Adverse drug reactions related hospitalization identified by discharge ICD-9 codes in a univeristy hospital in Riyadh.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of using International Classification of Disease code (ICD-9) to ascertain the prevalence, seriousness, and preventability of adverse drug reaction (ADRs).

Methods: A retrospective study between the years 1982 and 2005 was conducted at King Khaled University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to examine the ICD-9 codes assigned on discharge to identify ADRs. A list of the ICD-9 codes related to ADRs were identified.