933).
- Jerusalem patients were younger; common ADRs included antibiotic reactions, while Berlin saw more digitalis intoxication.
- Risk factors identified in both cities: advanced age, female sex, renal impairment, prior ADR history, and polypharmacy.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in ADR profiles and frequencies between Jerusalem and Berlin, likely due to variations in drug prescribing practices.
- Identifying specific risk factors for ADRs is essential for targeted prevention strategies in diverse healthcare settings.
Abstract:
A comparative study of adverse drug reactions (ADR) leading to hostpial admission showed that 103 (4.1%) out of 2499 medical admissions in Jerusalem and 167 (5.7%) out of 2933 admissions in Berlin were due to such reactions. Sex distribution in the two patient--populations was almost equal but the Jerusalem patients were younger. The most frequent ADRs were digitalis intoxication (in Berlin) and reactions to antibiotics (in Jerusalem). Other important differences were noted in the relative frequencies of ADRs associated anticoagulants, hypoglycemic agents and oral contraceptives. They were probably related to differences in drug usage in the two countries. The most common major side effects were arrhythmias, allergic reactions, bleeding, congestive heart failure, bronchospasm and hypoglycemia. The following risk factors were identified in both cities: old age, female sex, impaired renal function, previous history of ADR and polypragmasia.