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Shahunja KM, Ushula TW, Hussain MA, Pati S, Mamun AA. Multimorbidity among the Indigenous population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 98:8-17. [PMID: 39067833 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.07.047] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity, the concurrent presence of multiple chronic health conditions in an individual, represents a mounting public health challenge. Chronic illnesses are prevalent in the Indigenous populations, which contributes to multimorbidity. However, the epidemiology of multimorbidity in this population is not well studied. This review aimed to elucidate the extent, determinants, consequences, and prevention of multimorbidity within Indigenous populations globally, contrasting findings with non-Indigenous populations. METHODS Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review assimilated peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, focusing on the prevalence, determinants, implications, and preventive strategies of multimorbidity in global Indigenous populations. Emphasis was given to original, English-language, full-text articles, excluding editorials, and conference abstracts. FINDINGS Of the 444 articles identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies are from Australia, and the rest are from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and India. The study indicated a higher multimorbidity prevalence among Indigenous populations, with consistent disparities observed across various age groups. Particularly, Indigenous individuals exhibited a 2-times higher likelihood of multimorbidity compared to non-Indigenous populations. Noteworthy findings underscored the elevated severity of certain comorbid conditions, especially strokes, within Indigenous groups, with further revelations highlighting their significant pairing with conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes. INTERPRETATION The findings affirm the elevated burden of multimorbidity among Indigenous populations. Prevalence and risk of developing multimorbidity are significantly higher in this population compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Future research should prioritize harmonized research methodologies, fostering insights into the multimorbidity landscape, and promoting strategies to address health disparities in Indigenous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Shahunja
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Tolassa W Ushula
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mohammad Akhtar Hussain
- Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, IMPACT - Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar-23, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Abdullah A Mamun
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Gebreyohannes EA, Shibe BS, Taye WA, Lee K, Abdela OA, Ayele EM, Belachew EA, Mengistu SB, Myint PK, Soiza RL. Anticholinergic burden and health-related quality of life among adult patients in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm 2024:10.1007/s11096-024-01769-z. [PMID: 39007992 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergic medications are now widely acknowledged for their unfavorable risk-to-benefit profile owing to their adverse effects. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is commonly regarded as a crucial person-centered outcome. AIM This study aimed to investigate the association between anticholinergic burden and HRQoL in hospitalized and ambulatory patients seen in Ethiopia. METHOD This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire and medical records to collect data from a convenience sample of adult patients attending both inpatient wards and ambulatory clinic of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between April and September 2022. Anticholinergic burden was measured by anticholinergic cognitive burdens scale (ACBS), while HRQoL was measured using EQ5D-index (Euroqol-5 dimensions-5-Levels index) and EQ5D-VAS (visual analogue scale). Linear regression was used to assess the influence of high anticholinergic burden (ACBS score ≥ 3) on EQ5D-index and EQ5D-VAS, with adjustments made for sociodemographic and clinical confounders. RESULTS A total of 828 patients participated in this study (median (IQR) age was 45.0 (30, 60) and 55.9% were female). On multiple linear regression analysis, high anticholinergic burden was associated with a statistically significant decline in HRQoL, as evidenced by reductions in both EQ5D index (- 0.174 (- 0.250, - 0.098)) and EQ5D-VAS scores (- 9.4 (- 13.3, - 5.2)). CONCLUSION A significant association between high anticholinergic burden and diminished HRQoL was found among a relatively younger cohort in a resource-limited setting, even after adjustment for important confounding variables. Clinicians should be cognizant of the cumulative impact of anticholinergic burden on HRQoL outcomes and strive to minimize anticholinergic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Biniam Siyum Shibe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wagaye Atalay Taye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ousman Abubeker Abdela
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emneteab Mesfin Ayele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eyayaw Ashete Belachew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roy Louis Soiza
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Svensson M, Elmståhl S, Sanmartin Berglund J, Rosso A. Association of systemic anticholinergic medication use and accelerated decrease in lung function in older adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4362. [PMID: 38388652 PMCID: PMC10883995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54879-z] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Older adults are frequently exposed to medicines with systemic anticholinergic properties, which are linked to increased risk of negative health outcomes. The association between systemic anticholinergics and lung function has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate if exposure to systemic anticholinergics influences lung function in older adults. Participants of the southernmost centres of the Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC) were followed from 2001 to 2021. In total, 2936 subjects (2253 from Good Aging in Skåne and 683 from SNAC-B) were included. An extensive medical examination including spirometry assessments was performed during the study visits. The systemic anticholinergic burden was described using the anticholinergic cognitive burden scale. The effect of new use of systemic anticholinergics on the annual change in forced expiratory volume (FEV1s) was estimated using mixed models. During follow-up, 802 (27.3%) participants were exposed to at least one systemic anticholinergic medicine. On average, the FEV1s of participants without systemic anticholinergic exposure decreased 37.2 ml/year (95% CI [33.8; 40.6]) while participants with low and high exposure lose 47.2 ml/year (95% CI [42.4; 52.0]) and 43.7 ml/year (95% CI [25.4; 62.0]). A novel association between new use of medicines with systemic anticholinergic properties and accelerated decrease in lung function in older adults was found. The accelerated decrease is comparable to that observed in smokers. Studies are needed to further explore this potential side effect of systemic anticholinergics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Svensson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Aldana Rosso
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
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Bhatkhande G, Choudhry NK, Mahesri M, Haff N, Lauffenburger JC. Disentangling drug contributions: anticholinergic burden in older adults linked to individual medications: a cross-sectional population-based study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:44. [PMID: 38200457 PMCID: PMC10782746 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications with potent anticholinergic properties have well-documented adverse effects. A high cumulative anticholinergic burden may arise from the concurrent use of multiple medications with weaker anticholinergic effects. We sought to identify patterns of high anticholinergic burden and associated patient characteristics. METHODS We identified patients aged ≥ 65 who filled ≥ 1 medication with anticholinergic adverse effects in 2019 and had a cumulative Anticholinergic Burden score (ACB) ≥ 4 (i.e., high anticholinergic burden) in a large US health insurer. We classified patients based on how they attained high burden, as follows: 1) only filling strong or moderate anticholinergic medications (i.e., ACB = 2 or 3, "moderate/strong"), 2) only filling lightly anticholinergic medications (i.e., ACB = 1, "light/possible"), and 3) filling any combination ("mix"). We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between measured patient characteristics and membership in the three anticholinergic burden classifications, using the moderate/strong group as the referent. RESULTS In total, 83,286 eligible patients with high anticholinergic burden were identified (mean age: 74.3 years (SD:7.1), 72.9% female). Of these, 4.5% filled only strong/moderate anticholinergics, 4.3% filled only light/possible anticholinergics, and the rest filled a mix (91.2%). Within patients in the mixed group, 64.3% of medication fills were for light/possible anticholinergics, while 35.7% were for moderate/strong anticholinergics. Compared with patients in the moderate/strong anticholinergics group, patients filling only light/possible anticholinergics were more likely to be older (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] per 1-unit of age: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.05-1.07), less likely to be female (aOR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.50-0.62 vs. male), more likely to have comorbidities (e.g., heart failure aOR: 3.18, 95%CI: 2.70-3.74 or depression aOR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.09-1.33 vs. no comorbidity), and visited fewer physicians (aOR per 1-unit of change: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.98). Patients in the mixed group were older (aOR per 1-unit of age: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.02-1.03) and less likely to be female (aOR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.82-0.97 vs. male) compared with those filling moderate/strong anticholinergics. CONCLUSION Most older adults accumulated high anticholinergic burden through a combination of light/possible and moderate/strong anticholinergics rather than moderate/strong anticholinergics, with light/possible anticholinergics being the major drivers of overall anticholinergic burden. These insights may inform interventions to improve prescribing in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Bhatkhande
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niteesh K Choudhry
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mufaddal Mahesri
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Nancy Haff
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie C Lauffenburger
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA.
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Taylor-Rowan M, Alharthi AA, Noel-Storr AH, Myint PK, Stewart C, McCleery J, Quinn TJ. Anticholinergic deprescribing interventions for reducing risk of cognitive decline or dementia in older adults with and without prior cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 12:CD015405. [PMID: 38063254 PMCID: PMC10704558 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015405.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergics are medications that block the action of acetylcholine in the central or peripheral nervous system. Medications with anticholinergic properties are commonly prescribed to older adults. The cumulative anticholinergic effect of all the medications a person takes is referred to as the anticholinergic burden. A high anticholinergic burden may cause cognitive impairment in people who are otherwise cognitively healthy, or cause further cognitive decline in people with pre-existing cognitive problems. Reducing anticholinergic burden through deprescribing interventions may help to prevent onset of cognitive impairment or slow the rate of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVES Primary objective • To assess the efficacy and safety of anticholinergic medication reduction interventions for improving cognitive outcomes in cognitively healthy older adults and older adults with pre-existing cognitive issues. Secondary Objectives • To compare the effectiveness of different types of reduction interventions (e.g. pharmacist-led versus general practitioner-led, educational versus audit and feedback) for reducing overall anticholinergic burden. • To establish optimal duration of anticholinergic reduction interventions, sustainability, and lessons learnt for upscaling • To compare results according to differing anticholinergic scales used in medication reduction intervention trials • To assess the efficacy of anticholinergic medication reduction interventions for improving other clinical outcomes, including mortality, quality of life, clinical global impression, physical function, institutionalisation, falls, cardiovascular diseases, and neurobehavioral outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL on 22 December 2022, and we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and three other databases from inception to 1 November 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions that aimed to reduce anticholinergic burden in older people and that investigated cognitive outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. The data were not suitable for meta-analysis, so we summarised them narratively. We used GRADE methods to rate our confidence in the review results. MAIN RESULTS We included three trials with a total of 299 participants. All three trials were conducted in a cognitively mixed population (some cognitively healthy participants, some participants with dementia). Outcomes were assessed after one to three months. One trial reported significantly improved performance on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in the intervention group (treatment difference 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 1.30), although there was no difference between the groups in the proportion of participants with reduced anticholinergic burden. Two trials successfully reduced anticholinergic burden in the intervention group. Of these, one reported no significant difference between the intervention versus control in terms of their effect on cognitive performance measured by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) immediate recall (mean between-group difference 0.54, 95% CI -0.91 to 2.05), CERAD delayed recall (mean between-group difference -0.23, 95% CI-0.85 to 0.38), CERAD recognition (mean between-group difference 0.77, 95% CI -0.39 to 1.94), and Mini-Mental State Examination (mean between-group difference 0.39, 95% CI -0.96 to 1.75). The other trial reported a significant correlation between anticholinergic burden and a test of working memory after the intervention (which suggested reducing the burden improved performance), but reported no effect on multiple other cognitive measures. In GRADE terms, the results were of very low certainty. There were no reported between-group differences for any other clinical outcome we investigated. It was not possible to investigate differences according to type of reduction intervention or type of anticholinergic scale, to measure the sustainability of interventions, or to establish lessons learnt for upscaling. No trials investigated safety outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to reach any conclusions on the effects of anticholinergic burden reduction interventions on cognitive outcomes in older adults with or without prior cognitive impairment. The evidence from RCTs was of very low certainty so cannot support or refute the hypothesis that actively reducing or stopping prescription of medications with anticholinergic properties can improve cognitive outcomes in older people. There is no evidence from RCTs that anticholinergic burden reduction interventions improve other clinical outcomes such as mortality, quality of life, clinical global impression, physical function, institutionalisation, falls, cardiovascular diseases, or neurobehavioral outcomes. Larger RCTs investigating long-term outcomes are needed. Future RCTs should also investigate potential benefits of anticholinergic reduction interventions in cognitively healthy populations and cognitively impaired populations separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Taylor-Rowan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ahmed A Alharthi
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | | | - Terry J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Dmochowski RR, Newman DK, Rovner ES, Zillioux J, Malik RD, Ackerman AL. Patient and Clinician Challenges with Anticholinergic Step Therapy in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4741-4757. [PMID: 37725308 PMCID: PMC10567877 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Anticholinergics have been used in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), but their use is limited by poor tolerability and anticholinergic-related side effects. Increasingly, providers are discontinuing anticholinergic prescribing because of growing evidence of the association of anticholinergic use with increased risk of cognitive decline and other adverse effects. Newer medications for OAB, the β3-adrenergic receptor agonists mirabegron and vibegron, do not have anticholinergic properties and are typically well tolerated; however, many insurance plans have limited patient access to these newer OAB medications by requiring step therapy, meaning less expensive anticholinergic medications must be trialed and/or failed before a β3-agonist will be covered and dispensed. Thus, many patients are unable to easily access these medications. Step therapy and other drug utilization strategies (e.g., prior authorization) are often used to manage the growing costs of pharmaceuticals, but these policies do not always follow treatment guidelines and may harm patients as a result of treatment delays, discontinuations, or related increases in adverse events. Medical professionals have called for reform of drug utilization strategies through partnerships that include clinicians and policymakers. This narrative review discusses prescribing patterns for OAB treatment and the effect of switching between drugs, as well as the costs of step therapy and prior authorization on patients and prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger R Dmochowski
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Diane K Newman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric S Rovner
- Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jacqueline Zillioux
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rena D Malik
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Lenore Ackerman
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Box 951738, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1738, USA.
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Huang WC, Yang ASH, Tsai DHT, Shao SC, Lin SJ, Lai ECC. Association between recently raised anticholinergic burden and risk of acute cardiovascular events: nationwide case-case-time-control study. BMJ 2023; 382:e076045. [PMID: 37758279 PMCID: PMC10523277 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between recently raised anticholinergic burden and risk of acute cardiovascular events in older adults. DESIGN Case-case-time-control study (ie, incorporating a case crossover design and a control crossover design consisting of future cases). SETTING Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. PARTICIPANTS 317 446 adults aged ≥65 who were admitted to hospital because of an incident acute cardiovascular event between 2011 and 2018. Acute cardiovascular events included myocardial infarction, strokes, arrhythmias, conduction disorders, and cardiovascular death. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The anticholinergic burden was measured for each participant by adding up the anticholinergic scores for individual drugs using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale. Scores were classified into three levels (0 points, 1-2 points, and ≥3 points). For each participant, anticholinergic burden levels during hazard periods (day -1 to -30 before the cardiovascular event) were compared with randomly selected 30 day reference periods (ie, periods between days -61 and -180). Conditional logistic regression determined odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between acute cardiovascular events and recently raised anticholinergic burden. RESULTS The crossover analyses included 248 579 current cases. Participants' average age on the index date was 78.4 years (standard deviation 0.01), and 53.4% were men. The most frequently prescribed drugs with anticholinergic activity were antihistamines (68.9%), gastrointestinal antispasmodics (40.9%), and diuretics (33.8%). Among patients with varying levels of anticholinergic burden in different periods, more patients carried higher levels of anticholinergic burden during hazard periods than during reference periods. For example, 17 603 current cases had 1-2 points of anticholinergic burden in the hazard period with 0 points in the reference period, while 8507 current cases had 0 points in the hazard period and 1-2 points in the reference period. In the comparison of 1-2 points versus 0 points of anticholinergic burden, the odds ratio was 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.83 to 1.90) in the case crossover analysis and 1.35 (1.33 to 1.38) in the control crossover analysis, which yielded a case-case-time-control odds ratio of 1.38 (1.34 to 1.42). Similar results were found in the comparison of ≥3 versus 0 points (2.03, 1.98 to 2.09) and ≥3 versus 1-2 points (1.48, 1.44 to 1.52). The findings remained consistent throughout a series of sensitivity analyses (eg, cut-off points for anticholinergic burden categories were redefined and different scales were used to measure anticholinergic burden). CONCLUSIONS An association was found between recently raised anticholinergic burden and increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. Furthermore, a greater increase in anticholinergic burden was associated with a higher risk of acute cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ching Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Avery Shuei-He Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Hsiang-Te Tsai
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Shao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Swu-Jane Lin
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edward Chia-Cheng Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Bishara D, Riaz S, Sauer J, Mueller C, Gee S, Taylor D, Wilcha RJ, Edwards M, Beehuspoteea N, Mallia AMB, Brook J, Balasundaram B, Harwood D, Funnell N, Strydom A, Stewart R. A tool for safer prescribing in vulnerable adults: the continuing development of the Medichec app and website. BJPsych Bull 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37671832 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2023.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND METHOD Adverse effects are a common concern when prescribing and reviewing medication, particularly in vulnerable adults such as older people and those with intellectual disability. This paper describes the development of an app giving information on side-effects, called Medichec, and provides a description of the processes involved in its development and how drugs were rated for each side-effect. Medications with central anticholinergic action, dizziness, drowsiness, hyponatraemia, QTc prolongation, bleeding and constipation were identified using the British National Formulary (BNF) and frequency of occurrence of these effects was determined using the BNF, product information and electronic searches, including PubMed. RESULTS Medications were rated using a traffic light system according to how commonly the adverse effect was known to occur or the severity of the effect. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Medichec can facilitate access to side-effects information for multiple medications, aid clinical decision-making, optimise treatment and improve patient safety in vulnerable adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Bishara
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sahar Riaz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Justin Sauer
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christoph Mueller
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Siobhan Gee
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Taylor
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robyn-Jenia Wilcha
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Millie Edwards
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nirja Beehuspoteea
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anne Marie Bonnici Mallia
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Brook
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Daniel Harwood
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicola Funnell
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andre Strydom
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Stewart
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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9
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Michael HU, Enechukwu O, Brouillette MJ, Tamblyn R, Fellows LK, Mayo NE. The Prognostic Utility of Anticholinergic Burden Scales: An Integrative Review and Gap Analysis. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:763-783. [PMID: 37462902 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01050-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergic drugs are commonly prescribed, especially to older adults. Anticholinergic burden scales (ABS) have been used to evaluate the cumulative effects of multiple anticholinergics. However, studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between anticholinergic burden assessed with ABS and adverse clinical outcomes such as cognitive impairment, functional decline, and frailty. This review aims to identify gaps in research on the development, validation, and evaluation of ABS, and provide recommendations for future studies. METHOD A comprehensive search of five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, CINAHL, CENTRAL) was conducted for relevant studies published from inception until 25 May 2023. Two reviewers screened for eligibility and assessed the quality of studies using different tools based on the study design and stage of the review framework. Research evidence was evaluated, and gaps were identified and grouped into evidence, knowledge, and methodological gaps, using evidence tables to summarize data. RESULTS Several evidence, knowledge, and methodological gaps in existing development, validation, and evaluation studies of ABS were identified. There is no universally accepted scale, and there is a need to define a clinically relevant threshold for measuring total anticholinergic burden. The current evidence has limitations, underrepresenting low- and middle-income countries, younger individuals, and populations with cognitive disabilities. The impact of anticholinergic burden on frailty is also understudied. Existing evaluation studies provide limited evidence on the benefit of reducing anticholinergic burden on clinical outcomes or the safety of anticholinergic deprescribing. There is also uncertainty regarding optimal reduction, clinically significant anticholinergic burden thresholds, and cost effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Future research recommendations to bridge knowledge gaps include developing a risk assessment framework, refining ABS scales, establishing a standardized consensus scale, and creating a longitudinal measure of cumulative anticholinergic risk. Strategies to minimize bias, consider frailty, and promote multidisciplinary and multinational collaborations are also necessary to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ukachukwu Michael
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), 5252 de Maisonneuve, 2B:43, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada.
| | | | - Marie-Josée Brouillette
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, MUHC-RI, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lesley K Fellows
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy E Mayo
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), 5252 de Maisonneuve, 2B:43, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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10
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Bishara D. Managing drugs with anticholinergic activity. Drug Ther Bull 2023; 61:135-139. [PMID: 37648260 DOI: 10.1136/dtb.2022.000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, considerable data have emerged on an association between drugs with anticholinergic activity and serious adverse effects in older people. Well-recognised anticholinergic adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. Of particular concern is the potential impact on cognitive function with several studies showing that long-term use of medicines with anticholinergic activity is associated with worsening of cognitive function, increased incidence of dementia and increased mortality. This article gives an overview of the evidence, discusses some of the tools used to identify high-risk drugs and highlights issues to consider when prescribing drugs with anticholinergic activity with a view to reducing potential risks in older people and those at highest risk of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Bishara
- Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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11
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Wong HL, Mandal AKJ, Weaver C, Chauhan R, Missouris CG. Polypharmacy and associated cumulative anticholinergic burden are important predictors of falls risk. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:2332-2333. [PMID: 37137729 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lun Wong
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Trust, Slough, UK
| | | | - Claire Weaver
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Trust, Slough, UK
| | - Rahul Chauhan
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Trust, Slough, UK
| | - Constantinos G Missouris
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Trust, Slough, UK
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Mur J, Marioni RE, Russ TC, Muniz‐Terrera G, Cox SR. Anticholinergic burden in middle and older age is associated with lower cognitive function, but not with brain atrophy. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:2224-2235. [PMID: 36813260 PMCID: PMC10953410 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15698] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to estimate the association between anticholinergic burden, general cognitive ability and various measures of brain structural MRI in relatively healthy middle-aged and older individuals. METHODS In the UK Biobank participants with linked health-care records (n = 163,043, aged 40-71 at baseline), of whom about 17 000 had MRI data available, we calculated the total anticholinergic drug burden according to 15 different anticholinergic scales and due to different classes of drugs. We then used linear regression to explore the associations between anticholinergic burden and various measures of cognition and structural MRI, including general cognitive ability, 9 separate cognitive domains, brain atrophy, volumes of 68 cortical and 14 subcortical areas and fractional anisotropy and median diffusivity of 25 white-matter tracts. RESULTS Anticholinergic burden was modestly associated with poorer cognition across most anticholinergic scales and cognitive tests (7/9 FDR-adjusted significant associations, standardised betas (β) range: -0.039, -0.003). When using the anticholinergic scale exhibiting the strongest association with cognitive functions, anticholinergic burden due to only some classes of drugs exhibited negative associations with cognitive function, with β-lactam antibiotics (β = -0.035, PFDR < 0.001) and opioids (β = -0.026, PFDR < 0.001) exhibiting the strongest effects. Anticholinergic burden was not associated with any measure of brain macrostructure or microstructure (PFDR > 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Anticholinergic burden is weakly associated with poorer cognition, but there is little evidence for associations with brain structure. Future studies might focus more broadly on polypharmacy or more narrowly on distinct drug classes, instead of using purported anticholinergic action to study the effects of drugs on cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Mur
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of PsychologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tom C. Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Dementia PreventionUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Graciela Muniz‐Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia PreventionUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Department of Social MedicineOhio UniversityAthensOhioUSA
| | - Simon R. Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of PsychologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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13
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Fluck D, Lisk R, Yeong K, Robin J, Fry CH, Han TS. Association of Polypharmacy and Anticholinergic Burden with Length of Stay in Hospital Amongst Older Adults Admitted with Hip Fractures: A Retrospective Observational Study. Calcif Tissue Int 2023; 112:584-591. [PMID: 36899089 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01072-5] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-associated multimorbidity and polypharmacy, predispose individuals to falls and consequent hip fractures. We examined the impact of polypharmacy (≥ 4 drugs daily), including anticholinergic agents, on hospital length of stay (LOS), mobility within 1-day of hip surgery and pressure ulcers in adults ≥ 60 years admitted with hip fractures. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, information on medications at admission was obtained to calculate the total number of drugs taken, including those imposing an anticholinergic burden (ACB). Associations between variables were examined by logistic regression; adjusted for age, sex, co-morbidities, pre-fracture functional limitations and alcohol consumption. RESULTS There were 787 women and 318 men of similar mean age (± SD): 83.1 years (± 8.6) and 82.5 years (± 9.0), respectively. Compared to patients with an ACB score = 0 and taking < 4 drugs daily, those with an ACB score ≥ 1 and taking ≥ 4 drugs daily had greater risk of prolonged LOS (≥ 2 weeks), OR 1.8 (1.2-2.7); failure to mobilise within 1-day of surgery, OR 1.9 (1.1-3.3); and pressure ulcers, OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.2-7.9). LOS was further prolonged by failure to mobilise within 1-day of surgery and/or pressure ulcers. Those with either an ACB score ≥ 1 or the use of ≥ 4 drugs daily had intermediate risks. CONCLUSIONS Anticholinergic agents and polypharmacy in patients with hip fractures are associated with longer LOS in hospital, further accentuated by failure to mobilise within 1-day after surgery and pressure ulcers. This study provides further evidence of the impact of polypharmacy, including those with an ACB, on adverse health outcomes and lends support to reduce potentially inappropriate prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fluck
- Department of Cardiology, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, Surrey, UK
| | - Radcliffe Lisk
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, Surrey, UK
| | - Keefai Yeong
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, Surrey, UK
| | - Jonathan Robin
- Department of Acute Medicine, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, Surrey, UK
| | - Christopher Henry Fry
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Thang Sieu Han
- Department of Endocrinology, Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, Surrey, UK.
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, Surrey, UK.
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14
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Taylor-Rowan M, Alharthi AA, Noel-Storr AH, Myint PK, Stewart C, McCleery J, Quinn TJ. Anticholinergic deprescribing interventions for reducing risk of cognitive decline or dementia in older adults with and without prior cognitive impairment. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 2022:CD015405. [PMCID: PMC9730444 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Taylor-Rowan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Ahmed A Alharthi
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUmm Al Qura UniversityMakkahSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and NutritionUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | | | - Terry J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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15
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CYP2D6 Substrate Dispensing Among Patients Dispensed Mirabegron: An Administrative Claims Analysis. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2022; 10:119-129. [PMID: 36456851 PMCID: PMC9944153 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-022-00339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by the presence of bothersome urinary symptoms. Pharmacologic treatment options for OAB include anticholinergics and β3-adrenergic agonists. Use of β3-adrenergic agonists may result in similar treatment efficacy with a decreased side effect profile compared with anticholinergics because high anticholinergic burden is associated with cardiovascular and neurologic side effects. However, the β3-adrenergic agonist mirabegron, one of two approved drugs within this class, is a moderate cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 inhibitor, and coadministration of drugs that are CYP2D6 substrates with mirabegron may lead to adverse drug effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to quantify how often CYP2D6 substrates were dispensed in patients receiving mirabegron among adults of any age and among those ≥ 65 years of age. METHODS In this retrospective descriptive analysis, a deidentified administrative claims database in the United States, IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus, was used to identify dispensing claims for CYP2D6 substrates and mirabegron from November 2012 to September 2019. Prevalence of CYP2D6 substrate dispensing was assessed in patients dispensed mirabegron among all adults ≥ 18 years old and additionally among a cohort of those ≥ 65 years old. Patient baseline profiles at the time of mirabegron and CYP2D6 substrate codispensing and at the time of mirabegron dispensing were compared. CYP2D6 substrates were categorized as those with the potential for increased risk of QT prolongation, with anticholinergic properties, with narrow therapeutic index (NTI), contraindicated or having a black box warning when used with CYP2D6 inhibitors, or used for depression or other psychiatric disease. Dispensing data and patient profiles were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Overall, 68.5% of adults ≥ 18 years old dispensed mirabegron had overlapping dispensings for one or more CYP2D6 substrate; 60.6% and 53.6% had overlapping dispensings for CYP2D6 substrates with anticholinergic properties or risk of QT prolongation, respectively. CYP2D6 substrates with NTI, contraindicated with CYP2D6 inhibitors, or for psychiatric use were codispensed in 17.7%, 16.6%, and 38.0% of adult mirabegron users, respectively. Mirabegron users receiving one or more concurrent CYP2D6 substrate were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities and baseline polypharmacy, and have increased healthcare resource utilization compared with those without concurrent CYP2D6 substrates. Commonly codispensed CYP2D6 substrates included hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, metoprolol, and tamsulosin. Findings were similar for patients in the older cohort (≥ 65 years old), with 72.1% receiving overlapping CYP2D6 substrates. CONCLUSIONS Codispensing of CYP2D6 substrates, especially those with anticholinergic properties or risk of QT prolongation, was common among adults and older adults receiving mirabegron. Results highlight the need for improved awareness of CYP2D6 substrate prescribing among patients receiving pharmacologic treatment for OAB that inhibits the CYP2D6 pathway.
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16
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Duperrouzel C, Martin C, Mendell A, Bourque M, Carrera A, Mack A, Nesheim J. Healthcare and economic burden of anticholinergic use in adults with overactive bladder: a systematic literature review. J Comp Eff Res 2022; 11:1375-1394. [PMID: 36354285 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2022-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the economic burden associated with anticholinergic medication use in adults with overactive bladder (OAB) in the USA. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles assessing healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs associated with anticholinergic use in adults with OAB. Results: From the 34 articles identified, increased anticholinergic burden, switching anticholinergic treatments and potentially inappropriate anticholinergic use were associated with increased HCRU and/or costs. However, studies comparing patients with OAB receiving anticholinergics to individuals with untreated OAB or without OAB reported a mix of increases and decreases in HCRU and costs. Conclusion: Additional controlled studies assessing the economic impact of anticholinergics in OAB are needed and may enable optimization of economic and potentially patient outcomes.
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17
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Laura Ward M, Cooper SA, Henderson A, Stanley B, Greenlaw N, Pacitti C, Cairns D. A study on prescriptions contributing to the risk of high anticholinergic burden in adults with intellectual disabilities: retrospective record linkage study. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:41. [PMID: 36309752 PMCID: PMC9617313 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disabilities may face a disproportionate risk of experiencing high anticholinergic burden, and its negative sequalae, from a range of medications, and at younger ages than the general population, but there has been little previous study. Our aim was to determine the source of anticholinergic burden from prescribed medication. METHODS Retrospective matched observational study using record linkage. Adults with (n = 4,305), and without (n = 12,915), intellectual disabilities matched by age-, sex- and neighbourhood deprivation. The main outcome measure was the prescription of long-term (approximately 12 months use) anticholinergic medications overall (classified according to the Anticholinergic Risk Scale [ARS]), by drug class, individual drugs, and polypharmacy. RESULTS Adults with n = 1,654 (38.4%), and without n = 3,047 (23.6%), intellectual disabilities were prescribed medications long-term with anticholinergic effects. Of those on such drugs, adults with intellectual disabilities were most likely to be on central nervous system (62.6%), gastrointestinal (46.7%), and cardiovascular (28.4%) medications. They were prescribed more central nervous system, gynaecological/urinary tract, musculoskeletal, and respiratory medications, and less cardiovascular, infection, and endocrine medications than their matched comparators. Regardless of age, sex, or neighbourhood deprivation, adults with intellectual disabilities had greater odds of being prescribed antipsychotics (OR = 5.37 [4.40-6.57], p < 0.001), antiepileptics (OR = 2.57 [2.22-2.99], p < 0.001), and anxiolytics/hypnotics (OR = 1.28 [1.06-1.56], p = 0.012). Compared to the general population, adults with intellectual disabilities were more likely to be exposed to overall anticholinergic polypharmacy (OR = 1.48 [1.33-1.66], p < 0.001), and to psychotropic polypharmacy (OR = 2.79 [2.41-3.23], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Adults with intellectual disabilities are exposed to a greater risk of having very high anticholinergic burden through polypharmacy from several classes of medications, which may be prescribed by several different prescribers. There is a need for evidence-based recommendations specifically about people with intellectual disabilities with multiple physical and mental ill-health conditions to optimise medication use, reduce inappropriate prescribing and adverse anticholinergic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKernan Laura Ward
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Angela Henderson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Bethany Stanley
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, Scotland
| | - Nicola Greenlaw
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, Scotland
| | - Christine Pacitti
- Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS, Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, G53 7TU, Scotland
| | - Deborah Cairns
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland.
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18
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Balasundaram B, Ang WST, Stewart R, Bishara D, Ooi CH, Li F, Akram F, Eu Kwek AB. Improving quantification of anticholinergic burden using the Anticholinergic Effect on Cognition Scale - a healthcare improvement study in a geriatric ward setting. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:535-540. [PMID: 35726508 PMCID: PMC9379386 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221103117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anticholinergic burden refers to the cumulative effects of taking multiple medications with anticholinergic effects. This study was carried out in a public hospital in Singapore, aimed to improve and achieve a 100% comprehensive identification and review of measured, anticholinergic burden in a geriatric psychiatry liaison service to geriatric wards. We evaluated changes in pre-to post-assessment anticholinergic burden scores and trainee feedback. METHOD Plan Do Study Act methodology was employed, and Anticholinergic Effect on Cognition scale (AEC) was implemented as the study intervention. A survey instrument evaluated trainee feedback. RESULTS There was no measured anticholinergic burden in a baseline of 170 assessments. 75 liaison psychiatry assessments were conducted between June and November 2021 in two cycles. 94.7% of pre-assessments (at the time of assessment) and 71.1% of post-assessments (following assessment) had a record of AEC scores in clinical documentation in cycle one, improving in the second cycle to 100%, 94.6%, respectively. A high post-assessment AEC score of 3 and over reduced from 15.8% in cycle one to 5.4% in cycle two. The trainee feedback suggested an enriching educational experience. CONCLUSIONS Using the AEC scale, the findings support the feasibility of comprehensive identification and review of measured anticholinergic burden in older people with neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Stewart
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 34426Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Delia Bishara
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Mental Health of Older Adults & Dementia, 4958South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chun How Ooi
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, 26674Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Fuyin Li
- Advanced Practice Nurse Development, Department of Nursing, 26674Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Farooq Akram
- Department of Internal Medicine, 26674Changi General Hospital, Singapore
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Skou ST, Mair FS, Fortin M, Guthrie B, Nunes BP, Miranda JJ, Boyd CM, Pati S, Mtenga S, Smith SM. Multimorbidity. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:48. [PMID: 35835758 PMCID: PMC7613517 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multimorbidity (two or more coexisting conditions in an individual) is a growing global challenge with substantial effects on individuals, carers and society. Multimorbidity occurs a decade earlier in socioeconomically deprived communities and is associated with premature death, poorer function and quality of life and increased health-care utilization. Mechanisms underlying the development of multimorbidity are complex, interrelated and multilevel, but are related to ageing and underlying biological mechanisms and broader determinants of health such as socioeconomic deprivation. Little is known about prevention of multimorbidity, but focusing on psychosocial and behavioural factors, particularly population level interventions and structural changes, is likely to be beneficial. Most clinical practice guidelines and health-care training and delivery focus on single diseases, leading to care that is sometimes inadequate and potentially harmful. Multimorbidity requires person-centred care, prioritizing what matters most to the individual and the individual's carers, ensuring care that is effectively coordinated and minimally disruptive, and aligns with the patient's values. Interventions are likely to be complex and multifaceted. Although an increasing number of studies have examined multimorbidity interventions, there is still limited evidence to support any approach. Greater investment in multimorbidity research and training along with reconfiguration of health care supporting the management of multimorbidity is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren T Skou
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark.
| | - Frances S Mair
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martin Fortin
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bruno P Nunes
- Postgraduate Program in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sally Mtenga
- Department of Health System Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Susan M Smith
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, Russell Building, Tallaght Cross, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Mur J, Russ TC, Cox SR, Marioni RE, Muniz‐Terrera G. Association between anticholinergic burden and dementia in UK Biobank. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12290. [PMID: 35434252 PMCID: PMC9005668 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies on the relationship between anticholinergic drugs and dementia have reported heterogeneous results. This variability could be due to different anticholinergic scales and differential effects of distinct classes of drugs. Methods Using Cox proportional hazards models, we computed the association between annual anticholinergic burden (AChB) and the risk of dementia in UK Biobank with linked general practitioner prescription records between the years 2000 and 2015 (n = 171,775). Results AChB according to most anticholinergic scales (standardized odds ratio range: 1.027-1.125) and the slope of the AChB trajectory (hazard ratio = 1.094; 95% confidence interval: 1.068-1.119) were predictive of dementia. However, the association between AChB and dementia held only for some classes of drugs, especially antidepressants, antiepileptics, and antidiuretics. Discussion The heterogeneity in previous findings may partially be due to different effects for different classes of drugs. Future studies should establish differences in more detail and further examine the practicality of a general measure of AChB relating to the risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Mur
- Lothian Birth Cohorts GroupDepartment of PsychologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental MedicineInstitute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tom C. Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Edinburgh Dementia PreventionUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Division of PsychiatryCentre for Clinical Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Simon R. Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts GroupDepartment of PsychologyUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental MedicineInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Graciela Muniz‐Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia PreventionUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Division of PsychiatryCentre for Clinical Brain ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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21
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Sumbul-Sekerci B, Bilgic B, Pasin O, Emre M, Hanagasi HA. Anticholinergic Burden, Polypharmacy, and Cognition in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2022; 51:386-395. [PMID: 36273437 PMCID: PMC9909708 DOI: 10.1159/000526863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anticholinergic burden may be an important risk factor for the cognitive impairment. Especially in polypharmacy, even drugs with low anticholinergic effects may contribute to a significant anticholinergic burden. The drugs with anticholinergic effects are used in treatment of motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, it is important to screen for polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden in PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with 58 patients with PD. PD-MCI was diagnosed according to MDS Level 2 Comprehensive Assessment. Cognitive performance (attention - working memory, executive functions, language, memory, and visuospatial functions) of patients was evaluated. The anticholinergic burden was scored by Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) Scale, Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), and Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS). RESULTS There was no significant difference in anticholinergic burden between PD-MCI and PD-normal cognition. A significant concordance was observed between ACB, ARS, and ADS scores (p < 0.001; Kendall's W = 0.653). While the variable predicting anticholinergic burden was the total number of drugs for ACB and ADS scales, it was the number of antiparkinson drugs for ARS scale. CONCLUSION Patients with PD are at high risk for polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden. Anticholinergic burden should be considered in the selection of drugs, especially for comorbidities in patients with PD. No significant correlation was found between the cognition and anticholinergic burden in patients with PD-MCI. Although the risk scores of antiparkinson and other drugs were different among the 3 scales, significant concordance was observed between scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Sumbul-Sekerci
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- *Betul Sumbul-Sekerci,
| | - Basar Bilgic
- Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Pasin
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Emre
- Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasmet A. Hanagasi
- Behavioral Neurology and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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22
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Huang YT, Steptoe A, Wei L, Zaninotto P. The impact of high-risk medications on mortality risk among older adults with polypharmacy: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Med 2021; 19:321. [PMID: 34911547 PMCID: PMC8675465 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is common among older people and is associated with an increased mortality risk. However, little is known about whether the mortality risk is related to specific medications among older adults with polypharmacy. This study therefore aimed to investigate associations between high-risk medications and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older adults with polypharmacy. METHODS This study included 1356 older adults with polypharmacy (5+ long-term medications a day for conditions or symptoms) from Wave 6 (2012/2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. First, using the agglomerative hierarchical clustering method, participants were grouped according to the use of 14 high-risk medication categories. Next, the relationship between the high-risk medication patterns and all-cause and cause-specific mortality (followed up to April 2018) was examined. All-cause mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards model and competing-risk regression was employed for cause-specific mortality. RESULTS Five high-risk medication patterns-a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors cluster, a mental health drugs cluster, a central nervous system (CNS) drugs cluster, a RAAS inhibitors and antithrombotics cluster, and an antithrombotics cluster-were identified. The mental health drugs cluster showed increased risks of all-cause (HR = 1.55, 95%CI = 1.05, 2.28) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (SHR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.10, 4.05) mortality compared with the CNS drug cluster over 6 years, while others showed no differences in mortality. Among these patterns, the mental health drugs cluster showed the highest prevalence of antidepressants (64.1%), benzodiazepines (10.4%), antipsychotics (2.4%), antimanic agents (0.7%), opioids (33.2%), and muscle relaxants (21.5%). The findings suggested that older adults with polypharmacy who took mental health drugs (primarily antidepressants), opioids, and muscle relaxants were at higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, compared with those who did not take these types of medications. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the inclusion of opioids in the current guidance on structured medication reviews, but it also suggests that older adults with polypharmacy who take psychotropic medications and muscle relaxants are prone to adverse outcomes and therefore may need more attention. The reinforcement of structured medication reviews would contribute to early intervention in medication use which may consequently reduce medication-related problems and bring clinical benefits to older adults with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ting Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Li Wei
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Zaninotto
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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23
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Soiza RL, Boustani MA, Campbell NL, Mangoni AA. Editorial: Deprescribing and Minimizing Use of Anticholinergic Medications. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:820051. [PMID: 34975511 PMCID: PMC8714773 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.820051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roy L. Soiza
- NHS Grampian and Ageing Clinical and Experimental Group, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Roy L. Soiza,
| | - Malaz A. Boustani
- Regenstrief Institute, University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Noll L. Campbell
- Regenstrief Institute, University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Arduino A. Mangoni
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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24
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Cunningham Y, Wood K, Stewart C, Nakham A, Newlands R, Gallacher KI, Quinn TJ, Ellis G, Lowrie R, Myint PK, Bond C, Mair FS. Understanding Stakeholder Views Regarding the Design of an Intervention Trial to Reduce Anticholinergic Burden: A Qualitative Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:608208. [PMID: 34867311 PMCID: PMC8633300 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.608208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anticholinergic burden (ACB), is defined as the cumulative effect of anticholinergic medication which are widely prescribed to older adults despite increasing ACB being associated with adverse effects such as: falls, dementia and increased mortality. This research explores the views of health care professionals (HCPs) and patients on a planned trial to reduce ACB by stopping or switching anticholinergic medications. The objectives were to explore the views of key stakeholders (patients, the public, and HCPs) regarding the potential acceptability, design and conduct of an ACB reduction trial. Materials and Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups with 25 HCPs involved in prescribing medication with anticholinergic properties and with 22 members of the public and patients who were prescribed with the medication. Topic guides for the interviews and focus groups explored aspects of feasibility including: 1) views of a trial of de-prescribing/medication switching; 2) how to best communicate information about such a trial; 3) views on who would be best placed and preferred to undertake such medication changes, e.g., pharmacists or General Practitioners (GPs)? 4) perceived barriers and facilitators to trial participation and the smooth conduct of such a trial; 5) HCP views on the future implementability of this approach to reducing ACB and 6) patients' willingness to be contacted for participation in a future trial. Qualitative data analysis was underpinned by Normalization Process Theory. Results: The public, patients and HCPs were supportive of an ACB reduction trial. There was consensus among the different groups that key points to consider with such a trial included: 1) ensuring patient engagement throughout to enable concerns/potential pitfalls to be addressed from the beginning; 2) ensuring clear communication to minimise potential misconceptions about the reasons for ACB reduction; and 3) provision of access to a point of contact for patients throughout the life of a trial to address concerns; The HCPs in particular suggested two more key points: 4) minimise the workload implications of any trial; and 5) pharmacists may be best placed to carry out ACB reviews, though overall responsibility for patient medication should remain with GPs. Conclusion: Patients, the public and HCPs are supportive of trials to reduce ACB. Good communication and patient engagement during design and delivery of a trial are essential as well as safety netting and minimising workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Cunningham
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Wood
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Stewart
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Athagran Nakham
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rumana Newlands
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Katie I Gallacher
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Terence J Quinn
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Lowrie
- Pharmacy Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Bond
- The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Frances S Mair
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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25
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Quantifying Anticholinergic Burden and Sedative Load in Older Adults with Polypharmacy: A Systematic Review of Risk Scales and Models. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:977-994. [PMID: 34751922 PMCID: PMC8592980 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients taking medication with high anticholinergic and sedative properties are at increased risk of experiencing poor cognitive and physical outcomes. Therefore, precise quantification of the cumulative burden of their drug regimen is advisable. There is no agreement regarding which scale to use to simultaneously quantify the burden associated with medications. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the strengths and limitations of available tools to quantify medication-related anticholinergic burden and sedative load in older adults. We discuss specific limitations and agreements between currently available scales and models and propose a comprehensive table combining drugs categorized as high, moderate, low, or no anticholinergic or sedative activity as excerpted from the selected studies. METHODS A targeted search was carried out using the National Library of Medicine through PubMed using medical subject heading terms and text words around the following search terms: (anticholinergic OR sedative) AND (load OR burden OR scale) for studies published between 1 January 1945 and 5 June 2021. In addition, the following databases were searched using the same terms: MEDLINE-EBSCO, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, OAIster, OVID-MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Screening by titles was followed by an abstract and full-text review. After blind evaluation, agreement between reviewers was reached to establish drug characteristics and categories. RESULTS After 3163 articles were identified, 13 were included: 11 assigned risk scores to anticholinergic drugs and two to sedative drugs. Considerable variability between anticholinergic scales was observed; scales included between 27 and 548 drugs. We generated a comprehensive table combining the anticholinergic and sedative activities of drugs evaluated and proposed a categorization of these drugs based on available scientific and clinical evidence. Our table combines information about 642 drugs and categorizes 44, 25, 99, and 474 drugs as high, moderate, low, or no anticholinergic and sedative activity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Variability and inconsistency exists among scales used to categorize drugs with anticholinergic or sedative burden. In this review, we provide a comprehensive table that proposes a new categorization of these drugs. A longitudinal study will be required to validate the new proposed anticholinergic and sedative burden catalog in an evidence-based manner.
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26
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Ward LM, Stanley B, Greenlaw N, Cooper SA, Pacitti C, Henderson A, Gibson J, Kinnear D. Risk of anticholinergic burden in adults with intellectual disabilities: a Scottish retrospective cohort study of n = 17 220. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:813-830. [PMID: 34169610 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several drugs have anticholinergic side effects that are associated with adverse health outcomes. Anticholinergic burden studies in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have focused exclusively on older adults. This study investigates anticholinergic burden and its associations in adults with ID of all ages (17-94 years). METHODS Adults with ID (n = 4 305), each with three general population age-sex-neighbourhood-matched controls (n = 12 915), were linked to their prescribed medications with anticholinergic effects between 2009 and 2017. Analyses were undertaken using logistic regression models. RESULTS Adults with ID were more likely to be prescribed any anticholinergic medicines, odds ratio (OR) = 1.49 (1.38-1.59), especially 'very strong' risk medicines, OR = 2.59 (2.39-2.81); 48.5% had very high total anticholinergic burden (3+) compared with 35.4% of the general population, OR = 1.77 (1.64-1.90). This group difference was greater for males, OR = 2.02 (1.84-2.22), than females, OR = 1.48 (1.33-1.65). Adults with ID had significantly higher odds of having very high total anticholinergic burden up to 75 years old, with the greatest group effect occurring in younger ages, 17-24-year-olds, OR = 3.05 (2.39-3.89), and the extent of the difference decreased as age increased. The main effect of neighbourhood deprivation showed greater group differences with increasing affluence of neighbourhood. Results examining only the ID group showed that very high total anticholinergic burden was greatest for females, OR = 1.21 (1.07-1.37), and those over age 55, and extent of neighbourhood deprivation was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Adults with ID are at higher risk of anticholinergic burden than the general population, especially young adults. Overall anticholinergic burden increased with age, but burden was high across all ages in the ID group. Very high total anticholinergic burden is prevalent across all types of neighbourhoods for the adults with ID, in contrast to the steeper gradient seen in the general population. Adults with ID have increased likelihood of unintended adverse effects, regardless of potential confounds, so clinicians undertaking medication reviews need to consider anticholinergic side effects and cumulative burden across concomitant medications, including in young adults with ID, not just older adults, and particularly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Ward
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - B Stanley
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - N Greenlaw
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - S-A Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Pacitti
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Henderson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Gibson
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Kinnear
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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27
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Sørensen SR, Frederiksen JD, Anru PL, Masud T, Petrovic M, Rosholm JU, Ryg J. Use of Drugs with Anticholinergic Properties at Hospital Admission Associated with Mortality in Older Patients: A Danish Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2021; 9:129-140. [PMID: 34414558 PMCID: PMC8844340 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-021-00270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAP) has a negative impact on older people. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the association between DAP at hospital admission and mortality in older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a nationwide population-based cohort study including patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to Danish geriatric medicine departments during 2005-2014. National health registers were used to link with individual-level data. Patients were followed to emigration, death, or study termination (31 December 2015). DAP was defined as medications included in the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scale, which assigns each DAP a score between 1 and 3. The individual ACB score was calculated and the number of DAP counted. We used Cox proportional-hazard regressions to estimate the crude and adjusted hazard ratios adjusting for age, activities of daily living, marital status, index admission period, BMI, and prior hospitalizations (model 1), and additionally Charlson Comorbidity Index (model 2). RESULTS We included 74,589 patients aged (median [IQR]) 83 (77-88) years. Use of one or more DAP (62.5%) was associated with increased mortality compared with those with no use (p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model 2, compared with no use, higher mortality risks (HR [95% CI]) were seen with ACB score of 2 and number of DAP ≥ 5 for 30-day (1.46 [1.32-1.61] and 1.46 [1.09-1.95]), 1-year (1.34 [1.28-1.41] and 1.48 [1.29-1.70]), and overall mortality (1.27 [1.23-1.31] and 1.44 [1.31-1.59]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Use of DAP at hospital admission is associated with short- and long-term mortality in geriatric patients. Deprescribing studies are warranted to study whether the impact on mortality can be attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Ramsdal Sørensen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Dalskov Frederiksen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pavithra Laxsen Anru
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tahir Masud
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Geriatric Department, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Deaprtment of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens-Ulrik Rosholm
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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28
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Mur J, Cox SR, Marioni RE, Muniz-Terrera G, Russ TC. Increase in anticholinergic burden from 1990 to 2015: Age-period-cohort analysis in UK biobank. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:983-993. [PMID: 34409635 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15045] [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] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of prescription drugs with anticholinergic properties has been associated with multiple negative health outcomes in older people. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that associated adverse effects may occur even decades after stopping anticholinergic use. Despite the implicated importance of examining longitudinal patterns of anticholinergic prescribing for different age groups, few such data are available. METHODS We performed an age-period-cohort (APC) analysis to study trends in an aggregate measure of anticholinergic burden between the years 1990 and 2015, utilising data from >220 000 UK Biobank participants with linked prescription data from primary care. RESULTS Anticholinergic burden in the sample increased up to 9-fold over 25 years and was observed for both period and age effects across most classes of drugs. The greatest increase was seen in the prescribing of antidepressants. Female sex, lower education and greater deprivation were associated with greater anticholinergic burden. CONCLUSIONS The increase in anticholinergic prescribing is mostly due to an increase in polypharmacy and is attributable to both ageing of participants and period-related changes in prescribing practices. Research is needed to clarify the implications of rising anticholinergic use for public health and to contextualise this rise in light of other relevant prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Mur
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tom C Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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29
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Reinold J, Braitmaier M, Riedel O, Haug U. Anticholinergic burden: First comprehensive analysis using claims data shows large variation by age and sex. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253336. [PMID: 34191827 PMCID: PMC8244868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The cumulative effect of medication inhibiting acetylcholine activity—also known as anticholinergic burden (AB)—can lead to functional and cognitive decline, falls, and death. Given that studies on the population prevalence of AB are rare, we aimed to describe it in a large and unselected population sample. Methods Using the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD) with claims data from ~20% of the German population we analyzed outpatient drug dispensations in 2016. Based on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale, we classified persons into four categories and determined the cumulative AB as continuous variable. Results Among 16,470,946 persons (54% female), the prevalence of clinically relevant AB (ACB≥3) was 10% (women) and 7% (men). Below age 40 it was highest in persons ≤18 years (6% both sexes). At older ages (50–59 vs. 90–99 years), prevalence of ACB≥3 increased from 7% to 26% (men) and from 10% to 32% (women). Medication classes contributing to the cumulative AB differed by age: antihistamines, antibiotics, glucocorticoids (≤19 years), antidepressants (20–49 years), antidepressants, cardiovascular medication, antidiabetics (50–64 years), and additionally medication for urinary incontinence/overactive bladder (≥65 years). Medication dispensed by general physicians contributed most to the cumulative AB. Conclusion Although a clinically relevant AB is particularly common in older persons, prevalence in younger age groups was up to 7%. Given the risks associated with AB in older persons, targeted interventions at the prescriber level are needed. Furthermore, risks associated with AB in younger persons should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Reinold
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology–BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Malte Braitmaier
- Department of Biometry and Data Management, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology–BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Oliver Riedel
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology–BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Haug
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology–BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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30
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Stewart C, Gallacher K, Nakham A, Cruickshank M, Newlands R, Bond C, Myint PK, Bhattacharya D, Mair FS. Barriers and facilitators to reducing anticholinergic burden: a qualitative systematic review. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 43:1451-1460. [PMID: 34173123 PMCID: PMC8642323 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite common use, anticholinergic medications have been associated with serious health risks. Interventions to reduce their use are being developed and there is a need to understand their implementation into clinical care. Aim of review This systematic review aims to identify and analyse qualitative research studies exploring the barriers and facilitators to reducing anticholinergic burden. Methods Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL (EMBSCO) and PsycINFO (OVID) were searched using comprehensive search terms. Peer reviewed studies published in English presenting qualitative research in relation to the barriers and facilitators of deprescribing anticholinergic medications, involving patients, carers or health professionals were eligible. Normalization Process Theory was used to explore and explain the data. Results Of 1764 identified studies, two were eligible and both involved healthcare professionals (23 general practitioners, 13 specialist clinicians and 12 pharmacists). No studies were identified that involved patients or carers. Barriers to collaborative working often resulted in poor motivation to reduce anticholinergic use. Low confidence, system resources and organisation of care also hindered anticholinergic burden reduction. Good communication and relationships with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals were reported as important for successful anticholinergic burden reduction. Having a named person for prescribing decisions, and clear role boundaries, were also important facilitators. Conclusions This review identified important barriers and facilitators to anticholinergic burden reduction from healthcare provider perspectives which can inform implementation of such deprescribing interventions. Studies exploring patient and carer perspectives are presently absent but are required to ensure person-centeredness and feasibility of future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Stewart
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 1:128, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Katie Gallacher
- General Practice and Primary Care, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Athagran Nakham
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 1:128, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Moira Cruickshank
- Health Services Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rumana Newlands
- Health Services Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Christine Bond
- Primary Care, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 1:128, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Frances S Mair
- General Practice and Primary Care, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Herrero-Zazo M, Berry R, Bines E, Bhattacharya D, Myint PK, Keevil VL. Anticholinergic burden in older adult inpatients: patterns from admission to discharge and associations with hospital outcomes. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211012592. [PMID: 34035892 PMCID: PMC8111536 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211012592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anticholinergic medications are associated with adverse outcomes in older adults and should be prescribed cautiously. We describe the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) scores of older inpatients and associations with outcomes. Methods: We included all emergency, first admissions of adults ⩾65 years old admitted to one hospital over 4 years. Demographics, discharge specialty, dementia/history of cognitive concern, illness acuity and medications were retrieved from electronic records. ARS scores were calculated as the sum of anticholinergic potential for each medication (0 = limited/none; 1 = moderate; 2 = strong and 3 = very strong). We categorised patients based on admission ARS score [ARS = 0 (reference); ARS = 1; ARS = 2; ARS ⩾ 3] and change in ARS score from admission to discharge [admission and discharge ARS = 0 (reference); same; decreased; increased]. We described anticholinergic prescribing patterns by discharge specialty and explored multivariable associations between ARS score categories and mortality using logistic regression [odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs)]. Results: From 33,360 patients, 10,183 (31%) were prescribed an anticholinergic medication on admission. Mean admission ARS scores were: Cardiology and Stroke = 0.56; General Medicine = 0.78; Geriatric Medicine = 0.83; Other medicine = 0.81; Trauma and Orthopaedics = 0.66; Other Surgery = 0.65. Mean ARS did not increase from admission to discharge in any specialty but reductions varied significantly, from 4.6% (Other Surgery) to 27.7% (Geriatric Medicine) (p < 0.001). The odds of both 30-day inpatient and 30-day post-discharge mortality increased with admission ARS = 1 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.44 and OR = 1.44, 1.18–1.74) but not with ARS = 2 or ARS ⩾ 3. The odds of 30-day post-discharge mortality were higher in all ARS change categories, relative to no anticholinergic exposure (same: OR = 1.45, 1.21–1.74, decreased: OR = 1.27, 1.01–1.57, increased: OR = 2.48, 1.98–3.08). Conclusion: The inconsistent dose–response associations with mortality may be due to confounding and measurement error which may be addressed by a prospective trial. Definitive evidence for this prevalent modifiable risk factor is required to support clinician behaviour-change, thus reducing variation in anticholinergic deprescribing by inpatient speciality. Plain language summary We describe how commonly medicines which block the chemical acetylcholine are prescribed to older adults admitted to hospital as an emergency and explore links between these medicines and death during or soon after hospital admission Backgroud: Medicines which block the chemical acetylcholine are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms such as itch and difficulty sleeping or to treat medical conditions such as depression. However, some studies in older adults have found potential links between these medicines and confusion and falls. Therefore, doctors are recommended to prescribe these drugs cautiously in adults aged 65 years and over. Methods: In our paper we use data collected as part of routine medical care at one university hospital to describe how often these medicines are prescribed in a large sample of older adults admitted to hospital as an emergency. We look at the medicines patients are prescribed on admission to the hospital and also when they are later discharged. Results: We find that these medicines are frequently prescribed. We also find that, in general, patients are prescribed fewer of these potentially harmful medicines on hospital discharge compared with hospital admission. This suggests that clinicians are aware of advice to prescribe acetylcholine blocking medicines cautiously and they are more often stopped in hospital than started. However, we find a lot of variation in practice depending on which hospital specialty was caring for the patient during their inpatient stay. We also find potential links with these medicines and death during the admission or soon after hospital discharge, but these potential links are not always consistent. Conclusion: Further study is needed to fully understand links between medicines that block acetylcholine and late life health. This will be important to reduce variation in prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Herrero-Zazo
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel Berry
- Pharmacy Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Bines
- Pharmacy Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Victoria L Keevil
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 157, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Taylor-Rowan M, Edwards S, Noel-Storr AH, McCleery J, Myint PK, Soiza R, Stewart C, Loke YK, Quinn TJ. Anticholinergic burden (prognostic factor) for prediction of dementia or cognitive decline in older adults with no known cognitive syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 5:CD013540. [PMID: 34097766 PMCID: PMC8169439 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013540.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications with anticholinergic properties are commonly prescribed to older adults. The cumulative anticholinergic effect of all the medications a person takes is referred to as the 'anticholinergic burden' because of its potential to cause adverse effects. It is possible that high anticholinergic burden may be a risk factor for development of cognitive decline or dementia. There are various scales available to measure anticholinergic burden but agreement between them is often poor. OBJECTIVES To assess whether anticholinergic burden, as defined at the level of each individual scale, is a prognostic factor for future cognitive decline or dementia in cognitively unimpaired older adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases from inception to 24 March 2021: MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), PsycINFO (OvidSP), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and ISI Web of Science Core Collection (ISI Web of Science). SELECTION CRITERIA We included prospective and retrospective longitudinal cohort and case-control observational studies with a minimum of one year' follow-up that examined the association between an anticholinergic burden measurement scale and future cognitive decline or dementia in cognitively unimpaired older adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, and undertook data extraction, assessment of risk of bias, and GRADE assessment. We extracted odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and linear data on the association between anticholinergic burden and cognitive decline or dementia. We intended to pool each metric separately; however, only OR-based data were suitable for pooling via a random-effects meta-analysis. We initially established adjusted and unadjusted pooled rates for each available anticholinergic scale; then, as an exploratory analysis, established pooled rates on the prespecified association across scales. We examined variability based on severity of anticholinergic burden. MAIN RESULTS We identified 25 studies that met our inclusion criteria (968,428 older adults). Twenty studies were conducted in the community care setting, two in primary care clinics, and three in secondary care settings. Eight studies (320,906 participants) provided suitable data for meta-analysis. The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale (ACB scale) was the only scale with sufficient data for 'scale-based' meta-analysis. Unadjusted ORs suggested an increased risk for cognitive decline or dementia in older adults with an anticholinergic burden (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.96) and adjusted ORs similarly suggested an increased risk for anticholinergic burden, defined according to the ACB scale (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.09 to 6.29). Exploratory analysis combining adjusted ORs across available scales supported these results (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.38), and there was evidence of variability in risk based on severity of anticholinergic burden (ACB scale 1: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.29; ACB scale 2: OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.01 to 3.56; ACB scale 3: OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.41 to 7.61); however, overall GRADE evaluation of certainty of the evidence was low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is low-certainty evidence that older adults without cognitive impairment who take medications with anticholinergic effects may be at increased risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Taylor-Rowan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Phyo K Myint
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roy Soiza
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Yoon Kong Loke
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Terry J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Rutman MP, Horn JR, Newman DK, Stefanacci RG. Overactive Bladder Prescribing Considerations: The Role of Polypharmacy, Anticholinergic Burden, and CYP2D6 Drug‒Drug Interactions. Clin Drug Investig 2021; 41:293-302. [PMID: 33713027 PMCID: PMC8004492 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-021-01020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common disorder in the general population, and the prevalence increases with age. Adults with OAB typically have a greater number of comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, depression, and dementia, compared with adults without OAB. Subsequent to an increased number of comorbidities, adults with OAB take a greater number of concomitant medications, which may increase the risk of potentially harmful drug‒drug interactions. There are two important considerations for many of the medications approved for the treatment of OAB in the USA: anticholinergic burden and potential for drug‒drug interactions, notably related to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, which is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 25% of all drugs. A substantial number of drugs used for the treatment of OAB and comorbid conditions (e.g., cardiovascular and neurologic disorders) are CYP2D6 substrates or inhibitors. Furthermore, a substantial number of drugs with CYP2D6 properties also have strong anticholinergic properties. Here, we review polypharmacy associated with OAB and its common comorbidities, identify drugs with reported anticholinergic properties, and provide an overview of clinically relevant drug‒drug interactions in the treatment of OAB as they relate to CYP2D6 metabolism. This review aims to provide clinicians with essential information necessary for making treatment decisions when managing OAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Rutman
- Columbia University, 11th Floor, HIP, 161 Ft. Washington Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - John R Horn
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Diane K Newman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard G Stefanacci
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mur J, McCartney DL, Chasman DI, Visscher PM, Muniz-Terrera G, Cox SR, Russ TC, Marioni RE. Variation in VKORC1 Is Associated with Vascular Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:1329-1337. [PMID: 33682710 PMCID: PMC8150662 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic variant rs9923231 (VKORC1) is associated with differences in the coagulation of blood and consequentially with sensitivity to the drug warfarin. Variation in VKORC1 has been linked in a gene-based test to dementia/Alzheimer's disease in the parents of participants, with suggestive evidence for an association for rs9923231 (p = 1.8×10-7), which was included in the genome-wide significant KAT8 locus. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate whether the relationship between rs9923231 and dementia persists only for certain dementia sub-types, and if those taking warfarin are at greater risk. METHODS We used logistic regression and data from 238,195 participants from UK Biobank to examine the relationship between VKORC1, risk of dementia, and the interplay with warfarin use. RESULTS Parental history of dementia, APOE variant, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia all had strong associations with vascular dementia (p < 4.6×10-6). The T-allele in rs9923231 was linked to a lower warfarin dose (βperT - allele = -0.29, p < 2×10-16) and risk of vascular dementia (OR = 1.17, p = 0.010), but not other dementia sub-types. However, the risk of vascular dementia was not affected by warfarin use in carriers of the T-allele. CONCLUSION Our study reports for the first time an association between rs9923231 and vascular dementia, but further research is warranted to explore potential mechanisms and specify the relationship between rs9923231 and features of vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Mur
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel L. McCartney
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel I. Chasman
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter M. Visscher
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon R. Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tom C. Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Amoros-Reboredo P, Soy D, Hernandez-Hernandez M, Lens S, Mestres C. Anticholinergic Burden and Safety Outcomes in Older Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Retrospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3776. [PMID: 32466526 PMCID: PMC7311997 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Older patients with chronic hepatitis C infection starting direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are frequently prescribed multiple medications that may be categorized as inappropriate. Anticholinergic burden has been shown to be a predictor of adverse health and functional outcomes. Different scales are available to calculate anticholinergic burden. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anticholinergic medication among older patients treated with DAAs and the risk factors associated using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale, the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) and the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS) and analyze the resulting safety consequences. METHODS Observational, retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients ≥65 years old receiving DAAs and taking concomitant medication. This study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of observational studies in Epidemiology Statement. RESULTS 236 patients were included. The average age was 71.7 years, 73.3% cirrhotic, and 47% patients took ≥5 medicines. According to the ACB, ARS and ADS scales, 35.2% (n = 83), 10.6% (n = 25) and 34.3% (n = 81) of the patients were treated with anticholinergic medication. Two hundred-and-six (86%) patients presented any adverse events (AEs) during therapy. ARS scale showed a significant relationship between presence of anticholinergic medication and AEs. A large number of patients suffered anticholinergic events, with more events per patient in patients taking anticholinergic drugs. CONCLUSIONS Older hepatitis C chronic patients are exposed to potentially inappropriate polypharmacy and anticholinergic risk, according to the ACB, ARS and ADS scales. The three scales showed different results. Only the ARS scale was associated with AEs, but the rate of anticholinergic effects per patient was significantly higher in patients with anticholinergic drugs, regardless of the scale used. Consider quality of pharmacotherapy when starting DAA with a multidisciplinary approach could improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dolors Soy
- Pharmacy Service Division of Medicines Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Conxita Mestres
- School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
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