title: Adverse reactions to drugs as a cause of admissions to a general teaching hospital in Hong Kong.
abstract: To determine the pattern of and the risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Hong Kong, a prospective study of acute admissions to 2 general medical wards at the Prince of Wales Hospital was undertaken. Of the 1701 admissions included in this study, 74 (4.4%) were attributed to ADRs. Sulphonylureas, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and insulin accounted for 61% of cases. The most frequent ADRs were hypoglycaemia (43%) and gastrointestinal haemorrhage (29.7%). Both old age and impaired renal function appear to be important risk factors for ADRs. In such situations, careful dose adjustments, use of an alternative drug or total avoidance may be necessary. Particular attention should be given to oral hypoglycaemic drugs and NSAIDs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin.
authors.forename: T Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Critchley
mesh_terms: D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects; D012737:Sex Factors