ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Drug-related problems (DRPs) frequently occur in modern medical practice, increasing the morbidity and mortality as well as increasing cost of care. OBJECTIVE: The study is to evaluate the incidence of DRPs in patients admitted to a psychiatric department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 4 months at Baliga psychiatric hospital. All prescriptions of the study population were screened for DRPs such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) by using computerized database system. RESULTS: Out of 120 patients, 19 patients had observed 26 DRPs. Out of 33 patients, 19 patients had observed 26 ADRs and 14 patients had observed 24 pDDIs. The overall incidence of DRPs was 15.83%. Female patients outnumbered the male patients, in which 12 women constitute 10% followed by men 7 (5.83%). The common ADRs observed were hyponatremia and headache. Considering the outcomes, 20 (76.9%) cases recovered from ADRs and 20 (76.9%) of the ADRs were definitely preventable. Majority of ADRs were probable and were found to be mild to moderately severe. CONCLUSIONS: Age, female gender and polypharmacy were the risk factors for the developing DRPs.
ABSTRACT
Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic is considered superior to its conventional congeners. Here we report two cases of pedal edema secondary to olanzapine. In both cases the systemic causes of pedal edema were ruled out. On reducing the dose of olanzapine, pedal edema regressed and completely resolved after stopping the drug. So we attribute the edema to olanzapine therapy. As the definitive cause and further consequences of pedal edema are not known, hence stringent monitoring of adverse effects of this drug is required.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the present era, mental disability is a major public health problem in the society. Many of the mental disabilities are correctable if detected early. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and pattern of mental disability. SETTING AND DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study. One thousand subjects in all age groups were randomly selected from four villages in Udupi district, Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted by making house-to-house visits, interviewing, and examining all the individuals in the families selected with pre-designed and pretested questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Proportions, chi-square test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental disability was found to be 2.3%. The prevalence was higher among females (3.1%) than among males (1.5%). The prevalence was higher among the elderly age group and illiterates. There is ample scope for community-based rehabilitation of the mentally disabled.
