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Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of clinically significant pDDIs in HF patients.
Study Design: A retrospective observational study was performed at the Cardiology ward of the University Clinical Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa in Belgrade, Serbia. A total of 173 patients with more than one prescription during hospital stay were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records.
Methods: Lexi-Interact® was used as the screening tool. Clinically significant pDDIs were considered of level X (avoid combination), D (modify regimen) and C (monitor therapy). Statistical analysis was performed with PASW 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
Results: In the population 54.9% were male and 75.1% elderly. HF was diagnosed in 46.8%. The number of drugs (9.6±3.2, mean±S.D.) and pDDIs of clinical significance (14.8±9.2) per patient was significantly higher in the group with HF (p<0.001 and p=0.013, respectively). The prevalence of pDDIs in the group with HF was 100%, compared to 93.5% without HF. Multivariable logistic regression model described 94.8% of the variance in the occurrence of pDDIs and identified following variables as predictors: polypharmacy, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, cardiovascular drugs (isosorbide mononitrate, nebivolol, and verapamil) and allopurinol, diclofenac, ranitidine, and methylprednisolone.
Conclusions: HF patients are exposed to an extensive number of drugs and pDDIs of clinical significance, that could additionally jeopardize the achievement of the desired clinical outcome and quality of life. Electronic drug interaction software may be a valuable tool for screening and reducing risk to patient drug-related harm.