Iatrogenic Disease: An Epidemiologic Perspective

Abstract

Among the most serious problems associated with the increasing number of drugs and procedures used in contemporary medical practice is the identification of therapy-associated diseases. This overview of iatrogenic conditions illustrates some adverse reactions produced by chemical, physical, and infectious agents, with emphasis on reactions that were difficult to detect. The advantages and limitations of several procedures for identifying and quantifying iatrogenic conditions are considered from an epidemiologic perspective.