Prevalence of hospital admission due to adverse drug reaction in Salvador, Bahia *

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of hospital admissions for adverse drug reaction (ADR) in Salvador, Bahia, and their outcome.MethodsAll patients admitted to the four Sentinel Hospitals of Anvisa in Salvador, Ba, from April to December 2007 were evaluated and followed-up to determine the prevalence of admissions due to ADR and their outcomes. Cases were validated by three algorithms. The drugs were classified by the Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical Classification, organs and systems affected according to WHO criteria, and severity according to Pearson et al. Type of ADR was analyzed according to Rawlins and Thompson criteria.ResultsThe prevalence of ADR admissions was 0.56% and the prevalence adjusted (exposed) was 2.1%, with 316 cases. Mean hospitalization time due to ADR was 12.3 days. Young and elderly patients accounted for 28.8% and 31.1%, respectively. Females and blacks corresponded to 60% of cases. The main pharmacologic groups involved were antineoplastics, antibiotics, and diuretics, affecting skin, gastrointestinal, and hematologic systems. Approximately 70% of ADRs were validated as defined. Eighty per cent of the cases were ADR type A; recovery was observed in 90% of cases, and only one death was observed.ConclusionThe prevalence of ADR admission was similar to those described in literature, and only one patient died. As this is the first national study, it will serve as the basis for future investigations.