Impact of Drug Interactions on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors in the United States, 2001 to 2003

Grant Winners

Deans

Abstract

Objective: Our goal is to examine the impact of potential drug-drug interactions on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors in the U.S. outpatient settings.

Methods: This project proposes a secondary data analysis using a national longitudinal database. Data will be extracted from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics from 2001 through 2003. The various significance ratings of drug interactions will be first classified from non-identifiable patient-specific medication records on the NAMCS database. A series of descriptive trend analyses will be performed to access the changes in the drug interaction prevalence of each ACE inhibitor. A multivariate logistic regression will be developed to examine how patient and physician characteristics, physician's interaction with the health system, and physician patient relationship impact the presence of drug interaction. All analyses will use SAS and SUDAAN statistical software. All significance tests are two-tailed with 0.05 alpha values.

Expected Contributions: This pilot study develops a comprehensive analytical framework using the secondary data analysis based on national longitudinal database, which will serve as an important and effective tool for researchers to help better understand the epidemic. The findings of the project will provide the first national picture of how drug interactions impact ACE inhibitors in the U.S. outpatient settings. Such information would lead to significant implications for policy making and future research and, ultimately, improving patient safety.