Al-Musawe L, Martins AP, Raposo JF, Torre C. The association between polypharmacy and adverse health consequences in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients; a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019;
155:107804. [PMID:
31376400 DOI:
10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107804]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM
To summarize the existing literature concerning the association between polypharmacy and adverse health consequences in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
METHODS
We searched four literature databases (PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect and Web of Science) through April 2019. We included all studies that addressed the association between polypharmacy and all-cause of mortality, glycemic control, macrovacular complications, hospitalization, potentially inappropriate medicines, drug-drug interactions and fall. A statistical program OpenMeta [Analyst] was used. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random effects model. I2 statistics was performed to assess heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Out of sixteen studies, three studies were used for meta-analysis. A statistically significant association was found between polypharmacy and all-cause mortality (OR = 1.622, 95% CI (1.606-1.637) P < 0.001), and myocardial infarction (OR = 1.962, 95% CI (1.942-1.982), P < 0.001. Non-statistically significant association with evidence of moderate heterogeneity was found between polypharmacy and stroke (OR = 1.335; 95% CI (0.532-3.346), P = 0.538, I2 = 45%), and hospitalization (OR = 1.723; 95% CI (0.983-3.021), P = 0.057, I2 = 57%).
CONCLUSIONS
Pooled risk estimates reveal that polypharmacy is associated with increased all-cause mortality, macrovacular complications and hospitalization using categorical definitions. These findings assert the need for interventions that optimize the balance of benefits and harms in medicines prescribing.
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