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Liu X, Jing B, Graham LA, Liu CK, Lee SJ, Steinman MA, Dave CV, Manja V, Li Y, Fung K, Odden MC. Complex Patterns of Antihypertensive Treatment Changes in Long-Term Care Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105119. [PMID: 38950584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antihypertensive treatment changes are common in long-term care residents, yet data on the frequency and predictors of changes are lacking. We described the patterns of antihypertensive changes and examined the triggering factors. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 24,870 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home residents aged ≥65 years with long-term stays (≥180 days) from 2006 to 2019. METHODS We obtained data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Based on Bar Code Medication Administration medication data, we defined 2 types of change events in 180 days of admission: deprescribing (reduced number of antihypertensives or dose reduction of ≥30% compared with the previous week and maintained for at least 2 weeks) and intensification (opposite of deprescribing). Mortality was identified within 2 years after admission. RESULTS More than 85% of residents were prescribed antihypertensives and 68% of them experienced ≥1 change event during the first 6 months of the nursing home stay. We categorized residents into 10 distinct patterns: no change (27%), 1 deprescribing (11%), multiple deprescribing (5%), 1 intensification (10%), multiple intensification (7%), 1 deprescribing followed by 1 intensification (3%), 1 intensification followed by 1 deprescribing (4%), 3 changes with mixed events (7%), >3 changes with mixed events (10%), and no antihypertensive use (15%). Treatment changes were more frequent in residents with better physical function and/or cognitive function. Potentially triggering factors differed by the type of antihypertensive change: incident high blood pressure and cardiovascular events were associated with intensification, and low blood pressure, weight loss, and falls were associated with deprescribing. Death occurred in 7881 (32%) residents over 2 years. The highest mortality was for those without antihypertensive medication (incidence = 344/1000 person-years). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Patterns of medication changes existing in long-term care residents are complex. Future studies should explore the benefits and harms of these antihypertensive treatment changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Bocheng Jing
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura A Graham
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christine Kee Liu
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Section of Geriatrics, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sei J Lee
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Steinman
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chintan V Dave
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Veena Manja
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathy Fung
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle C Odden
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Reeve E, Thompson W, Boyd C, Lundby C, Steinman MA. The state of deprescribing research: How did we get here? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:657-660. [PMID: 36973899 PMCID: PMC10831488 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Reeve
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, VIC, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
| | - Wade Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cynthia Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Carina Lundby
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael A. Steinman
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California, USA
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van Poelgeest E, Seppala L, Bahat G, Ilhan B, Mair A, van Marum R, Onder G, Ryg J, Fernandes MA, Cherubini A, Denkinger M, Eidam A, Egberts A, Gudmundsson A, Koçak FÖK, Soulis G, Tournoy J, Masud T, Wehling M, van der Velde N. Optimizing pharmacotherapy and deprescribing strategies in older adults living with multimorbidity and polypharmacy: EuGMS SIG on pharmacology position paper. Eur Geriatr Med 2023; 14:1195-1209. [PMID: 37812379 PMCID: PMC10754739 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older adults and presents a significant healthcare concern. Conducting medication reviews and implementing deprescribing strategies in multimorbid older adults with polypharmacy are an inherently complex and challenging task. Recognizing this, the Special Interest Group on Pharmacology of the European Geriatric Medicine Society has compiled evidence on medication review and deprescribing in older adults and has formulated recommendations to enhance appropriate prescribing practices. The current evidence supports the need for a comprehensive and widespread transformation in education, guidelines, research, advocacy, and policy to improve the management of polypharmacy in older individuals. Furthermore, incorporating deprescribing as a routine aspect of care for the ageing population is crucial. We emphasize the importance of involving geriatricians and experts in geriatric pharmacology in driving, and actively participating in this transformative process. By doing so, we can work towards achieving optimal medication use and enhancing the well-being of older adults in the generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline van Poelgeest
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotta Seppala
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gülistan Bahat
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Birkan Ilhan
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alpana Mair
- Effective Prescribing and Therapeutics, Health and Social Care Directorate, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rob van Marum
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marília Andreia Fernandes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Cherubini
- Geriatria Accettazione geriatrica e Centro di Ricerca per l'invecchiamento IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michael Denkinger
- Agaplesion Bethesda Clinic Ulm, Institute for Geriatric Research, Ulm University, Geriatric Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annette Eidam
- Center for Geriatric Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelique Egberts
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, Schiedam, The Netherlands
| | - Aðalsteinn Gudmundsson
- Faculty of Medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Fatma Özge Kayhan Koçak
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - George Soulis
- Outpatient Geriatric Assessment Unit, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
- Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tahir Masud
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Martin Wehling
- Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Niznik J, Colón-Emeric C, Thorpe CT, Kelley CJ, Gilliam M, Lund JL, Hanson LC. Prescriber Perspectives and Experiences with Deprescribing Versus Continuing Bisphosphonates in Older Nursing Home Residents with Dementia. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3372-3380. [PMID: 37369891 PMCID: PMC10682438 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few guidelines address fracture prevention medication use in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify factors that influence prescriber decision-making for deprescribing of bisphosphonates for older NH residents with dementia. METHODS We conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with prescribers who care for older adults with dementia in NHs. MAIN MEASURES Interview prompts addressed experiences treating fractures, benefits, and harms of bisphosphonates, and experiences with deprescribing. Coding was guided by the social-ecological framework including patient-level (intrapersonal) and external (interpersonal, system, community, and policy) influences. RESULTS Most prescribers were physicians (83%); 75% were female and 75% were White. Most (75%) spent less than half of their clinical effort in NHs and half were in the first decade of practice. Among patient-level influences, prescribers uniformly agreed that a prior bisphosphonate treatment course of several years, emergence of adverse effects, and changing goals of care or limited life expectancy were compelling reasons to deprescribe. External influences were frequently discussed as barriers to deprescribing. At the interpersonal level, prescribers noted that family/informal caregivers are diverse in their involvement in decision-making, and frequently concerned about the adverse effects of bisphosphonates, but perceive deprescribing as "withdrawing care." At the health system level, prescribers felt that frequent transitions make it difficult to determine duration of prior treatment and to implement deprescribing. At the policy level, prescribers highlighted the lack of guidelines addressing residents with limited mobility and dementia or criteria for deprescribing, including uncertainty in the setting of prior fractures and lack of bone densitometry in NHs. CONCLUSION Systems-level barriers to evaluating bone densitometry and treatment history in NHs may impede person-centered decision-making for fracture prevention. Further research is needed to evaluate the residual benefits of bisphosphonates in medically complex residents with limited mobility and dementia to inform recommendations for deprescribing versus continued use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Niznik
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Cathleen Colón-Emeric
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Duke University School of Medicine,, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Casey J Kelley
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Meredith Gilliam
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer L Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Durham, NC, USA
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Shantsila E, Lip GYH, Shantsila A, Kurpas D, Beevers G, Gill PS, Williams NH. Antihypertensive treatment in people of very old age with frailty: time for a paradigm shift? J Hypertens 2023; 41:1502-1510. [PMID: 37432893 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The optimal management of hypertension in individuals aged 80 years or older with frailty remains uncertain due to multiple gaps in evidence. Complex health issues, polypharmacy, and limited physiological reserve make responding to antihypertensive treatments unpredictable. Patients in this age group may have limited life expectancy, so their quality of life should be prioritized when making treatment decisions. Further research is needed to identify which patients would benefit from more relaxed blood pressure targets and which antihypertensive medications are preferable or should be avoided. A paradigm shift is required in attitudes towards treatment, placing equal emphasis on deprescribing and prescribing when optimizing care. This review discusses the current evidence on managing hypertension in individuals aged 80 years or older with frailty, but further research is essential to address the gaps in knowledge and improve the care of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Shantsila
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Alena Shantsila
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Donata Kurpas
- Health Sciences Faculty, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- Primary Care and Risk Factor Management Section, European Association of Preventative Cardiology, European Heart House, Les Templiers, Sophia Antipolis
- International Advisory Board of EURIPA (WONCA) - France
- International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC), Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands
| | - Gareth Beevers
- University of Birmingham, Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham
| | - Paramjit S Gill
- Academic Unit of Primary Care Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Coventry, UK
| | - Nefyn H Williams
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool
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Thorpe C, Niznik J, Li A. Deprescribing research in nursing home residents using routinely collected healthcare data: a conceptual framework. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:469. [PMID: 37542226 PMCID: PMC10401751 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts are needed to strengthen evidence and guidance for appropriate deprescribing for older nursing home (NH) residents, who are disproportionately affected by polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing. Given the challenges of conducting randomized drug withdrawal studies in this population, data from observational studies of routinely collected healthcare data can be used to identify patients who are apparent candidates for deprescribing and evaluate subsequent health outcomes. To improve the design and interpretation of observational studies examining determinants, risks, and benefits of deprescribing specific medications in older NH residents, we sought to propose a conceptual framework of the determinants of deprescribing in older NH residents. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of observational studies examining patterns and potential determinants of discontinuing or de-intensifying (i.e., reducing) medications for NH residents. We searched PubMed through September 2021 and included studies meeting the following criteria: conducted among adults aged 65 + in the NH setting; (2) observational study designs; (3) discontinuation or de-intensification as the primary outcome with key determinants as independent variables. We conceptualized deprescribing as a behavior through a social-ecological lens, potentially influenced by factors at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. RESULTS Our search in PubMed identified 250 potentially relevant studies published through September 2021. A total of 14 studies were identified for inclusion and were subsequently synthesized to identify and group determinants of deprescribing into domains spanning the five core social-ecological levels. Our resulting framework acknowledges that deprescribing is strongly influenced by intrapersonal, patient-level clinical factors that modify the expected benefits and risks of deprescribing, including index condition attributes (e.g., disease severity), attributes of the medication being considered for deprescribing, co-prescribed medications, and prognostic factors. It also incorporates the hierarchical influences of interpersonal differences relating to healthcare providers and family caregivers, NH facility and health system organizational structures, community trends and norms, and finally healthcare policies. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed framework will serve as a useful tool for future studies seeking to use routinely collected healthcare data sources and observational study designs to evaluate determinants, risks, and benefits of deprescribing for older NH residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joshua Niznik
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, 5003 Old Clinic CB#7550, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Anna Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Liu X, Steinman MA, Lee SJ, Peralta CA, Graham LA, Li Y, Jing B, Fung KZ, Odden MC. Systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive treatment, and cardiovascular and mortality risk in VA nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:2131-2140. [PMID: 36826917 PMCID: PMC10363184 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal systolic BP (SBP) control in nursing home residents is uncertain, largely because this population has been excluded from clinical trials. We examined the association of SBP levels with the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home residents on different numbers of antihypertensive medications. METHODS Our study included 36,634 residents aged ≥65 years with a VA nursing home stay of ≥90 days from October 2006-June 2019. SBP was averaged over the first week after admission and divided into categories. Cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) of SBP categories with CV events (primary outcome) and all-cause mortality (secondary outcome) were examined using Cox regression and multistate modeling stratified by the number of antihypertensive medications used at admission (0, 1 or 2, and ≥3 medications). RESULTS More than 76% of residents were on antihypertensive therapy and 20% received ≥3 medications. In residents on antihypertensive therapy, a low SBP < 110 mmHg (compared with SBP 130 ~ 149 mmHg) was associated with a greater CV risk (adjusted HR [95% confidence interval]: 1.47 [1.28-1.68] in 1 or 2 medications group, and 1.41 [1.19-1.67] in ≥3 medications group). In residents on no antihypertensives, both low SBP < 110 mmHg and high SBP ≥ 150 mmHg were associated with higher mortality; while in residents receiving any antihypertensives, a low SBP was associated with higher mortality and the highest point estimates were for SBP < 110 mmHg (1.36 [1.28-1.45] in 1 or 2 medications group, and 1.47 [1.31-1.64] in ≥3 medications group). CONCLUSIONS The associations of SBP with CV and mortality risk varied by the intensity of antihypertensive treatment among VA nursing home residents. A low SBP among those receiving antihypertensives was associated with increased CV and mortality risk, and untreated high SBP was associated with higher mortality. More research is needed on the benefits and harms of SBP lowering in long-term care populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Michael A. Steinman
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sei J. Lee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Carmen A. Peralta
- Kidney Health Research Collaborative, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Cricket Health, Inc, San Francisco, CA
| | - Laura A. Graham
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Bocheng Jing
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kathy Z. Fung
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Michelle C. Odden
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
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8
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Chrysant SG. The debate over the optimal blood pressure treatment target of less than 130/80 mmHg. Postgrad Med 2023; 135:208-213. [PMID: 35285378 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2022.2052516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to analyze the controversy regarding the optimal blood pressure (BP) target of <130/80 mmHg as proposed by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) across all age groups. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its optimal control is associated with lessening or preventing these complications. A recent study has argued that this BP level is universally accepted as an optimal and safe BP level. However, this argument is not accepted by other investigators, arguing that higher BP levels are as effective and safe. METHODS In order to investigate the current status of this level of BP control, a Medline search of the English literature was conducted between 2017 and February 2022, and 25 pertinent papers were selected. RESULTS The analysis of data from these studies indicates that these BP are effective in lowering the BP and preventing cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, and they are indeed universally accepted. CONCLUSION Based on the current evidence, the current proposed by the 2017 ACC/AHA treatment guidelines are effective in lowering the BP and decreasing its cardiovascular complications and should followed, till perhaps, new data come out to the contrary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Chrysant
- Department of Cardiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Sheppard JP, Benetos A, McManus RJ. Antihypertensive Deprescribing in Older Adults: a Practical Guide. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:571-580. [PMID: 35881225 PMCID: PMC9568439 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarise evidence on both appropriate and inappropriate antihypertensive drug withdrawal. RECENT FINDINGS Deprescribing should be attempted in the following steps: (1) identify patients with several comorbidities and significant functional decline, i.e. people at higher risk for negative outcomes related to polypharmacy and lower blood pressure; (2) check blood pressure; (3) identify candidate drugs for deprescribing; (4) withdraw medications at 4-week intervals; (5) monitor blood pressure and check for adverse events. Although evidence is accumulating regarding short-term outcomes of antihypertensive deprescribing, long-term effects remain unclear. The limited evidence for antihypertensive deprescribing means that it should not be routinely attempted, unless in response to specific adverse events or following discussions between physicians and patients about the uncertain benefits and harms of the treatment. PERSPECTIVES Clinical controlled trials are needed to examine the long-term effects of deprescribing in older subjects, especially in those with comorbidities, and significant functional decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Sheppard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Athanase Benetos
- Maladies du Vieillissement, Gérontologie Et Soins Palliatifs", and Inserm DCAC u1116, CHRU-Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54000, PôleNancy, France
| | - Richard J McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Sluggett JK, Caughey GE, Air T, Moldovan M, Lang C, Martin G, Carter SR, Jackson S, Stafford AC, Wesselingh SL, Inacio MC. Medicines use before and after comprehensive medicines review among residents of long-term care facilities: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:493. [PMID: 35676644 PMCID: PMC9178815 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) is a subsidized comprehensive medicines review program for individuals in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). This study examined weekly trends in medicines use in the four months before and after an RMMR and among a comparison group of residents who did not receive an RMMR. Methods This retrospective cohort study included individuals aged 65 to 105 years who first entered permanent care between 1/1/2012 and 31/12/2016 in South Australia, Victoria, or New South Wales, and were taking at least one medicine. Individuals with an RMMR within 12 months of RACF entry were classified into one of three groups: (i) RMMR within 0 to 3 months, (ii) 3 to 6 months, or (iii) within 6 to 12 months of RACF entry. Individuals without RMMRs were included in the comparison group. Weekly trends in the number of defined daily doses per 1000 days were determined in the four months before and after the RMMR (or assigned index date in the comparison group) for 14 medicine classes. Results 113909 individuals from 1979 RACFs were included, of whom 55021 received an RMMR. Across all three periods examined, decreased use of statins and proton pump inhibitors was observed post-RMMR in comparison to those without RMMRs. Decreases in calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines/zopiclone, and antidepressants were observed following RMMR provision in the 3–6 and 6–12 months after RACF entry. Negligible changes in antipsychotic use were also observed following an RMMR in the 6–12 months after RACF entry by comparison to those without RMMRs. No changes in use of opioids, ACE inhibitors/sartans, beta blockers, loop diuretics, oral anticoagulants, or medicines for osteoporosis, diabetes or the cognitive symptoms of dementia were observed post-RMMR. Conclusions For six of the 14 medicine classes investigated, modest changes in weekly trends in use were observed after the provision of an RMMR in the 6–12 months after RACF entry compared to those without RMMRs. Findings suggest that activities such as medicines reconciliation may be prioritized when an RMMR is provided on RACF entry, with deprescribing more likely after an RMMR the longer a resident has been in the RACF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03187-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Sluggett
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracy Air
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Max Moldovan
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Biometry Hub, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Grant Martin
- Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy, Australian Capital Territory, Fyshwick, Australia
| | - Stephen R Carter
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shane Jackson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew C Stafford
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve L Wesselingh
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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The Ambiguous Reality of Prescribing in Geriatric Practice. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:976-979. [PMID: 35659943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Marcum ZA, Li Y, Lee SJ, Steinman MA, Graham L, Jing B, Fung K, Peralta CA, Odden MC. Association of Antihypertensives and Cognitive Impairment in Long-Term Care Residents. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:1149-1158. [PMID: 35147539 PMCID: PMC9128024 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain classes of antihypertensive medication may have different associations with cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between prevalent use of antihypertensive medications that stimulate (thiazides, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, angiotensin type I receptor blockers) versus inhibit (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers) type 2 and 4 angiotensin II receptors on cognitive impairment among older adults residing in Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes for long-term care. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. Long-term care residents aged 65 + years admitted to a VA nursing home from 2012 to 2019 using blood pressure medication and without cognitive impairment at admission. Main exposure was prevalent use of angiotensin II receptor type 2 and 4-'stimulating' (N = 589), 'inhibiting' (N = 3,219), or 'mixed' (N = 1,715) antihypertensive medication regimens at admission. Primary outcome was any cognitive impairment (Cognitive Function Scale). RESULTS Over an average of 5.4 months of follow-up, prevalent use of regimens containing exclusively 'stimulating' antihypertensives was associated with a lower risk of any incident cognitive impairment as compared to prevalent use of regimens containing exclusively 'inhibiting' antihypertensives (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93). Results for the comparison between 'mixed' versus 'inhibiting' regimens were in the same direction but not statistically significant (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88-1.06). CONCLUSION For residents without cognitive impairment at baseline, prevalent users of regimens containing exclusively antihypertensives that stimulate type 2 and 4 angiotensin II receptors had lower rates of cognitive impairment as compared to prevalent users of regimens containing exclusively antihypertensives that inhibit these receptors. Residual confounding cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sei J. Lee
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Steinman
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Graham
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,Health Economics Research Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Bocheng Jing
- NCIRE – The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco. USA
| | - Kathy Fung
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carmen A. Peralta
- Cricket Health, Inc and the Kidney Health Research Collaborative, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle C. Odden
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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