Assessment of potential drug-drug interactions in neonatal intensive care unit: a retrospective study

Introduction:

A neonate, or newborn infant under 28 days old, undergoes critical developmental changes and is highly vulnerable to health risks, including adverse drug events. Infants in the NICU are exposed to a large number of medications that increase the risk of causing potential drug-drug interactions and thereby lead to adverse drug events.

Objectives:

• To assess the potential drug-drug interactions among neonates admitted to NICU department.

• To assess the risk category of potential drug-drug interactions among neonates.

Methodology:

A retrospective study will be conducted in  NICU of Justice K.S. Hegde Hospital for 8 months, with a sample size of 240 neonates (2020–2024) using convenience sampling. Data will be collected on demographics, drugs prescribed, and potential DDIs analyzed and categorized using UpToDate and Medscape.

Inclusion criteria:

• Neonates (<28 days of age) who have been admitted in NICU department at K.S. Hegde hospital.

• Neonates prescribed with at least 2 medications.

• All neonates, both preterm and term will be included

• Neonate with clear and complete patient data will be included.

Exclusion criteria:

• Neonates born in any hospital other than Justice K.S. Hegde charitable Hospital will be excluded.

Statistical analysis:

The data will be entered in MS excel and analysed using SPSS [V29.0]. The continuous data will be expressed as mean +SD and categorical values will be presented in frequency [%]. Data will also be represented as graphs or diagrams

outcome:

Common DDIs among neonates can be identified and categorized based on severity. Length of hospital stay can be corelated with the number of DDIs.