Clinical Spectrum of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Population in East Coast of Andhra Pradesh: An Observational Study

Abstract

Context: Cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) among pediatric population is underappreciated and often misdiagnosed in clinical settings. Furthermore, epidemiologic data on only cutaneous adverse reactions among this population are limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the CADRs with reference to the pattern, causative drugs, its subgroup analysis, and other clinical characteristics among children. Settings and Design: This was an observational, hospital-based study over a period of 12 months. Materials and Methods: The CADRs occurring and referred to the inpatient and outpatient department of dermatology were actively monitored and the collected reports were analyzed for CADR pattern, drug groups, clinicodemographic profile, and severity of adverse drug reaction (ADR). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were documented in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Results: A total of 33 CADRs were documented. Most of the ADRs (40%) occurred between the age of 11 and 15 years. Antimicrobials comprised the major group of drugs causing ADRs (42.4%). Maculopapular rash (54.5%) and urticaria (15.2%) were the most common type of ADR. A single case of death due to anticonvulsant-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis had been observed in the study period. There were more occurrences of ADRs with multiple drugs compared to single-drug therapy. About 80% of reactions were of mild to moderate. Conclusion: Knowledge of the pattern and the offending drug helps in better diagnosis, management, reduced complications in this population, and also helps in preventing recurrences, thereby helps in promoting the safe use of drugs, which can overall impact the quality of health care among children positively.