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Groppelli A, Rivasi G, Fedorowski A, de Lange F, Russo V, Maggi R, Capacci M, Nawaz S, Comune A, Ungar A, Parati G, Brignole M. Targets for deprescribing in patients with hypertension and reflex syncope. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00217-6. [PMID: 38789289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to identify the target of deprescribing, i.e. the 24-hour SBP increase needed to achieve the greatest reduction of SBP drops. METHOD Forty hypertensive patients (mean age 73.6 ± 9.3 years, 26 females) with reflex syncope and SBP drops on a screening ABPM were advised to withdraw or to reduce their therapy. The study objective was the reduction of SBP drops <90 mmHg and <100 mmHg on a second ABPM performed within 3 months. RESULTS Out of a total of 98 drugs taken during ABPM 1, 44 were withdrawn, 16 had a dose reduction and 38 remained unchanged at the time of ABPM 2. 24-hour SBP increased from 119.7 ± 10.1 mmHg to 129.4 ± 13.2 mmHg during ABPM2. Total disappearance of daytime SBP drops <100 mmHg was achieved in 20 (50 %) patients who had 24-hour SBP of 134±13 mmHg and an increase from ABPM 1 of 12 (IQR 5-20) mmHg. Compared with the 20 patients who had persistence of drops, these patients had a greater reduction of the number of hypotensive drugs (67 % versus 19 %, p = 0.002) and a greater rate of withdrawals (62 % versus 29 %, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION In hypertensive patients with reflex syncope, an increase of 12 mmHg and an absolute value of 24-hour SBP of 134 mmHg appear to represent the optimal goals aimed to prevent SBP drops. Drugs withdrawal, rather than simply dose reduction, is mostly required to achieve the above target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Groppelli
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik de Lange
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli'-Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale E. Ruggeri, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali del Tigullio, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Marco Capacci
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Nawaz
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Angelo Comune
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli'-Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale E. Ruggeri, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiology, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy.
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Groppelli A, Rivasi G, Fedorowski A, de Lange FJ, Russo V, Maggi R, Capacci M, Nawaz S, Comune A, Bianchi L, Zambon A, Soranna D, Ungar A, Parati G, Brignole M. Interventions aimed to increase average 24-h systolic blood pressure reduce blood pressure drops in patients with reflex syncope and orthostatic intolerance. Europace 2024; 26:euae026. [PMID: 38262617 PMCID: PMC10849184 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae026] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Systolic blood pressure (SBP) drops recorded by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) identify patients with susceptibility to reflex syncope and orthostatic intolerance. We tested the hypothesis that treatments aimed to increase BP (reassurance, education, and lifestyle measures plus pharmacological strategies) can reduce SBP drops. METHODS AND RESULTS This was a multicentre, observational proof-of-concept study performed in patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance and with SBP drops on a screening ABPM. Among 144 eligible patients, 111 underwent a second ABPM on average 2.5 months after start of treatment. Overall, mean 24-h SBP increased from 114.1 ± 12.1 to 121.4 ± 14.5 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The number of SBP drops <90 and <100 mmHg decreased by 61%, 46% during daytime, and by 48% and 37% during 24-h period, respectively (P < 0.0001 for all). The dose-response relationship between difference in 24-h average SBP increase and reduction in number of SBP drops reached a plateau around ∼15 mmHg increase of 24-h SBP. The reduction in SBP drop rate was consistent and significant in patients who underwent deprescription of hypotensive medications (n = 44) and in patients who received BP-rising drugs (n = 67). CONCLUSION In patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance, an increase in average 24-h SBP, regardless of the implemented strategy, significantly reduced the number of SBP drops and symptom burden. A 13 mmHg increase in 24-h SBP appears to represent the optimal goal for aborting the maximal number of SBP drops, representing a possible target for future interventions. ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05729724.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Groppelli
- Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’—Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali del Tigullio, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Marco Capacci
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Nawaz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Comune
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’—Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bianchi
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali del Tigullio, Lavagna, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dei daini 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
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Patterson TG, Beckenkamp P, Ferreira M, Turner J, Gnjidic D, Chen Y, Mesa Castrillion CI, Ferreira P. Deprescribing paracetamol in pain conditions: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:3272-3283. [PMID: 34911668 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine evidence on deprescribing paracetamol in pain conditions and inform future strategies for paracetamol deprescription. DESIGN Scoping review. PARTICIPANTS Adults with pain conditions, taking paracetamol. RESULTS After two independent teams of reviewers screening for titles, abstracts, and then full texts, 16 original articles were included. Deprescribing strategies were grouped into 5 categories: (1) Pharmacological, (2) Psychological, (3) Physiological, (4) Policy, and (5) Combination. We found strategies were predominately consumer-focused, conducted in community settings and involved individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain and osteoarthritis). A total of twelve studies investigated interventions targeting dose reduction and four studies examined interventions focusing on discontinuation of paracetamol. The most common strategies used to deprescribe paracetamol in pain conditions were physiological strategies, followed by psychological strategies. All included studies demonstrated some level of effectiveness to deprescribe paracetamol in a pain conditions through dose reduction or discontinuation, although the effectiveness of deprescribing strategies were highly variable, ranging from the majority of participants discontinuing their paracetamol use, to less than 10% reducing their paracetamol use upon the latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS There are clear opportunities for prospective trials to be designed more purposely and primarily focused to influence reduction and cessation of paracetamol for specific pain conditions where deprescription is appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Beckenkamp
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Manuela Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Justin Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Yanyu Chen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Paulo Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Ungar A, Rivasi G, Coscarelli A, Boccanelli A, Marchionni N, Alboni P, Baldasseroni S, Bo M, Palazzo G, Rozzini R, Terrosu P, Vetta F, Zito G, Desideri G. Hypertension in older persons: why one size does not fit all. Minerva Med 2021; 113:616-625. [PMID: 33832215 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.21.07502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years, managing hypertension in older people has gained increasing attention, with particular reference to very old, frailer individuals. In these patients, hypertension treatment may be challenging due to a higher risk of hypotension-related adverse events which commonly overlaps with a higher cardiovascular risk. Additionally, frailer older adults rarely satisfy inclusion criteria of randomized clinical trials, which determines a substantial lack of scientific data. Although limited, available evidence suggests that the association between blood pressure and adverse outcomes significantly varies at advanced age according to frailty status. In particular, the negative prognostic impact of hypertension seems to attenuate or even revert in individuals with older biological age, e.g. patients with disability, cognitive impairment, and poor physical performance. Consequently, one size doesn't fit all and personalized treatment strategies are needed, customized to individuals' frailty and functional status. Similar to other cardiovascular diseases, hypertension management in older people should be characterized by a geriatric approach based on biological rather than chronological age and a geriatric comprehensive evaluation including frailty assessment is required to provide the most appropriate treatment, tailored to patients' prognosis and health care goals. This review illustrates the importance of a patient-centered geriatric approach to hypertension management in older people with the final purpose to promote a wider implementation of frailty assessment in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ungar
- Department of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Hypertension Clinic, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence, Florence, Italy - .,SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy -
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Department of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Hypertension Clinic, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Coscarelli
- Department of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Hypertension Clinic, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Alboni
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Bo
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palazzo
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Rozzini
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Vetta
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovambattista Desideri
- SICGe Società Italiana di Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence, Italy.,Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Brokaar EJ, van den Bos F, Visser LE, Portielje JEA. Deprescribing in Older Adults With Cancer and Limited Life Expectancy: An Integrative Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:86-100. [PMID: 33739162 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211003078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacy is common in older adults with cancer and deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications becomes very relevant when life expectancy decreases due to metastatic disease. Especially preventive medications may no longer be beneficial, because they may decrease quality of life and reduction in morbidity and mortality may be futile. Although deprescribing of preventive medication is common in the last period of life, it is still unusual during active cancer treatment for advanced disease, although life expectancy is often limited to less than 1 to 2 years in that stage. We performed a systematic search of the literature in Pubmed and Embase on the discontinuation of commonly utilized groups of preventive medication and evaluated the evidence of potential benefits and harms in patients aged 65 years or older with cancer and a limited life expectancy (LLE). From 21 included studies, it can be concluded that deprescribing lipid lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, osteoporosis drugs and antihyperglycemic drugs is feasible in a considerable part of patients with a LLE. Discontinuation may be performed safely, without the occurrence of serious adverse events or decrease of survival. The only study that addressed quality of life after deprescribing showed that discontinuation of statins improves quality of life in patients with a LLE. Recurrence of symptoms requiring reintroduction occurred in 0-13% of patients on antihyperglycemic treatment and 8-60% of patients using antihypertensive drugs. In order to reduce pill burden and futile treatment clinicians should discuss deprescribing of preventive medication with older patients with advanced cancer and a LLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Brokaar
- Department of Pharmacy, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Department of Gerontology & Geriatrics, 4501University Medical Center Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Loes E Visser
- Department of Pharmacy, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johanneke E A Portielje
- Department of Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, 4501University Medical Center Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Abstract
Hypertension management is challenging in frail older adults. The balance between treatment risks and benefits may be difficult to achieve due to an increased vulnerability to treatment-related adverse events, and limited evidence is available to support clinical decisions. The effects of frailty on blood pressure are unclear, as well as its impact on antihypertensive treatment benefits. Appropriate blood pressure targets in frail patients are debated and the frailty measure which best inform clinical decisions in hypertensive patients has yet to be identified. Therefore, hypertension management in frail older adults still represents a 'gap in evidence'. Knowledge of currently available literature is a fundamental prerequisite to develop future research and may help to implement frailty assessment and improve hypertension management in this vulnerable population. Given these premises, we present a narrative review illustrating the most relevant issues that are a matter of debate and that should be addressed in future studies.
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Bayliss EA, Shetterly SM, Drace ML, Norton J, Green AR, Reeve E, Weffald LA, Wright L, Maciejewski ML, Sheehan OC, Wolff JL, Gleason KS, Kraus C, Maiyani M, Du Vall M, Boyd CM. The OPTIMIZE patient- and family-centered, primary care-based deprescribing intervention for older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and multiple chronic conditions: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:542. [PMID: 32552857 PMCID: PMC7301527 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have multiple chronic conditions (MCC). The combination leads to multiple medications and complex medication regimens and is associated with increased risk for significant treatment burden, adverse drug events, cognitive changes, hospitalization, and mortality. Optimizing medications through deprescribing (the process of reducing or stopping the use of inappropriate medications or medications unlikely to be beneficial) may improve outcomes for MCC patients with dementia or MCI. Methods With input from patients, family members, and clinicians, we developed and piloted a patient-centered, pragmatic intervention (OPTIMIZE) to educate and activate patients, family members, and primary care clinicians about deprescribing as part of optimal medication management for older adults with dementia or MCI and MCC. The clinic-based intervention targets patients on 5 or more medications, their family members, and their primary care clinicians using a pragmatic, cluster-randomized design at Kaiser Permanente Colorado. The intervention has two components: a patient/ family component focused on education and activation about the potential value of deprescribing, and a clinician component focused on increasing clinician awareness about options and processes for deprescribing. Primary outcomes are total number of chronic medications and total number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We estimate that approximately 2400 patients across 9 clinics will receive the intervention. A comparable number of patients from 9 other clinics will serve as wait-list controls. We have > 80% power to detect an average decrease of − 0.70 (< 1 medication). Secondary outcomes include the number of PIM starts, dose reductions for selected PIMs (benzodiazepines, opiates, and antipsychotics), rates of adverse drug events (falls, hemorrhagic events, and hypoglycemic events), ability to perform activities of daily living, and skilled nursing facility, hospital, and emergency department admissions. Discussion The OPTIMIZE trial will examine whether a primary care-based, patient- and family-centered intervention educating patients, family members, and clinicians about deprescribing reduces numbers of chronic medications and PIMs for older adults with dementia or MCI and MCC. Trial registration NCT03984396. Registered on 13 June 2019
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Bayliss
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - S M Shetterly
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M L Drace
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Norton
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A R Green
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E Reeve
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Geriatric Medicine Research, Faculty of Medicine, and College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - L A Weffald
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - L Wright
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M L Maciejewski
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - O C Sheehan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J L Wolff
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - K S Gleason
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C Kraus
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Maiyani
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Du Vall
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Reeve E, Jordan V, Thompson W, Sawan M, Todd A, Gammie TM, Hopper I, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D. Withdrawal of antihypertensive drugs in older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 6:CD012572. [PMID: 32519776 PMCID: PMC7387859 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012572.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is an important risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular events, including ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline and premature death. Overall, the use of antihypertensive medications has led to reduction in cardiovascular disease, morbidity rates and mortality rates. However, the use of antihypertensive medications is also associated with harms, especially in older people, including the development of adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions and can contribute to increasing medication-related burden. As such, discontinuation of antihypertensives may be considered and appropriate in some older people. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether withdrawal of antihypertensive medications is feasible, and evaluate the effects of withdrawal of antihypertensive medications on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, hypertension and quality of life in older people. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomised controlled trials up to April 2019: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register, CENTRAL (2019, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also conducted reference checking, citation searches and, when appropriate, contacted study authors to identify any additional studies. The searches had no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of withdrawal versus continuation of antihypertensive medications used for hypertension or primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults (defined as 50 years and over). Participants were eligible if they lived in the community, residential aged care facilities, or were based in hospital settings. We sought to include trials looking at the complete withdrawal of the antihypertensive medication, and those focusing on a dose reduction of the antihypertensive medicine. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We compared the intervention of discontinuing or reducing antihypertensive medication to usual treatment using mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for continuous variables and we used Peto odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI for binary variables. Our primary outcomes included: mortality, myocardial infarction, development of adverse drug reactions or adverse drug withdrawal reactions. Secondary outcomes included: blood pressure, hospitalisation, stroke, success of withdrawing from antihypertensives, quality of life, and falls. Two authors independently, and in duplicate, conducted all stages of study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. MAIN RESULTS Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review (1073 participants). Study duration and follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 56 weeks. Meta-analysis of studies showed that, in the discontinuation group compared to continuation, the odds for all-cause mortality were 2.08 (95% CI 0.79 to 5.46; low certainty of evidence), for myocardial infarction 1.86 (95% CI 0.19 to 17.98; very low certainty of evidence) and for stroke 1.44 (95% CI 0.25 to 8.35; low certainty of evidence). Blood pressure was higher in the discontinuation group than the continuation group (systolic blood pressure: MD = 9.75 mmHg, 95% CI 7.33 to 12.18; and diastolic blood pressure: MD = 3.5 mmHg, 95% CI 1.82 to 5.18; low certainty of evidence). For the development of adverse events, meta-analysis was not possible; antihypertensive discontinuation did not appear to increase the risk of adverse events and may lead to resolution of adverse drug reactions, although eligible studies had limited reporting of adverse effects of drug withdrawal (very low certainty of evidence). One study reported hospitalisation with an odds ratio of 0.83 for discontinuation compared to continuation (95% CI 0.33 to 2.10; low certainty of evidence). No studies were identified which reported falls. Between 10.5% and 33.3% of participants in the discontinuation group compared to 9% to 15% in the continuation group experienced raised blood pressure or other clinical criteria (as pre-defined by the studies) that would require restarting of therapy/removal from the study. The sources of bias included selective reporting (reporting bias), lack of blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias), incomplete outcome data (attrition bias), and lack of blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of an effect of discontinuing compared with continuing antihypertensives used for hypertension or primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults on all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. The evidence was low to very low certainty mainly due to small studies and low event rates. These limitations mean that we cannot make any firm conclusions about the effect of deprescribing antihypertensives on these outcomes. Future research should focus on populations with the greatest uncertainty of the benefit:risk ratio for use of antihypertensive medications, such as those with frailty, older age groups and those taking polypharmacy, and measure clinically important outcomes such as falls, quality of life and adverse drug events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Reeve
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wade Thompson
- Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mouna Sawan
- Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney University, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Todd
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ingrid Hopper
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Burnier M, Polychronopoulou E, Wuerzner G. Hypertension and Drug Adherence in the Elderly. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:49. [PMID: 32318584 PMCID: PMC7154079 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is highly prevalent after the age of 65 years affecting more than 60% of individuals in developed countries. Today, there is sufficient evidence from clinical trials that treating elderly subjects with hypertension with antihypertensive medications has a positive benefit/risk ratio even in very elderly patients (>80 years). In recent years, partial or total non-adherence has been recognized as major issues in the long-term management of hypertension in all age categories. However, whether non-adherence is more frequent in hypertensive patients older than 65 years or not is still a matter of debate and the common belief is that adherence is lower in older than in younger patients. Are clinical data supporting this belief? In this brief review, we discuss the topic of drug adherence in elderly in the context of the medical treatment of hypertension. Studies show that drug adherence is actually better in patients aged 65 to 80 years when compared to younger hypertensive patients (<50 years). However, in very old patients (>80 years) the prevalence of non-adherence does increase. In this patients' group, there are specific risk factors for non-adherence such as cognitive ability, depression, and health believes, in addition to classical risk factors for non-adherence. One important aspect in the elderly is the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications that will interfere with the adherence to necessary treatments. In this context, an interesting new concept was developed few years ago, i.e., the process of deprescribing. Thus, today, in addition to conventional guidelines recommendations (use of single pill combinations, individualization of treatments), the evaluation of cognitive abilities, the regular assessment of potentially inappropriate medications, and the process of deprescribing appear to be three new additional steps to improve drug adherence in the elderly and thereby ameliorate the global management of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Burnier
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Hypertension Research Foundation, St-Légier, Switzerland
| | - Erietta Polychronopoulou
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gregoire Wuerzner
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Hypertension Research Foundation, St-Légier, Switzerland
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10
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Optimize antihypertensive treatment in older individuals by using a decision framework. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-019-00695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Going Beyond the Guidelines in Individualising the Use of Antihypertensive Drugs in Older Patients. Drugs Aging 2019; 36:675-685. [PMID: 31175614 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00683-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is commonly diagnosed in older patients, with increasing cardiovascular (CV) risk as systolic blood pressure (BP) increases. Maximising CV risk reduction must be reconciled with minimising the risk of treatment-related harms and burden, especially among frail, multi-morbid and older old patients who have been excluded from most randomised trials. Contemporary clinical guidelines, based on such trials, differ in their recommendations as to threshold levels warranting treatment with antihypertensive drugs (AHDs) and target levels that should be achieved. In optimising AHD prescribing in older patients, we propose the following decision framework: decide therapeutic goals in accordance with patient characteristics and preferences; estimate absolute CV risk; measure and profile BP accurately in ways that account for lability in BP levels and minimise error in BP measurement; determine threshold and target BP levels likely to confer net benefit, taking into account age, co-morbidities, frailty and cognitive function; and consider situations that warrant AHD deprescribing on the basis of potential current or future harm. In applying this framework to older persons, and based on a review of relevant randomised trials and observational studies, individuals most likely to benefit from treating systolic BP to no less than 130 mmHg are those of any age who are fit and have high baseline systolic BP (≥ 160 mmHg); high CV risk, i.e. established CV disease or risk of CV events exceeding 20% at 10 years; previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack; heart failure; and stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease with proteinuria. Individuals most likely to be harmed from treating BP to target systolic < 140 mmHg are those who have no CV disease and aged over 80 years; moderate to severe frailty, cognitive impairment or functional limitations; labile BP and/or history of orthostatic hypotension, syncope and falls; or life expectancy < 12 months. Treatment should never be so intense as to reduce diastolic BP to < 60 mmHg in any older person. At a time when guidelines are calling for less conservative management of hypertension in all age groups, we contend that a more temperate approach, such as that offered here and based on the totality of available evidence, may assist in maximising net benefit in older patients.
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Ernst R, Fischer K, de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino C, Orav EJ, Theiler R, Meyer U, Fischler M, Gagesch M, Ambühl PM, Freystätter G, Egli A, Bischoff-Ferrari HA. Polypharmacy and Kidney Function in Community-Dwelling Adults Age 60 Years and Older: A Prospective Observational Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 21:254-259.e1. [PMID: 31501003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Information on the impact of polypharmacy on kidney function in older adults is limited. We prospectively investigated the association between intake of total number of drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and kidney function. DESIGN Our study is a prospective observational analysis of the 2-year Zurich Multiple Endpoint Vitamin D Trial in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Of the 273 participants of the original trial, 270 participants (mean age 70.3 ± 6.4 years, 53% women) were included in this observational analysis. METHODS The associations between (1) total number of drugs (or NSAIDs) at baseline or (2) cumulative number of drugs (or NASAIDs) repeatedly measured over 24 months and kidney function repeatedly measured over 24 months as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were investigated using multivariable-adjusted repeated-measures analysis. RESULTS Per drug at baseline, kidney function decreased by 0.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 eGFR (Beta = -0.64; 95% CI -1.19 to -0.08; P = .024) over 24 months. With every additional drug taken cumulatively over 24 months, kidney function decreased by 0.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 eGFR (Beta = -0.39; 95% CI -0.63 to -0.15; P = .002). In a high-risk subgroup, per NSAID taken cumulatively over 24 months, kidney function declined by 1.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 eGFR (Beta = -1.21; 95% CI -2.35 to -0.07; P = .021). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS For every additional drug prescribed among older adults, our study supports an independent and immediate harmful impact on kidney function. This negative impact seems to be about 3 times greater for NSAIDs compared with an additional average drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Ernst
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Internal Medicine Clinic, City Hospital Waid, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karina Fischer
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Endel J Orav
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Robert Theiler
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ursina Meyer
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Fischler
- Internal Medicine Clinic, City Hospital Waid, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gagesch
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrice M Ambühl
- Institute of Nephrology, City Hospital Waid, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Freystätter
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Egli
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heike A Bischoff-Ferrari
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital Zurich, City Hospital Waid Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Clinic for Acute Geriatric Care, City Hospital Waid, Zurich, Switzerland.
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13
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Zermansky AG. Deprescribing: Fashion Accessory or Fig Leaf? PHARMACY 2019; 7:pharmacy7020049. [PMID: 31126057 PMCID: PMC6630945 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy7020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deprescribing is the general practice fashion accessory that no prescriber can be seen without. However, it is in danger of becoming a “fig leaf” substitute for the entire medication review suite.
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Anker D, Santos-Eggimann B, Santschi V, Del Giovane C, Wolfson C, Streit S, Rodondi N, Chiolero A. Screening and treatment of hypertension in older adults: less is more? Public Health Rev 2018; 39:26. [PMID: 30186660 PMCID: PMC6120092 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-018-0101-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening and treatment of hypertension is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Hypertension causes a large proportion of cases of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and associated disability and is highly prevalent especially among older adults. On the one hand, there is robust evidence that screening and treatment of hypertension prevents CVD and decreases mortality in the middle-aged population. On the other hand, among older adults, observational studies have shown either positive, negative, or no correlation between blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular outcomes. Furthermore, there is a lack of high quality evidence for a favorable harm-benefit balance of antihypertensive treatment among older adults, especially among the oldest-old (i.e., above the age of 80 years), because very few trials have been conducted in this population. The optimal target BP may be higher among older treated hypertensive patients than among middle-aged. In addition, among frail or multimorbid older individuals, a relatively low BP may be associated with worse outcomes, and antihypertensive treatment may cause more harm than benefit. To guide hypertension screening and treatment recommendations among older patients, additional studies are needed to determine the most efficient screening strategies, to evaluate the effect of lowering BP on CVD risk and on mortality, to determine the optimal target BP, and to better understand the relationship between BP, frailty, multimorbidity, and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Anker
- 1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Santos-Eggimann
- 2Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Santschi
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- 1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Wolfson
- 4Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sven Streit
- 1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- 1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,5Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Chiolero
- 1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,2Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,4Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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15
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Abstract
: Although antihypertensive medication is usually continued indefinitely, observations during wash-out phases in hypertension trials have shown that withdrawal of antihypertensive medication might be well tolerated to do in a considerable proportion of people. A systematic review was completed to determine the proportion of people remaining normotensive for 6 months or longer after cessation of antihypertensive therapy and to investigate the safety of withdrawal. The mean proportion adjusted for sample size of people remaining below each study's threshold for hypertension treatment was 0.38 at 6 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.49; 912 participants], 0.40 at 1 year (95% CI 0.40-0.40; 2640 participants) and 0.26 at 2 years or longer (95% CI 0.26-0.27; 1262 participants). Monotherapy, lower blood pressure before withdrawal and body weight were reported as predictors for successful withdrawal. Adverse events were more common in those who withdrew but were minor and included headache, joint pain, palpitations, oedema and a general feeling of being unwell. Prescribers should consider offering patients with well controlled hypertension a trial of withdrawal of antihypertensive treatment with subsequent regular blood pressure monitoring.
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16
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Reeve E, Moriarty F, Nahas R, Turner JP, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Hilmer SN. A narrative review of the safety concerns of deprescribing in older adults and strategies to mitigate potential harms. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 17:39-49. [PMID: 29072544 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1397625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As with prescribing or continuing medications, deprescribing brings with it the potential for harm as well as benefit. Uncertainty and avoidance of harm has been reported as a barrier to deprescribing in practice and may contribute to continuation of inappropriate medications. AREAS COVERED This narrative review covers four main safety concerns/potential harms of deprescribing in older adults: adverse drug withdrawal events, return of medical condition(s), reversal of drug-drug interactions and damage to the doctor-patient relationship. These are discussed in relation to medications in general, with some examples of medication classes used to illustrate the potential safety concerns. The majority of these harms can be minimized or even prevented by using a patient-centered, structured deprescribing process with planning, tapering and close monitoring during, and after medication withdrawal. EXPERT OPINION More research is needed into the safety concerns of deprescribing, however, avenues exist during drug development and post-marketing surveillance to gain knowledge on this topic. Questions remain about when it is suitable to discontinue certain medications/medication classes and there is uncertainty about the harms and benefits of both medication continuation and discontinuation in complex older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Reeve
- a Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine , University of Sydney , St Leonards , NSW , Australia.,b Geriatric Medicine Research , Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine , Halifax , NS , Canada.,c Faculty of Health Professions - College of Pharmacy , Dalhousie University , Halifax , NS , Canada
| | - Frank Moriarty
- d HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Rayan Nahas
- e Departments of Aged Care and Clinical Pharmacology , Royal North Shore Hospital , Saint Leonards , NSW , Australia
| | - Justin P Turner
- f Centre de recherché , Universite de Montreal Institut universitaire de geriatrie de Montreal , Montreal , QC , Canada.,g Faculte de pharmacie , Universite de Montreal , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- a Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine , University of Sydney , St Leonards , NSW , Australia.,e Departments of Aged Care and Clinical Pharmacology , Royal North Shore Hospital , Saint Leonards , NSW , Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- a Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine , University of Sydney , St Leonards , NSW , Australia.,e Departments of Aged Care and Clinical Pharmacology , Royal North Shore Hospital , Saint Leonards , NSW , Australia
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Babar ZUD, Gammie TM, Gnjidic D, Reeve E, Jordan V, Hilmer SN, Hopper I, Lu CY. Withdrawal of antihypertensive drugs in older people. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield; Department of Pharmacy; Huddersfield West Yorkshire UK HD1 3DH
- University of Auckland; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Private Mail Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand 1142
| | - Todd M Gammie
- University of Auckland; 14 Palliser Lane, Browns Bay Auckland New Zealand 0630
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- University of Sydney; Faculty of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre; Pharmacy and Bank Bld A 15 Science Rd Sydney NSW Australia 2006
| | - Emily Reeve
- University of Sydney; Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, School of Medicine; Ageing and Pharmacology, Level 12 Kolling Royal North Shore Hospital St Leonards NSW Australia 2065
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of Auckland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand 1003
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- University of Sydney; Royal North Shore Hospital and Sydney Medical School; Royal North Shore Hospital Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW Australia 2065
| | - Ingrid Hopper
- Monash University; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; 99 Commercial Road Melbourne VIC Australia 3004
| | - Christine Y Lu
- Harvard Medical School; Department of Population Medicine; 133 Brookline Ave, 6th Floor Boston MA USA 02215
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18
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Jongstra S, Harrison JK, Quinn TJ, Richard E. Antihypertensive withdrawal for the prevention of cognitive decline. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 11:CD011971. [PMID: 27802359 PMCID: PMC6465000 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011971.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials and observational data have variously shown a protective, harmful or neutral effect of antihypertensives on cognitive function. In theory, withdrawal of antihypertensives could improve cerebral perfusion and reduce or delay cognitive decline. However, it is also plausible that withdrawal of antihypertensives may have a detrimental effect on cognition through increased incidence of stroke or other vascular events. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of complete withdrawal of at least one antihypertensive medication on incidence of dementia, cognitive function, blood pressure and other safety outcomes in cognitively intact and cognitive impaired adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS, the specialised register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, with additional searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science Core Collection, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization Portal/ICTRP on 12 December 2015. There were no language or date restrictions applied to the electronic searches, and no methodological filters were used to restrict the search. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) provided they compared withdrawal of antihypertensive medications with continuation of the medications and included an outcome measure assessing cognitive function or a clinical diagnosis of dementia. We included studies with healthy participants, but we also included studies with participants with all grades of severity of existing dementia or cognitive impairment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors examined titles and abstracts of citations identified by the search for eligibility, retrieving full texts where needed to identify studies for inclusion, with any disagreement resolved by involvement of a third author. Data were extracted independently on primary and secondary outcomes. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.The primary outcome measures of interest were changes in global and specific cognitive function and incidence of dementia; secondary outcomes included change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mortality, adverse events (including cardiovascular events, hospitalisation and falls) and adherence to withdrawal. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included two RCTs investigating withdrawal of antihypertensives in 2490 participants. There was substantial clinical heterogeneity between the included studies, therefore we did not combine data for our primary outcome. Overall, the quality of included studies was high and the risk of bias was low. Neither study investigated incident dementia.One study assessed withholding previously prescribed antihypertensive drugs for seven days following acute stroke. Cognition was assessed using telephone Mini-Mental State Examination (t-MMSE) and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) at 90 days as a secondary outcome. The t-MMSE score was a mean of 1.0 point higher in participants who withdrew antihypertensive medications compared to participants who continued them (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35 to 1.65; 1784 participants) and the TICS-M was a mean of 2.10 points higher (95% CI 0.69 to 3.51; 1784 participants). However, in both cases the evidence was of very low quality downgraded due to risk of bias, indirectness and evidence from a single study. The other study was community based and included participants with mild cognitive impairment. Drug withdrawal was for 16 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using a composite of at least five out of six cognitive tests. There was no evidence of a difference comparing participants who withdrew antihypertensive medications and participants who continued (mean difference 0.02 points, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.21; 351 participants). This evidence was of low quality and was downgraded due to risk of bias and evidence from single study.In one study, the systolic blood pressure after seven days of withdrawal was 9.5 mmHg higher in the intervention compared to the control group (95% CI 7.43 to 11.57; 2095 participants) and diastolic blood pressure was 5.1 mmHg higher (95% CI 3.86 to 6.34; 2095 participants). This evidence was low quality, downgraded due to indirectness, because the data must be interpreted in the context of the wider study looking at glyceryl trinitrate administration or not, and evidence from a single study. In the other study, systolic blood pressure increased by 7.4 mmHg in the withdrawal group compared to the control group (95% CI 7.08 to 7.72; 356 participants) and diastolic blood pressure increased by 2.6 mmHg (95% CI 2.42 to 2.78; 356 participants). This was moderate quality evidence, downgraded as evidence was from a single study. We combined data for mortality and cardiovascular events. There was no clear evidence that antihypertensive medication withdrawal affected adverse events, although there was a possible trend to increased cardiovascular events in the large post-stroke study (pooled mortality risk ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.08; 2485 participants; and cardiovascular events risk ratio 1.29, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.72). Certain prespecified outcomes of interest (falls, hospitalisation) were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of withdrawing antihypertensive medications on cognition or prevention of dementia are uncertain. There was a signal of a positive effect in one study looking at withdrawal after acute stroke but these results are unlikely to be generalisable to non-stroke settings and were not a primary outcome of the study. Withdrawing antihypertensive drugs was associated with increased blood pressure. It is unlikely to increase mortality at three to four months' follow-up, although there was a signal from one large study looking at withdrawal after stroke that withdrawal was associated an increase in cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Jongstra
- University of AmsterdamDepartment of Neurology, Academic Medical CentreMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Jennifer K Harrison
- University of EdinburghCentre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology and the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Geriatric Medicine, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Room S164251 Little France CrescentEdinburghUKEH16 4SB
| | - Terry J Quinn
- University of GlasgowInstitute of Cardiovascular and Medical SciencesWalton BuildingGlasgow Royal InfirmaryGlasgowUKG4 0SF
| | - Edo Richard
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical CenterDepartment of NeurologyNijmegenNetherlands
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Kjeldsen SE, Stenehjem A, Os I, Van de Borne P, Burnier M, Narkiewicz K, Redon J, Agabiti Rosei E, Mancia G. Treatment of high blood pressure in elderly and octogenarians: European Society of Hypertension statement on blood pressure targets. Blood Press 2016; 25:333-336. [PMID: 27644446 DOI: 10.1080/08037051.2016.1236329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The European Society of Hypertension recommend the following main rules for treatment of hypertension in elderly and octogenarians: 1) In elderly hypertensives with SBP ≥ 160 mmHg there is solid evidence to recommend reducing SBP to between 140 mmHg and 150 mmHg. 2) In fit elderly patients less than 80 years old treatment may be considered at SBP ≥ 140 mmHg with a target SBP < 140 mmHg if treatment is well tolerated. 3) In fit individuals older than 80 years with an initial SBP ≥ 160 mmHg it is recommended to reduce SBP to between 150 mmHg and 140 mmHg. 4) In frail elderly patients, it is recommended to base treatment decisions on comorbidity and carefully monitor the effects of treatment. 5) Continuation of well-tolerated antihypertensive treatment should be considered when a treated individual becomes octogenarian. 6) All hypertensive agents are recommended and can be used in the elderly, although diuretics and calcium antagonists may be preferred in isolated systolic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sverre E Kjeldsen
- a Departments of Cardiology and Nephrology , Oslo University Hospital , Ullevål.,b Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Aud Stenehjem
- a Departments of Cardiology and Nephrology , Oslo University Hospital , Ullevål
| | - Ingrid Os
- a Departments of Cardiology and Nephrology , Oslo University Hospital , Ullevål.,b Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | | | - Michel Burnier
- d Service of Nephrology and Hypertension , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Krzysztof Narkiewicz
- e Department of Hypertension and Diabetology , Medical University of Gdansk , Poland
| | - Josep Redon
- f Department of Internal Medicine , Hospital Clinico, University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
| | - Enrico Agabiti Rosei
- g Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences , University of Brescia , Brescia , Italy
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Page AT, Clifford RM, Potter K, Schwartz D, Etherton-Beer CD. The feasibility and effect of deprescribing in older adults on mortality and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 82:583-623. [PMID: 27077231 PMCID: PMC5338123 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Deprescribing is a suggested intervention to reverse the potential iatrogenic harms of inappropriate polypharmacy. The review aimed to determine whether or not deprescribing is a safe, effective and feasible intervention to modify mortality and health outcomes in older adults. METHODS Specified databases were searched from inception to February 2015. Two researchers independently screened all retrieved articles for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. Data were pooled using RevMan v5.3. Eligible studies included those where older adults had at least one medication deprescribed. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse drug withdrawal events, psychological and physical health outcomes, quality of life, and medication usage (e.g. successful deprescribing, number of medications prescribed, potentially inappropriate medication use). RESULTS A total of 132 papers met the inclusion criteria, which included 34 143 participants aged 73.8 ± 5.4 years. In nonrandomized studies, deprescribing polypharmacy was shown to significantly decrease mortality (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.60). However, this was not statistically significant in the randomized studies (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.11). Subgroup analysis revealed patient-specific interventions to deprescribe demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88). However, generalized educational programmes did not change mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.86-1.69). CONCLUSIONS Although nonrandomized data suggested that deprescribing reduces mortality, deprescribing was not shown to alter mortality in randomized studies. Mortality was significantly reduced when applying patient-specific interventions to deprescribe in randomized studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T Page
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhonda M Clifford
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kathleen Potter
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Darren Schwartz
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
- Graylands Hospital, Mt Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher D Etherton-Beer
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Reeve E, Shakib S, Hendrix I, Roberts MS, Wiese MD. The benefits and harms of deprescribing. Med J Aust 2014; 201:386-9. [PMID: 25296058 DOI: 10.5694/mja13.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Deprescribing is the process of trial withdrawal of inappropriate medications. Currently, the strongest evidence for benefit of deprescribing is from cohort and observational studies of withdrawal of specific medication classes that have shown better patient outcomes, mainly through resolution of adverse drug reactions. Additional potential benefits of deprescribing include reduced financial costs and improved adherence with other medications. The harms of ceasing medication use include adverse drug withdrawal reactions, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes and return of the medical condition. These can be minimised with proper planning (ie, tapering), monitoring after withdrawal, and reinitiation of the medication if the condition returns. More evidence is needed regarding negative, non-reversible effects of ceasing use of certain classes of medication, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Cessation of use has not been studied for many medication classes, and large-scale randomised controlled trials of systematic deprescribing are required before the true benefits and harms can be known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Reeve
- Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Sepehr Shakib
- Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ivanka Hendrix
- Pharmacy Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Muller M, Smulders YM, de Leeuw PW, Stehouwer CDA. Treatment of hypertension in the oldest old: a critical role for frailty? Hypertension 2013; 63:433-41. [PMID: 24324042 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Majon Muller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. E mail
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23
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Thürmann PA. [Less can be more - drug therapy in the elderly]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2013; 107:148-52. [PMID: 23663910 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the elderly population is affected by multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Drug safety in this population is characterised by age-associated changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, an increased risk for drug-drug interactions, an unmanageable situation of side effects and co-morbidities, and a questionable adherence to complex therapies. Moreover, elderly multimorbid patients are usually not enrolled in clinical trials, and therefore the evidence for efficacy and safety of drugs is sparse. Many practice guidelines do not consider multimorbidity and age-associated changes in physical function, cognition and reduced life expectancy. Most published approaches to reducing polypharmacy such as algorithms and checklists have not yet been validated prospectively in randomised, controlled trials. However, some studies have shown the feasibility of stopping medications, in some cases accompanied by remarkable improvements of quality of life. (As supplied by publisher).
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra A Thürmann
- Lehrstuhl für Klinische Pharmakologie, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Philipp Klee-Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal.
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24
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Hajjar I, Hart M, Wan SH, Novak V. Safety and blood pressure trajectory of short-term withdrawal of antihypertensive medications in older adults: experience from a clinical trial sample. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:289-93. [PMID: 23680334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The short-term safety of and blood pressure changes after withdrawing hypertension treatment in older adults in preparation for clinical trials have not been well established. METHODS Participants were enrolled in a clinical trial and antihypertensive medications were tapered over 3 weeks (week 1: reduction by 25%-50%; week 2: 50%-75%, week 3: off). Blood pressure was measured at the initial visit and after stopping all antihypertensive therapy (personnel) and twice a day during the taper phase (provided monitor). Trend analyses and linear models were used to assess changes in blood pressure. RESULTS All participants (n = 53, mean age = 71 years, total of 1158 readings) successfully tapered their medications with no symptoms. Only 2% of the readings exceeded 180/100 mm Hg, but none were consecutive. Blood pressure gradually increased with an overall increase of 12/6 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (4/1, 21/11). The daily increase in blood pressure was 0.2 mm Hg (standard error = 0.1) in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were comparable for all antihypertensive classes (P > .05 for all). CONCLUSION Short-term (<3-4 weeks) withdrawal of antihypertensive therapy in older adults with hypertension is safe and is associated with mild increases in blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihab Hajjar
- Division of Geriatric, Hospital and General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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25
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Brandt NJ, Stefanacci RG. Discontinuation of unnecessary medications in older adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 26:845-54. [PMID: 22079794 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2011.845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying and managing the use of medications that may be discontinued is a daunting task for the health care team, especially for the consultant pharmacist. This article discusses a framework to evaluate the risks and benefits of medications. A case-based approach will be employed to demonstrate the application of evidence-based medicine and the challenges that pharmacists face in attempting to discontinue medications in older adults. DATA SOURCES Medline and Micromedex were used as resources for primary literature as well as drug information. STUDY SELECTION Studies were identified based on their relevance to the case to demonstrate the importance of applying emerging literature and evidence-based medicine. DATA EXTRACTION Guidelines on managing osteoporosis as well as diabetes in older adults were used for this case. DATA SYNTHESIS A structured framework was applied to demonstrate considerations when tackling challenging medication regimens. CONCLUSION Patient-centered, individualized medication regimens need to be developed and updated based on the needs of the patient as well as the wishes of the family and caregivers. This is a dynamic process that benefits from the consultant pharmacist, who understands the complexity of the medications and is essential to addressing the use of unnecessary medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Brandt
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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Andersen K. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the elderly: rational use of aliskiren in managing hypertension. Clin Interv Aging 2009; 4:137-51. [PMID: 19503776 PMCID: PMC2685235 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s3216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall purpose of hypertension treatment is 2-fold. First, patients often have symptoms that are related to their high blood pressure and although subtle in many instances may be improved dramatically by blood pressure control. The main reason for blood pressure treatment, however, is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications and end organ damage related to the condition. This may be considered the ultimate goal of blood pressure treatment. In this respect, actual blood pressure measurements may be seen as surrogate end points as the organ protective effects of two antihypertensive agents may differ significantly even though their blood pressure lowering effects are similar. Thus beta-blockers, once seen as first-line treatment of hypertension for most patients, now are considered as third- or fourthline agents according to the latest NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, www.nice.org.uk/CG034). On the other hand, agents that inhibit the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) system are being established as safe, effective and end organ protective in numerous clinical trials, resulting in their general acceptance as first-line treatment in most patients with stage 2 hypertension. This shift in emphasis from beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics is supported by numerous clinical trials and has proven safe and well tolerated by patients. The impact of this paradigm shift will have to be established in future long-term randomized clinical trials. The optimal combination treatment with respect to end organ protection has yet to be determined. Most combinations will include either a RAAS active agent and calcium channel blocker or two separate RAAS active agents working at different levels of the cascade. In this respect direct renin inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers seem particularly promising but the concept awaits evaluation in upcoming randomized clinical trials. Although safety data from the randomized clinical trials to date have been promising, we still lack data on the long-term effect of aliskiren on mortality and there still are patient groups where the safety of aliskiren is unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andersen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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27
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Iyer S, Naganathan V, McLachlan AJ, Le Couteur DG. Medication withdrawal trials in people aged 65 years and older: a systematic review. Drugs Aging 2009; 25:1021-31. [PMID: 19021301 DOI: 10.2165/0002512-200825120-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review was to assess the benefits and risks of medication withdrawal in older people as documented in published trials of medication withdrawal. This was done by systematic review of the evidence from clinical trials of withdrawal of specific classes of medications in patient populations with a mean age of >or=65 years. We identified all relevant articles published between 1966 and 2007 initially through electronic searches on PubMed and manual searches of review articles. Numerous search terms related to the withdrawal of medication in older people were utilized. Clinical trials identified were reviewed according to predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Only trials that focused on the withdrawal of specific classes of medication were included. Thirty-one published studies (n = 8972 subjects) met the inclusion criteria, including four randomized and placebo-controlled studies (n = 448 subjects) of diuretic withdrawal, nine open-label and prospective observational studies (n = 7188 subjects) of withdrawal of antihypertensives (including diuretics), 16 studies (n = 1184 patients) of withdrawal of sedative, antidepressant, cholinesterase inhibitor and antipsychotic medications, and 1 study each of withdrawal of nitrates and digoxin. These studies were of heterogeneous study design, patient selection criteria and follow-up. Withdrawal of diuretics was maintained in 51-100% of subjects and was unsuccessful primarily when heart failure was present. Adverse effects from medication withdrawal were infrequently encountered. After withdrawal of antihypertensive therapy, many subjects (20-85%) remained normotensive or did not require reinstatement of therapy for between 6 months and 5 years, and there was no increase in mortality. Withdrawal of psychotropic medications was associated with a reduction in falls and improved cognition. In conclusion, there is some clinical trial evidence for the short-term effectiveness and/or lack of significant harm when medication withdrawal is undertaken for antihypertensive, benzodiazepine and psychotropic agents in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoba Iyer
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord RG Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
Geriatric patients are a subset of older people with multiple comorbidities that usually have significant functional implications. Geriatric patients have impaired homeostasis and wide inter-individual variability. Comprehensive geriatric assessment captures the complexity of the problems that characterize frail older patients and can be used to guide management, including prescribing. Prescribing for geriatric patients requires an understanding of the efficacy of the medication in frail older people, assessment of the risk of adverse drug events, discussion of the harm:benefit ratio with the patient, a decision about the dose regime and careful monitoring of the patient's response. This requires evaluation of evidence from clinical trials, application of the evidence to frail older people through an understanding of changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and attention to medication management issues. Given that most disease occurs in older people, and that older people are the major recipients of drug therapy in the Western world, increased research and a better evidence base is essential to guide clinicians who manage geriatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Hilmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
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29
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Abstract
The blood pressure (BP) response to any single antihypertensive drug is characterized by marked interindividual variation, and the known predictors of response are of limited value in identifying the optimum drug for an individual patient. Analysis of genetic variation has the potential to improve our understanding of determinants of antihypertensive drug response in order to individualize drug selection. Genetic variation can influence both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms underlying variation in drug response. Classic pharmacogenetic investigations have identified variations in single genes that have a large effect on antihypertensive drug metabolism and are inherited in a Mendelian fashion. These include a polymorphism in the CYP2D6 gene, encoding a cytochrome p450 family member involved in phase I drug metabolism, and polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in phase II drug metabolism, including N-acetyltransferase (NAT2), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and phenol sulfotransferase (P-PST, SULT1A1). Although these polymorphisms have major effects on the pharmacokinetic profiles of both commonly used antihypertensive drugs such as metoprolol (CYP2D6), and lesser used drugs such as hydralazine (NAT2), methyldopa (COMT), and minoxidil (SULT1A1), they have not been shown to influence variation in the antihypertensive effect of these drugs at conventional doses. Interest is now focused on identifying genetic polymorphisms that influence the pharmacodynamic determinants of antihypertensive response. Using a candidate gene approach, such polymorphisms have been identified in genes encoding alpha-adducin (ADD1), subunits of G-proteins (GNB3 and GNAS1), the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (ADRB1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), and components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (angiotensinogen [AGT], angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE], the angiotensin type I receptor [AGTR1], and aldosterone synthase [CYP11B2]). These polymorphisms have been shown to influence the BP response to diuretics (ADD1, GNB3, NOS3, and ACE), beta-blockers (GNAS1 and ADRB1), ACE inhibitors (AGT, ACE, and AGTR1), angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE and CYP11B2), and clonidine (GNB3).An emerging consensus from these studies is that single gene effects on antihypertensive drug responses are small, and even the combined effects of all presently known polymorphisms do not account for enough variation in response to be clinically useful. New genome-wide scanning techniques may lead to the identification of genes previously unsuspected of influencing drug response. Additional requirements for pharmacogenetic approaches to become clinically useful are the characterization of the effects of haplotypes and multi-locus genotypes on drug response, and consideration of gene-by-environment interactions. Such studies will require huge sample sizes and novel statistical methods, but the theoretical and technical framework is in place to make this possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Schwartz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Turner ST, Schwartz GL, Chapman AB, Boerwinkle E. Use of gene markers to guide antihypertensive therapy. Curr Hypertens Rep 2001; 3:410-5. [PMID: 11551376 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-001-0059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing of the human genome has elevated the potential for genetic information to aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common chronic diseases. One beneficial application of genetic information is the identification of variants that influence response to pharmaceutical agents used to lower blood pressure and prevent target organ complications of hypertension. Knowledge of genetic variants that influence blood pressure response to antihypertensive drugs may allow more individualized tailoring of antihypertensive drug therapy, and provide greater insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating blood pressure levels and causing hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Turner
- Division of Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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31
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Turner ST, Schwartz GL, Chapman AB, Hall WD, Boerwinkle E. Antihypertensive pharmacogenetics: getting the right drug into the right patient. J Hypertens 2001; 19:1-11. [PMID: 11204288 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200101000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetic investigation seeks to identify genetic factors that contribute to interpatient and interdrug variation in responses to antihypertensive drug therapy. Classical studies have characterized single gene polymorphisms of drug metabolizing enzymes that are responsible for large interindividual differences in pharmacokinetic responses to several antihypertensive drugs. Progress is being made using candidate gene and genome scanning approaches to identify and characterize many additional genes influencing pharmacodynamic mechanisms that contribute to interindividual differences in responses to antihypertensive drug therapy. Knowledge of polymorphic variation in these genes will help to predict individual patients' blood pressure responses to antihypertensive drug therapy and may also provide new insights into molecular mechanisms responsible for elevation of blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Turner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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van Kraaij DJ, Jansen RW, Gribnau FW, Hoefnagels WH. Diuretic therapy in elderly heart failure patients with and without left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Drugs Aging 2000; 16:289-300. [PMID: 10874524 DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200016040-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Long term prescription of diuretics for heart failure is very prevalent among elderly patients, although the rationale for such a treatment strategy is often unclear, as diuretics are not indicated if volume overload is absent. The concept of diastolic heart failure in the elderly might particularly change the role of diuretic therapy, since diuretics may have additional adverse effects in these patients. This paper reviews the effects of diuretic therapy in elderly patients with heart failure, emphasising the differences between patients with normal and decreased left ventricular systolic function. Studies on diuretic withdrawal in elderly patients with heart failure are discussed, with emphasis on issues involved in decision making such as diuretic dose reduction and withdrawal in elderly patients and factors that have been established to predict successful withdrawal. Existing guidelines on the prescription of diuretics in elderly patients with heart failure with normal and decreased left ventricular systolic function and in those with diastolic heart failure are also discussed. By reducing intravascular volume, diuretics may further impair ventricular diastolic filling in patients with diastolic heart failure and thus reduce stroke volume. Indeed, preliminary studies demonstrate that diuretics may provoke or aggravate hypotension on standing and after meals in these patients. Therefore, it is suggested that elderly patients with heart failure with intact left ventricular systolic function should not receive long term diuretic therapy, unless proven necessary to treat or prevent congestive heart failure. This implies that physicians should carefully evaluate the opportunities for diuretic dose tapering or withdrawal in all of these patients, and that a cautiously guided intermittent diuretic treatment modality may be critical in the care for older patients with heart failure with intact left ventricular systolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J van Kraaij
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Kostis JB, Espeland MA, Appel L, Johnson KC, Pierce J, Wofford JL. Does withdrawal of antihypertensive medication increase the risk of cardiovascular events? Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly (TONE) Cooperative Research Group. Am J Cardiol 1998; 82:1501-8. [PMID: 9874055 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9149(98)00694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Fifth Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends that attempts to discontinue antihypertensive drug therapy be considered after blood pressure (BP) has been controlled for 1 year. However, discontinuation of drug therapy could unmask underlying conditions and precipitate clinical cardiovascular events. The Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly (TONE) was a clinical trial of the efficacy of weight loss and/or sodium reduction in controlling BP after withdrawal of drug therapy in patients with a BP< 145/85 mm Hg on 1 antihypertensive medication. Of 975 participants, 886 entered the drug withdrawal phase of the trial and 774 were successfully withdrawn from their medications. Thirty-three events (stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, angina, other) occurred between randomization and the onset of drug withdrawal (median time 3.6 months), 57 events occurred either during or after drug withdrawal (14.0 months), and 36 events occurred after resumption of antihypertensive therapy (15.9 months). Event rates per 100 person-years were 5.5, 5.5, and 6.8 for the 3 time periods (p=0.84) in the nonoverweight group and 7.2, 5.2, and 5.6 (p=0.08) in the overweight group. The study shows that antihypertensive medication can be safely withdrawn in older persons without clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease who do not have diastolic pressure > or = 150/90 mm Hg at withdrawal, providing that good BP control can be maintained with nonpharmacologic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Kostis
- UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0019, USA.
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van Kraaij DJ, Jansen RW, Bruijns E, Gribnau FW, Hoefnagels WH. Diuretic usage and withdrawal patterns in a Dutch geriatric patient population. J Am Geriatr Soc 1997; 45:918-22. [PMID: 9256841 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1997.tb02959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe diuretic usage and withdrawal patterns in a population of very old geriatric patients and to evaluate the long-term probability of remaining free from diuretic therapy after withdrawal. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of medical records and 1-year follow-up study. SETTING University Hospital Nijmegen and Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, a non-academic teaching hospital, The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS All 1547 patients, aged 75 years or older, visiting geriatric medicine departments in the two hospitals for the first time in the years 1990 through 1993. MEASUREMENTS Data on medical history, physical examinations, and medication use were obtained from medical records. Diuretic withdrawal and motivation was recorded as reported. Record review indicating diuretic withdrawal prompted a 1-year follow-up investigation and collection of additional updated information from family care and/or nursing-home physicians. RESULTS A total of 593 three patients (38.3%) were using diuretics. Use of diuretics increased with age from 33.6% in patients aged 75 to 79 years to 47.4% in patients aged 90 years or older (P < .05). Diuretics were withdrawn in 218 patients (36.8%), in 101 patients because of doubts about the initial or persistent indication for diuretic use and in 91 patients because of adverse effects. No reasons for withdrawal were reported in 26 patients. Withdrawal of diuretics was attempted more often in cases of diuretic prescriptions for unknown reasons (51.2%) or ankle edema without heart failure (45.0%) than when prescriptions were for heart failure (28.5%) or hypertension (35.4%). The overall probability of remaining free of diuretic therapy for 1 year was 0.41. Success of diuretic withdrawal was significantly less when congestive heart failure was the initial indication for prescription (probability 0.24). We did not find other clinical parameters related to the success of withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that diuretic therapy can be withdrawn for at least a 1-year period in a substantial number of very old geriatric patients receiving these medications, regardless of the initial indications for prescription. However, withdrawal is performed without application of uniform criteria. Future prospective studies should be directed at developing clear guidelines for diuretic withdrawal in order to facilitate identification of eligible patients and to further improve the success of withdrawal attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J van Kraaij
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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35
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Abstract
Studies of antihypertensive drug withdrawal suggest that at least 20% of selected older patients with hypertension can remain normotensive without drug treatment for periods of up to 5 years. Success of drug withdrawal is greater in those patients controlled on low dose monotherapy who have low on-treatment blood pressure (BP), are not overweight and who have no ECG evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Compliance with lifestyle advice may increase the chance of successful drug withdrawal. Unfortunately, many older hypertensive patients have poorly controlled BP despite treatment with antihypertensive drugs, and are overweight. These factors limit opportunities for drug withdrawal although they may not be so much of a problem in the very elderly. Patient who could be considered for a trial of antihypertensive drug withdrawal are those unhappy with such therapy who also: (a) have well controlled BP on monotherapy with no significant target organ damage, (b) have 'white-coat' hypertension, or (c) are very elderly (> 80 years). The withdrawal of antihypertensive drugs can improve drug-induced metabolic abnormalities and symptoms, and appears safe providing there is a gradual reduction in drug dosages and close follow-up to detect a return to hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Fotherby
- Department of Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, England
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