A study on the clinical characteristics, risk factors and economic burden of serious adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients

AIM: Epidemiological knowledge regarding the occurrence of serious adverse drug reactions (sADRs) among hospitalized patients in China is limited. To enhance medication safety, an assessment of local epidemiology is essential. METHODS: A case-control study design was employed. Cases of sADRs in hospitalized patients during 2022-2024 were collected to form the case group. Patients without ADRs were matched 1:1 with patients who experienced sADRs using propensity score matching. The matched patients formed the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore risk factors for sADRs. Differences in hospitalization costs were compared to clarify the economic burden of sADRs, and the potential cost savings achievable through the prevention of avoidable sADRs were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 588 cases were included, with 294 cases each in the case and control group. The incidence of sADRs was 0.09%. Of these sADRs, 39.1% were assessed as preventable. Nutritional risk (OR = 1.689; 95% CI: 1.128-2.529), inadequate therapeutic monitoring (OR = 6.175; 95% CI: 3.994-9.548) and poor adherence (OR = 2.439; 95% CI: 1.492-3.988) were identified as independent risk factors (P < 0.05). The average hospitalization cost in the case group was ¥9411.50 ($1352.23) higher than that in the control group. The potential cost savings achievable through the prevention of sADRs were estimated at ¥1081889.57 ($155443.90). CONCLUSION: The economic burden of sADRs among hospitalized patients is higher than previously recognized. To prevent sADRs in the hospital, close monitoring by physicians and strict adherence by patients is essential.