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van Eijk E, van der Spek YM, van Deudekom FJA, van den Bos F, Mooijaart SP, Trompet S. Temporal changes in characteristics and external validity of randomized controlled trials in older people from 2012 to 2019. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:324. [PMID: 37226093 PMCID: PMC10207774 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older individuals are often underrepresented in clinical trials. In 2012 only 7% of RCT's specifically studied older people and their geriatric characteristics were poorly reported. The aim of this review was to investigate temporal changes in characteristics and external validity of randomized controlled trials in older people from 2012 to 2019. METHODS PubMed was searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2019. Firstly, the proportion of RCTs specially designed for older people were determined by the following criteria: a reported mean age of ≥ 70 years or a lower age cutoff of ≥ 55. Secondly, the trials with a majority of older people, defined by a reported mean age of ≥ 60 years, were screened for reporting of geriatric assessments. Both parts were compared with identical reviews performed in 2012. RESULTS From a 10% random sample, 1446 RCTs were included in this systematic review. First, 8% of trials were specifically designed for older people in 2019 compared to 7% in 2012. Secondly, 25% of the trials included a majority of older people in 2019, compared to 22% in 2012. Thirdly, in 52% of these trials in 2019 one or more of the geriatric assessments were reported compared to 34% in 2012. CONCLUSIONS Although in 2019 the proportion of published RCTs specifically designed for older people remains low, more characteristics on geriatric assessments were reported compared to 2012. Continued efforts should be paid to increase both the number and the validity of trials for older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle van Eijk
- Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yanna M van der Spek
- Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Simon P Mooijaart
- Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Trompet
- Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Fujita K, Masnoon N, Mach J, O’Donnell LK, Hilmer SN. Polypharmacy and precision medicine. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS. PRECISION MEDICINE 2023; 1:e22. [PMID: 38550925 PMCID: PMC10953761 DOI: 10.1017/pcm.2023.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Precision medicine is an approach to maximise the effectiveness of disease treatment and prevention and minimise harm from medications by considering relevant demographic, clinical, genomic and environmental factors in making treatment decisions. Precision medicine is complex, even for decisions about single drugs for single diseases, as it requires expert consideration of multiple measurable factors that affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and many patient-specific variables. Given the increasing number of patients with multiple conditions and medications, there is a need to apply lessons learned from precision medicine in monotherapy and single disease management to optimise polypharmacy. However, precision medicine for optimisation of polypharmacy is particularly challenging because of the vast number of interacting factors that influence drug use and response. In this narrative review, we aim to provide and apply the latest research findings to achieve precision medicine in the context of polypharmacy. Specifically, this review aims to (1) summarise challenges in achieving precision medicine specific to polypharmacy; (2) synthesise the current approaches to precision medicine in polypharmacy; (3) provide a summary of the literature in the field of prediction of unknown drug-drug interactions (DDI) and (4) propose a novel approach to provide precision medicine for patients with polypharmacy. For our proposed model to be implemented in routine clinical practice, a comprehensive intervention bundle needs to be integrated into the electronic medical record using bioinformatic approaches on a wide range of data to predict the effects of polypharmacy regimens on an individual. In addition, clinicians need to be trained to interpret the results of data from sources including pharmacogenomic testing, DDI prediction and physiological-pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling to inform their medication reviews. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this model and to test generalisability so that it can be implemented at scale, aiming to improve outcomes in people with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Fujita
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nashwa Masnoon
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Mach
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O’Donnell
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah N. Hilmer
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hemmersbach-Miller M, Balevic SJ, Winokur PL, Landersdorfer CB, Gu K, Chan AW, Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Conrad T, An G, Kirkpatrick CMJ, Swamy GK, Walter EB, Schmader KE. Population Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin/Tazobactam Across the Adult Lifespan. Clin Pharmacokinet 2023; 62:127-139. [PMID: 36633812 PMCID: PMC9969806 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-022-01198-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Piperacillin/tazobactam is one of the most frequently used antimicrobials in older adults. Using an opportunistic study design, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of piperacillin/tazobactam as a probe drug to evaluate changes in antibacterial drug exposure and dosing requirements, including in older adults. METHODS A total of 121 adult patients were included. The population pharmacokinetic models that best characterized the observed plasma concentrations of piperacillin and tazobactam were one-compartment structural models with zero-order input and linear elimination. RESULTS Among all potential covariates, estimated creatinine clearance had the most substantial impact on the elimination clearance for both piperacillin and tazobactam. After accounting for renal function and body size, there was no remaining impact of frailty on the pharmacokinetics of piperacillin and tazobactam. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that renal function had a greater impact on the therapeutic target attainment than age, although these covariates were highly correlated. Frailty, using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale, was assessed in 60 patients who were ≥ 65 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The simulations suggested that adults ≤ 50 years of age infected with organisms with higher minimum inhibitory concentrations may benefit from continuous piperacillin/tazobactam infusions (12 g/day of piperacillin component) or extended infusions of 4 g every 8 hours. However, for a target of 50% fT + minimum inhibitory concentration, dosing based on renal function is generally preferable to dosing by age, and simulations suggested that patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 120 mL/min may benefit from infusions of 4 g every 8 hours for organisms with higher minimum inhibitory concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Hemmersbach-Miller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- ICON Plc, North Wales, PA, USA
| | - Stephen J Balevic
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Patricia L Winokur
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Kenan Gu
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Austin W Chan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Guohua An
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Carl M J Kirkpatrick
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Geeta K Swamy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics Clinical Research, Duke University Medical System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emmanuel B Walter
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth E Schmader
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Box 3469, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA.
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Rodriguez-Gutierrez R, Flores-Rodríguez A, Raygoza-Cortez K, Garcia-Leal M, Mariño-Velasco S, Plata-Huerta HH, Sáenz-Flores M, Ramirez-Garcia LA, Rojo-Garza A, Maraka S, Singh-Ospina NV, Brito JP, Gonzalez-Gonzalez JG. Intensive vs. conventional blood pressure goals in older patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine 2022; 78:13-23. [PMID: 35962895 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assess the effect of intensive vs conventional blood pressure goals on patient-important outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed using electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing intensive vs conventional blood pressure goals in adults over 60 years of age with type 2 diabetes were included. Events were evaluated using a modified Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis with Peto's method. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. RESULTS Seven trials were included. A 19% risk reduction (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69-0.95; I2 = 8%; p = 0.35) in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and 37% risk reduction (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.51-0.79; I2 = 0%; p = 0.56) in the occurrence of fatal or non-fatal stroke was documented in the intensive treatment group. There were no differences in the occurrence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease. Data regarding treatment adverse effects and microvascular outcomes was scarce. CONCLUSIONS Intensive blood pressure goals in older patients with diabetes were associated with a lower risk of stroke and MACE, but not with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Rodriguez-Gutierrez
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit-Endocrinology (KER-Endo), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital "Dr. José E. González", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Andrea Flores-Rodríguez
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Karina Raygoza-Cortez
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Mariana Garcia-Leal
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Sofía Mariño-Velasco
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Hiram H Plata-Huerta
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Melissa Sáenz-Flores
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Luz A Ramirez-Garcia
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Amanda Rojo-Garza
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México
| | - Spyridoula Maraka
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit-Endocrinology (KER-Endo), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Medicine Service, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Naikky V Singh-Ospina
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit-Endocrinology (KER-Endo), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Juan P Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit-Endocrinology (KER-Endo), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jose G Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Plataforma INVEST Medicina UANL-KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit Mexico), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México.
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital "Dr. José E. González", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, 64460, México.
- Research Unit, University Hospital "Dr. José E. González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, 64460, México.
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Fisher H, Zabar S, Chodosh J, Langford A, Trinh-Shevrin C, Sherman S, Altshuler L. A novel simulation-based approach to training for recruitment of older adults to clinical trials. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:180. [PMID: 35764920 PMCID: PMC9238219 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need to engage adults, age 65 and older, in clinical trials of conditions typical in older populations, (e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease and related dementia) is exponentially increasing. Older adults have been markedly underrepresented in clinical trials, often exacerbated by exclusionary study criteria as well as functional dependencies that preclude participation. Such dependencies may further exacerbate communication challenges. Consequently, the evidence of what works in subject recruitment is less generalizable to older populations, even more so for those from racial and ethnic minority and low-income communities. METHODS To support capacity of research staff, we developed a virtual, three station simulation (Group Objective Structured Clinical Experience-GOSCE) to teach research staff communication skills. This 2-h course included a discussion of challenges in recruiting older adults; skills practice with Standardized Participants (SPs) and faculty observer who provided immediate feedback; and debrief to highlight best practices. Each learner had opportunities for active learning and observational learning. Learners completed a retrospective pre-post survey about the experience. SP completed an 11-item communication checklist evaluating the learner on a series of established behaviorally anchored communication skills (29). RESULTS In the research staff survey, 92% reported the overall activity taught them something new; 98% reported it provided valuable feedback; 100% said they would like to participate again. In the SP evaluation there was significant variation: the percent well-done of items by case ranged from 25-85%. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot suggest that GOSCEs are a (1) acceptable; (2) low cost; and (3) differentiating mechanism for training and assessing research staff in communication skills and structural competency necessary for participant research recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Fisher
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA.
| | - Sondra Zabar
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
| | - Joshua Chodosh
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA ,grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Division of Geriatric Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
| | - Aisha Langford
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
| | - Chau Trinh-Shevrin
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
| | - Scott Sherman
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
| | - Lisa Altshuler
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM), New York, USA
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Mangoni AA, Jarmuzewska EA. Patient-Centricity: A Much-Needed Strategy to Enhance the Quality Use of Medicines in Older Patients. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2022; 17:1-2. [DOI: 10.2174/277243281701211223100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A. Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elzbieta A. Jarmuzewska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Polyclinic IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Gross AS, Harry AC, Clifton CS, Pasqua OD. Clinical Trial Diversity: An Opportunity for Improved Insight into the Determinants of Variability in Drug Response. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:2700-2717. [PMID: 35088432 PMCID: PMC9306578 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the number of countries participating in pivotal trials submitted to enable drug registration has nearly doubled over the past 25 years, there has not been a substantial increase in the diversity of clinical trial populations. In parallel, our understanding of factors that influence medicine response and variability has continued to evolve. The notion of intrinsic and extrinsic sources of variability has been embedded into different regulatory guidelines, including the recent guideline on the importance of enhancing the diversity of clinical trial populations. In addition to presenting the clinical and scientific reasons for ensuring that clinical trial populations represent the demographics of patient populations, this overview outlines the efforts of regulatory agencies, patient advocacy groups and clinical researchers to attain this goal through strategies to meet representation in recruitment targets and broaden eligibility criteria. Despite these efforts, challenges to participation in clinical trials remain, and certain groups continue to be underrepresented in development programmes. These challenges are amplified when the representativeness of specific groups may vary across countries and regions in a global clinical programme. Whilst enhanced trial diversity is a critical step towards ensuring that results will be representative of patient populations, a concerted effort is required to characterise further the factors influencing interindividual and regional differences in response for global populations. Quantitative clinical pharmacology principles should be applied to allow extrapolation of data across groups or regions as well as provide insight into the effect of patient‐specific characteristics on a medicine's dose rationale and efficacy and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette S Gross
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anya C Harry
- Global Demographics & Diversity, Global Clinical Sciences and Delivery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Upper Providence, USA.,Current Address: West Pharmaceutical Services, King of Prussia, USA
| | - Christine S Clifton
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Sydney, Australia
| | - Oscar Della Pasqua
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Brentford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group, School of Pharmacy - University College London, London, UK
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Shrestha S, Giri R, Sapkota HP, Danai SS, Saleem A, Devkota S, Shrestha S, Adhikari B, Poudel A. Attitudes of ambulatory care older Nepalese patients towards deprescribing and predictors of their willingness to deprescribe. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211019309. [PMID: 34211689 PMCID: PMC8216397 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211019309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults continue to receive potentially inappropriate medications necessitating the need for medication optimization, by deprescribing. To ensure a holistic approach to deprescribing, it is essential to understand the perception of older adults towards deprescribing. This study aimed to assess the attitude of older ambulatory patients towards deprescribing and to identify factors predicting their willingness to deprescribe. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in central Nepal between March and September 2019 among 385 older ambulatory care patients (aged ⩾65 years) who were taking at least one regular medicine. The perception of patients towards deprescribing was assessed using the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire via a face-to-face interview method. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe patients' characteristics and their attitudes towards deprescribing. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of the willingness of older ambulatory patients towards deprescribing. RESULTS The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age of patients was 72 (8) years. Nearly three in five patients (64.9%) had hypertension, with 11.2% having polypharmacy. More than half of the patients (57.4%) would be willing to stop one or more of their regular medicines if their doctor said it was possible to do so. Regression analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR) 0.946; 95% CI 0.913, 0.981; p = 0.003] and concerns about stopping medicine score (OR 0.541; 95% CI 0.334, 0.876; p = 0.013) were predictors of the willingness of the older patients towards deprescribing. CONCLUSION One in two older ambulatory care patients in Nepal would be willing to have one or more of their medicines deprescribed. The factors predicting their willingness to deprescribe are their age and concerns about stopping medicines. Clinicians should consider discussing the possibility of deprescribing with older patients for the prevention of potential medication-related harms. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY What do older Nepalese patients think about withdrawal or dose reduction of an inappropriate medication?Introduction: Research suggests that older adults (aged ⩾65 years) continue to receive medications that have the potential for harm rather than a benefit. This necessitates the need for withdrawal or dose reduction of such inappropriate medications, the process known as deprescribing. Understanding what older patients think about this process could be a stepping-stone to the general approach for its implementation. Data on deprescribing is lacking from Nepal. Therefore, we designed a survey to explore the attitude of older patients towards deprescribing and factors that could predict their willingness to deprescribe.Methods: This study was conducted between March to September 2019 among 385 older patients who were taking at least one regular medicine and were visiting selected hospitals of Nepal for outpatient services. We performed a face-to-face interview to assess the attitude of patients towards deprescribing using a validated tool called revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire that quantified the response through scoring. The data were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the attitudes of Nepalese older patients towards deprescribing and to develop a model to predict their willingness to deprescribe.Results: The average age of the participant was 72 years with 65% having hypertension and 11% using more than five medications. Our data suggested that one in two older Nepalese patients would be willing to stop one or more of their regular medications if their doctors said it was possible to do so. Their willingness to deprescribe could be predicted from their age and concerns about stopping medications.Conclusion: Clinicians should consider discussing the possibility of deprescribing with older patients for the prevention of potential medication-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakti Shrestha
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Level 4, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Roshan Giri
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Medical and Technical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Hari Prasad Sapkota
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Medical and Technical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | | | - Ahsan Saleem
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Shreeshab Devkota
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Medical and Technical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Sagar Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Medical and Technical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Bhojraj Adhikari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bharatpur District Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Arjun Poudel
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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Mangoni AA, Jarmuzewska EA. Incorporating pharmacokinetic data into personalised prescribing for older people: challenges and opportunities. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:435-442. [PMID: 33417165 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-020-00437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We discuss the known age-associated changes in drug metabolism and elimination, the potential use of this information when selecting specific therapeutic strategies in older patients, and the steps required to fill the knowledge gap in this field. METHODS We conducted a narrative review that encapsulates the current knowledge regarding the main age-associated changes in drug metabolism and elimination and discusses their possible inclusion in current and future personalised prescribing tools for the older patient population. RESULTS Despite some progress in this field, the lack of specific information regarding the impact of frailty, pharmacogenomics, and drug-drug, drug-disease, and organ-organ interactions, particularly in subjects > 80 years, currently prevents the routine incorporation of pharmacokinetic data, barring measures of renal function, into personalised prescribing tools. CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of pharmacokinetic data into personalised prescribing, an approach based on the consideration of a number of patient's characteristics when selecting the right drug(s) and dose regimen(s) to maximize effectiveness and limit toxicity, remains a hypothetical construct in geriatric care. Pending the inclusion of frail and complex older patients in pre- and post-marketing studies, a better understanding of the key pharmacokinetic alterations of common medications in "real-life" patients, together with the implementation of effective strategies tackling inappropriate prescribing, is likely to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization in the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia. .,Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Elzbieta A Jarmuzewska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Polyclinic IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Liau SJ, Lalic S, Sluggett JK, Cesari M, Onder G, Vetrano DL, Morin L, Hartikainen S, Hamina A, Johnell K, Tan ECK, Visvanathan R, Bell JS. Medication Management in Frail Older People: Consensus Principles for Clinical Practice, Research, and Education. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:43-49. [PMID: 32669236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Frailty is a geriatric condition associated with increased vulnerability to adverse drug events and medication-related harm. Existing clinical practice guidelines rarely provide medication management recommendations specific to frail older people. This report presents international consensus principles, generated by the Optimizing Geriatric Pharmacotherapy through Pharmacoepidemiology Network, related to medication management in frail older people. This consensus comprises 7 principles for clinical practice, 6 principles for research, and 4 principles for education. Principles for clinical practice include (1) perform medication reconciliation and maintain an up-to-date medication list; (2) assess and plan based on individual's capacity to self-manage medications; (3) ensure appropriate prescribing and deprescribing; (4) simplify medication regimens when appropriate to reduce unnecessary burden; (5) be alert to the contribution of medications to geriatric syndromes; (6) regularly review medication regimens to align with changing goals of care; and (7) facilitate multidisciplinary communication among patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams. Principles for research include (1) include frail older people in randomized controlled trials; (2) consider frailty status as an effect modifier; (3) ensure collection and reporting of outcome measures important in frailty; (4) assess impact of frailty on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; (5) encourage frailty research in under-researched settings; and (6) utilize routinely collected linked health data. Principles for education include (1) provide undergraduate and postgraduate education on frailty; (2) minimize low-value care related to medication management; (3) improve health and medication literacy; and (4) incorporate evidence in relation to frailty into clinical practice guidelines. These principles for clinical practice, research and education highlight different considerations for optimizing medication management in frail older people. These principles can be used in conjunction with existing best practice guidelines to help achieve optimal health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Implementation of the principles will require multidisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, organizational leaders, and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin J Liau
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Samanta Lalic
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet K Sluggett
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide L Vetrano
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Centro Medicina dell'Invecchiamento, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucas Morin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Inserm CIC 1431, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Sirpa Hartikainen
- Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aleksi Hamina
- Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Johnell
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edwin C K Tan
- The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Renuka Visvanathan
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, Australia; Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, Australia; Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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11
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Chang Z, Ghirardi L, Quinn PD, Asherson P, D’Onofrio BM, Larsson H. Risks and Benefits of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication on Behavioral and Neuropsychiatric Outcomes: A Qualitative Review of Pharmacoepidemiology Studies Using Linked Prescription Databases. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:335-343. [PMID: 31155139 PMCID: PMC6697582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication is one of the most commonly prescribed medication classes in child and adolescent psychiatry, and its use is increasing rapidly in adult psychiatry. However, major questions and concerns remain regarding the benefits and risks of ADHD medication, especially in real-world settings. We conducted a qualitative systematic review of studies that investigated the effects of ADHD medication on behavioral and neuropsychiatric outcomes using linked prescription databases from the last 10 years and identified 40 studies from Europe, North America, and Asia. Among them, 18 used within-individual designs to account for confounding by indication. These studies suggested short-term beneficial effects of ADHD medication on several behavioral or neuropsychiatric outcomes (i.e., injuries, motor vehicle accidents, education, substance use disorder), with estimates suggesting relative risk reduction of 9% to 58% for these outcomes. The within-individual studies found no evidence of increased risks for suicidality and seizures. Replication studies are needed for several other important outcomes (i.e., criminality, depression, mania, psychosis). The available evidence from pharmacoepidemiology studies on long-term effects of ADHD medication was less clear. We discuss time-varying confounding and other limitations that should be considered when interpreting results from pharmacoepidemiology studies. Furthermore, we highlight several knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research and implications for research on mechanisms of outcomes of ADHD medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Laura Ghirardi
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrick D. Quinn
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Philip Asherson
- Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Brian M. D’Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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12
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Mangoni AA, Bryant K, Jarmuzewska EA. Medication Management Issues in Old Age: A Call for Submissions to Current Clinical Pharmacology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 14:2-4. [PMID: 30968764 DOI: 10.2174/157488471401190301120237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders, University and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kimberley Bryant
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders, University and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University and Flinders, Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elzbieta A Jarmuzewska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Polyclinic IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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13
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Ruiter R, Burggraaf J, Rissmann R. Under-representation of elderly in clinical trials: An analysis of the initial approval documents in the Food and Drug Administration database. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:838-844. [PMID: 30681181 PMCID: PMC6422639 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims To evaluate the availability of pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy analyses specifically targeted at elderly, prior to the authorization of drugs. Methods A cross‐sectional, structured review of publicly available initial approval documents of Food and Drug Administration‐approved drugs was performed. The 10 most frequently on‐label prescribed drug classes, drugs with known pharmacokinetic differences in the elderly or drugs that are relatively contraindicated in elderly (e.g. anticholinergics or benzodiazepines) were included in the analyses. Results In total, 1129 unique active pharmaceutical ingredients were found eligible for the analyses, of these, 506 were found in the Food and Drug Administration database (45%). The initial approval documents were available for 182 drugs. For the majority of the drugs, the initial approval documents in the database showed information on pharmacokinetics in elderly (n = 113; 62%). Furthermore, over time, the availability of information with regard to elderly increased statistically significantly from 0% in the period 1970–1979 to 76% for the period 2010–2018. Information on safety and efficacy was less frequently present, i.e. 42% and 45%, respectively and, moreover, the availability of information did not improve over time. Conclusion The under‐representation of elderly in clinical trials thereby challenging the external validity of benefit/risk assessments of launched drugs was confirmed. Priority should be given to a study population that is representative for the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikje Ruiter
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Rissmann
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
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14
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Coulibaly JT, Panic G, Silué KD, Kovač J, Hattendorf J, Keiser J. Efficacy and safety of praziquantel in preschool-aged and school-aged children infected with Schistosoma mansoni: a randomised controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2018; 5:e688-e698. [PMID: 28619227 PMCID: PMC5471607 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Praziquantel has been the drug of choice for schistosomiasis control for more than 40 years, yet surprisingly, the optimal dose for children younger than 4 years is not known. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of escalating praziquantel dosages in preschool-aged children (PSAC). Methods We did a randomised controlled, parallel-group, single-blind, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial in PSAC (2–5 years) and school-aged children (SAC; aged 6–15 years) as a comparator group in southern Côte d'Ivoire. Children were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg praziquantel or placebo. Participants, investigators, and laboratory technicians were masked to group assignment, while the investigator providing treatment was aware of the treatment group. The primary objective was to estimate the nature of the dose–response relation in terms of cure rate using the Kato Katz technique. Dose–response curves were estimated using Emax models. Available case analysis was done including all participants with primary endpoint data. This trial is registered with International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN15280205. Findings Between Nov 11, 2014, and Feb 18, 2015, 660 PSAC and 225 SAC were assessed for eligibility; of whom 161 (24%) PSAC and 180 (80%) SAC had a detectable Schistosoma mansoni infection. 161 PSAC were randomly allocated of whom 154 received treatment: 42 were assigned to 20 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 40 received treatment; 38 were assigned to 40 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 38 received treatment; 41 were assigned to 60 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 39 received treatment; and 40 were assigned to placebo, of whom 37 received placebo. 180 SAC were randomly allocated of whom 177 received treatment: 49 were assigned to 20 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 47 received treatment; 46 were assigned to 40 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 46 received treatment; 42 were assigned to 60 mg/kg praziquantel, of whom 42 received treatment; and 43 were assigned to placebo, of whom 43 received treatment. Follow-up (available-case) data were available for 143 PSAC and 174 SAC. In PSAC, the 20 mg/kg dose resulted in cure in 23 children (62%; 95% CI 44·8–77·5), 40 mg/kg in 26 children (72%; 54·8–85·8), 60 mg/kg in 25 children (71%; 53·7–85·4), and placebo in 13 children (37%; 21·5–55·1). In SAC, the 20 mg/kg dose resulted in cure in 14 children (30%; 95% CI 17·7–45·8), 40 mg/kg in 31 children (69%; 53·4–81·8), 60 mg/kg in 34 children (83%; 67·9–92·8), and placebo in five children (12%; 4·0–25·6). For both age groups, the number of adverse events was similar among the three praziquantel treatment groups, with fewer adverse events observed in the placebo groups. The most common adverse events in PSAC were diarrhoea (11 [9%] of 124) and stomach ache (ten [8%]) and in SAC were diarrhoea (50 [28%] of 177), stomach ache (66 [37%]), and vomiting (26 [15%]) 3 h post treatment. No serious adverse events were reported. Interpretation Praziquantel shows a flat dose-response and overall lower efficacy in PSAC compared with in SAC. In the absence of treatment alternatives, a single dose of praziquantel of 40 mg/kg, recommended by the WHO for S mansoni infections in SAC can be endorsed for PSAC in preventive chemotherapy programmes. Funding European Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean T Coulibaly
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gordana Panic
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kigbafori D Silué
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jana Kovač
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The manifestation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among older adults has become an interesting topic of interest due to an increasing number of adults aged 50 years and older (≥50 years) seeking assessment for ADHD. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on ADHD in older adults, and until recently only a few case reports existed. METHOD A systematic search was conducted in the databases Medline/PubMed and PsycINFO in order to identify studies regarding ADHD in adults ≥50 years. RESULTS ADHD persists into older ages in many patients, but the prevalence of patients fulfilling the criteria for the diagnosis at age ≥50 years is still unknown. It is reason to believe that the prevalence is falling gradually with age, and that the ADHD symptom level is significantly lower in the age group 70-80 years than the group 50-60 years. There is a lack of controlled studies of ADHD medication in adults ≥50 years, but this review suggests that many patients aged ≥50 years experience beneficial effects of pharmacological treatment. The problem with side effects and somatic complications may rise to a level that makes pharmacotherapy for ADHD difficult after the age of 65 years. Physical assessment prior to initiation of ADHD medication in adults ≥50 years should include a thorough clinical examination, and medication should be titrated with low doses initially and with a slow increase. In motivated patients, different psychological therapies alone or in addition to pharmacotherapy should be considered. CONCLUSION It is essential when treating older adult patients with ADHD to provide good support based on knowledge and understanding of how ADHD symptoms have affected health, quality of life, and function through the life span. Individualized therapy for each elderly patient should be recommended to balance risk-benefit ratio when pharmacotherapy is considered to be a possible treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terje Torgersen
- Department of Østmarka, St Olav’s Hospital, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjorn Gjervan
- Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Helse Nord-Trondelag Hospital Trust, Kirkegata, Levanger, Norway
| | - Michael B Lensing
- NevSom, Norwegian Center of Expertise for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Hypersomnias, Women and Children’s Division, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Rasmussen
- St Olav’s Hospital, Broset Center for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Mangoni AA, Pilotto A. New drugs and patient-centred end-points in old age: setting the wheels in motion. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015; 9:81-9. [PMID: 26455964 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Older patients with various degrees of frailty and disability, a key population target of pharmacological interventions in acute and chronic disease states, are virtually neglected in pre-marketing studies assessing the efficacy and safety of investigational drugs. Moreover, aggressively pursuing established therapeutic targets in old age, e.g. blood pressure, serum glucose or cholesterol concentrations, is not necessarily associated with the beneficial effects, and the acceptable safety, reported in younger patient cohorts. Measures of self-reported health and functional status might represent additional, more meaningful, therapeutic end-points in the older population, particularly in patients with significant frailty and relatively short life expectancy, e.g. in the presence of cancer and/or neurodegenerative disease conditions. Strategies enhancing early knowledge about key pharmacological characteristics of investigational drugs targeting older adults are discussed, together with the rationale for incorporating non-traditional, patient-centred, end-points in this ever-increasing group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- a Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine , Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre , Bedford Park , Australia
| | - Alberto Pilotto
- b Department of Orthogeriatrics, Rehabilitation and Stabilization, Frailty Area , E.O. Galliera Hospital, National Relevance and High Specialization Hospital , Genova , Italy
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17
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Poudel A, Peel NM, Nissen L, Mitchell C, Gray LC, Hubbard RE. Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Older Patients Discharged From Acute Care Hospitals to Residential Aged Care Facilities. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:1425-33. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028014548568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The frequency of prescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older patients remains high despite evidence of adverse outcomes from their use. Little is known about whether admission to hospital has any effect on appropriateness of prescribing. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and nature of PIMs and explore the association of risk factors for receiving a PIM. Methods: This was a prospective study of 206 patients discharged to residential aged care facilities from acute care. All patients were at least 70 years old and were admitted between July 2005 and May 2010; their admission and discharge medications were evaluated. Results: Mean patient age was 84.8 ± 6.7 years; the majority (57%) were older than 85 years, and mean (SD) Frailty Index was 0.42 (0.15). At least 1 PIM was identified in 112 (54.4%) patients on admission and 102 (49.5%) patients on discharge. Of all medications prescribed at admission (1728), 10.8% were PIMs, and at discharge, of 1759 medications, 9.6% were PIMs. Of the total 187 PIMs on admission, 56 (30%) were stopped and 131 were continued; 32 new PIMs were introduced. Of the potential risk factors considered, in-hospital cognitive decline and frailty status were the only significant predictors of PIMs. Conclusions: Although admission to hospital is an opportunity to review the indications for specific medications, a high prevalence of inappropriate drug use was observed. The only associations with PIM use were the frailty status and in-hospital cognitive decline. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Poudel
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Nissen
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Len C. Gray
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Mangoni AA. Geriatric medicine in an aging society: up for a challenge? Front Med (Lausanne) 2014; 1:10. [PMID: 25705623 PMCID: PMC4335383 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2014.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University , Adelaide, SA , Australia
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