No abstract

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the pattern of co-morbidity, pattern of drug use in patients with chronic liver disease and assessment of severity using MELD score. Methods: The study included a total of 70 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The details of comorbid conditions and drugs was collected from the case records and direct interview of the patients with the help of physician. Pattern of co-morbid condition and drug use pattern were assessed. The severity of liver disease was assessed using Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Results: Among the study population, diabetes and hypertension were the frequently observed co-morbid conditions. Hypothyroidism, anemia, dyslipidaemia and coronary artery disease were the other co-morbid conditions observed. Most commonly prescribed drugs were gastric acid suppressants, antibiotics, lactulose, hepatoprotectives and diuretics. The least prescribed drugs were probiotics and vitamin supplements. MELD score of the majority of the population were between 20-29 with mortality rate of 20%. Conclusion: Through this study we were able to find out the severity/ mortality rate among the patients enrolled in our study. Also the drug use pattern in CLD patients was studied and changes were made accordingly with the concern of the physician involved. Common co-morbid conditions associated with chronic liver disease were found out through direct observation.