Can the frequency and risks of fatal adverse drug events be determined?
Death is the ultimate adverse drug event. Despite its importance, the frequency of fatal adverse drug events is unknown. Estimates in the United States are as high as 140,000/year, although this number is heavily disputed. Potential reasons and risks for fatal adverse drug events, as well as epidemiologic designs for studying this important public health issue, are discussed and issues are raised to promote further thought.
Kelly
W N
WN
Department of Pharmacy Adminstration, Southern School of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. Kelly_WN@Mercer.Edu
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000401:mortality*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012107:Research Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors