RISK FACTORS AND PREDICTORS OF SEVERE ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization in clinical practice. Identifying risk factors and predictors is essential for early detection, prevention, and management. Risk factors are multifactorial, encompassing patient-related variables (age, sex, comorbidities, genetic predisposition), drug-related factors (polypharmacy, narrow therapeutic index, drug interactions), and system-related determinants (medication errors, lack of monitoring). Predictors of severe ADRs include previous drug hypersensitivity, renal or hepatic impairment, concomitant high-risk medications, and pharmacogenetic markers. This review provides an in-depth discussion on epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical predictors, risk stratification tools, and strategies to mitigate severe ADRs in clinical settings. Integration of pharmacovigilance, electronic monitoring systems, and personalized medicine is highlighted as a key approach for optimizing patient safety.