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Coli KG, Yuksel JM, McCall KL, Guan J, Ulen KR, Noviasky J. Utilization of Lower-Dose Cyclobenzaprine in the Older Inpatient. Sr Care Pharm 2024; 39:249-258. [PMID: 38937891 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2024.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background In older inpatients, anticholinergic medications can increase the risk of complications that may increase length of stay (LOS). Cyclobenzaprine is an anticholinergic medication associated with mental status changes, falls, and injuries in older patients. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine whether use of a lower cyclobenzaprine dose (5 mg) compared with higher dosing (10 mg) will affect LOS, 30-day readmission rates, and need for injectable psychotropic agents in inpatients 65 years of age and older. Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis comparing outcomes in patients 65 years of age and older who received either a 5 mg or 10 mg cyclobenzaprine dose during their inpatient admission over a 2.5-year period. The primary outcome was hospital LOS, adjusted using multivariate linear regression. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission rate adjusted using logistic regression and use of injectable antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. A sub-analysis evaluated the impact of the institution's implementation of a geriatric prescribing context (GEM-CON) on cyclobenzaprine dose selection. Results The adjusted LOS was 32.7% longer (95% CI 25.9%-39.9%) for patients exposed to higher-dose cyclobenzaprine. Use of injectable antipsychotics or benzodiazepines was also significantly greater in the higher-dose group (P < 0.001; P = 0.025). Cyclobenzaprine dose was not significantly associated with readmission on multivariate analysis (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.45-1.93). After GEM-CON implementation, there was a significant increase in use of the recommended lower cyclobenzaprine dose (P < 0.001). Conclusion Use of lower cyclobenzaprine dosing in older inpatients is associated with reduced hospital LOS and need for injectable antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Coli
- 1 Upstate University Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Syracuse, New York
| | - Jaylan M Yuksel
- 2 Upstate Community Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Syracuse, New York
| | - Kenneth L McCall
- 3 Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Johnson City, New York
| | - Jiajie Guan
- 2 Upstate Community Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Syracuse, New York
| | - Kelly R Ulen
- 2 Upstate Community Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Syracuse, New York
| | - John Noviasky
- 2 Upstate Community Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Syracuse, New York
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Gebreyohannes EA, Taye WA, Shibe BS, Ayele EM, Lee K, Mengistu SB, Soiza RL, Myint PK, Abdela OA. Anticholinergic burden among in-patients: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, determinants, and impact on mortality in Ethiopia. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2024; 15:20420986241259624. [PMID: 38881539 PMCID: PMC11179449 DOI: 10.1177/20420986241259624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous studies report that anticholinergic burden (ACB) has been linked with several health consequences, including increased hospital admissions, prolonged hospitalization, and physical and cognitive impairment. However, low- and middle-income settings, as well as younger individuals, are underrepresented. Objectives To assess the prevalence and determinants of ACB, and to assess the impact of ACB on in-hospital mortality among adult in-patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH). Design A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2022 at UOGCSH among adult in-patients. Methods A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to collect data from patients and their corresponding medical charts. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, as appropriate, were used to determine associations between independent variables and ACB. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression test were used to assess the impact of ACB on in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 420 adult in-patients, median (interquartile range) age of 38 (26, 55) years, participated in this study. Over half (58.3%) were exposed to anticholinergic medicines, with a high ACB (⩾3) seen in 11.2% of participants. High ACB was associated with higher median number of medicines per patient (p = 0.003) higher median hospital length of stay (p = 0.033), and having mental and behavioral disorders (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between ACB and in-hospital mortality (log-rank test p = 0.26, Cox regression adjusted hazard ratio: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.335-6.453, p = 0.61). Conclusion Among adult in-patients, a significant majority (58.3%) were subjected to medications possessing anticholinergic properties, with a noteworthy 11.2% of the study subjects exhibiting a high ACB. Participants with higher median length of hospital stay were more likely to have high ACB even in this relatively younger adult patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Wagaye Atalay Taye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Biniam Siyum Shibe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emneteab Mesfin Ayele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Roy Louis Soiza
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ousman Abubeker Abdela
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Taylor-Rowan M, Kraia O, Kolliopoulou C, Noel-Storr AH, Alharthi AA, Cross AJ, Stewart C, Myint PK, McCleery J, Quinn TJ. Anticholinergic burden for prediction of cognitive decline or neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 8:CD015196. [PMID: 35994403 PMCID: PMC9394684 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015196.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications with anticholinergic properties are commonly prescribed to older adults with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment. The cumulative anticholinergic effect of all the medications a person takes is referred to as the anticholinergic burden because of its potential to cause adverse effects. It is possible that a high anticholinergic burden may be a risk factor for further cognitive decline or neuropsychiatric disturbances in people with dementia. Neuropsychiatric disturbances are the most frequent complication of dementia that require hospitalisation, accounting for almost half of admissions; hence, identification of modifiable prognostic factors for these outcomes is crucial. There are various scales available to measure anticholinergic burden but agreement between them is often poor. OBJECTIVES Our primary objective was to assess whether anticholinergic burden, as defined at the level of each individual scale, was a prognostic factor for further cognitive decline or neuropsychiatric disturbances in older adults with pre-existing diagnoses of dementia or cognitive impairment. Our secondary objective was to investigate whether anticholinergic burden was a prognostic factor for other adverse clinical outcomes, including mortality, impaired physical function, and institutionalisation. SEARCH METHODS We searched these databases from inception to 29 November 2021: MEDLINE OvidSP, Embase OvidSP, PsycINFO OvidSP, CINAHL EBSCOhost, and ISI Web of Science Core Collection on ISI Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA We included prospective and retrospective longitudinal cohort and case-control observational studies, with a minimum of one-month follow-up, which examined the association between an anticholinergic burden measurement scale and the above stated adverse clinical outcomes, in older adults with pre-existing diagnoses of dementia or cognitive impairment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, and undertook data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and GRADE assessment. We summarised risk associations between anticholinergic burden and all clinical outcomes in a narrative fashion. We also evaluated the risk association between anticholinergic burden and mortality using a random-effects meta-analysis. We established adjusted pooled rates for the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale; then, as an exploratory analysis, established pooled rates on the prespecified association across scales. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 18 studies that met our inclusion criteria (102,684 older adults). Anticholinergic burden was measured using five distinct measurement scales: 12 studies used the ACB scale; 3 studies used the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS); 1 study used the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS); 1 study used the Anticholinergic Effect on Cognition (AEC) Scale; and 2 studies used a list developed by Tune and Egeli. Risk associations between anticholinergic burden and adverse clinical outcomes were highly heterogenous. Four out of 10 (40%) studies reported a significantly increased risk of greater long-term cognitive decline for participants with an anticholinergic burden compared to participants with no or minimal anticholinergic burden. No studies investigated neuropsychiatric disturbance outcomes. One out of four studies (25%) reported a significant association with reduced physical function for participants with an anticholinergic burden versus participants with no or minimal anticholinergic burden. No study (out of one investigating study) reported a significant association between anticholinergic burden and risk of institutionalisation. Six out of 10 studies (60%) found a significantly increased risk of mortality for those with an anticholinergic burden compared to those with no or minimal anticholinergic burden. Pooled analysis of adjusted mortality hazard ratios (HR) measured anticholinergic burden with the ACB scale, and suggested a significantly increased risk of death for those with a high ACB score relative to those with no or minimal ACB scores (HR 1.153, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.030 to 1.292; 4 studies, 48,663 participants). An exploratory pooled analysis of adjusted mortality HRs across anticholinergic burden scales also suggested a significantly increased risk of death for those with a high anticholinergic burden (HR 1.102, 95% CI 1.044 to 1.163; 6 studies, 68,381 participants). Overall GRADE evaluation of results found low- or very low-certainty evidence for all outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low-certainty evidence that older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment who have a significant anticholinergic burden may be at increased risk of death. No firm conclusions can be drawn for risk of accelerated cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric disturbances, decline in physical function, or institutionalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Taylor-Rowan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Olga Kraia
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Ahmed A Alharthi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Terry J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Lisibach A, Gallucci G, Beeler PE, Csajka C, Lutters M. High anticholinergic burden at admission associated with in-hospital mortality in older patients: A comparison of 19 different anticholinergic burden scales. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 130:288-300. [PMID: 34837340 PMCID: PMC9299782 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Although no gold standard exists to assess a patient's anticholinergic burden, a review identified 19 anticholinergic burden scales (ABSs). No study has yet evaluated whether a high anticholinergic burden measured with all 19 ABSs is associated with in‐hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS). We conducted a cohort study at a Swiss tertiary teaching hospital using patients' electronic health record data from 2015–2018. Included were patients aged ≥65 years, hospitalised ≥48 h without stays and >24 h in intensive care. Patients' cumulative anticholinergic burden score was classified using a binary (<3: low, ≥3: high) and categorical approach (0: no, 0.5–3: low, ≥3: high). In‐hospital mortality and LOS were analysed using multivariable logistic and linear regression, respectively. We included 27,092 patients (mean age 78.0 ± 7.5 years, median LOS 6 days). Of them, 913 died. Depending on the evaluated ABS, 1370 to 17,035 patients were exposed to anticholinergics. Patients with a high burden measured by all 19 ABSs were associated with a 1.32‐ to 3.03‐fold increase in in‐hospital mortality compared with those with no/low burden. We obtained similar results for LOS. To conclude, discontinuing drugs with anticholinergic properties (score ≥3) at admission might be a targeted intervention to decrease in‐hospital mortality and LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lisibach
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland.,Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Gallucci
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Patrick E Beeler
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Csajka
- Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Monika Lutters
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland.,Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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Sørensen SR, Frederiksen JD, Anru PL, Masud T, Petrovic M, Rosholm JU, Ryg J. Use of Drugs with Anticholinergic Properties at Hospital Admission Associated with Mortality in Older Patients: A Danish Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2021; 9:129-140. [PMID: 34414558 PMCID: PMC8844340 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-021-00270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAP) has a negative impact on older people. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the association between DAP at hospital admission and mortality in older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a nationwide population-based cohort study including patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to Danish geriatric medicine departments during 2005-2014. National health registers were used to link with individual-level data. Patients were followed to emigration, death, or study termination (31 December 2015). DAP was defined as medications included in the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale, which assigns each DAP a score between 1 and 3. The individual ACB score was calculated and the number of DAP counted. We used Cox proportional-hazard regressions to estimate the crude and adjusted hazard ratios adjusting for age, activities of daily living, marital status, index admission period, BMI, and prior hospitalizations (model 1), and additionally Charlson Comorbidity Index (model 2). RESULTS We included 74,589 patients aged (median [IQR]) 83 (77-88) years. Use of one or more DAP (62.5%) was associated with increased mortality compared with those with no use (p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model 2, compared with no use, higher mortality risks (HR [95% CI]) were seen with ACB score of 2 and number of DAP ≥ 5 for 30-day (1.46 [1.32-1.61] and 1.46 [1.09-1.95]), 1-year (1.34 [1.28-1.41] and 1.48 [1.29-1.70]), and overall mortality (1.27 [1.23-1.31] and 1.44 [1.31-1.59]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Use of DAP at hospital admission is associated with short- and long-term mortality in geriatric patients. Deprescribing studies are warranted to study whether the impact on mortality can be attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Ramsdal Sørensen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Dalskov Frederiksen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pavithra Laxsen Anru
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tahir Masud
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Geriatric Department, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Deaprtment of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens-Ulrik Rosholm
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Neilson V, Palmer S. The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary frailty team in reducing anticholinergic burden in frail older patients: A quantitative service evaluation. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 42:943-947. [PMID: 34130126 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Neilson
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, BA1 3NG, United Kingdom.
| | - Shea Palmer
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences University of West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK
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Golubovsky JL, Karnuta JM, Lee M, Enders J, Banerjee A, Grits D, Nowacki A, Ilyas H, Steinmetz MP. A Retrospective Cohort Study of Effects of Antihypertensive and Anticholinergic Medications on Outcomes Following Elective Posterior Lumbar Spine Surgery. Clin Spine Surg 2021; 34:E295-E302. [PMID: 33290327 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective consecutive cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between commonly prescribed medications and outcomes following posterior lumbar spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Postoperative complications and prolonged length of stay significantly increase costs following posterior lumbar spine surgery and worsen patient outcomes. To control costs and complications, providers should focus on modifiable risk factors, such as preoperative medications. Antihypertensive and anticholinergic drugs are among the most commonly prescribed medications but can carry significant risks in the perioperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery from January 2014 through December 2015 at a large tertiary care center. The variable selection followed by multivariable logistic and negative binomial regressions were performed. An α threshold of 0.0056 was used for significance after correction for multiple comparisons. A secondary analysis was performed to evaluate confounding or effect modifying variables. RESULTS This study included 1577 patients. Postoperative urinary retention risk was increased in patients taking loop diuretics. Acute kidney injury risk was increased for patients on nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers. Surgical site infection risk was increased for patients on aldosterone receptor blockers. Urinary tract infection risk was increased for patients on anticholinergics for urinary incontinence. Length of stay was decreased for patients on angiotensin II antagonists and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. CONCLUSION A care path should be established in the perioperative period for patients who are deemed to be at higher risk due to medication status to either modify medications or improve postoperative monitoring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Golubovsky
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
| | - Jaret M Karnuta
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences
| | - Maxwell Lee
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
| | - Jacob Enders
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
| | - Aditya Banerjee
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
| | - Daniel Grits
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Education Institute
| | | | - Haariss Ilyas
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute
| | - Michael P Steinmetz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Spine Health, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Herrero-Zazo M, Berry R, Bines E, Bhattacharya D, Myint PK, Keevil VL. Anticholinergic burden in older adult inpatients: patterns from admission to discharge and associations with hospital outcomes. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211012592. [PMID: 34035892 PMCID: PMC8111536 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211012592] [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: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anticholinergic medications are associated with adverse outcomes in older adults and should be prescribed cautiously. We describe the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) scores of older inpatients and associations with outcomes. Methods: We included all emergency, first admissions of adults ⩾65 years old admitted to one hospital over 4 years. Demographics, discharge specialty, dementia/history of cognitive concern, illness acuity and medications were retrieved from electronic records. ARS scores were calculated as the sum of anticholinergic potential for each medication (0 = limited/none; 1 = moderate; 2 = strong and 3 = very strong). We categorised patients based on admission ARS score [ARS = 0 (reference); ARS = 1; ARS = 2; ARS ⩾ 3] and change in ARS score from admission to discharge [admission and discharge ARS = 0 (reference); same; decreased; increased]. We described anticholinergic prescribing patterns by discharge specialty and explored multivariable associations between ARS score categories and mortality using logistic regression [odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs)]. Results: From 33,360 patients, 10,183 (31%) were prescribed an anticholinergic medication on admission. Mean admission ARS scores were: Cardiology and Stroke = 0.56; General Medicine = 0.78; Geriatric Medicine = 0.83; Other medicine = 0.81; Trauma and Orthopaedics = 0.66; Other Surgery = 0.65. Mean ARS did not increase from admission to discharge in any specialty but reductions varied significantly, from 4.6% (Other Surgery) to 27.7% (Geriatric Medicine) (p < 0.001). The odds of both 30-day inpatient and 30-day post-discharge mortality increased with admission ARS = 1 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.44 and OR = 1.44, 1.18–1.74) but not with ARS = 2 or ARS ⩾ 3. The odds of 30-day post-discharge mortality were higher in all ARS change categories, relative to no anticholinergic exposure (same: OR = 1.45, 1.21–1.74, decreased: OR = 1.27, 1.01–1.57, increased: OR = 2.48, 1.98–3.08). Conclusion: The inconsistent dose–response associations with mortality may be due to confounding and measurement error which may be addressed by a prospective trial. Definitive evidence for this prevalent modifiable risk factor is required to support clinician behaviour-change, thus reducing variation in anticholinergic deprescribing by inpatient speciality. Plain language summary We describe how commonly medicines which block the chemical acetylcholine are prescribed to older adults admitted to hospital as an emergency and explore links between these medicines and death during or soon after hospital admission Backgroud: Medicines which block the chemical acetylcholine are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms such as itch and difficulty sleeping or to treat medical conditions such as depression. However, some studies in older adults have found potential links between these medicines and confusion and falls. Therefore, doctors are recommended to prescribe these drugs cautiously in adults aged 65 years and over. Methods: In our paper we use data collected as part of routine medical care at one university hospital to describe how often these medicines are prescribed in a large sample of older adults admitted to hospital as an emergency. We look at the medicines patients are prescribed on admission to the hospital and also when they are later discharged. Results: We find that these medicines are frequently prescribed. We also find that, in general, patients are prescribed fewer of these potentially harmful medicines on hospital discharge compared with hospital admission. This suggests that clinicians are aware of advice to prescribe acetylcholine blocking medicines cautiously and they are more often stopped in hospital than started. However, we find a lot of variation in practice depending on which hospital specialty was caring for the patient during their inpatient stay. We also find potential links with these medicines and death during the admission or soon after hospital discharge, but these potential links are not always consistent. Conclusion: Further study is needed to fully understand links between medicines that block acetylcholine and late life health. This will be important to reduce variation in prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Herrero-Zazo
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel Berry
- Pharmacy Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Bines
- Pharmacy Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Victoria L Keevil
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 157, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Lisibach A, Benelli V, Ceppi MG, Waldner-Knogler K, Csajka C, Lutters M. Quality of anticholinergic burden scales and their impact on clinical outcomes: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 77:147-162. [PMID: 33011824 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-0299x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Older people are at risk of anticholinergic side effects due to changes affecting drug elimination and higher sensitivity to drug's side effects. Anticholinergic burden scales (ABS) were developed to quantify the anticholinergic drug burden (ADB). We aim to identify all published ABS, to compare them systematically and to evaluate their associations with clinical outcomes. METHODS We conducted a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify all published ABS and a Web of Science citation (WoS) analysis to track validation studies implying clinical outcomes. Quality of the ABS was assessed using an adapted AGREE II tool. For the validation studies, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane tool Rob2.0. The validation studies were categorized into six evidence levels based on the propositions of the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine with respect to their quality. At least two researchers independently performed screening and quality assessments. RESULTS Out of 1297 records, we identified 19 ABS and 104 validations studies. Despite differences in quality, all ABS were recommended for use. The anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale and the German anticholinergic burden scale (GABS) achieved the highest percentage in quality. Most ABS are validated, yet validation studies for newer scales are lacking. Only two studies compared eight ABS simultaneously. The four most investigated clinical outcomes delirium, cognition, mortality and falls showed contradicting results. CONCLUSION There is need for good quality validation studies comparing multiple scales to define the best scale and to conduct a meta-analysis for the assessment of their clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lisibach
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
- Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Valérie Benelli
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Marco Giacomo Ceppi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RehaClinic, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
- Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Chantal Csajka
- Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Monika Lutters
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lavrador M, Castel-Branco MM, Cabral AC, Veríssimo MT, Figueiredo IV, Fernandez-Llimos F. Association between anticholinergic burden and anticholinergic adverse outcomes in the elderly: Pharmacological basis of their predictive value for adverse outcomes. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105306. [PMID: 33248197 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The use of anticholinergic drugs and other drugs with anticholinergic activity is highly prevalent in older people. Cumulative anticholinergic effects, known as anticholinergic burden, are associated with important peripheral and central adverse effects and outcomes. Several methods have been developed to quantify anticholinergic burden and to estimate the risk of adverse anticholinergic effects. Serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) and anticholinergic burden scoring systems are the most commonly used methods to predict the occurrence of important negative outcomes. These tools could guide clinicians in making more rational prescriptions to enhance patient safety, especially in older people. However, the literature has reported conflicting results about the predictive ability of these tools. The majority of these instruments ignore relevant pharmacologic aspects such as the doses used, differential muscarinic receptor subtype affinities, and blood-brain barrier permeability. To increase the clinical relevance of these tools, mechanistic and clinical pharmacology should collaborate. This narrative review describes the rational and pharmacological basis of anticholinergic burden tools and provides insight about their predictive value for adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lavrador
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M Margarida Castel-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana C Cabral
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Manuel T Veríssimo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Isabel V Figueiredo
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- University of Porto, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy. Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Lisibach A, Benelli V, Ceppi MG, Waldner-Knogler K, Csajka C, Lutters M. Quality of anticholinergic burden scales and their impact on clinical outcomes: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 77:147-162. [PMID: 33011824 PMCID: PMC7803697 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02994-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Older people are at risk of anticholinergic side effects due to changes affecting drug elimination and higher sensitivity to drug’s side effects. Anticholinergic burden scales (ABS) were developed to quantify the anticholinergic drug burden (ADB). We aim to identify all published ABS, to compare them systematically and to evaluate their associations with clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify all published ABS and a Web of Science citation (WoS) analysis to track validation studies implying clinical outcomes. Quality of the ABS was assessed using an adapted AGREE II tool. For the validation studies, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane tool Rob2.0. The validation studies were categorized into six evidence levels based on the propositions of the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine with respect to their quality. At least two researchers independently performed screening and quality assessments. Results Out of 1297 records, we identified 19 ABS and 104 validations studies. Despite differences in quality, all ABS were recommended for use. The anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale and the German anticholinergic burden scale (GABS) achieved the highest percentage in quality. Most ABS are validated, yet validation studies for newer scales are lacking. Only two studies compared eight ABS simultaneously. The four most investigated clinical outcomes delirium, cognition, mortality and falls showed contradicting results. Conclusion There is need for good quality validation studies comparing multiple scales to define the best scale and to conduct a meta-analysis for the assessment of their clinical impact. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00228-020-02994-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lisibach
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland. .,Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Valérie Benelli
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Marco Giacomo Ceppi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RehaClinic, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland.,Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Chantal Csajka
- Center for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Monika Lutters
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department Medical Services, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland.,Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Tan MP, Tan GJ, Mat S, Luben RN, Wareham NJ, Khaw KT, Myint PK. Use of Medications with Anticholinergic Properties and the Long-Term Risk of Hospitalization for Falls and Fractures in the EPIC-Norfolk Longitudinal Cohort Study. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:105-114. [PMID: 31808140 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00731-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of medications with anticholinergic activity has been suggested to result in the adverse effects of mental confusion, visual disturbance, and muscle weakness, which may lead to falls. Existing published evidence linking anticholinergic drugs with falls, however, remains weak. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) and the long-term risk of hospitalization with falls and fractures in a large population study. The dataset comprised information from 25,639 men and women (aged 40-79 years) recruited from 1993 to 1997 from Norfolk, United Kingdom into the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study. The time to first hospital admission with a fall with or without fracture was obtained from the National Health Service hospital information system. Cox-proportional hazards analyses were conducted to adjust for confounders and competing risks. The fall hospitalization rate was 5.8% over a median follow-up of ~ 19.4 years. The unadjusted incidence rate ratio for the use of any drugs with anticholinergic properties was 1.79 (95% CI 1.66-1.93). The hazard ratios (95% CI) for ACB scores of 1, 2-3, and ≥ 4 compared with ACB = 0 for fall hospitalization were 1.20 (1.09-1.33), 1.42 (1.25-1.60), and 1.39 (1.21-1.60) after adjustment for age, gender, medical conditions, physical activity, and blood pressure. Medications with anticholinergic activity are associated with an increased risk of subsequent hospitalization with a fall over a 19-year follow-up period. The biological mechanisms underlying the long-term risk of hospitalization with a fall or fracture following baseline ACB exposure remains unclear and requires further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maw Pin Tan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
| | - Guo Jeng Tan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sumaiyah Mat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Robert N Luben
- Clinical Gerontology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kay-Tee Khaw
- Clinical Gerontology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Clinical Gerontology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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13
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Graves-Morris K, Stewart C, Soiza RL, Taylor-Rowan M, Quinn TJ, Loke YK, Myint PK. The Prognostic Value of Anticholinergic Burden Measures in Relation to Mortality in Older Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:570. [PMID: 32411001 PMCID: PMC7201087 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greater anticholinergic burden (ACB) increases the risk of mortality in older individuals, yet the strength of this association varies between studies. One possible explanation for this variance is the use of different approaches to quantify ACB. This systematic review (PROSPERO number CRD42019115918) assessed the prognostic utility of ACB-specific measures on mortality in older individuals. Methods Multiple cross-disciplinary databases were searched from 2006-2018. Observational studies assessing the association between ACB and mortality utilizing ≥1 ACB measure, involving persons aged ≥65 years were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third independent reviewer. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate. Results Of 19,224 titles, 20 articles describing 18 cohort studies involving 498,056 older individuals were eligible. Eight anticholinergic-specific measures were identified; the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACBS, n=9) and Anticholinergic Risk scale (ARS, n=8) were most frequently reported. The evidence base was of poor quality, with moderate to high risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed increased mortality risk. Conclusions There was a modest association between some ACB measures and mortality, with most evidence derived from the ACBS. Studies comparing different measures within the same population were lacking. Analysis was limited by poor generalizability between studies, specifically regarding heterogeneity in methodology and reporting, as well as high risk of bias for most studies in the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Graves-Morris
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Stewart
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Roy L Soiza
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Taylor-Rowan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Terence J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yoon K Loke
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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14
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Lee JH, Jung HW, Jang IY, do Moon S, Lee S, Han SJ. Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden as a Predictive Factor for In-hospital Mortality in Older Patients in Korea. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2020; 24:20-26. [PMID: 32743318 PMCID: PMC7370777 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.19.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing prevalence of chronic disease due to aging, many older adults experience multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Medications with anticholinergic properties are particularly associated with adverse cognitive outcomes, including functional decline and mortality. We assessed the clinical impact of anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) on clinical outcomes of older patients acutely admitted to a single, hospitalist-operated medical unit of a tertiary hospital in Korea. METHODS This retrospective study reviewed electronic medical records of 318 patients aged 65 years or older admitted to the hospitalist-operated medical unit through the emergency department of Seoul National University Hospital. The analyzed clinical outcomes were the length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, unplanned intensive care unit admission, and unexpected readmission within 30 days. RESULTS The clinical outcomes did not differ between patients who took five or more drugs and those who did not. Patients with an ACB score of 3 or higher had a higher in-hospital mortality rate and longer hospital stay than those who did not. After adjusting for confounding factors, an ACB score of 3 or higher was an independent predictive factor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio=3.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-8.06). CONCLUSION ACB rather than the number of medications was associated with in-hospital mortality in acutely ill older patients. Further analytic and interventional studies are required to assess potentially inappropriate medication use and ACB in older inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Won Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il-Young Jang
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung do Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunhye Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Jun Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Association between anticholinergic drug burden and mortality in older people: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 76:319-335. [PMID: 31832732 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to conduct a systematic review of studies examining the association between anticholinergic burden and mortality in older individuals. METHODS A literature search was performed to identify relevant studies, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, from January 1990 to December 2018. We included studies of patients with a mean age of 65 years or older where the anticholinergic burden was estimated using anticholinergic risk assessment tools, and associations between anticholinergic load and mortality were investigated. The primary outcome of interest was the association between anticholinergic burden and mortality. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were included. These were three cross-sectional, one nested case-control and 23 prospective or retrospective cohort studies. Most studies were determined to be of good quality. A total of 15 studies reported a positive correlation between anticholinergic burden and mortality, while the remaining 10 studies did not report a significant association. Eighteen out of 27 studies (80%) had a short follow-up period of 1 year or less. Among the five high-quality studies that met all the domains of the quality assessment criteria, four showed a positive association. CONCLUSION The variation in results could relate to the quality of the studies, follow-up period, anticholinergic risk assessment tool used and the study setting. Sixty-three percent (n = 17) of all the included studies, but almost all of the high-quality studies with an extended follow-up, reported a positive correlation between anticholinergic burden and mortality. Further high-quality research, using standardized measures and with adequate follow-up periods, is required to confirm the relationship between anticholinergic burden and mortality.
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16
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Effets cardio-vasculaires des traitements anticholinergiques à visée vésicale chez la personne âgée : une revue. Prog Urol 2018; 28:361-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Welsh TJ, van der Wardt V, Ojo G, Gordon AL, Gladman JRF. Anticholinergic Drug Burden Tools/Scales and Adverse Outcomes in Different Clinical Settings: A Systematic Review of Reviews. Drugs Aging 2018; 35:523-538. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0549-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sevilla-Sánchez D, Molist-Brunet N, González-Bueno J, Solà-Bonada N, Espaulella-Panicot J, Codina-Jané C. Prevalence, risk factors and adverse outcomes of anticholinergic burden in patients with advanced chronic conditions at hospital admission. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18:1159-1165. [DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sevilla-Sánchez
- Pharmacy Department, Vic University Hospital - Vic Hospital Consortium; Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
| | - Núria Molist-Brunet
- Acute Geriatric Unit, Vic University Hospital, Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
| | - Javier González-Bueno
- Pharmacy Department, Vic University Hospital - Vic Hospital Consortium; Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
| | - Núria Solà-Bonada
- Pharmacy Department, Vic University Hospital - Vic Hospital Consortium; Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
| | - Joan Espaulella-Panicot
- Acute Geriatric Unit, Vic University Hospital, Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
- Geriatric and Palliative Care Territorial Unit, Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic, Vic Hospital Consortium (Barcelona); Spain
| | - Carles Codina-Jané
- Pharmacy Department, Vic University Hospital - Vic Hospital Consortium; Hospital of Santa Creu of Vic (Barcelona); Spain
- Pharmacy Department. Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona; Spain
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19
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Gutiérrez-Valencia M, Martínez-Velilla N, Vetrano DL, Corsonello A, Lattanzio F, Ladrón-Arana S, Onder G. Anticholinergic burden and health outcomes among older adults discharged from hospital: results from the CRIME study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 73:1467-1474. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2312-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Egberts A, van der Craats ST, van Wijk MD, Alkilabe S, van den Bemt PMLA, Mattace-Raso FUS. Anticholinergic drug exposure is associated with delirium and postdischarge institutionalization in acutely ill hospitalized older patients. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2017; 5:e00310. [PMID: 28603629 PMCID: PMC5464339 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies investigated the possible association between anticholinergic drugs and diverse clinical outcomes in older persons, but the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anticholinergic drug exposure is associated with delirium on admission, length of hospital stay, postdischarge institutionalization and in-hospital mortality in acutely ill hospitalized older patients. In this observational chart review study, we included acutely ill patients aged 65 and older who were admitted to the geriatric ward of the Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, between 2012 and 2015 (n = 905). Anticholinergic drug exposure on admission was defined as the use of anticholinergic drugs, total number of anticholinergic drugs and anticholinergic drug burden score (ADB), quantified with the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale (ACB) and the list of Chew et al. (Chew). Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate possible associations between anticholinergic drug exposure and the aforementioned outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, non-anticholinergic drugs and delirium, where appropriate. Moderate and high ADB measured with the ARS were associated with delirium on admission with odds ratios (OR) of 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-2.49) and 1.83 (95% CI = 1.06-3.15), respectively. High ADB measured with the ARS was also associated with postdischarge institutionalization (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.24-4.75). No associations were found using the ACB and Chew. Future studies are warranted to investigate the clinical usefulness of the ARS in reducing complications in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Egberts
- Section of Geriatric Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Saskia T van der Craats
- Section of Geriatric Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Melissa D van Wijk
- Section of Geriatric Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Shams Alkilabe
- Section of Geriatric Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Francesco U S Mattace-Raso
- Section of Geriatric Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam The Netherlands
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21
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Mangoni AA, Kim S, Hakendorf P, Mayner L, Woodman RJ. Heat Waves, Drugs with Anticholinergic Effects, and Outcomes in Older Hospitalized Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:1091-6. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A. Mangoni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; School of Medicine; Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre; Adelaide Australia
| | - Susan Kim
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Medicine; Flinders University; Adelaide Australia
| | - Paul Hakendorf
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Medicine; Flinders University; Adelaide Australia
| | - Lidia Mayner
- Torrens Resilience Institute; Flinders University; Adelaide Australia
| | - Richard J. Woodman
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Medicine; Flinders University; Adelaide Australia
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22
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Nishtala PS, Salahudeen MS, Hilmer SN. Anticholinergics: theoretical and clinical overview. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2016; 15:753-68. [DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2016.1165664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah N. Hilmer
- Sydney Medical School, Royal North Shore Hospital and Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
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Collamati A, Martone AM, Poscia A, Brandi V, Celi M, Marzetti E, Cherubini A, Landi F. Anticholinergic drugs and negative outcomes in the older population: from biological plausibility to clinical evidence. Aging Clin Exp Res 2016; 28:25-35. [PMID: 25930085 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-015-0359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of medication with anticholinergic properties is widespread among older subjects. Many drugs of common use such as antispasmodics, bronchodilators, antiarrhythmics, antihistamines, anti-hypertensive drugs, antiparkinson agents, skeletal muscle relaxants, and psychotropic drugs have been demonstrated to have an anticholinergic activity. The most frequent adverse effects are dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, urinary retention, blurred vision, tachycardia and neurologic impairment such as confusion, agitation and coma. A growing evidence from experimental studies and clinical observations suggests that drugs with anticholinergic properties can cause physical and mental impairment in the elderly population. However, the morbidity and management issues associated with unwanted anticholinergic activity are underestimated and frequently overlooked. Moreover, their possible relation with specific negative outcome in the elderly population is still not firmly established. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the relationship between the use of drugs with anticholinergic activity and negative outcomes in older persons. We searched PubMed and Cochrane combining the search terms "anticholinergic", "delirium", "cognitive impairment", "falls", "mortality" and "discontinuation". Medicines with anticholinergic properties may increase the risks of functional and cognitive decline, morbidity, institutionalization and mortality in older people. However, such evidences are still not conclusive probably due to possible confounding factors. In particular, more studies are needed to investigate the effects of discontinuation of drug with anticholinergic properties. Overall, minimizing anticholinergic burden should always be encouraged in clinical practice to improve short-term memory, confusion and delirium, quality of life and daily functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Collamati
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Martone
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Poscia
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brandi
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Celi
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Landi
- Department of Gerontology, Orthopedics and Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Sakel M, Boukouvalas A, Buono R, Moten M, Mirza F, Chan WY, Maidment I, Cross J, Smith TO, Myint PK, Fox C. Does anticholinergics drug burden relate to global neuro-disability outcome measures and length of hospital stay? Brain Inj 2015; 29:1426-30. [PMID: 26287759 DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1060358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between disability, length of stay (LOS) and anticholinergic burden (ACB) with people following acquired brain or spinal cord injury. RESEARCH DESIGN A retrospective case note review assessed total rehabilitation unit admission. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Assessment of 52 consecutive patients with acquired brain/spinal injury and neuropathy in an in-patient neuro-rehabilitation unit of a UK university hospital. Data analysed included: Northwick Park Dependency Score (NPDS), Rehabilitation complexity Scale (RCS), Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure FIM-FAM (UK version 2.2), LOS and ACB. Outcome was different in RCS, NPDS and FIM-FAM between admission and discharge. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS A positive change was reported in ACB results in a positive change in NPDS, with no significant effect on FIM-FAM, either Motor or Cognitive, or on the RCS. Change in ACB correlated to the length of hospital stay (regression correlation = -6.64; SE = 3.89). There was a significant harmful impact of increase in ACB score during hospital stay, from low to high ACB on NPDS (OR = 9.65; 95% CI = 1.36-68.64) and FIM-FAM Total scores (OR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.002-0.35). CONCLUSIONS There was a statistically significant correlation of ACB and neuro-disability measures and LOS amongst this patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sakel
- a East Kent University NHS Hospitals , Canterbury , UK
| | | | - R Buono
- c University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen , UK
| | - M Moten
- d Imperial College , London , UK
| | - F Mirza
- a East Kent University NHS Hospitals , Canterbury , UK
| | - W-Y Chan
- e Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital , Norwich , UK , and
| | | | - J Cross
- f University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
| | - T O Smith
- f University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
| | - P K Myint
- c University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen , UK
| | - C Fox
- f University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK
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Salahudeen MS, Duffull SB, Nishtala PS. Anticholinergic burden quantified by anticholinergic risk scales and adverse outcomes in older people: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2015; 15:31. [PMID: 25879993 PMCID: PMC4377853 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-015-0029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cumulative effect of taking multiple medicines with anticholinergic properties termed as anticholinergic burden can adversely impact cognition, physical function and increase the risk of mortality. Expert opinion derived risk scales are routinely used in research and clinical practice to quantify anticholinergic burden. These scales rank the anticholinergic activity of medicines into four categories, ranging from no anticholinergic activity (= 0) to definite/high anticholinergic activity (= 3). The aim of this systematic review was to compare anticholinergic burden quantified by the anticholinergic risk scales and evaluate associations with adverse outcomes in older people. Methods We conducted a literature search in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO from 1984-2014 to identify expert opinion derived anticholinergic risk scales. In addition to this, a citation analysis was performed in Web of Science and Google Scholar to track prospective citing of references of selected articles for assessment of individual scales for adverse anticholinergic outcomes. The primary outcomes of interest were functional and cognitive outcomes associated with anticholinergic burden in older people. The critical appraisals of the included studies were performed by two independent reviewers and the data were extracted onto standardised forms. Results The primary electronic literature search identified a total of 1250 records in the 3 different databases. On the basis of full-text analysis, we identified 7 expert-based anticholinergic rating scales that met the inclusion criteria. The rating of anticholinergic activity for medicines among these rating scales was inconsistent. For example, quetiapine was rated as having high anticholinergic activity in one scale (n = 1), moderate in another scale (n = 1) and low in two other scales (n = 2). Citation analysis of the individual scales showed that the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale was the most frequently validated expert based anticholinergic scale for adverse outcomes (N = 13). Conclusions In conclusion, there is not one standardised tool for measuring anticholinergic burden. Cohort studies have shown that higher anticholinergic burden is associated with negative brain effects, poorer cognitive and functional outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-015-0029-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen B Duffull
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Prasad S Nishtala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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