Abstract Medication reconciliation is a strategy to minimize medication errors at the transition points of care. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of medication reconciliation in identifying and resolving drug discrepancies in the admission of adult patients to a university hospital. The study was carried out in a 300-bed large general public hospital, in which a reconciled list was created between drugs prescribed at admission and those used at pre-admission, adapting prescriptions from the pharmacotherapeutic guidelines of the hospital studied and the patients’ clinical conditions. One hundred seven patients were included, of which 67,3% were women, with a mean age of 56 years. Two hundred twenty-nine discrepancies were found in 92 patients; of these, 21.4% were unintentional in 31.8% of patients. The pharmacist performed 49 interventions, and 47 were accepted. Medication omission was the highest occurrence (63.2%), followed by a different dose (24.5%). Thirteen (26.5%) of the 49 unintentional discrepancies included high-alert medications according to ISMP Brazil classification. Medication reconciliation emerges as an important opportunity for the review of pharmacotherapy at transition points of care, based on the high number of unintentional discrepancies identified and resolved. During the drug reconciliation process, the interventions prevented the drugs from being misused or omitted during the patient’s hospitalization and possibly after discharge.

The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency of potential drug prescribing omissions (PPOs) for elderly patients at the time of hospital discharge and to compare the frequency PPOs among different medical specialities. This cross-sectional study examined data from elderly patients when they were admitted for >24 h to a northeastern Brazil teaching hospital during June-December 2016. Were included in the study 227 patients, of whom 36.9% had at least one PPO. The highest number of PPOs was identified among those with at least 5 prescribed drugs. In total, 153 PPOs were identified at hospital discharge. In most cases (78.4%), patients were not evaluated by the specialist physician.The most commonly identified PPOs on discharge were: the omission of statin therapy in cases of diabetes mellitus plus one or more cardiovascular-associated factor; calcium and vitamin D supplements in patients with known osteoporosis; and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in cases of chronic heart failure. The results of this study suggest that the frequency of prescribing omissions PPOs during patient discharge was high. This can be avoided by the careful evaluation by prescribers with experience in certain specialties where several prescribed omissions would be common.

The consumption of botanicals for therapeutic purposes has increased significantly in recent years. Drug-induced liver disease (DILI) is a frequent cause of acute liver injury, around 50% in the United States, and about 1% is secondary to the use of phytotherapeuticals and herbal supplies. Ruellia bahiensis, a plant species of the Acanthaceae family, is a tropical plant distributed in Northeastern Brazil. In folk medicine in the state of Bahia, the species is known as “mãe-boa” and is commonly used. L.S.S, a 23-year old, female, patient was admitted at University Hospital of Bahia-Brazil with signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis. She had made daily use of an herbal supply popularly known as “mãe-boa” for at least two years prescribed by a physician. Diagnostic investigation was negative for viral and autoimmune hepatitis, leptospirosis, dengue, and CMV (cytomegalovirus). The patient had to undergo liver transplantation. Explant revealed massive hepatic necrosis. According to histological findings, and after exclusion of other etiologies, liver damage was assigned to herbal supply. The prolonged use of Ruellia bahiensis infusions may have caused the liver dysfunction.

ABSTRACT In 2012, the first-generation protease inhibitors telaprevir (TVR) and boceprevir (BOC) were introduced in the Brazilian health system for treatment of chronic hepatitis C, after their approval by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC). However, these medicines were discontinued in 2015. The short period of use in therapy and their high cost require a discussion about the consequences for patients and for the health system of the early incorporation of new therapies. The article presents a qualitative analysis of the incorporation process of both medications in Brazil and the results of a multicenter study that included patients treated with BOC or TVR between January 2011 and December 2015 in five Brazilian cities. The study included 855 patients (BOC: n=247) and (TVR: n=608). The document analysis showed that CONITEC’s decision to incorporate BOC and TVR was based on results of phase III clinical trials that compared sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of patients treated with BOC and TVR with rates of those that received placebo. However, these studies included a low percentage of cirrhotic patients. The SVR rates observed in this multicenter study were worse than clinical trials pointed out (BOC: 45.6%; TVR: 51.8%), but similar to those achieved with previously adopted therapies. The discontinuation rate due to adverse events was (BOC: 15.4%; TVR: 12.7%). Based on these unsatisfactory results, the study brings a discussion that goes beyond the therapy outcomes, exploring the incorporation of these high-cost medicines and the related decision-making process, contributing to future decisions in medicine policies and in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Em 2004, a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) publicou uma resolução que estabelece diretrizes para o uso de albumina. Embora os dados publicados não indiquem conclusões definitivas sobre os benefícios do uso de albumina em pacientes com síndrome nefrótica (SN), a diretriz recomenda o procedimento apenas em casos de edema refratário ao uso de diuréticos. O objetivo aqui foi analisar o uso de albumina em pacientes com síndrome nefrótica. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo farmacoeconômico realizado em quatro grandes hospitais públicos de referência em serviços de nefrologia no nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas avaliações econômicas do tipo custo-efetividade e custo-utilidade em uma coorte concorrente de pacientes com síndrome nefrótica, divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o cumprimento ou descumprimento das diretrizes. Dados de qualidade de vida foram obtidos a partir dos questionários SF36 e CHQ-PF50. RESULTADOS: Este estudo incluiu 109 pacientes (60% adultos e 56% mulheres); 41,3% estavam usando albumina conforme as diretrizes. Os parâmetros de peso, diurese e balanço hídrico foram mais custo-efetivos para pacientes que aderiram às diretrizes. Quanto a dias de internação evitados, a razão incremental mostrou um custo diário de R$ 55,33, sendo que os pacientes que seguiram as diretrizes ficaram cinco dias a menos internados. A qualidade de vida melhorou 8%, gerando economia de R$ 3,458.13/QALY (quality-adjusted life year) para o sistema de saúde por meio do cumprimento das diretrizes. CONCLUSÃO: As análises econômicas deste estudo demonstraram maiores benefícios em termos de custo para os pacientes cujo tratamento seguiu as diretrizes.

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In 2004, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ANVISA) published a resolution establishing guidelines for albumin use. Although the published data do not indicate any definitive conclusions about the benefits of albumin use in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), the guidelines recommend this procedure only in cases of edema that is refractory to use of diuretics. The aim here was to analyze albumin use among patients with nephrotic syndrome. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pharmacoeconomic study conducted in four large public referral hospitals for nephrology services in northeastern Brazil. METHOD: Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility economic evaluations were performed on a concurrent cohort of patients with nephrotic syndrome, who were divided into two groups according to compliance or noncompliance with the guidelines. Quality-of-life data were obtained from the SF36 and CHQ-PF50 questionnaires. RESULTS: This study enrolled 109 patients (60% adults and 56% women); 41.3% were using albumin in accordance with the guidelines. The weight, diuresis and fluid balance parameters were more cost-effective for patients who adhered to the guidelines. Regarding days of hospitalization avoided, the incremental ratio showed a daily cost of R$ 55.33, and guideline-compliant patients were hospitalized for five days or fewer. The quality of life improved by 8%, and savings of R$ 3,458.13/QALY (quality-adjusted life year) for the healthcare system were generated through guideline compliance. CONCLUSION: The economic analyses of this study demonstrated that there were greater cost benefits for patients whose treatment followed the guidelines.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O não tratamento de doenças ou condições clínicas tem sido apontado como omissão no cuidado em diversos países. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro e sua validação de conteúdo do questionário START (Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to the Right Treatment). TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Adaptação cultural e validação dos critérios START através da técnica de consenso Delphi. MÉTODO: O START foi submetido à tradução da língua original para o Português (Brasil), tradução reversa e validação de conteúdo por meio da técnica Delphi modificada. Para isso, um formulário eletrônico foi desenvolvido e enviado a 20 especialistas para o julgamento das proposições presentes na ferramenta START conforme sua pertinência para a realidade brasileira, utilizando uma escala de Likert. Foram consideradas consensuais todas as proposições que apresentaram média superior a 4,0. A identificação de cada especialista foi mantida em confidencialidade durante o todo o processo. RESULTADOS: Na primeira fase da validação, foi obtido consenso em 63,6% (14/22) das proposições contidas na ferramenta START. As proposições não consensuais foram reencaminhadas para os especialistas, que tiveram a oportunidade de rever seus comentários e proposições e julgá-las com base na escala de Likert utilizada previamente. Nessa fase, foi obtido consenso em 100% do instrumento START. CONCLUSÃO: O conteúdo do START foi validado para o Brasil na sua totalidade, com todos os critérios originais mantidos.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Non-treatment of diseases or clinical conditions has been considered to constitute omission of care in several countries. The aim of the present study was to develop a transcultural adaptation of the Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to the Right Treatment (START) to Brazilian Portuguese and to validate the tool's content. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cultural adaptation and validation of the START criteria using the Delphi consensus technique. METHOD: START was translated from its original language into Brazilian Portuguese, followed by back-translation and validation by means of the modified Delphi technique. For this, an electronic form was developed and sent to 20 experts, who were asked to use a Likert scale to assess the statements included in START, in relation to their pertinence to Brazilian realities. All of the statements that exhibited mean scores greater than 4.0 were considered to have attained consensus. The experts' identities were kept confidential throughout the validation process. RESULTS: In the first phase of the validation process, 63.6% (14/22) of the statements in START attained consensus. The remaining statements were returned to the experts so that they could have the opportunity to review their comments and statements and to assess them again, based on the Likert scale used earlier. In this phase, 100% of the START instrument attained consensus. CONCLUSION: The content of START was entirely validated for Brazil, with all of the original criteria maintained.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Identificar, caracterizar e medir a associação de fatores relacionados à qualidade de vida (QV) de pacientes asmáticos sob a perspectiva da farmacoterapia. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com 49 pacientes (≥ 18 anos) portadores de asma grave não controlada ou asma refratária, atendidos em um ambulatório especializado do Sistema Único de Saúde, em uso regular de altas doses de corticoides inalatórios (CIs) e/ou de diversos medicamentos e com comorbidades. Obtiveram-se as medidas de QV através da aplicação do questionário Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) num único momento. O escore global e dos domínios do AQLQ foram relacionados com variáveis demográficas (gênero e idade), escore do Asthma Control Questionnaire, terapia medicamentosa (dose inicial de CI, dispositivos inalatórios e politerapia) e comorbidades. RESULTADOS: Melhores escores do AQLQ associaram-se com asma controlada - escore global (OR = 0,38; IC95%: 0,004-0,341; p < 0,001) e domínios "sintomas" (OR = 0,086; IC95%: 0,016-0,476; p = 0,001) e "função emocional" (OR = 0,086; IC95%: 0,016-0,476; p = 0,001) - e com dose de CI ≤ 800 µg - domínio "limitação de atividades" (OR = 0,249; IC95%: 0,070-0,885; p = 0,029). Piores escores do AQLQ correlacionaram-se com politerapia - domínio "limitação de atividades" (OR = 3,651; IC95%: 1,061-12,561; p = 0,036) - e com número de comorbidades ≤ 5 - domínio "estímulo ambiental" (OR = 5,042; IC95%: 1,316-19,317; p = 0,015). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados, a importância do tema, e a escassez de estudos sob a perspectiva da farmacoterapia apontam a necessidade da realização de estudos longitudinais para se estabelecer uma relação de causalidade entre os fatores identificados e a QV em pacientes com asma.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To identify, characterize, and quantify associations of various factors with quality of life (QoL) in patients with asthma, according to the pharmacotherapy employed. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 49 patients (≥ 18 years of age) with severe uncontrolled or refractory asthma treated at a specialized outpatient clinic of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System, regularly using high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) or other medications, and presenting comorbidities. At a single time point, QoL was assessed with the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The overall AQLQ score and those of its domains were correlated with demographic variables (gender and age); Asthma Control Questionnaire score; pharmacotherapy (initial IC dose, inhaler devices, and polytherapy); and comorbidities. RESULTS: Better AQLQ scores were associated with asthma control-overall (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.004-0.341; p < 0.001), "symptoms" domain (OR = 0.086; 95% CI: 0.016-0.476; p = 0.001), and "emotional function" domain (OR = 0.086; 95% CI: 0.016-0.476; p = 0.001)-and with IC dose ≤ 800 µg-"activity limitation" domain (OR = 0.249; 95% CI: 0.070-0.885; p = 0.029). Worse AQLQ scores were associated with polytherapy-"activity limitation" domain (OR = 3.651; 95% CI: 1.061-12.561; p = 0.036)-and number of comorbidities ≤ 5-"environmental stimuli" domain (OR = 5.042; 95% CI: 1.316-19.317; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Our results, the importance of this issue, and the lack of studies taking pharmacotherapy into consideration warrant longitudinal studies to establish a causal relationship between the identified factors and QoL in asthma patients.

A asma é uma enfermidade inflamatória crônica das vias aéreas que pode resultar em limitações nas atividades diárias, internações e prejuízo da qualidade de vida. A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso é fundamental para o controle da doença. O uso de plantas medicinais pode reduzir a adesão ao tratamento prescrito, à medida que os medicamentos são substituídos por chás ou ervas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de uso de plantas medicinais entre asmáticos graves em Salvador. As informações sobre uso de remédios caseiros foram obtidas por meio de questionário durante a visita dos pacientes a um centro de referência. Foram coletados dados econômicos, sociais e de controle da doença. Cento e quarenta e quatro (91,1%) dos cento e cinqüenta e oito pacientes avaliados utilizavam plantas medicinais, dos quais apenas 26,5% atribuíam melhora dos sintomas da asma a este tratamento alternativo e somente 8 pacientes já haviam feito a substituição de medicamento por alguma planta medicinal. Houve tendência a menor adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso neste grupo de pacientes. Apesar da alta frequência do uso de plantas medicinais na nossa amostra, não houve melhora no tratamento da asma desta população em relação aos não-usuários. A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso foi satisfatória, não havendo piora no controle da asma ou aumento em hospitalizações entre os usuários de plantas medicinais.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that may lead to limitations in regular activities, to hospitalizations and a decrease in quality of life. Adherence to drug treatment is crucial for control of the disease. The use of medicinal herbs can reduce adherence to prescriptions, as the medication may be replaced by infusions or herbal products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of use of traditional herbal medicine among severe asthmatics in Salvador. Information on use of homemade remedies was obtained through application of a questionnaire during patient visits to a referral center. We also collected data on economic and social aspects as well as disease control. One hundred and forty-four (91,1%) out of one hundred and fifty-eight patients evaluated used herbal medicines, but only 26.5% attributed improvement of asthma symptoms to this alternative treatment and only 8 had substituted a prescribed medication by herbal medicines. There was a trend towards lower adherence to prescription drug treatment in this group of patients. Despite the high frequency of use of medicinal herbs in our sample, there was no improvement in the asthma treatment in this population compared to non-users. Adherence to conventional drug treatment was satisfactory and there was neither reduction in asthma control nor increase in hospitalizations among the users of medicinal plants.

Objectivo: O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar o protocolo de profilaxia de úlcera de stress numa unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, a fim de investigar se o mesmo atende a critérios estabelecidos na literatura e se sua aplicação é adequada. Método: Foi realizado um estudo, observacional prospectivo. As prescrições de todos os pacientes internados na UTI que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão foram analisadas diariamente, no período de julho a dezembro de 2009, sendo coletados os dados de prescrição do medicamento profilático segundo indicação e classe terapêutica do medicamento prescrito. Resultados: O percentual de profilaxia prescrita sem indicação foi de 11% no mês de agosto. A profilaxia não foi prescrita, apesar de indicada, nos meses de julho (5%) e dezembro (0,5%). Conclusão: Os dados obtidos demonstraram um uso sem critérios da profilaxia medicamentosa. O medicamento de escolha foi o pantoprazol. O protocolo, apesar de atender aos critérios estabelecidos pela literatura, não estratifica detalhadamente os riscos que conduzem ao sangramento gastrointestinal.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to verify the protocol for stress ulcer prophylaxis in an intensive care unit (IcU) from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to investigate whether it meets the criteria currently established in the literature, and to verify its proper application. Method: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Medical prescriptions of all IcU patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed daily during the period ranging from July to December 2009. Data regarding the use of stress ulcer prophylaxis, including drug classes and clinical indication, were collected. Results: The percentage of prophylaxis prescribed with no indication was 11% in August. Prophylaxis was not prescribed, although indicated, in July (5%) and December (0,5%). Conclusion: Our results show a rather wide use of stress ulcer prophylaxis without criteria. The medication of choice was pantoprazole. The studied protocol, despite meeting the criteria established in the literature, does not thoroughly stratify the risk factors that lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de admissão por RAM em hospitais de Salvador-BA e seus desfechos. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes admitidos nos quatro hospitais sentinela da Anvisa em Salvador-BA foram avaliados e seguidos para determinar a prevalência de admissão por RAM e seus desfechos de abril a dezembro de 2007. Os casos foram validados por três algorítmos. Os medicamentos foram classificados pelo Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical Classification, órgãos e sistemas afetados pelos critérios da OMS e a gravidade segundo Pearson et al. O tipo seguiu critérios de Rawlins e Thompson. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de admissão por RAM foi 0,56% e corrigida (expostos) de 2,1%, com 316 casos. Tempo médio de hospitalização por RAM foi de 12,3 dias. Jovens e idosos representaram 28,8% e 31,1% dos pacientes. Gênero feminino e raça negra corresponderam a 60% dos casos. Os principais grupos farmacológicos envolvidos foram antineoplásicos, antibióticos e diuréticos, afetando pele, sistema gastrointestinal e hematológico. Reações certas ou provadas corresponderam 70%, 80% dos casos foram do tipo A, com 90% recuperáveis e um óbito. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de admissão por RAM foi semelhante às descritas na literatura e somente um paciente foi a óbito. Por tratar-se do primeiro estudo nacional, servirá de base para futuras investigações.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hospital admissions due to ADR in Salvador, Bahia and their outcomes. METHODS: All patients admitted in four Sentinel Hospital (ANVISA) in Salvador-Ba were evaluated and followed to determine the prevalence of admissions due to ADR and their outcomes from April to December 2007. Cases were validated by 03 algorithms. The drugs were classified by Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical Classification, organs and systems affected by the WHO criteria and severity seconds Pearson et al. Type of ADR was analyzed by Rawlins and Thompson. RESULTS: The prevalence of ADR admission was 0.5% and adjusted for exposed was 2.1%, with 316 cases. Average of hospitalization due to ADR was 12.3 days. Younger and older accounted for 28.8% and 31.1% of patients. Females and blacks were 60% of cases. Main pharmacologic groups were antineoplastics, antibiotics and diuretics, affecting skin, gastrointestinal and hematologic systems. Around 70% of the ADR was validated as defined. ADR of type A was 80% and 90% recovered, and one death (0.5%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ADR admission was similar to those described in the literature and only one patient died. As this is the first national study will form the basis for future investigations.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a taxa de adesão ao tratamento padrão com corticóide inalatório em pacientes com asma grave, identificar seus fatores preditores e avaliar a relação entre adesão ao tratamento e os parâmetros de resposta clínica e funcional. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva de pacientes atendidos no Programa de Controle da Asma e da Rinite Alérgica na Bahia, Brasil. O estudo incluiu 160 pacientes com asma grave, acompanhados por um período de 180 dias para medida da adesão (variável dependente) ao corticóide inalatório prescrito. As variáveis independentes foram determinadas na avaliação inicial e durante seis meses através de entrevistas e aplicação de questionário estruturado. Os pacientes registraram em um diário as doses não utilizadas. RESULTADOS: Do total de 160 pacientes, 158 completaram o estudo. A taxa de adesão ao tratamento foi de 83,8%. Dos 158 pacientes, 112 (70,9%) foram considerados aderentes ao tratamento (ponto de corte: 80% de todas as doses administradas). Houve associação significante entre o controle da asma e adesão ao tratamento. Os fatores relacionados a uma baixa adesão foram efeitos adversos, local de residência distante do centro de referência, dificuldade de pagar pelo transporte e regime posológico. Outros fatores, como sintomas depressivos, religião e classe econômica, não tiveram relação com a adesão. CONCLUSÕES: A adesão ao tratamento foi considerada elevada, havendo relação com a resposta clínica ao tratamento em uma amostra de pacientes com asma grave atendidos em um programa público com fornecimento gratuito de medicamentos e atendimento multidisciplinar em unidade de referência.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of adherence to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with severe asthma, to identify predictive factors for adherence and to evaluate the relationship between adherence to treatment and parameters of clinical and functional response. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients enrolled in the Program for the Control of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The study comprised 160 patients with severe asthma, monitored for 180 days in order to evaluate adherence (dependent variable) to the prescribed inhaled corticosteroid. Independent variables were assessed at baseline and for a six-month follow-up period by means of interviews and the completion of a standardized questionnaire.Patients recorded the missed doses in a diary. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients. 158 completed the study. Adherence rate was 83.8%. Of the 158 patients, 112 (70.9%) were considered adherent (cut-off point: 80% of prescribed doses administered). There was a significant association between asthma control and adherence to treatment.Predictors of poor adherence were adverse effects, living far from the referral center, limited resources to pay for transportation and dose schedule. Other factors, such as depressive symptoms, religion and economic status, were not associated with poor adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to asthma treatment was high and was associated with the clinical response to treatment, in a sample of patients with severe asthma enrolled in a public program that provides free medication and the assistance of a multiprofessional specialized team in a referral center

Uma das complicações mais comuns da hipertensão arterial sistêmica é a crise hipertensiva¹ que se caracteriza por uma elevação sintomática da pressão arterial (PA), com ou sem envolvimento de órgãos-alvo, que pode conduzir a um risco imediato ou potencial de vida2-4. A crise hipertensiva pode se manifestar como emergência ou urgência hipertensiva. Na emergência, há a rápida deterioração de órgãos-alvo e risco imediato de vida, situação que não ocorre na urgência hipertensiva2-4. Além disso, as situações em que o paciente apresenta PA elevada diante de algum evento emocional, doloroso ou desconfortável, sem evidências de lesões de órgãos-alvo ou risco imediato de vida, caracterizam a pseudocrise hipertensiva, condição em que não é necessário o uso da terapia anti-hipertensiva de emergência1-3,5. Apesar disso, tem se tornado comum a prática de prescrever anti-hipertensivos precedendo situações em que se identifica algum risco de elevação abrupta da PA, independentemente de sintomas. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a freqüência de prescrição do captopril precedendo elevação da PA em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário. Pretende também mapear os locais (enfermarias clínicas ou cirúrgicas) onde essa conduta foi mais freqüente.

One of the most common complications of Systemic Arterial Hypertension is the hypertensive crisis¹ characterized by a symptomatic elevation of blood pressure (BP) with or without involvement of target organs, which may lead to immediate or potential risk to life2-4. The hypertensive crisis may manifest itself as hypertensive emergency or urgency. In the emergency there is fast deterioration of target organs and immediate risk to life, a situation that does not occur in hypertensive urgency2-4. On the other hand, situations in which the patient presents elevated BP due to an emotionally charged, painful or uncomfortable event, with no evidence of lesion of target organs or immediate risk to life, characterize the hypertensive pseudo-crisis, a condition that does not require the use of emergency antihypertensive therapy1-3,5. Despite this fact, the practice has become widespread of prescribing antihypertensive medication prior to situations believed to present a risk of abrupt BP elevation, irrespective of the symptoms. This study aims at assessing the frequency of prescription of captopril prior to BP elevation in patients hospitalized in a university hospital. It was also intended to map the places (clinical or surgical wards) where this procedure was more frequent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of oral antihypertensive medication preceding the increase in blood pressure in patients in a university hospital, the drug of choice, and the maintained use of antihypertensive medication. METHODS: Data from January to June 1997 from the University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos Pharmacy concerning the prescriptions of all inpatients were used. Variables included in the analysis were: antihypertensive medication prescription preceding increase in blood pressure, type of antihypertensive medication, gender, clinical or surgical wards, and the presence of maintained antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: The hospital admitted 2,532 patients, 1,468 in surgical wards and 818 in medical wards. Antihypertensive medication prescription preceding pressure increase was observed in 578 patients (22.8%). Nifedipine was used in 553 (95.7%) and captopril in 25 (4.3%). In 50.7% of patients, prescription of antihypertensive medication was not associated with maintained antihypertensive medication. Prescription of antihypertensive drugs preceding elevation of blood pressure was significantly (p<0.001) more frequent on the surgical floor (27.5%; 405/1468) than on the medical floor (14.3%; 117/818). The frequency of prescription of antihypertensive drugs preceding elevation of blood pressure without maintained antihypertensive drugs and the ratio between the number of prescriptions of nifedipine and captopril were greater in surgical wards. CONCLUSION: The use of antihypertensive medication, preceding elevation of blood pressure (22.8%) observed in admitted patients is not supported by scientific evidence. The high frequency of this practice may be even greater in nonuniversity hospitals.