Journal of chemical health risks
Evaluation of Prescribing Patterns and Supportive Therapy in Dengue Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital
By Fathimathul Fabeena k.
Abstract
Background
Dengue is a significant public health concern in tropical countries, and its management primarily involves supportive care. Evaluating drug utilization patterns and prescribing appropriateness is essential to identify irrational prescribing, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and improve patient safety.
Objective
To evaluate prescribing patterns, the utilization and appropriateness of supportive therapy, and selected clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with dengue.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted among 95 patients with serologically confirmed dengue admitted to the Department of General Medicine at Valluvanad Hospital, Ottapalam, Kerala, from January to June 2026. Data were collected from medical records, laboratory reports, and patient case sheets. Prescribing patterns were assessed using WHO core prescribing indicators, wherever applicable. The appropriateness of antibiotic use, intravenous fluid therapy, platelet transfusions, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and hepatoprotective agents was evaluated using predefined criteria and relevant treatment guidelines. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0. Appropriate statistical tests were applied, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.