M-A | Which adverse events and which drugs are implicated in drug-related hospital admissions

Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide an updated estimation of drug-related hospital admissions, the types and frequency of drug-induced harm, and the drugs involved. The review included 17 studies that examined acute admissions to emergency departments or inpatient wards resulting from drug-induced harm in the general population. These studies were published between January 2012 and December 2021. The estimated rates of admissions resulting from adverse drug reactions* (ADRs) and adverse drug events* (ADEs) were 8.3% and 13.9%, respectively. Almost half of the admissions related to ADRs and over two-thirds of those related to ADEs were possibly preventable. Gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte disturbances, bleeding events, and renal and urinary disorders were the most frequently involved categories of drug-induced harm. The most frequently involved drug groups were nervous system drugs, followed by cardiovascular and antithrombotic agents.

*Adverse drug events (ADEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Adverse drug events (ADEs) refer to any negative effect that results from medication exposure and can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication errors, overdose, drug interactions, or allergic reactions. In contrast, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a specific type of ADE that occur as unintended effects of medication at normal therapeutic doses.

Article: Which Adverse Events and Which Drugs Are Implicated in Drug-Related Hospital Admissions? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – Journal of Clinical Medicine