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Boateng I, Pascual CR, Grassby P, Asghar Z, Ibrahim K. The impact of polypharmacy on health outcomes in the aged: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0317907. [PMID: 39899651 PMCID: PMC11790100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy among community-dwelling adults in the UK and determine its association with mortality, hospitalization, adverse drug reactions and falls at one and five years. To also determine the effect of polypharmacy on the outcomes in different patient groups. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was carried out using 1000 patients aged 75 years and above from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The study periods for the one- and five-years analysis were January 2010-December 2010 and January 2010-December 2014 respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were retrieved using medical and product codes. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of five or more medicines. The association between polypharmacy and mortality, falls, adverse drug reactions, or hospitalization was determined using cox regression analysis while confounding for age, sex, Charlson's comorbidity index, potentially inappropriate medicines, hospitalization prior to study, and falls prior to study. Subgroup analysis was used to determine the effect of polypharmacy on the outcomes for different patient groups. KEY FINDINGS 977 people were reviewed. 36% were male and the mean age was 83 years. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 47%. Adjusted hazard ratios with their 95% confidence intervals for association between polypharmacy and outcomes at five years were: mortality 1.60 (1.30-2.00), hospitalization 1.49 (1.30-1.70), falls 1.49 (0.90-2.40) and adverse drug reactions 0.97 (0.50-1.80). The results for the one-year analysis were mortality 2.37 (1.40-3.90), hospitalization 2.47 (1.40-4.30), and falls 0.37 (0.03-4.00). CONCLUSION Polypharmacy was found to be a risk factor for mortality and hospitalization. The risk increased with an increase in age, potentially inappropriate medicines and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Boateng
- School of Pharmacy, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Grassby
- School of Pharmacy, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Zahid Asghar
- School of Pharmacy, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Kinda Ibrahim
- Academic Geriatric Medicine and National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Schäfer L, Paulitsch M, Hanf M, Dinh TS, Klein AA, Klasing S, Seidling H, Voigt K, van den Akker M. Polypharmacy in Older Patients with Multimorbidity: The Agreement Between Patient and General Practitioner-Reported Drugs Observed in a Pilot cRCT. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1389. [PMID: 39457362 PMCID: PMC11508171 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) increases the risk of discrepancies between patient- and general practitioner (GP)-reported drugs, leading to adverse outcomes. This explorative analysis assesses the agreement between patient- and GP-reported drugs under the influence of a paper-based patient portfolio in a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT). Complete data were available for 68 patients aged 65 or older (26 were female), with multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and at least one hospitalization in the past year. Agreement was assessed for drug name and strength level. Differences between the intervention and control group (IG/CG) and comparisons between two time points (six-month interval) stratified according to gender were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 5%). To evaluate the reasons for discrepancies, the agreement of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) groups was analyzed. At baseline, the agreement was 72.1% for the IG and 73.9% for the CG. Inclusion of the reported drug strength reduced the agreement in both groups (IG 66.7%, CG 60.0%). Agreement for the IG decreased statistically significantly after six months (-5.4%). ATC groups B, C, and H had the highest agreement, while N, R, and Z had the lowest. Large discrepancies in the drugs reported, due to the APIs and the corresponding ATC group, were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Schäfer
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.v.d.A.)
| | - Michael Paulitsch
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.v.d.A.)
| | - Maria Hanf
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.v.d.A.)
| | - Truc Sophia Dinh
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.v.d.A.)
| | - Astrid-Alexandra Klein
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sophia Klasing
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Internal Medicine IX-Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (H.S.)
| | - Hanna Seidling
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Internal Medicine IX-Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (H.S.)
| | - Karen Voigt
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.v.d.A.)
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Ahmadfakhrodin M, Ghalati SY, Mazinani S, HekmatiPour N, Mazalzadeh F, Ghiasi N. Evaluation of the prevalence and influencing factors on poly-pharmacy among elderly patients - A review. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:4159-4164. [PMID: 39629411 PMCID: PMC11610860 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1387_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of adverse effects caused by poly-pharmacy (PHP) in patients, especially in the elderly group, is very important. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors affecting PHP in elderly patients. This study was conducted as a narrative review. Related articles were downloaded using reliable international databases and specialized mesh terms. Finally, the results of 29 articles were extracted based on the authors' names, study location, sample size, and key results. The findings of the study showed that the prevalence of PHP in the elderly was higher after discharge from the hospital than during hospitalization. In addition, the prevalence of PHP in the elderly who lived in care centers was higher than in those who lived at home. Based on the findings, there was a relationship between the source of obtaining information about drugs and the pattern of PHP consumption. The findings of the present study showed that PHP leads to serious complications in the elderly. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that some variables such as age, sex, health level, financial status, place of residence, type of disease, number of simultaneous diseases, hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, level of awareness of the elderly and their caregivers, the care place of elderly, and the number of visits of the elderly to the physician can be effective in the prevalence of PHP. Strategies such as choosing treatment goals for each patient in preventing unnecessary drug use, identifying at-risk groups, and periodically monitoring the benefits and side effects of drugs can be effective in reducing drug complications caused by PHP in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Ahmadfakhrodin
- Department of Pharmacutial, Doctor of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sahar Yousefi Ghalati
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Mazinani
- Student Master of Nursing Professional Studies, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nafiseh HekmatiPour
- Department of Nursing, Aliabad Katoul Branch, Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran
| | - Fakhriyeh Mazalzadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ghiasi
- Department of Health Education and Health Promution, School of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Sarwinska D, Grimm M, Krause J, Schick P, Gollasch M, Mannaa M, Ritter CA, Weitschies W. Investigation of real-life drug intake behaviour in older adults and geriatric patients in Northern Germany - A biopharmaceutical perspective. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 200:106814. [PMID: 38815699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Dosing conditions (type and amount of accompanying fluid, the type of food, the time of administration, and dosage form modifications such as crushing tablets) are critical and affect the performance of oral dosage forms in the gastrointestinal tract and thus bioavailability. Because older adults are the primary users of medications and are more susceptible to adverse effects, it is important to understand how they take their medications in order to reduce risks and increase benefits of the pharmacotherapy. The aim of the study was to investigate the real-life drug intake behaviour in geriatric patients and older adults and discuss their influence on drug absorption after oral administration. The data from two settings home vs. hospital and genders women vs. men were presented. A questionnaire study was performed among people aged at least 65 years from two settings (hospital vs. home), recruited mostly from community pharmacies and a regional hospital in Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania. The obtained data demonstrates that older adults and geriatric patients take their medications in the same way regardless of the setting and gender. There were no significant differences. Interviewed participants were mostly adherent to the doctor's recommendations and mostly took their medications in the same way every day. Medications are most commonly taken with a small (100 mL) or large (200 mL) glass of noncarbonated water, after food (during or after breakfast 64 % of intakes in the morning and during or after dinner 81 % of intakes in the evening). Meal usually consisted of bread, either with jam or honey (breakfast), or ham and cheese (dinner). All reported dosage form modifications were made to tablets. In almost all cases it was splitting the tablet, which was performed due to doctor's indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Sarwinska
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Grimm
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julius Krause
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Philipp Schick
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marwan Mannaa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christoph A Ritter
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Werner Weitschies
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17489 Greifswald, Germany.
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Dietz N, Alkin V, Agarwal N, Bjurström MF, Ugiliweneza B, Wang D, Sharma M, Drazin D, Boakye M. Polypharmacy in spinal cord injury: Matched cohort analysis comparing drug classes, medical complications, and healthcare utilization metrics with 24-month follow-up. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39037335 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2375892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polypharmacy in spinal cord injury (SCI) is common and predisposes patients to increased risk of adverse events. Evaluation of long-term health consequences and economic burden of polypharmacy in patients with SCI is explored. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. METHODS The IBM Marketscan Research Databases claims-based dataset was queried to search for adult patients with SCI with a 2-year follow-up. PARTICIPANTS Two matched cohorts were analyzed: those with and without polypharmacy, analyzing index hospitalization, readmissions, payments, and health outcomes. RESULTS A total of 11 569 individuals with SCI were included, of which 7235 (63%) were in the polypharmacy group who took a median of 11 separate drugs over two years. Opioid analgesics were the most common medication, present in 57% of patients with SCI meeting the criteria of polypharmacy, followed by antidepressant medications (46%) and muscle relaxants (40%). Risk of pneumonia was increased for the polypharmacy group (58%) compared to the non-polypharmacy group (45%), as were urinary tract infection (79% versus 63%), wound infection (30% versus 21%), depression (76% versus 57%), and adverse drug events (24% versus 15%) at 2 years. Combined median healthcare payments were higher in polypharmacy at 2 years ($44 333 vs. $10 937, P < .0001). CONCLUSION Majority of individuals with SCI met the criteria for polypharmacy with nearly 60% of those prescribed opioids and taking drugs from high-risk side effect profiles. Polypharmacy in SCI was associated with a greater risk of pneumonia, depression, urinary tract infections, adverse drug events, and emergency room visits over two years with four times higher overall healthcare payments at 1-year post-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dietz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Victoria Alkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nitin Agarwal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Dengzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mayur Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Doniel Drazin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, Washington, USA
| | - Maxwell Boakye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Kim JH, Song JH, Kim M, Hong JH, Sunwoo J, Jung JG. Pharmacokinetic Comparison of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Candesartan Cilexetil/Amlodipine/Atorvastatin Versus Co-administration of Individual Formulations in Healthy Participants. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2808-2825. [PMID: 38771476 PMCID: PMC11213815 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins are conventional therapeutic interventions prescribed for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed at drawing a comparison between the pharmacokinetics and safety of an FDC and the corresponding individual formulations in healthy subjects. METHODS A randomized, open-label, single-dose, three-sequence, three-period, partially repeated crossover study was conducted with a cohort of healthy volunteers. A 14-day washout period was maintained between each of the three periods. In this study, candesartan cilexetil, amlodipine, and atorvastatin was administered orally as FDCs of 16/10/40 mg in study 1 and 16/5/20 mg in study 2. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) of candesartan, amlodipine, and atorvastatin were estimated as the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the FDC to individual formulations. If the within-subject coefficient of variation (CVwr) of Cmax was greater than 0.3, the bioequivalence (BE) range calculated using the reference-scaled average bioequivalence was used to assess whether the 90% CI was within the BE range. RESULTS The GMRs (90% CIs) for the AUClast for candesartan and amlodipine were 0.9612 (0.9158-1.0089)/0.9965 (0.9550-1.0397) and 1.0033 (0.9800-1.0271)/1.0067 (0.9798-1.0344), and the GMRs (90% CIs) for Cmax were 0.9600 (0.8953-1.0294)/0.9851 (0.9368-1.0359) and 1.0198 (0.9950-1.0453)/1.0003 (0.9694-1.0321) in studies 1 and 2, respectively. The extended BE ranges calculated from the CVwr of the Cmax of atorvastatin were 0.7814-1.2797 and 0.7415-1.3485, respectively. The GMRs (90% CIs) for the AUClast of atorvastatin were 1.0532 (1.0082-1.1003)/1.0252 (0.9841-1.0680), and the GMRs (90% CIs) for Cmax were 1.0630 (0.9418-1.1997)/0.9888 (0.8792-1.1120) in studies 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION The Cmax and AUClast values of candesartan cilexetil/amlodipine/atorvastatin 16/10/40 mg and 16/5/20 mg, respectively, were within the BE ranges. There were no clinically significant differences in safety between the two formulations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, study 1: NCT04478097; study 2: NCT04627207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hoon Kim
- Clinical Trials Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Song
- Clinical Trials Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - MinYoung Kim
- Pharmaceutical Research and Technology Development Center, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Hee Hong
- Clinical Trials Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Sunwoo
- Clinical Trials Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin-Gyu Jung
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Al Ramahi R, Tumeh D. The prevalence and severity of upper gastrointestinal complications among patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study from Palestine. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:175. [PMID: 38773426 PMCID: PMC11106898 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03267-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many old people have at least one chronic disease. As a result, multiple drugs should be used. Gastrointestinal complications may occur because of the harmful effects of these chronic drugs on the stomach. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal complications in patients taking chronic medications, the severity of these symptoms, and whether they take any gastro-protective drugs or not. METHODOLOGY This was a cross-sectional study through face-to-face questionnaires from internal outpatient clinics at a specialized hospital. Patients with chronic diseases who were taking at least one chronic medication were included in the study. Data Collection Form was used to gather information. The Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) was used to evaluate the severity of the upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. RESULTS A total of 400 patients with chronic diseases and using multiple medications were included. Among them, 53.8% were females and 56% were married, 58.5% were unemployed, 70% were not smokers, the mean age was 54.7 ± 17.5 years. The most common comorbid diseases among the patients were diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, with percentages of 44.3%, 38%, and 27.3%, respectively. The mean number of chronic medications used was 3.36 ± 1.6 with a range of 1 to 9. The most commonly used was aspirin with a percentage of 50%, followed by atorvastatin, bisoprolol, and insulin with percentages of 29.5%, 25%, and 20.3%, respectively. Among the 400 participants, 362 (90.5%) suffered from upper gastrointestinal side effects like indigestion (65.8%), heartburn (78.3%), nausea (48.8%), and regurgitation (52.0%). Based on SF-LDQ scoring, of the 400 respondents, 235(58.8%), 109(27.3%) and 18(4.5%) suffered from mild, moderate and severe dyspepsia, respectively. A high percentage 325 (81.3%) of participants were prescribed gastro-protective medications. Proton pump inhibitors were the most prescribed group in 209 (52.3%) patients. Dyspepsia was significantly associated with older age (p-value = 0.001), being educated (p-value = 0.031), not being single (p-value < 0.001), having health insurance (p-value = 0.021), being a smoker (p-value = 0.003), and using ≥ 5 medications (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION Upper gastrointestinal complications among patients with chronic diseases were very common. Fortunately, the symptoms were mild in most cases. The risk increased with age and using a higher number of medications. It is important to review patients' medications and avoid overuse of them, in addition to use gastro-protective agents when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowa Al Ramahi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O.Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Deema Tumeh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O.Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
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Cohen EB, Patwardhan M, Raheja R, Alpers DH, Andrade RJ, Avigan MI, Lewis JH, Rockey DC, Chui F, Iacob AM, Linardi CC, Regev A, Shick J, Lucena MI. Drug-Induced Liver Injury in the Elderly: Consensus Statements and Recommendations from the IQ-DILI Initiative. Drug Saf 2024; 47:301-319. [PMID: 38217833 PMCID: PMC10954848 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The elderly demographic is the fastest-growing segment of the world's population and is projected to exceed 1.5 billion people by 2050. With multimorbidity, polypharmacy, susceptibility to drug-drug interactions, and frailty as distinct risk factors, elderly patients are especially vulnerable to developing potentially life-threatening safety events such as serious forms of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). It has been a longstanding shortcoming that elderly individuals are often a vulnerable population underrepresented in clinical trials. As such, an improved understanding of DILI in the elderly is a high-priority, unmet need. This challenge is underscored by recent documents put forward by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) that encourage data collection in the elderly and recommend improved practices that will facilitate a more inclusive approach. To establish what is already known about DILI in the elderly and pinpoint key gaps of knowledge in this arena, a working definition of "elderly" is required that accounts for both chronologic and biologic ages and varying states of frailty. In addition, it is critical to characterize the biological role of aging on liver function, as well as the different epidemiological factors such as polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing that are common practices. While data may not show that elderly people are more susceptible to DILI, DILI due to specific drugs might be more common in this population. Improved characterization of DILI in the elderly may enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities and improve the way in which liver safety is monitored during clinical trials. This summary of the published literature provides a framework to understand and evaluate the risk of DILI in the elderly. Consensus statements and recommendations can help to optimize medical care and catalyze collaborations between academic clinicians, drug manufacturers, and regulatory scientists to enable the generation of high-quality research data relevant to the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Cohen
- Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Meenal Patwardhan
- Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ritu Raheja
- Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David H Alpers
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Raul J Andrade
- Department of Medicine, IBIMA_Plataforma Bionand, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Mark I Avigan
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - James H Lewis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Francis Chui
- Pharmacovigilance, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Alexandru M Iacob
- Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Camila C Linardi
- Translational Medicine, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals LLC, Whippany, NJ, USA
| | - Arie Regev
- Global Patient Safety, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jesse Shick
- Pharmacovigilance, Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | - M Isabel Lucena
- Department of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, IBIMA_Plataforma Bionand, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
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Mohd Safien A, Ibrahim N, Subramaniam P, Singh DKA, Mat Ludin AF, Chin AV, Shahar S. Prevalence of depression and clinical depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:225-233. [PMID: 38199952 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM The present study determines the prevalence of depression and the extent of clinical depression symptoms among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty and its associated factors. METHODS A total of 755 older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited. Their cognitive performance was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Fried's criteria was applied to identify physical frailty, and the Beck Depression Inventory assessed their mental states. RESULTS A total of 39.2% (n = 304) of the participants were classified as cognitive frail. In this cognitive frail subpopulation, 8.6% (n = 26) had clinical depressive symptoms, which were mostly somatic such as disturbance in sleep pattern, work difficulty, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Older adults with cognitive frailty also showed significantly higher depression levels as compared with the noncognitive frail participants (t (622.06) = -3.38; P = 0.001). There are significant associations between depression among older adults with cognitive frailty and multimorbidity (P = 0.009), polypharmacy (P = 0.009), vision problems (P = 0.046), and hearing problems (P = 0.047). The likelihood of older adults with cognitive frailty who experience impairments to their vision and hearing, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity to be depressed also increased by 2, 3, 5, and 7-fold. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the Malaysian community-dwelling older adults were in a good mental state. However, older adults with cognitive frailty are more susceptible to depression due to impairments to their hearing and vision, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. As common clinical depressive symptoms among older adults with cognitive frailty are mostly somatic, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize these and not to disregard them as only physical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 225-233.
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Affiliation(s)
- A'isyah Mohd Safien
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Health Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Ibrahim
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Health Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ponnusamy Subramaniam
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Health Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ai-Vyrn Chin
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Svensson M, Ekström H, Elmståhl S, Rosso A. Association of polypharmacy with occurrence of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 116:105158. [PMID: 37597375 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is increasing. The longitudinal association of polypharmacy and social isolation has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to explore longitudinal associations of polypharmacy with loneliness and social isolation among older adults. METHODS Participants aged 60 years and above in southern Sweden were invited for participation. A total of 1526 and 2556 participants were included in the separate analyses for loneliness and social isolation. Polypharmacy was defined as taking five or more medications. Associations of polypharmacy with occurrence of loneliness and social isolation were estimated using logistic regression models. RESULTS During follow-up, 409 and 414 participants developed loneliness and social isolation, respectively. The odds for loneliness occurrence were higher for participants with polypharmacy compared to participants without polypharmacy (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.78; P = 0.020). For participants without polypharmacy, the probability of developing loneliness was 0.28 (95% CI, 0.25-0.31), while for those with polypharmacy this probability was 25% higher (0.35; 95% CI, 0.30-0.39). The odds for social isolation occurrence were higher for participants with polypharmacy compared to participants without polypharmacy (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64; P = 0.036). For participants without polypharmacy, the probability of developing social isolation was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.14-0.18), while for those with polypharmacy this probability was 18% higher (0.19; 95% CI, 0.17-0.22). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy was associated with loneliness and social isolation occurrence among older adults. Consideration of loneliness and social isolation are warranted when caring for older adults taking multiple medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Svensson
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö 205 02, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö 205 02, Sweden
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö 205 02, Sweden
| | - Aldana Rosso
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö 205 02, Sweden
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11
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Barghouth MH, Schaeffner E, Ebert N, Bothe T, Schneider A, Mielke N. Polypharmacy and the Change of Self-Rated Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4159. [PMID: 36901180 PMCID: PMC10002126 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polypharmacy is associated with poorer self-rated health (SRH). However, whether polypharmacy has an impact on the SRH progression is unknown. This study investigates the association of polypharmacy with SRH change in 1428 participants of the Berlin Initiative Study aged 70 years and older over four years. Polypharmacy was defined as the intake of ≥5 medications. Descriptive statistics of SRH-change categories stratified by polypharmacy status were reported. The association of polypharmacy with being in SRH change categories was assessed using multinomial regression analysis. At baseline, mean age was 79.1 (6.1) years, 54.0% were females, and prevalence of polypharmacy was 47.1%. Participants with polypharmacy were older and had more comorbidities compared to those without polypharmacy. Over four years, five SRH-change categories were identified. After covariate adjustment, individuals with polypharmacy had higher odds of being in the stable moderate category (OR 3.55; 95% CI [2.43-5.20]), stable low category (OR 3.32; 95% CI [1.65-6.70]), decline category (OR 1.87; 95% CI [1.34-2.62]), and improvement category (OR 2.01; [1.33-3.05]) compared to being in the stable high category independent of the number of comorbidities. Reducing polypharmacy could be an impactful strategy to foster favorable SRH progression in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Helmi Barghouth
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Schaeffner
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Ebert
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Bothe
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Schneider
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Univer-sität zu Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Mielke
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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12
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Ebrahimoghli R, Janati A, Gharaee H, Aghaei MH. Polypharmacy Pattern in Iran: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Large Prescription Database. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e131304. [PMID: 36915408 PMCID: PMC10007994 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-131304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Polypharmacy is a significant patient safety concern. Objectives This study aims to estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy, its continuity and associated factors, and common medication classes among a large outpatient population in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Methods A retrospective prescription data analysis was performed. The cohort included all ≥ 20 years old subjects with at least one prescription filled during the main three-month study period (2020 March 1 - 2020 May 31). Polypharmacy was defined as being exposed to more than four different medications during the main study period, and continuous polypharmacy was defined as being exposed to more than four medications during both the main study period and follow-up period (2020 October 1 - 2020 December 31). The frequency and prevalence of polypharmacy, along with predictive factors, were estimated. We performed multivariate logistic regression and estimated odds ratios (ORs) to investigate the risk factors for polypharmacy. Results 307,820 patients included (mean age 49.8 years, 62.9% female, mean drug use 3.7 (SD = 2.6). Polypharmacy was observed in 28.3% (CI: 28.1 - 28.4), of which 36.6% experienced continuous polypharmacy. The odds of being exposed to polypharmacy increased with being female, increasing age, and exposure to chronic conditions. The groups of medications most utilized by polypharmacy patients were those indicated for gastro-esophageal reflux diseases, beta-blocking agents, antidepressants, blood glucose-lowering drugs, and antithrombotic agents. Conclusions Strategies should be formulated to inform healthcare policymakers and providers about the magnitude of the polypharmacy phenomenon, associated factors, and the common medication classes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ebrahimoghli
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Education, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ali Janati
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hojatolah Gharaee
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mir Hossein Aghaei
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Education, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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13
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Tang Q, Lu J, Wu W, Liu Z, Zhao S, Li C, Chen G, Lu J. Risk prediction model of polypharmacy for community-dwelling elderly patients: An assessment tool for early detection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:977492. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.977492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Polypharmacy has become a major and growing public health issue, with significant implications for health outcomes and expenditure on healthcare resources. In this study, a risk prediction model of polypharmacy represented by a nomogram for community-dwelling elderly patients based on the Chinese population was constructed.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, China. The variables data affecting polypharmacy were fetched from the information system database of health government departments in Shanghai. The Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select the predictor variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the prediction model. A visual tool of the nomogram was established for predicting the risk of polypharmacy in the elderly population. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to estimate the performance of the model.Results: A total of 80,012 elderly patients were included in this study. Eight variables, containing age, residential area, preferred medical institutions, number of visits to tertiary hospitals, number of visits to secondary hospitals, number of visits to community health centers, number of diagnoses, and main types of disease, were included in the risk prediction model of nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.782 in both sets, demonstrating that the model has a good discriminant ability. The calibration chart shows that the prediction model fits well with the validation set. DCA results displayed that the threshold probabilities of the two sets in the prediction model reached up to 90%, implying that the model had a preferable application value.Conclusion: This study explored the risk factors for polypharmacy among the elderly in Shanghai, China, and applied the nomogram to establish a predictive model via eight variables, which provided an effective tool for early screening and timely prevention of polypharmacy. Family physicians or pharmacists could scientifically use the tool to closely observe community-dwelling elderly patients, decreasing the adverse health effects caused by medication for the elderly.
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Woroń J, Chrobak AA, Ślęzak D, Siwek M. Unprescribed and unnoticed: Retrospective chart review of adverse events of interactions between antidepressants and over-the-counter drugs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965432. [PMID: 36133817 PMCID: PMC9483551 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To systematically evaluate prevalence and clinical characteristics of adverse effects of antidepressants and OTC drugs interactions in a retrospective chart review. Methodology: Dataset of 1,145 registered adverse events were evaluated. Reports were selected for further analysis if pharmacoepidemiological avaluation indicated the presence of high probability of a causal relationship between antidepressants and OTC interaction and the occurrence of side effect. Following variables were extracted from the records: sex, age, medical comorbidities, antidepressant and other concomitant medications, clinical consequences ant the possible interaction mechanisms. Results: 368 showed causal relationship with the simultaneous use of antidepressant with another drug. 15 adverse events (4%) were related to the use of OTC medicine, particularly omeprazole, diphenhydramine, Japanese ginkgo biloba, ibuprofen, diclofenac and sildenafil. All of the analysed side effects were categorized as the result of pharmacokinetic interactions. Here we report identified OTC drugs with corresponding antidepressants and clinical manifestations of DDI. Omeprazole: agomelatine (nausea, abnormal dreams), fluoxetine (extrapyramidal symptoms, paresthesias), sertraline (vertigo, yawning), escitalopram (oral vesiculation). Diphenhydramine: sertraline (diaphoresis, insomnia, vertigo), paroxetine (pruritus, headache), duloxetine (oropharyngeal pain). Japanese ginkgo biloba: citalopram (bradycardia), trazodone (vertigo, taste pervesion), mianserine (restless legs syndrome). Diclofenac: escitalopram (oral vesiculation), and fluoxetine (restless legs syndrome). Ibuprofen: agomelatine (anxiety and nausea), sertraline and omeprazole (QTc prolongation). Sildenafil: fluoxetine (genital oedema) and sertraline (myocardial infarction). Conclusion: The use of OTC drugs by the patients should be monitored. Pharmacokinetic interactions between nonprescribed medicines and antidepressants may increase concentration and severity of side effects of latter ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Woroń
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care No. 1, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Hospital in Cracow, Kraków, Poland.,University Center for Monitoring and Research on Adverse Drug Effects in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adrian Andrzej Chrobak
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Chair of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Daniel Ślęzak
- Division of Medical Rescue, Faculty of Health Sciences with the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marcin Siwek
- Department of Affective Disorders, Chair of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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15
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Wiersema C, Oude Voshaar RC, van den Brink RHS, Wouters H, Verhaak P, Comijs HC, Jeuring HW. Determinants and consequences of polypharmacy in patients with a depressive disorder in later life. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 146:85-97. [PMID: 35435249 PMCID: PMC9321061 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polypharmacy and late-life depression often congregate in the geriatric population. The primary objective is to identify determinants of polypharmacy in patients with depression, and second to examine polypharmacy in relation to various clinical phenotypes of depression and its course. METHODS A longitudinal observational study using data of the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older persons (NESDO) including 375 patients with depression ≥ 60 years and 132 non-depressed comparisons. Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze both polypharmacy (dichotomous: ≥5 medications) and number of prescribed drugs (continuous) in relation to depression, various clinical phenotypes, and depression course. RESULTS Polypharmacy was more prevalent among patients with depression (46.9%) versus non-depressed comparisons (19.7%). A lower level of education, lower cognitive functioning, and more chronic diseases were independently associated with polypharmacy. Adjusted for these determinants, polypharmacy was associated with a higher level of motivational problems, anxiety, pain, and an earlier age of onset. A higher number of drugs was associated with a worse course of late-life depression (OR = 1.24 [95% CI: 1.03-1.49], p = 0.022). CONCLUSION Older patients with depression have a huge risk of polypharmacy, in particular among those with an early onset depression. As an independent risk factor for chronic depression, polypharmacy needs to be identified and managed appropriately. Findings suggest that depression moderates polypharmacy through shared risk factors, including motivational problems, anxiety, and pain. The complex interaction with somatic health burden requires physicians to prescribe medications with care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlijn Wiersema
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Richard C. Oude Voshaar
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Rob H. S. van den Brink
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Hans Wouters
- Department of General PracticeUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter Verhaak
- Department of General PracticeUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Research Department, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hannie C. Comijs
- Department Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Hans W. Jeuring
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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16
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Goldsmith R, Dichtiar R, Shimony T, Nitsan L, Axelrod R, Laxer-Asael I, Rasooly I, Sinai T, Berry EM. Comparisons in polypharmacy over a decade in community-dwelling older adults-findings from Israel national health and nutrition surveys. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:502. [PMID: 35698037 PMCID: PMC9190091 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Polypharmacy increases with age and is associated with serious health and economic costs. This study reports changes over a decade in medication-use patterns and polypharmacy, in Israeli community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods Demographic and health data from two representative national health cross-sectional surveys – MABAT ZAHAV 1 (MZ1) in 2005–2006, and MZ2 in 2014–2015 were analyzed. Polypharmacy was defined as use of ≥ 5 medications. Risk factors for polypharmacy were estimated by multivariable logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Self-reported data on medications taken were available for 1647 participants (91.5%) in MZ1, and for 833 participants (80.2%) in MZ2, 55% women, and about 20% aged ≥ 80, in both surveys. The prevalence of polypharmacy was significantly lower in MZ2 than in MZ1: 64.2% versus 56.3%, p = .0001; with an aOR (95%CI) of 0.64 (0.52, 0.80). The most commonly taken drugs were for hypertension (27.0%, 25.3%), dyslipidemia (9.7%, 12.4%) and anticoagulation (9.2%, 9.8%). For approximately 10% of drugs, indications were either unknown or incorrect. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with poor self-health assessment 2.47 (1.99, 3.06), ≥ 4 versus 1–3 chronic illnesses 6.36 (3.85, 10.50), and age ≥ 80 versus younger 1.72 (1.32, 2.24). Similar associations were observed with major polypharmacy of ≥ 8 medications. Conclusion Polypharmacy, although reduced in the last decade, requires constant attention, especially concerning lack of knowledge of indications which leads to poor adherence and adverse side effects. Health-care teams should carry out regular medicine reconciliation in at-risk elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Goldsmith
- Braun School of Public Health, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rita Dichtiar
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, 5262100, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tal Shimony
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, 5262100, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Lesley Nitsan
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, 5262100, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rachel Axelrod
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, 5262100, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Irit Laxer-Asael
- Geriatric Division, Israel Ministry of Health, 39 Yirmiyahu St, 9101002, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iris Rasooly
- Geriatric Division, Israel Ministry of Health, 39 Yirmiyahu St, 9101002, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tali Sinai
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, 5262100, Ramat Gan, Israel.,School of Nutritional Sciences, The Robert H. Smith, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elliot M Berry
- Braun School of Public Health, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel. .,Geriatric Division, Israel Ministry of Health, 39 Yirmiyahu St, 9101002, Jerusalem, Israel.
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de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino C, Chocano-Bedoya PO, Sadlon A, Theiler R, Orav JE, Vellas B, Rizzoli R, Kressig RW, Kanis JA, Guyonnet S, Lang W, Egli A, Bischoff-Ferrari HA. Prevalence of polypharmacy in community-dwelling older adults from seven centres in five European countries: a cross-sectional study of DO-HEALTH. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051881. [PMID: 35487733 PMCID: PMC9058693 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and characteristics associated with polypharmacy in older adults from seven European cities. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of baseline data from DO-HEALTH. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS DO-HEALTH enrolled 2157 community-dwelling adults age 70 and older from seven centres in Europe. Participants were excluded if they had major health problems or Mini-Mental State Examination Score <24 at baseline. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Extensive information on prescription and over-the-counter medications were recorded. Polypharmacy was defined as the concomitant use of five or more medications, excluding vitamins or dietary supplements. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of sociodemographic factors (age, sex, years of education, living situation and city) and health-related indicators (number of comorbidities, cognitive function, frailty status, body mass index (BMI), prior fall, self-rated health and smoking status) with polypharmacy. RESULTS 27.2% of participants reported polypharmacy ranging from 16.4% in Geneva to 60.8% in Coimbra. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, older age (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.10), greater BMI (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.12) and increased number of comorbidities (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.92 to 2.36) were associated with polypharmacy. Women were less likely to report polypharmacy than men (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.84). In comparison to participants from Zurich, participants from Coimbra were more likely to report polypharmacy (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.56 to 3.55), while participants from Geneva or Toulouse were less likely to report polypharmacy ((OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.59 and OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.96), respectively). Living situation, smoking status, years of education, prior fall, cognitive function, self-rated health and frailty status were not significantly associated with polypharmacy. CONCLUSION Polypharmacy is common among relatively healthy older adults, with moderate variability across seven European cities. Independent of several confounders, being a woman, older age, greater BMI and greater number of comorbidities were associated with increased odds for polypharmacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01745263.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia O Chocano-Bedoya
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Population Health Lab, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Angélique Sadlon
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Theiler
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John E Orav
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno Vellas
- Gérontopôle de Toulouse, Institut du Vieillissement, Center Hospitalo-Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- UMR INSERM 1027, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Rene Rizzoli
- Division of Bone Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Reto W Kressig
- University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John A Kanis
- Centre for Metabolic Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Guyonnet
- Gérontopôle, Department of Geriatrics, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cerpop Inserm UMR 1295, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Wei Lang
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Egli
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heike A Bischoff-Ferrari
- Centre on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich City Hospital-Waid, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aging Medicine and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Clinic for Aging Medicine, City Hospital Zurich, Waid, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Scherf-Clavel O. Drug-Drug Interactions With Over-The-Counter Medicines: Mind the Unprescribed. Ther Drug Monit 2022; 44:253-274. [PMID: 34469416 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review provides a summary of the currently available clinical data on drug-drug interactions (DDIs) involving over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. It aims to educate and increase awareness among health care providers and to support decisions in daily practice. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed using bibliographic databases available through PubMed.gov. An initial structured search was performed using the keywords "drug-drug-interaction AND (over-the-counter OR OTC)," without further restrictions except for the language. The initial results were screened for all described DDIs involving OTC drugs, and further information was gathered specifically on these drugs using dedicated database searches and references found in the bibliography from the initial hits. RESULTS From more than 1200 initial hits (1972-June 2021), 408 relevant publications were screened for DDIs involving OTC drugs, leading to 2 major findings: first, certain types of drug regimens are more prone to DDIs or have more serious DDI-related consequences, such as antiretroviral, anti-infective, and oral anticancer therapies. Second, although most DDIs involve OTC drugs as the perpetrators, some prescription drugs (statins or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors) that currently have OTC status can be identified as the victims in DDIs. The following groups were identified to be frequently involved in DDIs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, food supplements, antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, H2 antihistamines, laxatives, antidiarrheal drugs, and herbal drugs. CONCLUSIONS The most significant finding was the lack of high-quality evidence for commonly acknowledged interactions. High-quality interaction studies involving different phenotypes in drug metabolism (cytochrome P450) and distribution (transporters) are urgently needed. This should include modern and critical drugs, such as oral anticancer medications and direct oral anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Scherf-Clavel
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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19
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PESEN E, DEMİRCAN C, SIĞIRLI D. Medication Errors and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Elderly Patients Admitted to the General Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital. TURKISH JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.46310/tjim.1073795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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20
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Mesonero F, Fernández C, Sánchez-Rodríguez E, García-García Paredes A, Senosiain C, Albillos A, López-Sanromán A. Polypharmacy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Outcomes in a Single-center Series. J Clin Gastroenterol 2022; 56:e189-e195. [PMID: 34864790 PMCID: PMC8843391 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy can complicate the course and management of chronic diseases, and has been little explored in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to date. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy in a series of IBD patients, describing associated factors and its correlation with poor disease outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study of a single-center series. Polypharmacy was defined as the simultaneous use of 5 or more drugs. Disease outcomes, IBD treatment nonadherence and undertreatment were evaluated at 1 year. RESULTS A total of 407 patients were included [56% males, median age: 48 y (interquartile range, 18 to 92 y)], of whom 60.2% had Crohn's disease; Chronic comorbidity and multiple comorbidities were present in 54% and 27% of patients, respectively. Median number of prescriptions per patient was 3 (range: 0 to 15). Polypharmacy was identified in 18.4% of cases, inappropriate medication in 10.5% and use of high-risk drugs in 6.1% (mainly opioids). In multivariate analysis, polypharmacy was associated with chronic comorbidity [odds ratio (OR)=10.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.14-47.56; P˂0.003], multiple comorbidities (OR=3.53, 95% CI: 1.46-8.51; P=0.005) and age above 62 years (OR=3.54, 95% CI: 1.67-7.51; P=0.001). No association with poor disease outcomes was found at 12 months. However, polypharmacy was the only factor associated with IBD treatment nonadherence (OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.13-4.54, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy occurs in around 1 in 5 patients with IBD, mainly in older adults and those with comorbidity. This situation could interfere with adherence to IBD treatment and therapeutic success.
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21
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Aljawadi MH, Khoja AT, Alaboud NM, AlEnazi ME, Al-Shammari SA, Khoja TA, AlMuqbil MS, Alsheikh AM, Alwhaibi M. Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Factors Associated with it among Saudi Older Adults – Results from the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH). Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:230-236. [PMID: 35498218 PMCID: PMC9051952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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22
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Dagnew SB, Tadesse TY, Zeleke MM, Yiblet TG, Addis GT, Mekonnen GB, Agegnew Wondm S, Negash EA. Drug–drug interactions among hospitalized elderly in patients at medical wards of Northwest Ethiopia’s Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals: A multicenter observational study. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221135874. [PMID: 36385798 PMCID: PMC9647268 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221135874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Drug–drug interactions are of major concern due to links to untoward drug
effects, hospitalizations, and serious health impacts. Elderly patients are
more predisposed to drug interactions than younger patients. The present
study aimed to find out the prevalence of drug–drug interactions at North
West Ethiopian compressive specialized hospitals’ Internal Medicine
wards. Methods: From 30 April to 30 July 2021 GC, a multicenter prospective observational
study was conducted at north Ethiopian specialized hospitals. Data was
collected by using a structured questionnaire adapted from different
literature and medical records at the North West Ethiopian Comprehensive
Specialized Hospitals’ Internal Medicine wards during the study period.
Thereafter checked the completeness of the collected data was checked
drug–drug interactions by using Medscape. Epi data version 4.6.2 software
was used as data clearance and STATA version 14.1 was used for further data
analysis. Result: A total of 389 subjects participated in the study of which more than half
(55.53%) of them were female with a mean (SD) age of 68.9 ± 7.46 years. A
total of 641 drug–drug interactions were detected in this investigation of
which, 225(35.1%) were major, 299(46.6%) were significant interactions, and
117(18.3%) were minor interactions. Hospital stay (AOR = 5.95 CI:
3.49–10.12), retire (AOR = 6.71 CI: 1.26–35.78), 5–9 drugs (AOR = 5.30 CI:
2.91–9.67) and more than 10 drugs (AOR = 8.03 CI: 2.47–26.07) were important
risk factors for drug–drug interactions. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that drug–drug interactions were high
among hospitalized elderly patients. The presence of polypharmacy, to be
retired, and hospital stayed were all found to be strongly linked with
drug–drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Berihun Dagnew
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Yimer Tadesse
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Molla Zeleke
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfagegn Gobezie Yiblet
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Tesfaw Addis
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Binega Mekonnen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Agegnew Wondm
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Erkihun Assefa Negash
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
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23
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Al Shidhani A, Al Salmani A, Al Saidi Y, Al Shehhi M, Al Khanjari H, Al Aamri M, Al Hadabi F. Polypharmacy and Medication Compliance among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study. ARCHIVES OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/zimw7hb8od] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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24
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Mahlknecht A, Wiedermann CJ, Sandri M, Engl A, Valentini M, Vögele A, Schmid S, Deflorian F, Montalbano C, Koper D, Bellmann R, Sönnichsen A, Piccoliori G. Expert-based medication reviews to reduce polypharmacy in older patients in primary care: a northern-Italian cluster-randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:659. [PMID: 34814835 PMCID: PMC8609829 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding clinically relevant effects of interventions aiming at reducing polypharmacy is weak, especially for the primary care setting. This study was initiated with the objective to achieve clinical benefits for older patients (aged 75+) by means of evidence-based reduction of polypharmacy (defined as ≥8 prescribed drugs) and inappropriate prescribing in general practice. METHODS The cluster-randomised controlled trial involved general practitioners and patients in a northern-Italian region. The intervention consisted of a review of patient's medication regimens by three experts who gave specific recommendations for drug discontinuation. Main outcome measures were non-elective hospital admissions or death within 24 months (composite primary endpoint). Secondary outcomes were drug numbers, hospital admissions, mortality, falls, fractures, quality of life, affective status, cognitive function. RESULTS Twenty-two GPs/307 patients participated in the intervention group, 21 GPs/272 patients in the control group. One hundred twenty-five patients (40.7%) experienced the primary outcome in the intervention group, 87 patients (32.0%) in the control group. The adjusted rates of occurrence of the primary outcome did not differ significantly between the study groups (intention-to-treat analysis: adjusted odds ratio 1.46, 95%CI 0.99-2.18, p = 0.06; per-protocol analysis: adjusted OR 1.33, 95%CI 0.87-2.04, p = 0.2). Hospitalisations as single endpoint occurred more frequently in the intervention group according to the unadjusted analysis (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.03-2.51, p = 0.04) but not in the adjusted analysis (OR 1.39, 95%CI 0.95-2.03, p = 0.09). Falls occurred less frequently in the intervention group (adjusted OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.31-0.98; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found regarding the other outcomes. Definitive discontinuation was obtained for 67 (16.0%) of 419 drugs rated as inappropriate. About 6% of the prescribed drugs were PIMs. CONCLUSIONS No conclusive effects were found regarding mortality and non-elective hospitalisations as composite respectively single endpoints. Falls were significantly reduced in the intervention group, although definitive discontinuation was achieved for only one out of six inappropriate drugs. These results indicate that (1) even a modest reduction of inappropriate medications may entail positive clinical effects, and that (2) focusing on evidence-based new drug prescriptions and prevention of polypharmacy may be more effective than deprescribing. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials (ID ISRCTN: 38449870), date: 11/09/2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Mahlknecht
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Care Professions, Lorenz Böhler- Street 13, 39100, Bolzano, Italy. .,Institute of General Practice, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Christian J Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Care Professions, Lorenz Böhler- Street 13, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.,UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology - Tyrol, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Marco Sandri
- Big & Open Data Innovation Laboratory (BODaI-Lab), University of Brescia, Via S. Faustino 74/B, 25122, Brescia, Italy
| | - Adolf Engl
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Care Professions, Lorenz Böhler- Street 13, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martina Valentini
- South Tyrolean Academy of General Practice, Wangergasse 18, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Vögele
- South Tyrolean Academy of General Practice, Wangergasse 18, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Sara Schmid
- South Tyrolean Academy of General Practice, Wangergasse 18, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Felix Deflorian
- South Tyrolean Academy of General Practice, Wangergasse 18, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Carmelo Montalbano
- Genomedics S.r.L. Health Care Consultants, Via Sestese 61, 50141, Florence, Italy
| | - Dara Koper
- Salzburger Gesundheitsfonds, Sebastian Stief-Gasse 2, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Unit, Division of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Anich- Street 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Sönnichsen
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/I, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Care Professions, Lorenz Böhler- Street 13, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
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Manias E, Kabir MZ, Maier AB. Inappropriate medications and physical function: a systematic review. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211030371. [PMID: 34349978 PMCID: PMC8287273 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Inappropriate medication prescription is highly prevalent in older adults and is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between potentially inappropriate medications (PIMS) and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments. Methods: A systematic search was completed using the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and COCHRANE. Results were extracted from the included studies. Results: In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants with a mean age of 77.1 years (63.5% women). Study designs comprised 26 retrospective cohort studies, 21 prospective cohort studies and 8 cross-sectional studies. Inappropriate medications in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), impaired activities of daily living (ADL; 8 out of 10 studies) and impaired instrumental ADL (IADL) score (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that PIMs were associated with poorer physical performance comprising the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many medication classes were implicated as PIMs in falls, fractures and impairment in physical performance including antipsychotic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, opioid and antihypertensive medications. For patients not receiving musculoskeletal medications, such as calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates, older adults were found to be at risk of a hospital admission for a fall or fracture. Conclusion: Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with impaired physical function across longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in older adults situated in diverse settings. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions. Plain language summary Inappropriate medications and physical function Background and aims: The use of inappropriate medications is very common in older adults and is associated with harmful health problems. The aim was to examine associations between potentially inappropriate medications and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments. Methods: Library databases were examined for possible studies to include and a systematic search was completed. Relevant information was obtained from the included studies. Results: In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants who were an average age of 77.1 years and about 6 out of 10 were women. A variety of different study designs were used. Inappropriate medication prescriptions in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), problems with activities of daily living (ADL), such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, walking and toileting (8 out of 10 studies) and problems with instrumental ADL such as managing medications, house cleaning and shopping (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that inappropriate medications were associated with poorer physical performance involving the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many types of medication classes were shown to be associated with a risk of falls, fractures and problems with physical performance. Omitted medications were also associated with falls and fractures. Conclusion: Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with problems relating to physical function. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Md Zunayed Kabir
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @ Age Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Min HK, Sung SA, Chung W, Kim YH, Chae DW, Ahn C, Oh KH, Park SK, Lee SW. Polypharmacy and the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Blood Press Res 2021; 46:460-468. [PMID: 34091449 DOI: 10.1159/000516029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The renal hazard of polypharmacy has never been evaluated in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. OBJECTIVE We aimed to analyze the renal hazard of polypharmacy in predialysis CKD patients with stage 1-5. METHOD The data of 2,238 patients from a large-scale multicenter prospective Korean study (2011-2016), excluding 325 patients with various missing data, were reviewed. Polypharmacy was defined as taking 6 or more medications at the time of enrollment; renal events were defined as a ≥50% decrease in kidney function from baseline values, doubling of the serum creatinine levels, or initiation of renal replacement treatment. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 1,913 patients, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 53.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean medication count was 4.1, and the prevalence of polypharmacy was 27.1%. During the average period of 3.6 years, 520 patients developed renal events (27.2%). Although increased medication counts were associated with increased renal hazard with HR (95% CI) of 1.056 (1.007-1.107, p = 0.025), even after adjusting for various confounders, adding comorbidity score and kidney function nullified the statistical significance. In mediation analysis, 55.6% (p = 0.016) of renal hazard in increased medication counts was mediated by the kidney function, and there was no direct effect of medication counts on renal event development. In subgroup analysis, the renal hazard of the medication counts was evident only in stage 1-3 of CKD patients (p for interaction = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS We cannot identify the direct renal hazard of multiple medications, and most of the potential renal hazard was derived from intimate relationship with disease burden and kidney function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyang Ki Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ah Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wookyung Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University, Gil Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University, Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Chae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnamsi, Republic of Korea
| | - Curie Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kook-Hwan Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue K Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji University Medical Center, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
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The evaluation of relationship between polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden scales. North Clin Istanb 2021; 8:139-144. [PMID: 33851077 PMCID: PMC8039107 DOI: 10.14744/nci.2020.17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden are the indicators for the evaluation of the quality of pharmacotherapy in older adults. The aim of this study was to consider which anticholinergic burden scales are more related with polypharmacy among older patients. METHODS: Four hundred and twenty older adults were evaluated retrospectively in this cross-sectional study. The patient’s demographic data, comorbidities, the drugs, and number of drugs were recorded. Anticholinergic burden scales were calculated by a tool named anticholinergic burden calculator. RESULTS: The participants’ mean age was 73.08±8.71. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 32.14%. The highest relationship with polypharmacy was observed for drug burden index (DBI) (odds ratio 10.87, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that polypharmacy and DBI scores were more related than other anticholinergic burden scales in older adults.
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Sheikh-Taha M, Asmar M. Polypharmacy and severe potential drug-drug interactions among older adults with cardiovascular disease in the United States. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:233. [PMID: 33827442 PMCID: PMC8028718 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy continues to be a topic of concern among older adults and puts patients at increased risk of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and negative health outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to identify severe potential DDIs. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted in a tertiary care center over a three-month period where we reviewed home medications of older adults upon hospital admission. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, history of CVD, and admission to the cardiology service. Polypharmacy was defined as 5 or more medications taken concomitantly, hyper-polypharmacy was defined as 10 or more medications taken concomitantly, and severe potential DDIs were considered to be those belonging to category D or X using Lexicomp® Drug Information Handbook. Category D interaction states that modification of therapy should be considered while category X states that the combination should be absolutely avoided. RESULTS A total of 404 patients with a mean age of 76.6 ± 7.4 years were included. Patients were taking an average of 11.6 ± 4.5 medications at home and 385 (95%) received polypharmacy, 278 (69%) received hyper-polypharmacy, and 313 (77.5%) had at least one severe potential DDI. Under category D, the most common potential DDIs were drugs with additive central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect and drugs that increase the risk of QT prolongation. Under category X, the most common potential DDIs were non-selective β-blockers that may diminish the bronchodilator effect of β2 agonists and drugs with anticholinergic properties that enhance the ulcerogenic effect of oral solid potassium. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy, hyper-polypharmacy, and severe potential DDIs are very common in older adults with CVD. Clinicians should vigilantly review patients' drug records and adjust therapy accordingly to prevent adverse drug reactions and negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Sheikh-Taha
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Myriam Asmar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Epidemiology and associated factors of polypharmacy in older patients in primary care: a northern Italian cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:197. [PMID: 33743582 PMCID: PMC7981991 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A precondition for developing strategies to reduce polypharmacy and its well-known harmful consequences is to study its epidemiology and associated factors. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of polypharmacy (defined as ≥8 prescribed drugs), of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and major drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among community-dwelling general practice patients aged ≥75 years and to identify characteristics being associated with polypharmacy. Methods This cross-sectional study is derived from baseline data (patients’ demographic/biometric characteristics, diagnoses, medication-related data, cognitive/affective status, quality of life) of a northern-Italian cluster-RCT. PIMs and DDIs were assessed using the 2012 Beers criteria and the Lexi-Interact® database. Data were analysed using descriptive methods, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Fisher’s exact tests and Spearman correlations. Results Of the eligible patients aged 75+, 13.4% were on therapy with ≥8 drugs. Forty-three general practitioners and 579 patients participated in the study. Forty five point nine percent of patients were treated with ≥1 Beers-listed drugs. The most frequent PIMs were benzodiazepines/hypnotics (19.7% of patients) and NSAIDs (6.6%). Sixty seven point five percent of patients were exposed to ≥1 major DDI, 35.2% to ≥2 major DDIs. Antithrombotic/anticoagulant medications (30.4%) and antidepressants/antipsychotics (23.1%) were the most frequently interacting drugs. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with a higher number of major DDIs (Spearman’s rho 0.33, p < 0.001) and chronic conditions (Spearman’s rho 0.20, p < 0.001), higher 5-GDS scores (thus, lower affective status) (Spearman’s rho 0.12, p = 0.003) and lower EQ-5D-5L scores (thus, lower quality of life) (Spearman’s rho − 0.14, p = 0.001). Patients’ age/sex, 6-CIT scores (cognitive status), BMI or PIM use were not correlated with the number of drugs. Conclusions The prevalence of polypharmacy, PIMs and major DDIs was considerable. Results indicate that physicians should particularly observe their patients with multiple conditions, reduced health and affective status, independently from other patients’ characteristics. Careful attention about indication, benefit and potential risk should be paid especially to patients on therapy with specific drug classes identified as potentially inappropriate or prone to major DDIs in older persons (e.g., benzodiazepines, NSAIDs, protonic pump inhibitors, antithrombotics/anticoagulants, antidepressants/antipsychotics). Trial registration The cluster-RCT on which this cross-sectional analysis is based was registered with Current Controlled Trials Ltd. (ID ISRCTN: 38449870) on 2013-09-11.
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Vyas MV, Watt JA, Yu AYX, Straus SE, Kapral MK. The association between loneliness and medication use in older adults. Age Ageing 2021; 50:587-591. [PMID: 32931548 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is common in older adults, and it is associated with unhealthy behaviours, including substance use. We evaluated the association between loneliness and self-reported use of opioids and benzodiazepines in older adults. METHODS We used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey's 'Healthy Aging' sub-survey and included adults 65 years or older who administered their own medications. We classified individuals as lonely if they scored 6 or more on the three -item University of California, Los Angeles's Loneliness Scale. We used multinomial logistic regression models, adjusting for demographics and self-reported comorbidities, to describe the association between loneliness and daily or occasional use of opioids, benzodiazepines and non-opioid analgesics. We also explored the association between loneliness and polypharmacy. RESULTS Our cohort included 15,302 older adults, of whom 2,096 (13.7%) were classified as lonely. Daily use of opioids (4.1%) and benzodiazepines (1.7%) were less common than daily use of non-opioid analgesics (33.9%). Lonely older adults had higher daily use of opioids (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 1.31-1.98) and benzodiazepines (OR 1.66, 1.21-2.28), but not non-opioid analgesics (OR 1.05, 0.92-1.19). Loneliness was not associated with occasional use of opioids, benzodiazepines or non-opioid analgesics in older adults, but was associated with polypharmacy (OR 1.27, 1.06-1.52). CONCLUSIONS Loneliness in older adults is associated with increased daily use of opioids and benzodiazepines. Further research should evaluate patient- and physician-level factors that mediate this association, and develop strategies to mitigate loneliness and its attendant adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manav V Vyas
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Watt
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amy Y X Yu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Moira K Kapral
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Troncoso‐Mariño A, López‐Jiménez T, Roso‐Llorach A, Villén N, Amado‐Guirado E, Guisado‐Clavero M, Fernández‐Bertolin S, Pons Vigues M, Foguet‐Boreu Q, Violán C. Medication-related problems in older people in Catalonia: A real-world data study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 30:220-228. [PMID: 33026123 PMCID: PMC7839740 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine medication-related problems (MRPs) in primary care patients over 65 years of age. METHODS Cross-sectional study based on the electronic health records of patients (65-99 years of age) visited in 284 primary health care centers during 2012 in Catalonia. VARIABLES age, sex, sociodemographic variables, number of drugs, kidney and liver function and MRPs (duplicate therapy, drug-drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications [PIMs] and drugs contraindicated in chronic kidney disease and in liver diseases). Unconditional logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with MRPs in patients with multimorbidity. RESULTS 916 619 older people were included and 853 085 of them met the criteria for multimorbidity. Median age was 75 years and 57.7% of them were women. High percentages of MRPs were observed: PIMs (62.8%), contraindicated drugs in chronic kidney disease (12.1%), duplicate therapy (11.1%), contraindicated drugs in liver diseases (4.2%), and drug-drug interactions (1.0%). These numbers were higher in the subgroup of patients with ≥10 diseases. The most common PIMs were connected to drugs that increase the risk of fall (66.8%), antiulcer agents without criteria for gastroprotection (40.6%), and the combination of drugs with anticholinergic effects (39.7%). In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with all MRPs among the patients with multimorbidity were the number of drugs and the number of visits. CONCLUSIONS The coexistence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy is associated with an elevated risk of MRPs in older people. Medication safety for older patients constitutes a pressing concern for health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Troncoso‐Mariño
- Àrea del Medicament i Servei de Farmàcia, Gerència Territorial de BarcelonaInstitut Català de la SalutBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Clinical SciencesUniversity of Barcelona and IDIBELL. L'Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Tomás López‐Jiménez
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Albert Roso‐Llorach
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Noemí Villén
- Àrea del Medicament i Servei de Farmàcia, Gerència Territorial de BarcelonaInstitut Català de la SalutBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ester Amado‐Guirado
- Àrea del Medicament i Servei de Farmàcia, Gerència Territorial de BarcelonaInstitut Català de la SalutBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marina Guisado‐Clavero
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Sergio Fernández‐Bertolin
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mariona Pons Vigues
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
- Àrea de Serveis AssistencialsServei Català de la SalutBarcelonaSpain
| | - Quintí Foguet‐Boreu
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
- Department of PsychiatryVic University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Basic and Methodological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and WelfareUniversity of Vic‐Central University of Catalonia (UVic‐UCC)VicSpain
| | - Concepción Violán
- Central Research UnitFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina PreventivaUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)BarcelonaSpain
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Seixas BV, Freitas GR. Polypharmacy among older Brazilians: prevalence, factors associated, and sociodemographic disparities (ELSI-Brazil). Pharm Pract (Granada) 2021; 19:2168. [PMID: 33520038 PMCID: PMC7844972 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2021.1.2168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Polypharmacy has become an increasingly public health issue as population age
and novel drugs are developed. Yet, evidence on low- and middle-income
countries (LMIC) is still scarce. Objective: This work aims to estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy among Brazilians
aged 50 and over, and investigate associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the baseline assessment
of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), a nationally
representative study of persons aged 50 years and older (n=9,412).
Univariate and bivariate analyses described the sample. Robust Poisson
regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and predict probabilities
of polypharmacy. Results: Prevalence of polypharmacy was estimated at 13.5% among older adults
in Brazil. Important disparities were observed in regard to gender
(16.1% among women and 10.5% among men), race (16.0%
among whites and 10.1% among blacks) and geographic region (ranging
from 5.1% in the North to 18.7% in the South). The
multivariate analysis showed that polypharmacy is associated with various
sociodemographic/individual factors (age, gender, race, education, region,
health status, body mass index) as well as with several variables of
healthcare access/utilization (number of visits, same physician,
provider’s knowledge of patient’s medications, gate-keeper,
and difficulty managing own medication). Overall, the more utilization of
health services, the higher the probability of polypharmacy, after adjusting
for all other model covariates. Conclusions: Polypharmacy prevalence is relatively low in Brazil, compared to European
countries. After controlling for variables of healthcare need and
demographic characteristics, there is still substantial residual variance in
polypharmacy prevalence. Policies to identify inappropriate prescribing and
reduce regional discrepancies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayan V Seixas
- BPharm, MSc. Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Los Angeles, CA (United States).
| | - Gabriel R Freitas
- BPharm, MSc, PhD. Graduate Program of Public Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba. João Pessoa (Brazil).
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Khezrian M, McNeil CJ, Murray AD, Myint PK. An overview of prevalence, determinants and health outcomes of polypharmacy. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2020; 11:2042098620933741. [PMID: 32587680 PMCID: PMC7294476 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620933741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A high rate of polypharmacy is, in part, a consequence of the increasing proportion of multimorbidity in the ageing population worldwide. Our understanding of the potential harm of taking multiple medications in an older, multi-morbid population, who are likely to be on a polypharmacy regime, is limited. This is a narrative literature review that aims to appraise and summarise recent studies published about polypharmacy. We searched MEDLINE using the search terms polypharmacy (and its variations, e.g. multiple prescriptions, inappropriate drug use, etc.) in titles. Systematic reviews and original studies in English published between 2003 and 2018 were included. In this review, we provide current definitions of polypharmacy. We identify the determinants and prevalence of polypharmacy reported in different studies. Finally, we summarise some of the findings regarding the association between polypharmacy and health outcomes in older adults, with a focus on frailty, hospitalisation and mortality. Polypharmacy was most often defined in terms of the number of medications that are being taken by an individual at any given time. Our review showed that the prevalence of polypharmacy varied between 10% to as high as around 90% in different populations. Chronic conditions, demographics, socioeconomics and self-assessed health factors were independent predictors of polypharmacy. Polypharmacy was reported to be associated with various adverse outcomes after adjusting for health conditions. Optimising care for polypharmacy with valid, reliable measures, relevant to all patients, will improve the health outcomes of older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Khezrian
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Lilian Sutton Building, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Chris J McNeil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alison D Murray
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Phyo K Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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Prevalence and sort of pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions in hospitalized psychiatric patients. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:1185-1198. [PMID: 32519194 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric patients are high-risk patients for the development of pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs), leading to highly variable (victim) drug serum concentrations. Avoiding and targeting high-risk drug combinations could reduce preventable adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pharmacokinetic cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated DDIs are often predictable and, therefore, preventable. The retrospective, longitudinal analysis used informations from a large pharmacovigilance study (Optimization of pharmacological treatment in hospitalized psychiatric patients study, study number 01VSF16009, 01/2017), conducted in 10 psychiatric hospitals in Germany. Medication data were examined for the co-prescription of clinically relevant CYP inhibitors or inducers and substrates of these enzymes (victim drugs). In total, data from 27,396 patient cases (45.6% female) with a mean (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) age of 47.3 ± 18.3 years were available for analysis. CYP inhibitors or inducers were at least once prescribed in 14.4% (n = 3946) of the cases. The most frequently prescribed CYP inhibitors were melperone (n = 2504, 28.1%) and duloxetine (n = 1324, 14.9%). Overall, 51.0% of the cases taking melperone were combined with a victim drug (n = 1288). Carbamazepine was the most frequently prescribed CYP inducer (n = 733, 88.8%). Combinations with victim drugs were detected for 58% (n = 427) of cases on medication with carbamazepine. Finally, a DDI was detected in 43.6% of the cases in which a CYP inhibitor or inducer was prescribed. The frequency of CYP-mediated DDI is considerably high in the psychiatric setting. Physicians should be aware of the CYP inhibitory and inducing potential of psychotropic and internistic drugs (especially, melperone).
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Longitudinal data of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older adults in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2020; 10:1-4. [PMID: 33854914 PMCID: PMC7608846 DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalences and trends of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older adults in Taiwan. Methods An observational study was performed using the 2000-2013 database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program (analysis in 2018). Participants ≥65 years were included in the study. Multimorbidity was defined as participants having two or more chronic diseases annually. Polypharmacy was defined as the average daily number of prescribed medications ≥5. Results The prevalences of multimorbidity were 42.4% in 2000 and 56% in 2013. The prevalences of polypharmacy were 22.9% in 2000 and 32.1% in 2013. Conclusions From 2000 to 2013, multimorbidity and polypharmacy were prevalent among older adults in Taiwan. Public health efforts to intervene the primary prevention for chronic diseases should be considered in older adults.
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Richter S, Demirer I, Choi KE, Hartrampf J, Pfaff H, Karbach U. People with multimorbidity in outpatient care: patient-focused and needs-oriented healthcare management (MamBo) - protocol for a multiperspective evaluation study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:296. [PMID: 32284047 PMCID: PMC7153233 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With demographic change, the number of noncommunicable diseases, chronic diseases and multimorbidity is increasing, and so is the demand for health services. This represents a further challenge for the healthcare system. An adequate and efficient treatment of multimorbid patients requires a well-structured, informed and cross-indicated treatment. Therefore, a new form of coordinated, managed and cross-sectoral care for multimorbid patients - the “MamBo” care model - has been developed. Along with the implementation of MamBo, a process and outcome evaluation will be carried out, which is described in this study protocol. The aim of the study is to evaluate the care model according to its implementation process and effectiveness. Methods The MamBo-care model will be evaluated in multi-perspective terms. Thus, a process and outcome evaluation with several data sources will be conducted: (1) Annual focus groups and individual interviews with those involved in the process. (2) Various primary data, including surveys of patients, physicians and practice staff at the time of enrolment and 1 year later to enable pre-post comparison. (3) Claim data from the health insurance of the MamBo population in comparison to a comparative population, formed by the propensity score matching method. (4) Process data of the care management. The analysis of qualitative data will be carried out by content analysis according to Mayring. For the analysis of the quantitative data, multivariate analyses are planned. Discussion A new form of coordinated care has been introduced to improve intersectoral care of multimorbid patients and reduce the workload on physicians. The effects of the MamBo care model are being investigated for patients, physicians and the cost units. The results will form the basis for the decision whether the care model should be transferred to standard care and what needs to be taken into account for implementation. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered in the German Register for Clinical Studies (DRKS00014047) on June 28, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Richter
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Eupener Strasse 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Ibrahim Demirer
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Eupener Strasse 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kyung-Eun Choi
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Eupener Strasse 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Hartrampf
- Professional association of ophthalmologists in Germany e.V, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Pfaff
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Eupener Strasse 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ute Karbach
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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Mielke N, Huscher D, Douros A, Ebert N, Gaedeke J, van der Giet M, Kuhlmann MK, Martus P, Schaeffner E. Self-reported medication in community-dwelling older adults in Germany: results from the Berlin Initiative Study. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:22. [PMID: 31964342 PMCID: PMC6974973 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-1430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Older adults have the highest drug utilization due to multimorbidity. Although the number of people over age 70 is expected to double within the next decades, population-based data on their medication patterns are scarce especially in combination with polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). Our objective was to analyse the frequency of polypharmacy, pattern of prescription (PD) and over-the-counter (OTC) drug usage, and PIMs according to age and gender in a population-based cohort of very old adults in Germany. Methods Cross-sectional baseline data of the Berlin Initiative Study, a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged ≥70 years with a standardized interview including demographics, lifestyle variables, co-morbidities, and medication assessment were analysed. Medication data were coded using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. Age- and sex-standardized descriptive analysis of polypharmacy (≥5 drugs, PD and OTC vs. PD only and regular and on demand drugs vs regular only), medication frequency and distribution, including PIMs, was performed by age (</≥80) and gender. Results Of 2069 participants with an average age of 79.5 years, 97% (95%CI [96%;98%]) took at least one drug and on average 6.2 drugs (SD = 3.5) with about 40 to 66% fulfilling the criteria of polypharmacy depending on the definition. Regarding drug type more female participants took a combination of PD and OTC (male: 68%, 95%CI [65%;72%]); female: 78%, 95%CI [76%;80%]). Most frequently used were drugs for cardiovascular diseases (85%, 95%CI [83%;86%]). Medication frequency increased among participants aged ≥80 years, especially for cardiovascular drugs, antithrombotics, psychoanaleptics and dietary supplements. Among the top ten prescription drugs were mainly cardiovascular drugs including lipid-lowering agents (simvastatin), beta-blockers (metoprolol, bisoprolol) and ACE inhibitors (ramipril). The most common OTC drug was acetylsalicylic acid (35%; 95%CI [33%;37%])). Dose-independent PIM were identified for 15% of the participants. Conclusions Polypharmacy was excessive in older adults, with not only PD but also OTC drugs contributing to the high point prevalence. The medication patterns reflected the treatment of chronic diseases in this age group. There was even an increase in medication frequency between below and above 80 years especially for drugs of cardiovascular diseases, antithrombotic medication, psychoanaleptics, and dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Mielke
- Institute of Public Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Dörte Huscher
- Institute of Public Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonios Douros
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Natalie Ebert
- Institute of Public Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Gaedeke
- Departement of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus van der Giet
- Departement of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin K Kuhlmann
- Department of Nephrology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Biostatistics, Eberhard Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elke Schaeffner
- Institute of Public Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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Frequency and Predictors of Polypharmacy in US Medicare Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at the Patient and Physician Levels. Drugs Aging 2019; 37:57-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Khan N, Chattopadhyay K, Leonardi-Bee J. Incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults in South Asia: a systematic review protocol. JBI DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND IMPLEMENTATION REPORTS 2019; 17:2370-2377. [PMID: 31246733 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-18-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the systematic review is to summarize the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults in South Asia. INTRODUCTION Several studies have been conducted in South Asia on the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted on this topic. INCLUSION CRITERIA Related epidemiological studies conducted on adults (aged 18 years and over) and residing in any country within South Asia (i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) will be eligible for inclusion. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, BNI, Web of Science, Scopus and AMED databases will be searched to identify published studies. The search for unpublished studies will be undertaken in EThOS, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Databases will be searched from their inception dates and no language restrictions will be applied. The JBI systematic review methodology will be followed to conduct the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using narrative synthesis and meta-analyses, where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Khan
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- The Nottingham Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Kaushik Chattopadhyay
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- The Nottingham Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Jo Leonardi-Bee
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- The Nottingham Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
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The value of the GP's clinical judgement in predicting dementia: a multicentre prospective cohort study among patients in general practice. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69:e786-e793. [PMID: 31594770 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19x706037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical judgement is intrinsic to diagnostic strategies in general practice; however, empirical evidence for its validity is sparse. AIM To ascertain whether a GP's global clinical judgement of future cognitive status has an added value for predicting a patient's likelihood of experiencing dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING Multicentre prospective cohort study among patients in German general practice that took place from January 2003 to October 2016. METHOD Patients without baseline dementia were assessed with neuropsychological interviews over 12 years; 138 GPs rated the future cognitive decline of their participating patients. Associations of baseline predictors with follow-up incident dementia were analysed with mixed-effects logistic and Cox regression. RESULTS A total of 3201 patients were analysed over the study period (mean age = 79.6 years, 65.3% females, 6.7% incident dementia in 3 years, 22.1% incident dementia in 12 years). Descriptive analyses and comparison with other cohorts identified the participants as having frequent and long-lasting doctor-patient relationships and being well known to their GPs. The GP baseline rating of future cognitive decline had significant value for 3-year dementia prediction, independent of cognitive test scores and patient's memory complaints (GP ratings of very mild (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 1.28 to 3.04); mild (OR 3.00, 95% CI = 1.90 to 4.76); and moderate/severe decline (OR 5.66, 95% CI = 3.29 to 9.73)). GPs' baseline judgements were significantly associated with patients' 12-year dementia-free survival rates (Mantel-Cox log rank test P<0.001). CONCLUSION In this sample of patients in familiar doctor-patient relationships, the GP's clinical judgement holds additional value for predicting dementia, complementing test performance and patients' self-reports. Existing and emerging primary care-based dementia risk models should consider the GP's judgement as one predictor. Results underline the importance of the GP-patient relationship.
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Velasco-Rodríguez R, Pérez-Hernández MG, Maturano-Melgoza JA, Hilerio-López ÁG, Monroy-Rojas A, Arana-Gómez B, Vásquez C. The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels. Complement Ther Med 2019; 47:102208. [PMID: 31780012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physiologically, blood melatonin levels decrease as a person ages and the older adult commonly presents with insomnia and other types of sleep disorders. Alternative therapies can be used to attenuate sleep disturbances. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of aromatherapy with lavender on serum melatonin levels in the noninstitutionalized older adult (OA). DESIGN AND SETTING A pre-experimental, quantitative study with a pre-test - post-test design was conducted on 67 OAs that included both sexes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum melatonin levels were measured before and after eight sessions of aromatherapy with lavender that lasted 4 weeks. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation of melatonin levels (pg/ml). The differences were compared using the Student's t-test and statistical significance was set at a p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Blood melatonin levels significantly increased in the total population after the intervention with aromatherapy (pg/ml): 102.3 ± 33.4 VS 132.5 ± 42.3, p = 0.000004. There were significant differences in the pre-test and post-test phases in the women and men measured as separate groups (p = 0.00005 and p = 0.026), respectively. However, those differences were not observed when the measurements were compared between the two sexes, before (p = 0.64) or after (p = 0.31) the intervention. CONCLUSION Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil similarly favors an increase in blood melatonin levels in both older adult men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Á G Hilerio-López
- Universidad de Colima, Facultad de Enfermería, Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - A Monroy-Rojas
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (campus Xochimilco), División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - B Arana-Gómez
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Facultad de Enfermería y Obstetricia, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - C Vásquez
- Universidad de Colima, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Colima, Colima, Mexico.
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Zöllner R, Huber MT, Mangelsdorf C, Konrad C, Zavorotnyy M. [Psychiatric polypharmacy and electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 91:624-634. [PMID: 31489462 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-019-00804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its relevant medical risks, polypharmacy is common particularly among difficult to treat conditions, e.g. treatment refractory depression (TRD). According to numerous guidelines, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment of choice in severe and treatment-resistant major depression due to the high effectiveness; however, to date limited data are available concerning the effects of ECT on the concomitant prescription of psychiatric medication. METHODS For a retrospective explorative analysis of psychiatric polypharmacy (MED) in TRD, data from 58 inpatient treatments were collected. Due to depressive episodes, all patients received psychopharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy (MED group). Of the patients 29 also underwent ECT (ECT group). Using a modified drug burden index (mod-DBI), the psychiatric medication was quantified at admission (TP0), start (TP1) and termination of ECT (TP2) and discharge in the ECT group or in comparable periods in the MED group (TP3). Differences in distribution were tested with the t-test and alterations in measurements were tested by means of variance analysis (F-test). RESULTS Patients treated with ECT showed higher mod-DBI values at TP0, mainly due to more frequent prescription of benzodiazepines (BZD), mood stabilizers (MS) and antipsychotic drugs (AP). At the beginning of the inpatient treatment (TP0-TP1) there was an increase in BZD use (in both groups); in the ECT group MS were reduced and AP increased. In the time interval TP1-TP3, BZD (in both groups) and AP (ECT group) were again less frequently prescribed and MS (ECT and MED group) were increased again. Excluding BZD, there was a significant increase in mod-DBI in both groups, whereas the mod-DBI no longer showed significant differences at TP2 and TP3. CONCLUSION The data possibly indicate that patients with TRD who receive ECT during inpatient treatment already have a more extensive psychiatric medication at admission. Also, psychiatric medication appears to be increased less prominently when ECT is performed. These findings and the possibly associated long-term benefits should be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Zöllner
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland. .,Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main, Breite Gasse 28, 60313, Frankfurt, Deutschland. .,Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - MCMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
| | - Martin T Huber
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland.,Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Elbe Klinikum Stade, Stade, Deutschland
| | - Constanze Mangelsdorf
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Carsten Konrad
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland.,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Agaplesion Diakonieklinikum Rotenburg-Wümme, Rotenburg-Wümme, Deutschland
| | - Maxim Zavorotnyy
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland. .,Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior - MCMBB, University of Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
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Katsimpris A, Linseisen J, Meisinger C, Volaklis K. The Association Between Polypharmacy and Physical Function in Older Adults: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1865-1873. [PMID: 31240604 PMCID: PMC6712133 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced physical function and polypharmacy (PPha) are two highly prevalent negative effects of aging, which are expected to increase more, since demographic aging is expected to grow rapidly within the next decades. Previous research suggests that polypharmacy (PPha) is a predictor of poor physical function and vice versa in older adults and therefore we conducted a systematic review of the literature to summarize and critically analyze the relationship between physical function and PPha and vice versa in older adults, in order to provide recent scientific evidence. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and Embase from their inception to 19th October 2018 for English-language observational studies or trials assessing the effect of PPha on physical function and vice versa in older adults. Two investigators independently extracted study data and assessed the quality of the studies, after having screened the available studies from the literature search. Any disagreement was resolved by consensus. RESULTS Eighteen observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies assessed the impact of physical function on PPha and ten studies assessed the impact of PPha on physical function. Regarding the studies with PPha measurements as the outcome, all of them, except for one, found that better physical function is associated with lower risk of PPha. Likewise, all the studies with physical function measurements as the outcome, except for one, suggested that PPha is associated with lower physical function. DISCUSSION Evidence examining the effect of PPha on physical function and vice versa in older adults suggests a strong bidirectional association between these two factors and clinicians should be aware of this strong relationship. The limitations of our study include the high variability in PPha definitions and physical function measures, and the treatment of PPha and physical function as constant instead of time-varying variables in the studies' analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Katsimpris
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, UNIKA-T Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Jacob Linseisen
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, UNIKA-T Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christa Meisinger
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, UNIKA-T Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Volaklis
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, UNIKA-T Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- 7FIT, Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Augsburg, Germany
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Tan YW, Suppiah S, Bautista MAC, Malhotra R. Polypharmacy among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore: Prevalence, risk factors and association with medication non-adherence. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2010105819868485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Polypharmacy, given its link with drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications and medication non-adherence, may pose a significant health risk, especially among the elderly. A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of polypharmacy is essential for countries facing population ageing and growing chronic disease burden, like Singapore. Objectives: We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of polypharmacy (⩾5 prescription medications) among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore and established the association of polypharmacy with medication non-adherence. Methods: We used data from a national sample of 1499 community-dwelling elderly aged ⩾66 years. Using logistic regression, we assessed the association of socio-demographic, health and healthcare use variables with polypharmacy, and polypharmacy with medication non-adherence. Results: The weighted prevalence of polypharmacy was 14.5%. In multivariable analysis, elderly who were men (versus women), with ⩾2 (versus 0–1) chronic diseases, aged ⩾85 (versus 66–69) years, and of Malay and Indian (versus Chinese) ethnicity were significantly more likely to have polypharmacy; healthcare use variables were not associated. Polypharmacy was significantly correlated with medication non-adherence. Conclusions: The prevalence of polypharmacy among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore is lower than that reported in other countries; however, polypharmacy is associated with medication non-adherence. Elderly subgroups, defined by gender, health status, age and ethnicity, who are at a higher risk of polypharmacy will benefit from medication review and de-prescribing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wen Tan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sumithra Suppiah
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Mary Ann C Bautista
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Domenichiello AF, Ramsden CE. The silent epidemic of chronic pain in older adults. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 93:284-290. [PMID: 31004724 PMCID: PMC6538291 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is highly prevalent among older adults where it is associated with significant suffering, disability, social isolation, and greater costs and burden to health care systems. Pharmaceutical treatment of chronic pain in older adults is usually only partially effective and is often limited by side effects including urinary retention, constipation, sedation, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of falls. Since older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials testing treatments for chronic pain, the potential impacts of polypharmacy and frailty on reported outcomes and side effect profiles are largely unknown. Thus, for current treatments, providers and patients must balance anticipated benefits of pain reduction with the known and unknown risks of treatment. Chronic pain is also a risk factor for premature death as well as accelerated cognitive decline, suggesting potential shared mechanisms between persistent pain (or its treatment) and dementia. Cognitive decline and dementia may also impact pain perception and the ability to report pain, complicating treatment decisions. Associations between persistent pain and the risks of premature death and accelerated cognitive decline make estimates for chronic pain in these populations particularly challenging. Future research is needed to improve estimates for chronic pain in older adults, to elucidate underlying mechanisms of pain with aging, and to develop and advance safer, more effective treatment options for chronic pain in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony F Domenichiello
- Lipid Peroxidation Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher E Ramsden
- Lipid Peroxidation Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA; Intramural Program of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, USA.
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Wróblewska I, Talarska D, Wróblewska Z, Susło R, Drobnik J. Pain and symptoms of depression: international comparative study on selected factors affecting the quality of life of elderly people residing in institutions in Europe. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:147. [PMID: 31132987 PMCID: PMC6537311 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the number of elderly people is on the rise in societies throughout the world, providing them with optimal care is becoming a major demand, especially in the context of rising interest in institutional care. Quality of life is multidimensional notion and its perception depends highly on pain and mood levels. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of pain and depression symptoms in elderly people living in nursing homes in France, Germany, and Poland. METHODS The research carried out in years 2014-2016 involved female residents of nursing homes in France, Germany, and Poland: 190 women from each country, aged over 65 years and not previously diagnosed with advanced dementia, were included. Collection of medical, demographic, and anthropomorphic data from medical documentation was followed by interviews with each senior and her caregiver. A questionnaire of authors' own devising was used, along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the scale of Behavioral Pain Assessment in the Elderly (DOLOPLUS). The results were subjected to statistical analysis, p < 0.05 was accepted as threshold of statistical significance. RESULTS The main health complaints of nursing homes' residents were constipation, diarrhea, back pain and dizziness. 44,38% of the residents self-assessed their health status as bad and complained of suffering pain (83,33%) and sleeping problems (72,98%) within the last month. According to BDI the average score was 17.01 points and 44,38% of seniors were free from depression or depressed mood. The average DOLOPLUS result was 8.86 points. CONCLUSION There are no significant differences, neither in prevalence of pain and symptoms of depression nor in average levels of quality of life, in elderly residents in institutions in the three studied European countries. The decrease in quality of life is mainly due to various complaints and pain and there is a close relationship between health status and quality of life. Further research should be performed in order to study interdependencies between the occurrence of pain and depression, including primary reasons leading to both phenomena. The recognition of factors that induce pain complaints and mood depression in elderly people will contribute to improving their comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Wróblewska
- Gerontology Unit, Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wrocław Medical University, Poland 5 Bartel St, 50-618 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Talarska
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Poznań University of Health Sciences, Poland 6 Święcicki St, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Wróblewska
- Karkonosze College in Jelenia Góra KPSW, 18 Lwówiecka St, 58-503 Jelenia Góra, Poland
| | - Robert Susło
- Gerontology Unit, Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wrocław Medical University, Poland 5 Bartel St, 50-618 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jarosław Drobnik
- Gerontology Unit, Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wrocław Medical University, Poland 5 Bartel St, 50-618 Wrocław, Poland
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Wongpakaran N, Wongpakaran T, Sirirak T, Jenraumjit R, Jiraniramai S, Lerttrakarnnon P. Predictors of polypharmacy among elderly Thais with depressive and anxiety disorders: findings from the DAS study. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:309. [PMID: 30541459 PMCID: PMC6292154 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-1001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is a geriatric syndrome defined variously as the use of potentially inappropriate drugs and/or the concurrent use of multiple medications including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. An association has been shown between polypharmacy and physical health, increased morbidity and increased mortality. However, there is little information regarding the association between polypharmacy and physical disease, personality trait and mental health problems in elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate potential predictive psychosocial factors related to polypharmacy in elderly Thai people. METHODS The study analysed the secondary data from the Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Suicide Risk and Associated Factors Among Elderly Thai People Program (DAS Study) which was funded by National Research Council of Thailand and conducted between January 2012 and April 2013. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics including sex, age, education, living alone or with others, access to health care privilege and monthly income were described. The number of medication, physical diseases and mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety, and personality trait of neuroticism) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and proportional odds logistic regression. RESULTS The 803 participants consumed an average of 2.13 prescribed medicines daily (SD 1.46, median = 2). The largest group used 3 medications (18.6%). Predictors found to be associated with polypharmacy in the logistic regression model included hypertension (OR = 1.985, 95% CI = 1.420-2.775), anxiety disorder (OR = 4.402, 95% CI = 2.630-7.367), number of diseases (OR = 2.140, 95% CI = 1.874-2.445), depressive disorder (OR = 1.470, 95% CI = 1.080-2.001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.864, 95% CI = 1.122-3.098) and dyslipidemia (OR = 0.511, 95%CI = 0.325-0.803). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of polypharmacy among Thai elderly was relatively high compared to other related studies. Several aspects should be taken into consideration before starting an additional medication in elderly patients. In addition to the number of physical disease that leads to polypharmacy, general practitioners should be aware of anxiety, depression, and personality trait of neuroticism that may be related to polypharmacy. Early detection for such condition as well as non-pharmacological intervention could be one way to help reduce polypharmacy in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahathai Wongpakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Tinakon Wongpakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Thanitha Sirirak
- Department of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90112, Thailand
| | - Rewadee Jenraumjit
- Department of Pharmaceutical care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Surin Jiraniramai
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Peerasak Lerttrakarnnon
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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Ersoy S, Engin VS. Risk factors for polypharmacy in older adults in a primary care setting: a cross-sectional study. Clin Interv Aging 2018; 13:2003-2011. [PMID: 30410317 PMCID: PMC6197244 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s176329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Polypharmacy (PP) is a clinical challenge in older adults. Therefore, assessment of daily drug consumption (DDC) and its relationships is important. First-line health services have a crucial role in monitoring and preventing PP. In this study, we aimed to assess DDC and investigate the risk factors for higher DDC among older adults in a primary care setting. Patients and methods A total of 1,000 patients aged ≥65 years who visited Melek Hatun Family Practice Center between December 1, 2014, and August 1, 2017, were enrolled in the study. All patients were seen either at the center or in their homes, and informed consent was obtained. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed for each subject. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 17). The daily number of medicines that each patient used (DDC) regardless of whether they were prescribed was the dependent variable. Relationships between DDC and other continuous variables were examined using Pearson's correlation. For between-group comparisons of DDC, Student's t-tests were performed. Results Univariate tests showed relationships between DDC and various demographic and clinical parameters. The variables that remained significant at the last step of a stepwise linear regression analysis were metabolic syndrome, chronic pain, incontinence, increased serum creatinine level, increased Geriatric Depression Scale scores, reported gastric disturbances, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Conclusion Along with certain chronic conditions, depressive symptoms and an inflammatory marker (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) were significantly and independently related to higher DDC. Longitudinal and larger studies are needed to further explore the multifaceted relationships of PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleyman Ersoy
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey,
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Castro-Rodríguez A, Machado-Duque ME, Gaviria-Mendoza A, Medina-Morales DA, Álvarez-Vera T, Machado-Alba JE. Factors related to excessive polypharmacy (≥15 medications) in an outpatient population from Colombia. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 73:e13278. [PMID: 30269404 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To determine the frequency of excessive polypharmacy (≥15 medications) in an outpatient population from Colombia and the variables associated with this condition. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a systematised database of 6.2 million affiliates of the Colombian Health System. All patients treated uninterruptedly with 15 or more medications for 3 months (January-March 2017) were included. Sociodemographic, pharmacological, potential drug interactions, and prescribers' variables were identified. RESULTS A total of 264 patients with prescriptions of ≥15 medications were identified; with an estimated prevalence of excessive polypharmacy of 108.4 per 100 000 people. The mean age was 67.7 ± 17.8 years and 60.6% were females. The mean number of medications per patient was 20.1 ± 4.5 and 48.9% (n = 129) had 20 or more. The most used were antiulcer medications (89.0%; n = 235), antihypertensives (85.6%; n = 226), analgesic/antipyretic (80.3%; n = 212), psychiatric/neurologic medications (78.5%; n = 207), statins (67.4%; n = 178), acetylsalicylic acid (59.5%; n = 157), and vitamins (57.2%; n = 151). On average, each patient had 21.0 ± 11.4 drug-drug interactions and were attended by 6.2 ± 3.1 physicians. Being treated by seven or more physicians (OR: 5.09; 95% CI: 1.64-15.79) increased the probability of receiving more than 20 medications. CONCLUSIONS Drugs for treatment of chronic conditions prevailed, especially in elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions; however, some groups of medications without clear indications, such as antiulcer medications or vitamin supplements, also had extensive use. A main factor that increases the probability of polypharmacy greater than 20 drugs is care by seven or more physicians, which shows a fragmentation in patient care by the country's health system, without achieving co-ordination and integration between the different agents involved in medical care, also influenced by different physicians' practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Castro-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiologia y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Manuel E Machado-Duque
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiologia y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Andrés Gaviria-Mendoza
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiologia y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Diego A Medina-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiologia y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Internal Medicine, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge E Machado-Alba
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiologia y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
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Kostev K, Jacob L. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy among elderly people followed in general practices in Germany. Eur J Intern Med 2018; 55:66-68. [PMID: 30025890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis Jacob
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris 5, Paris, France
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