Prevalence and influence factor of drug-related problems in inpatients with kidney disease: A prospective single central study

Abstract Aims: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of drug-related problems (DRPs) in inpatients with kidney disease to provide a reference data forpharmaceutical care. Methods: The basic information, diagnoses, and medicationreconciliation (MR) of inpatients in the Department of Nephrology at our hospital between October 2020 and September 2021 were collected. The Chinese-modified DRP version based on the PCNE classification (Version 9.1) was used to assess, intervene and statistically analyze the results of the patients’ DRPs . Results: Out of 623 patients included in this study, 132 (21.80%) were found to have DRPs. The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in patients with DRPs than those without DRPs (43.18% vs. 28.72%, P < 0.05), the mean number of drug types consumed (7.25 ± 3.44 vs. 5.93 ± 3.58, P < 0.05) and the proportion of ≥ 5 drugs (%) (79.55% vs. 58.04%, P < 0.05) were significantly increased. In addition, the incidence of hypertension (76.52% vs 68.64%), diabetes (27.27% vs 22.20%) and hyperuricemia (16.67% vs 13.65%) in DRPs patients were higher than those without DRPs, but there was no statistical difference (P>0.05). The distribution of harm levels was as follows: 78 problems (59.09%) were level C, 29 (21.97%) were level B, 10 (7.58%) were level D, 7（5.30%）were level A, 7(5.30%) were level E, and 1(0.76%) were level F. All DRPs were resolved after 128 interventions. Conclusion: Renal anemia, the average number of drug varieties consumed, and the proportion of ≥ 5 drugs are associated with the occurrence of DRPs. Pharmacists conducting MR services can reduce DRPs of inpatients in the department of nephrology and ensure patient's drug safety.