DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder among children with an estimated 1–2% prevalence, and these patients have complex diversified seizure types and syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. The first aim of anti-epileptic treatment was the elimination of seizures with minimal side effects. AEDs became a mainstay in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric disorders because of the spectrum of applications.
Objective: This study evaluated the adherence of pediatric epilepsy prescriptions as per the guidelines and provided insight into prescribing patterns.
Methodology: The cross sectional study was conducted among 150 pediatric epilepsy patients aged up to 0- 15 years from government peadratic hospital in Sindh. The prescriptions were collected from February 2023 to November 2023. The prescription pattern of healthcare professionals was scrutinized, and compliance with NICE guidelines was evaluated. A standardized questionnaire was utilized after validation. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and with the use of frequencies and percentages, a distribution of variables related to patient demographics, types of therapy, adherence to treatment guidelines were presented. Using statistical software like SPSS and Excel facilitated the analysis process.
Results:Among the prescriptions, 88.6% adhered to treatment guidelines, while 11.4% deviated. Monotherapy was prescribed in 61.1% of cases, whereas 38.9% received combination therapy. First-line AEDs were prescribed to 41.8% of the patients, second-line to 33.6%, and third-line to 23.3%. The prescription dose was consistent in 88% of prescriptions, whereas 12% exhibited some degree of inconsistency. These results indicated that the prescriptions were accomplished in a very high percentage based on clinical guidelines, but they formed a real profile of pediatric epilepsy prescribing. 
Conclusion:  Pharmacist play a crucial role for maintaining the prescribing practices and trends as per the guidliness. Therapy should be given as per 1st, 2nd and 3rd line of treatment after critical analysis. Pallative care and complete pharmaceutical care plan maximize the patient benefits and improve health burden.