The “iatrogenic triad”: polypharmacy, drug–drug interactions, and potentially inappropriate medications in older adults

Potentially Inappropriate Medications Involved in Drug-Drug Interactions in a Polish Population over 80 Years Old: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

The clinical context of drug interactions detected by automated analysis systems is particularly important in older patients with multimorbidities. We aimed to provide unique, up-to-date data on the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in the Polish geriatric population over 80 years old and determine the frequency and the most common PIMs involved in DDIs. We analyzed all non-prescription and prescription drugs in a representative national group of 178 home-dwelling adults over 80 years old with excessive polypharmacy (≥10 drugs). The FORTA List was used to assess PIMs, and the Lexicomp® Drug Interactions database was used for DDIs. DDIs were detected in 66.9% of the study group, whereas PIMs were detected in 94.4%. Verification of clinical indications for the use of substances involved in DDIs resulted in a reduction in the total number of DDIs by more than 1.5 times, as well as in a nearly 3-fold decrease in the number of interactions requiring therapy modification and drug combinations that should be strictly avoided. The most common PIMs involved in DDIs were painkillers, and drugs used in psychiatry and neurology. Special attention should be paid to DDIs with PIMs since they could increase their inappropriate character. The use of automated interaction analysis systems, while maintaining appropriate clinical criticism, can increase both chances for a good therapeutic effect and the safety of the elderly during treatment processes.

Applicability of the Self-Evaluation Scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills to general nurses

Objective

Many patients with dementia experience sleep-related problems. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding nursing practices that can address these issues. Thus, we developed a self-assessment scale for nursing practices to improve sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleep medication and confirmed its validity and reliability. This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of this scale for adaptability to general nurses and test its applicability.

Participants and Methods

The survey included basic attributes and questionnaire items related to nursing practices to improve sleep quality in patients with dementia taking sleeping pills. Data from 477 participants with no missing values in the survey items were used in the analysis. The self-evaluation scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills was based on a three-factor model, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.

Results

Goodness-of-fit indices were satisfactory, supporting the construct validity of the scale. Cronbach's α coefficients for the total score and the three factors of the self-evaluation scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills exceeded 0.7.

Conclusion

The development of this scale can improve the quality of nursing practice for patients with dementia who take sleeping pills. Moreover, it can serve as evidence for general nurses to participate in drug treatment and can be considered as basic research for appropriate drug treatment in nursing practice.

Automated Detection of Patients at High Risk of Polypharmacy including Anticholinergic and Sedative Medications

Ensuring that medicines are prescribed safely is fundamental to the role of healthcare professionals who need to be vigilant about the risks associated with drugs and their interactions with other medicines (polypharmacy). One aspect of preventative healthcare is to use artificial intelligence to identify patients at risk using big data analytics. This will improve patient outcomes by enabling pre-emptive changes to medication on the identified cohort before symptoms present. This paper presents a mean-shift clustering technique used to identify groups of patients at the highest risk of polypharmacy. A weighted anticholinergic risk score and a weighted drug interaction risk score were calculated for each of 300,000 patient records registered with a major regional UK-based healthcare provider. The two measures were input into the mean-shift clustering algorithm and this grouped patients into clusters reflecting different levels of polypharmaceutical risk. Firstly, the results showed that, for most of the data, the average scores are not correlated and, secondly, the high risk outliers have high scores for one measure but not for both. These suggest that any systematic recognition of high-risk groups should consider both anticholinergic and drug-drug interaction risks to avoid missing high-risk patients. The technique was implemented in a healthcare management system and easily and automatically identifies groups at risk far faster than the manual inspection of patient records. This is much less labour-intensive for healthcare professionals who can focus their assessment only on patients within the high-risk group(s), enabling more timely clinical interventions where necessary.

Influence of polypharmacy in the simultaneous presence of high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and non-adherence to medication in patients with HIV infection. Project 3-HIT

INTRODUCTION

The high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and lack of adherence to concomitant medication are circumstances with negative consequences in the clinical evolution of patients with HIV infection. The 3-HIT phenomenon refers to the simultaneous occurrence of these situations. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT in the polymedicated HIV population as well as to determine factors related to its occurrence.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective and single-center study that included all elderly patients on active antiretroviral treatment in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between January and March 2020. A logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with the occurrence of the 3-HIT concept with the variables significantly associated with this phenomenon and those considered clinically relevant.

RESULTS

428 patients were included, registering a prevalence of polypharmacy in 25.9% of the study sample. The 3-HIT phenomenon was detected in 6.3% of the patients. For each concomitant drug prescribed the risk of developing the phenomenon 3-HIT increases 1.5 times.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT is high in HIV patients with polymedication. A change in the pharmaceutical care model to a multidimensional setting is essential, together with pharmacotherapeutic optimization strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

Prevalence of Polypharmacy of Older People in a Large Brazilian Urban Center and its Associated Factors

BACKGROUND

With the aging population comes greater risks associated with polypharmacy, a significant public health problem.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated factors through Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) among older adults treated in primary health care (PHC) in a large Brazilian urban center.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with a random sampling of 400 older adults using primary health care. Polypharmacy was defined as the cumulative use of five or more daily medications. An assessment of a sociodemographic and health survey, fear of falling, and physical disabilities affecting activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living was conducted.

RESULTS

The mean age was 75.23 (SD: 8.53) years. The prevalence of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy was 37% (n = 148) and 1% (n = 4), respectively. The adjusted logistic regression showed that participants with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) (OR = 9.24; p = 0.003), diabetes (OR = 1.93; p = 0.003), and obesity (OR = 2.15; p = 0.005) were associated with a greater propensity to use polypharmacy.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that older adults with CNCDs, diabetes, and obesity were more likely to use polypharmacy. The results reinforce the importance of using CGA in clinical practice in PHC.

Prevalence of Drug-Drug Interactions in Older Community-Dwelling Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to medication-related harm, and the older population is at greatest risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate DDI prevalence and identify common DDIs in older community-dwelling adults.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for observational studies published between 01/01/2010 and 10/05/2021 reporting DDI prevalence in community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Nursing home and inpatient hospital studies were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with logit transformation. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q and I². DDI prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented. All analyses were performed in R (version 4.1.2).

RESULTS

There were 5144 unique articles identified. Thirty-three studies involving 17,011,291 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years met inclusion criteria. Thirty-one studies reported DDI prevalence at the study-participant level, estimates ranged from 0.8% to 90.6%. The pooled DDI prevalence was 28.8% (95% CI 19.3-40.7), with significant heterogeneity (p < 0.10; I² = 100%; tau² = 2.13) largely explained by the different DDI identification methods. Therefore, 26 studies were qualitatively synthesised and seven studies were eligible for separate meta-analyses. In a meta-analysis of three studies (N = 1122) using Micromedex^®, pooled DDI prevalence was 57.8% (95% CI 52.2-63.2; I² = 69.6%, p < 0.01). In a meta-analysis of two studies (N = 809,113) using Lexi-Interact^®, pooled DDI prevalence was 30.3% (95% CI 30.2-30.4; I² = 6.8%). In a meta-analysis of two studies (N = 947) using the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria^®, pooled DDI prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI 5.6-40.2; I² = 97.5%, p < 0.01). Common DDIs frequently involved cardiovascular drugs, including ACE inhibitor-potassium-sparing diuretic; amiodarone-digoxin; and amiodarone-warfarin.

CONCLUSIONS

DDIs are prevalent among older community-dwelling individuals; however, the methodology used to estimate these events varies considerably. A standardised methodology is needed to allow meaningful measurement and comparison of DDI prevalence.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain and aging: Adjusting prescription to patient features

A narrative review of papers published from January 2011 to December 2021, after a literature search in selected databases using the terms "pharmacokinetics", "ibuprofen", "diclofenac", "acemetacin", "naproxen", "etodolac" and "etoricoxib" was performed. From 828 articles identified, only eight met the inclusion criteria. Selective COX-2 inhibitors are associated with higher cardiovascular risk, while non-selective COX inhibitors are associated with higher gastrointestinal risk. NSAIDs with lower renal excretion with phase 2 metabolism are less likely to induce adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. Patients with frequent NSAID use needs, such as elderly patients and patients with cardiovascular disease or impaired renal function, will benefit from lower renal excretion (e.g. acemethacin, diclofenac, and etodolac) (level of evidence 3). Polymedicated patients, elderly patients, and patients with chronic alcohol abuse will be at a lower risk for adverse effects with NSAIDs that undergo phase 2 liver biotransformation, namely, acemethacin and diclofenac (level of evidence 3). Young patients, patients dealing with acute pain, or with active and/or chronic symptomatic gastritis, selective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib or etoricoxib) may be a better option (level of evidence 2). Knowing the individual characteristics of the patients, combined with knowledge on basic pharmacology, offers greater safety and better adherence to therapy. PERSPECTIVE: Although there are several NSAIDs options to treat pain, physicians usually take special care to its prescription regarding cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects, despite the age of the patient. In this paper, based on the best evidence, the authors present a review of the safest NSAIDs to use in the elderly.

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in stroke rehabilitation: prevalence and association with outcomes

Background Evidence is scarce regarding polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in rehabilitation medicine. Aim To investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIMs and their association with outcomes in stroke rehabilitation. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 849 older inpatients post-stroke. Polypharmacy was defined as six or more medications, and PIMs were defined based on Beers criteria 2019. Study outcomes included functional independence measure (FIM)-motor, FIM-cognitive, energy intake, dysphagia, length of hospital stay, and the rate of home discharge. To consider the effect of pharmacotherapy during rehabilitation, multivariate analyses were used to determine whether the presence of polypharmacy or PIMs at discharge was associated with outcomes. Results After enrollment, 361 patients (mean age 78.3 ± 7.7 years; 49.3% male) were analyzed. Polypharmacy was observed in 43.8% and 62.9% of patients, and any PIMs were observed in 64.8% and 65.4% of patients at admission and discharge, respectively. The most frequently prescribed PIMs included antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and proton pump inhibitors. Polypharmacy was negatively associated with FIM-motor score (β = - 0.062, P = 0.049), FIM-cognitive score (β = - 0.076, P = 0.014), energy intake (β = - 0.143, P = 0.005), and home discharge (OR: 0.458; 95% CI: 0.248, 0.847; P = 0.013). PIMs were negatively associated with home discharge (OR: 0.375; 95% CI: 0.195, 0.718; P = 0.003). Conclusion Polypharmacy and PIMs are commonly found among older patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation. Moreover, polypharmacy was negatively associated with activities of daily living (ADL) but not with PIMs and ADLs, and both were associated with home discharge.

Prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and associated factors in elderly HIV patients

INTRODUCTION

Aging of people living with HIV could be related to potentially inappropiate medication prescriptions, drugs interactions and lack of drugs adherence. PIMDINAC criteria seek to jointly analyze these problems. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in an elderly HIV population.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study that included patients older than 65 years in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between February-April 2020. The main endpoint was the percentage of PIMDINAC criteria identified in the study population.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patientes were included, identifying total PIMDINAC in 12.5%. Non-adherence to concomitant treatment was detected in 65.6% of patients, potentially inappropiate medication in 48.9% and drugs interactions in 25.2%. The number of concomitant drugs and polypharmacy were associated with a higher appearance of PIMDINAC criteria.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in elderly HIV patients is high.

Clinical Impact of Implementing a Nurse-Led Adverse Drug Reaction Profile in Older Adults Prescribed Multiple Medicines in UK Primary Care: A Study Protocol for a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial

(1) Aims: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) particularly affect older people prescribed multiple medicines. The professional bodies of nursing, medicine and pharmacy have issued guidelines on identification and management of ADRs; however, ADRs continue to account for ~10% unplanned hospital admissions in the UK. Current methods of ADR identification and management could be improved by multidisciplinary collaboration involving nurses. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of implementing the nurse-led Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRe) Profile in UK primary care. (2) Design: A pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT) followed by qualitative interviews in a sequential mixed-methods study. (3) Methods: For the cluster RCT, 60 patients aged ≥65 prescribed ≥5 regular medicines for long-term conditions will be recruited, 10 in each of 6 general practices. The intervention arm (n = 30) will complete the ADRe Profile, whilst the control participants (n = 30) continue to receive usual, standard care. Primary outcomes will include clinical impact on patients, benefit and prescription changes. On completion of the RCT, participants will be invited to semi-structured qualitative interviews, to evaluate the impact of the ADRe Profile from stakeholders’ perspectives, and to describe the contextual factors relevant to ADRe implementation. (4) Results: The findings of this study will evaluate the effectiveness of the ADRe Profile in identifying and resolving potential ADRs in primary care. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT04663360, date of registration—29 November 2021 (date of initial registration: 26 November 2020), protocol version 2, dated 8 January 2021.

Drug-Related Problems and Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

At present, 19.2% of the Spanish population is aged 65 or older. Polypharmacy is a frequent condition among the elderly, especially in those living in nursing homes, which is associated with adverse outcomes, such as adverse drug events or drug-drug interactions. This study aimed to assess the pattern of polypharmacy in a nursing home in Leon, one of Spain's most ageing regions, and its relationship with different drug-related problems. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study design was used; 222 residents were involved in this study. Data on drug use were collected from medical charts. Information was screened with the software CheckTheMeds, BOT PLUS and Drug-Reax. Residents were on a median of 7 medicines. Polypharmacy and inappropriate medications were present in 78.8% and 96.8% of residents, respectively. Drug-related problems were present in almost all the populations evaluated. Drug-drug interactions were very common in participants (81.1%), being severe/moderate in 24.7%. A high prevalence of polypharmacy and drug-related problems in the nursing home population assessed has been observed. A significantly higher risk of suffering drug-drug interactions was revealed for increasing polypharmacy and anticholinergic risk. A regular evaluation of drug prescribing in nursing home residents is necessary to minimize drug-related problems risk.

Characterization of potentially inappropriate medications use in Indian elderly population and their impact on quality of life using Beers criteria

Background

Polypharmacy is principal cause of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in elderly patients, which include over prescribing, under prescribing, and misprescribing.

Methods

Elderly subjects (≥60 years), of either sex, receiving two or more medications for one or more chronic ailments, attending Geriatrics Outpatient Department (OPD), at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, were included. Their prescriptions were assessed for PIMs by using Beers criteria 2015 and were further followed up at least once in 6 months for adverse events, telephonically. The results were analyzed by using suitable regression models and correlation analysis.

Results

Three hundred eighty patients average age of 65.4 ± 4.7 years were enrolled. Eighty-eight percent of the people were having greater than or equal to two ailments. Each patient was prescribed 6.7 ± 2.1 medications with 65% of prescriptions having one or more PIMs. Out of the total prescribed drugs, 15% were satisfying Beers criteria for PIMs. There were 63 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported. A statistically significant correlation was observed among comorbidities, number of prescribed medications, PIMs, and ADRs. Quality of life (QOL) of the elderly patients was negatively corelated with polypharmacy and female sex.

Conclusion

A risk-benefit analysis of prescribed medications is part and parcel of prescribing, especially in elderly patients. In order to decrease further risks associated with inappropriate prescribing, there is need for indigenous guidelines and intensive training.

Polypharmacy in Polish Older Adult Population-A Cross-Sectional Study: Results of the PolSenior Project

Polypharmacy is a challenging issue in geriatrics. The aim of the study was to characterize correlates of polypharmacy in the PolSenior project. The PolSenior project, was a comprehensive survey in a large and longitudinal representative sample of thePolish older population. The project was conducted by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw between 2008 and 2011. All medications consumed during the week preceding the survey were evaluated for each participant (n = 4793, including 2314 females (48.3%)). Thereafter, the percentage of those with polypharmacy (at least 5 medications) and excessive polypharmacy (at least 10 medications) was calculated, and their correlates were determined. The average number of medications used by participants was 5.1 ± 3.6, and was higher in females than in males (5.5 ± 3.5 vs. 4.8 ± 3.5; p < 0.001). Polypharmacy characterized 2650 participants (55.3%) and excessive polypharmacy—532 of them (11.1%). The independent correlates associated withpolypharmacy were: age over 70 years, female sex, higher than primary education, living in an urban area, comorbidities, any hospitalization during past five years, and visiting general practicioners at least yearly. As for correlates with excessive polypharmacy, they were: age 80–84 years, female sex, living in an urban area, diagnosis of at least four chronic diseases, and at least two hospitalizations in the last five years. This study serves as a starting place to understand patient characteristics associated with polypharmacy, excessive polypharmacy, and identify targeted interventions.

Depression, Deprivation, and Dysbiosis: Polyiatrogenesis in Multiple Chronic Illnesses

Biomedicine tends to treat "mental" illnesses as if they could be isolated from multiple social and somatic problems. Yet mental suffering is inseparable from complex somatosocial relations. Clinical fieldwork in a deprived area of the UK shows that nearly all the people treated for "depression" are chronically multimorbid, both in their bodies and in their social relations. Mental suffering is co-produced by poverty, trauma, and excessive medication use. Patients' guts are as imbalanced as their moods. Single vertical treatments make them worse rather than better. In the UK, patients in poorer neighbourhoods do not "lack access" to healthcare. If anything, they suffer from taking too many medications with too little integration. I conceptualize the bad effects of excessive interventions in patients with multiple chronic problems as polyiatrogenesis.

The prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions in adults with intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

There is a high use of medications in adults with intellectual disability (ID). One implication of taking multiple medications is the potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs). However, despite this being well highlighted in the mainstream literature, little is known about the incidence or associations of DDIs in the ID population.

METHODS

This study describes the prevalence, patterns and associations of potential DDIs in a total administrative sample of adults with ID known to services in Jersey. Demographic, health-related and medication data were collected from 217 adults known to ID services. Data were collected using a face-to-face survey. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system was used to categorise medications, and Stockley's Drug Interaction Checker was used to classify potential DDIs. Drug-drug pairings were considered to be of clinical significance if they were to be 'avoided, adjusted, monitored or required further information'.

RESULTS

Potential DDIs of clinical significance were common. Exposure to potential DDIs of clinical significance was associated with being female, taking more than five medications (polypharmacy), living in residential care and having more health conditions. A simple regression was used to understand the effect of number of prescribed medications on potential DDIs of clinical significance. Every prescribed drug led to a 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-1.00) increase in having a potential DDI of clinical significance.

CONCLUSION

Adults with ID who live in residential care, who are female, exposed to polypharmacy and have more health conditions may be more likely to have potential DDIs of clinical significance. Urgent consideration needs to be given to the potential of DDIs in this population given their exposure to high levels of medication.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) -a brand ambassador/alarming bell for potentially inappropriate medication in elderly inpatients

BACKGROUND

In the past decade, the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) among elderly inpatients has increased drastically. However, limited data is available on PIM indicators, and PIMs use among the elderly in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of PIMs in elderly hospitalized patients with CKD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 102 patients in a tertiary care hospital. PIMs were identified using Beers criteria 2019. A Chi-square test was used to determine the association between variables and PIMs use.

RESULTS

PIMs, as assessed according to AGS updated Beers criteria 2019 was found to be in more than 68.6% of patients of median age 65years and 3 number of diagnoses and seven days median length of stay. Most of the patients (47.1%) had ≥four diagnoses. The most common comorbidities in the patient were diabetes mellitus (n=54) and hypertension (n=55). Most of the subjects (66.7%) were on polypharmacy (5-9 medications/day), and 25.5% were on a higher level of polypharmacy (>10 medicines/day). Approximately 90% of the patients had very low CrCl < 21ml/min (calculated with the help of Cockcroft- Gault formula). A significant association between PIM use and an increased number of diagnoses, polypharmacy or high-level polypharmacy, was observed.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PIMs in elderly inpatients suffering from CKD is relatively high. The study indicates negligence/ lack of awareness amongst physicians leading to increase PIM use. The authors propose that the CKD patients should attract the special attention of the physician and should be treated as brand ambassadors or alarming bells for PIM use.

A patient-centred approach to deprescribing antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV

Only a few studies have explored the benefit of deprescribing in people living with HIV (PLWH), focusing on the discontinuation of non-antiretrovirals (non-ARVs) used for HIV-associated comorbidities (co-medications), or the management of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between ARVs or between ARVs and co-medications. The availability of modern single-tablet regimens, two-drug regimens and long-acting therapy opens a discussion regarding ARV deprescribing strategies. The objective of this article is to discuss ARV deprescribing strategies in the context of medication-related burden and patients' lived experience with medicine (PLEM) and to suggest indications for whom, when, how and why to consider these ARV options in PLWH. A PLEM construct helps to better interpret these strategies and provides a patient-centred precision-medicine approach. There are several safe and virologically effective ARV deprescribing strategies, but the ultimate benefits of these interventions still need to be further explored in terms of the overall health and quality of life of patients.

Patient- and Prescriber-Related Factors Associated with Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Drug-Drug Interactions in Older Adults

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in older adults and their associated factors. This cross-sectional study used National Health Insurance data of older adults in South Korea. The 2015 AGS Beers Criteria were used to classify PIM use and DDIs. The associations of PIM use and DDIs with patient- and prescriber-related factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Of the older adults who received at least one outpatient prescription (N = 1,277,289), 73.0% and 13.3% received one or more prescriptions associated with PIM use or DDIs, respectively. Chlorphenamine was most commonly associated with PIM, followed by diazepam. Co-prescriptions of corticosteroids and NSAIDs accounted for 82.8% of DDIs. Polypharmacy and mainly visiting surgeons or neurologists/psychiatrists were associated with a higher likelihood of prescriptions associated with PIM use or DDIs. Older age, high continuity of care (COC), and mainly visiting a hospital were associated with a lower likelihood of PIM use or DDIs. Prescriptions associated with PIM use and DDIS were more frequent for low COC patients or those who mainly visited clinics; therefore, patients with these characteristics are preferred intervention targets for reducing prescriptions associated with PIM use and DDIs.

Reduction in unplanned hospitalizations associated with a physician focused intervention to reduce potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults: a population-based cohort study

Background

A multimodal general practitioner-focused intervention in the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Parma, Italy, substantially reduced the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among older adults. Our objective was to estimate changes in hospitalization rates associated with the Parma LHA quality improvement initiative that reduced PIM use.

Methods

This population-based longitudinal cohort study was conducted among older residents (> 65 years) using the Parma LHA administrative healthcare database. Crude and adjusted unplanned hospitalization rates were estimated in 3 periods (pre-intervention: 2005–2008, intervention: 2009–2010, post-intervention: 2011–2014). Multivariable negative binomial models estimated trends in quarterly hospitalization rates among individuals at risk during each period using a piecewise linear spline for time, adjusted for time-dependent and time-fixed covariates.

Results

The pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention periods included 117,061, 107,347, and 121,871 older adults and had crude hospitalization rates of 146.2 (95% CI: 142.2–150.3), 146.8 (95% CI: 143.6–150.0), and 140.8 (95% CI: 136.9–144.7) per 1000 persons per year, respectively. The adjusted pre-intervention hospitalization rate was declining by 0.7% per quarter (IRR = 0.993; 95% CI: 0.991–0.995). The hospitalization rate declined more than twice as fast during the intervention period (1.8% per quarter, IRR = 0.982; 95% CI: 0.979–0.985) and was nearly constant post-intervention (IRR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.997–1.001). Contrasting model predictions for the intervention period (Q1 2009 to Q4 2010), the intervention was associated with 1481 avoided hospitalizations.

Conclusion

In a large population of older adults, a multimodal general practitioner-focused intervention to decrease PIM use was associated with a decline in the unplanned hospitalization rate. Such interventions to reduce high risk medication use among older adults warrant consideration by health systems seeking to improve health outcomes and reduce high-cost acute care utilization.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02172-3.

Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Home-Dwelling Older People - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Risks associated with polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions represent a challenge in drug treatment, especially in older adults. The aim of the present study was to assess the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs and the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions in home-dwelling older individuals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was applied. Data were collected during preventive home visits among individuals aged ≥75 in three separate communities of Western Norway. A questionnaire, which was filled out by the individual, their next-of-kin, and the nurse performing the home visit was used for the collection of demographic and clinical data (age, sex, medication use, diagnoses, need of assistance with drug administration). Potential drug-drug interactions were identified electronically by IBM Micromedex Drug Interaction Checking. Point prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) were calculated. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors potentially associated with polypharmacy or potential drug-drug interactions.

Results

Among the 233 individuals (mean age 78±3 years, 46% male) included in the study, 43% used ≥5 drugs, 3.4% ≥10 drugs, while 4.3% used no drugs. In 54% of the 197 individuals using two or more drugs, at least one potential drug-drug interaction was detected. Low-dose aspirin and simvastatin were most frequently involved in potential drug-drug interactions. In total, 25% of the individuals reported current use of drugs sold over the counter of which more than 95% were analgesic drugs. Potential drug-drug interactions involving ibuprofen were identified in nine of 11 (82%) individuals using over-the-counter ibuprofen.

Conclusion

The study revealed a high prevalence of polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions with both prescription and non-prescription drugs in older home-dwelling individuals. Close monitoring of the patients at risk of drug-drug interactions, and increased awareness of the potential of over-the-counter drugs to cause drug-drug interactions, is needed.

Drug-Drug Interactions in Elderly Patients with Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Primary Care, Nursing Home and Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review and a Preliminary Study

Drug–drug interactions (DDI) occurring with potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are additional risk factors that may increase the inappropriate character of PIM. The aim of this study was (1) to describe the prevalence and severity of DDI in patients with PIM and (2) to evaluate the DDI specifically regarding PIM. This systematic review is based on a search carried out on PubMed and Web-of-Science from inception to June 30, 2020. We extracted data of original studies that assessed the prevalence of both DDI and PIM in elderly patients in primary care, nursing home and hospital settings. Four hundred and forty unique studies were identified: 91 were included in the qualitative analysis and 66 were included in the quantitative analysis. The prevalence of PIM in primary care, nursing home and hospital were 19.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 15.1–23.0%), 29.7% (95% CI: 27.8–31.6%) and 44.6% (95% CI: 28.3–60.9%), respectively. Clinically significant severe risk-rated DDI averaged 28.9% (95% CI: 17.2–40.6), in a hospital setting; and were approximately 7-to-9 lower in primary care and nursing home, respectively. Surprisingly, only four of these studies investigated DDI involving specifically PIM. Hence, given the high prevalence of severe DDI in patients with PIM, further investigations should be carried out on DDI involving specifically PIM which may increase their inappropriate character, and the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and associated factors in elderly HIV patients

INTRODUCTION

Aging of people living with HIV could be related to potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions, drugs interactions and lack of drugs adherence. PIMDINAC criteria seek to jointly analyze these problems. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in an elderly HIV population.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study that included patients older than 65 years in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between February-April 2020. The main endpoint was the percentage of PIMDINAC criteria identified in the study population.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patientes were included, identifying total PIMDINAC in 12.5%. Non-adherence to concomitant treatment was detected in 65.6% of patients, potentially inappropriate medication in 48.9% and drugs interactions in 25.2%. The number of concomitant drugs and polypharmacy were associated with a higher appearance of PIMDINAC criteria.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in elderly HIV patients is high.

Prevalência e fatores associados à utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para pessoas idosas em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil: um estudo de base populacional

Resumo Objetivo Verificar a prevalência e analisar os fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI) em pessoas idosas de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional. A variável dependente foi uso de pelo menos um MPI, de acordo com os critérios do Consenso Brasileiro de Medicamentos Potencialmente Inapropriados para Idosos (CBMPII), independentemente da condição clínica. Na avaliação da associação entre o uso de medicamentos inapropriados e as variáveis independentes, realizou-se análise bruta e ajustada por meio de regressão logística, utilizando-se o modelo hierarquizado por razão de chances (OR). Resultados A prevalência de uso de pelo menos um MPI entre os 1.016 participantes foi de 25,9% (IC95% 22,3; 29,8), associada positivamente a sexo feminino (OR=1,38; IC95% 1,01; 1,90), dependência quanto às atividades instrumentais da vida diária (OR=1,37; IC95% 1,02; 1,83), autoavaliação de saúde negativa (OR=1,54; IC95% 1,12; 2,11), internação nos últimos 12 meses (OR=1,79; IC95% 1,19; 2,69) e presença de mais de três comorbidades (OR= 2,56; IC95% 1,97; 3,33). A subcategoria mais utilizada foi dos inibidores de bombas de prótons, por 11,3% (9,2; 13,8). Conclusão A prevalência de uso de MPI por idosos da amostra foi de um quarto, estando associada ao sexo feminino e a condições de saúde. Ações de conscientização fazem-se necessárias para garantia dos benefícios no uso dos medicamentos.

Active ageing: social representations of health professionals in Elderly Health Reference Units

OBJECTIVE

To identify social representations of health professionals providing elderly care in seven Elderly Health Reference Units in São Paulo city regarding health necessities, their role in care and promotion of active ageing.

METHOD

Qualitative research, based on directives from the document "Active ageing: a policy framework" by the World Health Organization. The Discourse of the Collective Subject is employed to systematize social representations, whose central ideas were categorized using the QualiQuantiSoft® program. Four reference situations were elaborated and the one related to iatrogenesis and elder vulnerability was selected.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine professionals took part in this study (sixteen physicians, seven nutritionists and six nurses). Seven categories emerged from the central ideas, with higher frequency for medical conduct disagreement on referring the patient to the Basic Health Unit and the polypharmacy issue.

CONCLUSION

Discourse by professionals point out the necessity of creating care that overcomes the fragmentation of the work process.

Uso de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares por idosos: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013

RESUMO O estudo teve por objetivo estimar a prevalência da realização de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) e sua relação com doenças crônicas em idosos brasileiros. Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS/2013; n=23.815). Estimaram-se a prevalência de realização de PIC e as frequências relativas das práticas referidas. Realizaram-se comparações entre proporções pelo teste de Rao-Scott com nível de significância de 5% e estimaram-se razões de prevalência para o uso das práticas integrativas e complementares, segundo doenças crônicas. O uso das PIC foi referido por 5,4% (IC95%:4,9-6,0) dos idosos. Entre estes, 62,6% relataram uso de plantas medicinais/fitoterapia; 22,2%, acupuntura; e 11,2%, homeopatia. Somente 6,7% realizaram o tratamento no SUS. Observou-se maior realização das práticas pelas mulheres e para todos os tratamentos considerados (p<0,001); naqueles com colesterol alto, artrite ou reumatismo, problema de coluna e depressão (p<0,05). Os resultados dimensionam o uso das PIC com dados de abrangência nacional, apontando para sua utilização no tratamento das diversas condições de saúde que acometem principalmente os idosos.

Beers AGS 2019 criteria in very old hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVE To define the rates and types of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older adults according to the Beers AGS 2019 criteria in oldest-old patients (aged ≥80 years) hospitalized in an Internal Medicine ward. METHODS A retrospective analysis of prescriptions from medical records of oldest-old patients hospitalized in an Internal Medicine Teaching-Hospital ward using the Beers AGS 2019 criteria was performed. Data was also collected for gender, mean age, days of hospitalization, presence of feeding tube, delirium, and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs/day). The drugs listed in Table 2 of the Beers criteria were considered PIMs. RESULTS The series comprised 39 very old patients (22 men, 17 women), with a mean age of 86.3±4.7 years and hospitalization of 22.8±21.3 days. All patients were admitted via the Emergency Room. Feeding tube placement and polypharmacy occurred in 84.6% of cases and delirium in 71.8%. The prescription of a total of 16 drugs considered PIM was detected by the Beers AGS 2019 criteria (mean 1.8 ± 1.0 PIM per patient). Main prescribed PIMs were Metoclopramide "if necessary" [IN] (41.0% of cases), Omeprazole (38.5%), Regular Insulin [IN] (23.1%), Haloperidol [IN] (18.0%), Quetiapine and Amiodarone (10% each). CONCLUSION In the present series of oldest-old hospitalized patients, significant rates of PIM were found, especially for drugs prescribed as "If Necessary", thereby increasing the risk of side-effects to that of the common polypharmacy in this age group.

Comparing Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing Tools and Their Association With Patient Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the agreement of several different measures of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in older people and compare their relationship with patient-reported outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study including participants in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

SETTING

Waves 1 and 2 of TILDA, a nationally representative aging cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1753 community-dwelling TILDA participants with linked administrative pharmacy claims data on medications.

MEASUREMENTS

Potentially inappropriate medications were assessed using the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) v1, American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® 2012, and relevant Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) v3 indicators. Potential prescribing omissions were assessed using the Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to the Right Treatment (START) v1 and ACOVE v3 indicators. Their agreement was assessed via κ statistics, and multivariate regression was used to assess relationships with emergency department visits, general practitioner (GP) visits, quality of life, and functional decline (increased assistance needed for activities of daily living).

RESULTS

There was slight agreement between STOPP and AGS Beers Criteria® (κ = 0.20) and ACOVE indicators (κ = 0.15), while agreement between AGS Beers Criteria® and ACOVE indicators was fair (κ = 0.31). Agreement was fair between START and ACOVE indicators (κ = 0.34). All measures of inappropriate medications were significantly associated with increased GP visits. Only exposure to two or more START indicators was associated with reduced quality of life (adjusted mean difference = -1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.92 to -0.33), and only two or more AGS Beers Criteria® were associated with functional decline (adjusted odds ratio = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.37-3.28). For omissions, both measures were associated with functional decline, but only ACOVE indicators were associated with increased GP visits.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of PIP and relationships with outcomes can differ substantially between tools with little agreement. Choice of PIP measure for research or practice should be considered in light of the circumstances and requirements in each case. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:526-534, 2020.

Drug interactions among older adults followed up in a comprehensive medication management service at Primary Care

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of drug interactions and associated factors among older adults followed up in a Comprehensive Medication Management Service at Primary Care.

Methods:

Firstly, the Beers criteria 2015 was used to define drug interactions; later, drug interactions proposed by Dumbreck for patients with diabetes, depression, and heart failure were evaluated. The associated factors were assessed by univariate (Pearson's χ²) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression). The significance level of 5% was set for all analyses.

Results:

The mean age of the studied population was 70.2±7.8 years; 52.2% were between 60 and 69 years, and 61.3% were female. Among the older adults, 94.5% used two or more drugs (condition for the occurrence of drug-drug interaction). The prevalence of drug interaction according to the Beers criteria was 4.9%. After multivariate analysis, diseases of the central nervous system, arrhythmia, number of medications, and female sex were positively associated with drug interaction. The prevalence of drug interaction according to Dumbreck was 27.2%. After multivariate analysis, the number of medications, the presence of heart failure, and Charlson comorbidity index greater than 1 were conditions positively associated with drug interactions.

Conclusion:

The holistic and individualized approach used in comprehensive medication management services for older patients is important, considering the prevalence of drug interactions and the need to minimize adverse events.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing to older adults in ambulatory care: prevalence and associated patient conditions

PURPOSE

To analyze potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), its prevalence and patient conditions associated with this phenomenon, in a cohort of older adults receiving outpatient care in Mexico.

METHODS

Data from 1252 adults ≥ 60 years of age, from primary care centers were analyzed. Information included sociodemographic data, medications, chronic diseases, polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications), functional dependence, cognitive impairment and frailty. Three logistic regression models were employed to identify associations between PIP (according to the Beers criteria) and different variable combinations.

RESULTS

A total of 41.8% of participants had at least one PIP. The most frequently identified PIPs involved nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glibenclamide; clonazepam in patients with cognitive impairment; and interactions of warfarin with NSAIDs. In the multivariate analyses, Model 1 showed that frailty and polypharmacy were associated with PIP. In Model 2, only polypharmacy was associated with PIP. For Model 3, lower educational levels, taking hypoglycemics, nervous system disease drugs, antiasthmatics, gastrointestinal disease drugs and anti-inflammatories-antirheumatics and analgesics, were associated with PIP.

CONCLUSION

PIP is common in outpatient treatment of health care services in Mexico. Its association with medical and nonmedical factors highlights the need to improve drug treatment quality focused on implementation of effective strategies, such as educative interventions, electronic medication safety alerts, and inclusion of pharmacists in the health team.

Potentially inappropriate medication use and frailty phenotype among community-dwelling older adults: A population-based study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between potentially inappropriate medication use and frailty phenotype among community-dwelling older adults and to identify factors associated with the use of these drugs according to frailty condition.

BACKGROUND

There is insufficient evidence about the association between inappropriate medication use and the condition of frailty, particularly among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, data obtained from population surveys should be made available in order to support the development of clinical guidelines about the prevention of frailty.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study conducted according to the STROBE Checklist.

METHODS

This population-based study was conducted on 1,607 older adults. Potentially inappropriate medication use was assessed according to Beers criteria and frailty syndrome was determined according to the phenotype proposed by Fried and colleagues. Data were analysed statistically using multinomial or binary logistic regression models.

RESULTS

About 13.6% of the subjects were frail, and 36.8% used at least one inappropriate medication. The adjusted model indicated that, the more potentially inappropriate medication use, the higher the prevalence of frailty, prefrailty and the walking slowness component. Female gender, one or more years of schooling, five or more reported morbidities, and instrumental dependence regarding daily life activities were factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication use in the nonfrail group.

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate medication use was prevalent among community-living older adults, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of frailty.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Primary care nurses are the professionals with the greatest contact with the older adults in the community. Thus, the results support the inclusion of the assessment of potentially inappropriate medication use in the routine of nursing consultation. In case of a positive screening, the older person should be referred to geriatric evaluation in order to optimise drug treatment for the prevention of frailty.

The iatrogenic triad in a group of elderly women contracted to a health plan

Abstract Objective: to study the main elements of the iatrogenic triad in a group of elderly women with a Chronic Non-Communicable Disease (CNCD) contracted to a health plan. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive epidemiological study was carried out by analyzing 3,501 medical prescriptions of 725 elderly women aged ≥65 years. The medications were determined to be Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) based on four instruments (AGS Beers 2015, PRISCUS List, EU(7)-PIM, Brazilian Consensus of PIM - CBPIM). In addition, the most prescribed drugs were assessed for possible Drug Interactions (DI) and classified according to degree of severity. Results: the present study revealed that 89.3% of the studied group used at least one element of the iatrogenic triad, and 44.9% of the sample were associated with the use of polypharmacy and PIM. A total of 48.0% were taking at least five continuous use medications. The main DI were omeprazole, simvastatin and levothyroxine, all of which are of significant severity and have potential drug-food interactions. A total of 35.1% of PIM were identified through the four criteria used, 26.6% were identified by the CBPIM, 25.8% by the EU(7)-PIM, and 24.6% and 6.6% by AGS Beers and PRISCUS, respectively. Conclusion: a high index of continuous use medications, PIM and potential DI were identified, mainly enzymatic inhibitors in a group of elderly women at risk due to their clinical characteristics. Old age was associated with the presence of all the elements of the iatrogenic triad. It was also noted that there were no significant differences between the criteria applied, except for the PRISCUS list.

Epidemiology of potential drug-drug interactions in elderly population admitted to critical care units of Peshawar, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Aging population, is a reality in many countries because of improvement in the health care, patient safety and other supplemental factors. Pharmacotherapy in this population must be evaluated due to their higher susceptibility to adverse drug outcomes, like potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs). Research in this regard is limited particularly in developing countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors in this population.

METHODS

The multicentered study evaluated the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions and associated factors in elderly population at critical care units in Peshawar, Pakistan. Potential drug-drug interactions were evaluated using Micromedex DrugReax, while statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS

A total of 70.17% elderly patients were observed to have at least one PDDI. A significant association was observed between presence of PDDIs and number of prescribed drugs, duration of stay and age (p < 0.05). A total of 3019 PDDIs were observed, attributing to 225 drug pairs. Prevalent PDDIs were of moderate severity, good documentation and pharmacodynamic in nature. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the means of PDDIs between Northwest general hospital and the rest of the hospitals. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the means of PDDIs of CCU and SU with rest of the units.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PDDIs was observed to be high in elderly population which can be managed by avoiding or managing a limited number of drug combinations. Such studies are necessary to evaluate the risks of these PDDIs in a population which is already physiologically compromised.

Managing antiretroviral therapy in the elderly HIV patient

Introduction: Owing to more effective and less toxic antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) live longer, a phenomenon expected to grow in the next decades. With advancing age, effectively treated PLWH experience not only a heightened risk for non-infective comorbidities and multimorbidity, but also for geriatric syndromes and frailty. In addition, older adults living with HIV (OALWH) have a higher prevalence of so-called iatrogenic triad described as polypharmacy (PP), potentially inappropriate medication use, and drug-drug interactions. Areas covered: This review will focus the management of ART in OALWH. We will discuss iatrogenic triad and best way to address PP. Special focus will be given to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of ART in the elderly, evaluation of ART toxicities, and specific ART strategies commonly used in this population. Expert commentary: Research should be focused on recruiting more OALWH, frail individuals in particular, into the clinical trials and specific geriatric outcome need to be considered together with traditional viroimmunological outcomes.

Conceptualizing multiple drug use in patients with comorbidity and multimorbidity: proposal for standard definitions beyond the term polypharmacy

With older and aging populations, patients experience multiple chronic diseases at the same time. Individual chronic disease guidelines often recommend pharmacological therapies as a key intervention, resulting in patients being prescribed multiple regular medications for their different diseases. Although the term "polypharmacy" has been applied to the use of multiple medications, there is no consistent definition, and this term is now being used all inclusively. To improve both scientific rigor and optimal patient care, it is crucial that a standard terminology is used, which reclassifies the term "polypharmacy" into distinct phenotypes relating to the index chronic disease, additional conditions to the index (comorbidity), or the experience of multiple chronic conditions at the same time (multimorbidity). Using three exemplar index conditions; heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer, we propose the reclassification of the term "polypharmacy" into three distinct phenotypes. First, index drug or multi-index drug therapy, where each index condition creates multiple drug use for that condition; second, codrug therapy, where addition of other comorbid conditions increases the multiple drug use and may influence the management of the index disease and third, multidrug therapy, where adult population with multimorbidity may be on many drugs. This article reviews guidelines for the individual exemplars to develop the basis for the new terms and then develops the pharmacoepidemiology of multiple drug use further by reviewing the evidence on the relationship between the phenotypic classification and important outcomes. The importance of standardizing "polypharmacy" terminology for the scientific agenda and clinical practice is that it relates to an index condition or disease safety outcomes including drug interactions, adverse side effects in hospital admissions, and related "polypill" concept.

Factors associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medications by older adults in primary health care: An analysis comparing AGS Beers, EU(7)-PIM List , and Brazilian Consensus PIM criteria

BACKGROUND

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) for the older adults are those with an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio when more effective and safe therapeutic alternatives are available and is an important public health problem.

PURPOSE

To analyze the factors associated with the use of PIM by the older adults and to investigate the agreement of PIM use frequency using the 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults - 2015 AGS Beers Criteria, the Brazilian consensus on potentially inappropriate medication for older adults (BCPIM) and the European union list of potentially inappropriate medications - EU (7)-PIM List.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in two primary health care centers in southeastern Brazil. The 2015 AGS Beers Criteria, BCPIM, and EU (7)-PIM List were used for the classification of PIM. The association between PIM use and independent variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. The level of agreement of PIM use among the three criteria was measured with the Cohen's kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients ≥60 years of age were included in the study. The frequency of PIM use was 53.7% for 2015 AGS Beers, 55.9% for BCPIM and 63.4% for the EU (7)-PIM List. The agreement between 2015 AGS Beers and BCPIM and between this and the EU (7)-PIM List was high, and moderate between the 2015 AGS Beers and the EU (7)-PIM List. Logistic regression showed association of PIM use with polypharmacy, self-reported neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal diseases, age ≤70 years, preserved cognition and positive self-perception of health.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of PIM use by the older adults of health centers investigated is high. Strategies for improving the pharmacotherapy of the older adults in primary health care should be implemented.

Potentially inappropriate medications with polypharmacy increase the risk of falls in older Japanese patients: 1-year prospective cohort study

AIM

We aimed to evaluate whether potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) increase the risk for adverse clinical outcomes including falls, emergency department (ED) visits and unplanned hospitalizations in older Japanese patients with chronic diseases, comparing the difference between patients with and without polypharmacy.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was carried out in a Japanese outpatient primary care clinic. Baseline data was collected from January to March 2016. A total of 740 patients aged ≥65 years with chronic diseases were enrolled and were followed up at 1 year; falls, ED visits and unplanned hospitalizations were recorded. A questionnaire and review of the patients' medical records were used to collect information regarding sociodemographic status, comorbidities and medication prescriptions. PIMs were defined using the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions criteria version 2. Using logistic regression analysis, the incidence of falls, and ED visits and hospitalizations were compared between patients with and without PIMs, stratifying by number of prescriptions: those with five or more prescriptions and those with fewer than five prescriptions.

RESULTS

PIMs were identified in 32.3% of enrolled patients. After stratification by number of prescriptions, PIMs were significantly associated with falls in the group with polypharmacy (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.11-3.69). This association was not seen in the group without polypharmacy. PIMs were not associated with ED visits or hospitalizations at the 1-year follow up upon multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PIMs and polypharmacy might increase the risk of falls, therefore clinicians need to pay attention to both PIMs and polypharmacy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1064-1070.

Potentially inappropriate medications in community-dwelling older adults undertaken as a comprehensive geriatric risk assessment

PURPOSE

The prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is associated with an increase in adverse events, prescribing cascades, high health-care costs, morbidity, and mortality in the elderly. The overarching objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of PIMs in the elderly, applying the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria for the study period 2012-2014, and the updated 2015 Beers criteria for 2015.

METHODS

The study population (N = 70,479) included a continuously recruited national cohort of community-dwelling older (aged ≥ 65 years) New Zealanders who had undertaken the International Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (interRAI-HC) assessments between September 2012 and October 2015. Exposure of PIMs 90 days before and after assessment, and 90-180 days after assessment are reported.

RESULTS

Exposure to PIMs was highest in individuals aged over 95 years and in males. The average number of PIMs prescribed 90 days before assessment during the period 2015 was marginally higher compared to 2012-2014 (0.19 versus 0.04), and a greater number of individuals were exposed to one or more PIMs in 2015 compared to 2012-2014 (7.13 versus 2.17%). The prevalence of PIMs 90 days before and after assessment was 2.17 and 6.92% for 2012-2014, and 7.13 and 24.7% for 2015, respectively. The percent change in PIMs in 2012-2014 and 2015 after 90 days of assessment were 4.70% (confidence interval (CI) 4.50%, 5.00%, p < 0.001) and 17.60% (95% CI 16.80%, 18.30%, p < 0.001), respectively. The majority of PIMs prescribed belonged to the therapeutic class of medications acting on the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system.

CONCLUSION

Geriatric risk assessments may provide a vital opportunity to review medication lists by multidisciplinary teams with a view to reducing PIMs and unnecessary polypharmacy in older adults. Comprehensive geriatric risk assessment has the potential to reduce adverse medication outcomes and costs associated with inappropriate prescribing in a vulnerable population of older adults.