Epidemiology and evaluation of adverse drug reactions in a Korean hospital database for spontaneous reports in the period 2009 to 2018

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the Korean population and to identify their characteristics and factors affecting their severity. Materials and methods: The analysis was based on the ADRs reported to the Seoul National University Hospital between 2009 and 2018. Statistical assessment (SPSS Statistics 25) included frequency analysis and the chi(2)-test. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 44,122 cases were analyzed of which 24,801 (56.2%) cases concerned females and 19,321 (43.8%) males. A total of 47% of cases involved persons aged between 50 and 79 years. Antineoplastic agents, immunomodulating agents, and systemically administered anti-infective agents accounted for 57.6% of all drugs reported. Gastro-intestinal system disorders accounted for the largest proportion (25.8%) of adverse drug reactions reported. A total of 3,429 (7.8%) ADRs were reported as being in the category severe. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of an ADR being reported as severe is higher in males than in females (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.16 - 1.35), and higher in those aged 0 - 4 years (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.46 - 2.08), in those aged 5 - 19 years OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.31), and in those aged 65 years and over (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16 - 1.37), compared to those aged 20 - 64 years. Discussion and conclusion: From a public health perspective, ADRs are important because they are preventable. Important determinants, such as differences in specific age groups and drug classes, for the occurrence of ADRs and the occurrence of severe ADRs in particular, were identified. These determinants need to be carefully monitored in both private medical practices, clinics and hospitals. This monitoring of specific groups will involve close attention factors associated with gender, age group, and drug classes.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the Korean population and identify their characteristics and factors affecting severity. The study found that the occurrence of ADRs was associated with specific age groups and drug classes, with males and younger age groups being more prone to severe ADRs.