A Study of Prescription Pattern in the Management of COPD in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable condition characterized by persistent airflow obstruction that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. Bronchodilators are mainstay of pharmacologic management of COPD and Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the central of treatment of asthma but in management of COPD their role is controversial. Aim &Objectives: The sole aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the current prescription pattern of COPD management using data generated in a tertiary care hospital of UP India.. Methods: In this prospective study, all patient data relevant to the study were obtained by examination of Case sheets of inpatients visiting the OPD of TB & Chest department. Results: In this prospective study, prescriptions of 74 patients were selected. Out of total patients, 60 (81.08%) were males and 14(18.9%) were females. Out of total 74 patients, 73 (98.64%) are smokers, in which 30 (40.54%) are currently smoking while 43(58.1%) are ex-smokers. Out of total patients 60(81.08%) have comorbidities. Hypertension is most common comorbidity having 36 (48.65%) of patients. Inhalational route was most common route of administration of drugs in the study. Oral route was second most common route; it was used for administration of 42.03% of drugs. Formoterol was maximum prescribed drug used in 60 (81.09%) of patients followed by Budesonide 57 (77.03%), Acebrophylline 48 (64.86%),followed by Levocetrizine 41 (51.41%), Salbutamol and Montelukast were used in equal no. of patients 40(54.06%) , followed by Ipratropium 39 (52.70%), Tiotropium which was used in 29 (39.19%) of patients, followed by Amoxicillin 16 (21.63%) followed by Theophylline and Azithromycin used in 8 (10.81%) patients ,followed by Doxophylline and Terbutaline which were also used in equal number and percent of patients that is 3 (4.05%). Conclusion: The prescribing trend observed in the study appears to be in concordance with the current GOLD guidelines for the management of COPD patients.