Rationality and effectiveness of hepatoprotective drugs in clinical practice:a single-center retrospective study based on 732 hospitalized patients

PAN Chen; LIU Xiao-dong; XIE Yong-qi; WU Yi; LIU Ran-jia; WANG Zhen-huan; CUI Xiang-li

doi:10.20251/j.cnki.1003-3734.2026.09.012

Abstract：Objective:To analyze the rationality and effectiveness of hepatoprotective drugs in clinical practice and explore the evidence-based basis for off-label use,as well as the clinical value of prophylactic use and combination therapies.Methods:Clinical data of 732 hospitalized patients treated with hepatoprotective drugs from January 2023 to December 2024 were collected.Rationality was evaluated based on drug labels,domestic and international guidelines,and expert consensus.Effectiveness was assessed by comparing liver function indicators before and after treatment.Results:A total of 732 patients were included.Rational use of hepatoprotective drugs was observed in 592 cases(80.87%),while 140 cases(19.12%)were categorized as irrational use.Rational use was subcategorized into label-compliant use(252 cases,34.43%)and off-label use(340 cases,46.45%).Off-label use cases were further classified as guideline-supported(91 cases,12.43%)and consensus-supported(249 cases,34.02%).Irrational use primarily included non-indicated prescriptions(58 cases,7.92%),prophylactic use(43 cases,5.87%),and redundant combinations(20 cases,2.73%).Significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBIL)levels was observed after treatment(all P<0.001).The effective rate was significantly higher in the label-compliant group than in the inappropriate-use group(72.62%vs 53.57%,P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were found among monotherapy,dual therapy,and triple-or-more therapy groups(62.54%vs 69.31%vs 62.79%,P>0.05).Conclusion:Clinical application of hepatoprotective drugs should strictly adhere to instructions and authoritative guidelines,and avoid non-indicated prescriptions or combination therapy.This study provides a reference for rational clinical medication use and clinical pharmacist interventions.