Admissions for drug-related problems at the emergency department of a university hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Medication Errors can result in drug-related problems [DRPs]. Insight into the frequency, type, and severity of DRPs could help reduce their incidence. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of admissions as a result of DRPs at the Emergency Department [ED] of a university hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Files of suspected cases of DRPs reporting to ED in the year 2012 were scrutinized. Suspicion arose from the hospital record system based on Diagnosis Code Numbers [ICD-9-CM, Professional 2010] and from triggers, such as some drugs, laboratory tests, and signs and symptoms pointing to DRPs. Of 5574 admissions, 253 [4.5%] were DRPs and were categorized as: Overdose toxicity and side effects of drugs 50 [19.8%], drug-interactions 29 [11.5%], accidental and suicidal drug ingestions 26 [10.3%], drug abuse 18 [7.1%], drug allergy 10 [4%], super-infections 8 [3.2%], and noncompliance to treatment 112 [44.3%]. About 70% of DRPs were preventable; 67 [26.5%] required hospital admission for 7-102 days and 10 [4%] died. Noncompliance to treatment, overdose toxicity, drug interactions, and drug abuse are important causes of hospital admissions as a result of DRPs. Awareness of prescribers to the problem and their education would help to prevent them and improve patient care

effective and physiological lifestyle change for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] are commonly used in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GERD]. Some disadvantages of these acid- suppressing drugs circulate and patients ask for alternatives. Transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations [TLESRs] are important cause of reflux. Gastric distension in upper stomach are strongest stimulus for generation of TLESRs and is aggravated by intake of food in between meals. In the light of pathophysiological mechanisms it is suggested that increasing interval between meals and only soft drinks in between will reduce reflux episodes. The hypothesis was tested in 4 patients with endoscopically proven reflux oesophagitis and/or typical reflux symptoms. Three patients followed our advice to eat twice a day, with soft drinks in between. One patient had a light breakfast but increased the interval between lunch and dinner to 8 hours. All cases were relieved from repeated reflux episodes, in 1-2 weeks, without any medication