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Kubo T, Sogawa R, Tsuruhashi S, Murakawa-Hirachi T, Matsuoka A, Mizoguchi Y, Monji A, Shimanoe C. Risk of delirium with antiepileptic drug use: a study based on the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1260-1266. [PMID: 36977859 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01564-2] [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] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiepileptic drugs may cause delirium, and the risk may vary with each drug. However, related studies have provided inconsistent results. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of antiepileptic drugs is a risk factor for delirium development. METHOD Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, we analysed 573,316 reports pertaining to the period from 2004 to 2020. Reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of delirium associated with use of antiepileptic drugs were calculated after adjusting for potential confounders. Furthermore, for each antiepileptic drug, we performed an analysis stratified based on older age and benzodiazepine receptor agonist usage. RESULTS There were 27,439 reports of antiepileptic drug-related adverse events. Of these, 191 reports were associated with antiepileptic drugs and delirium (crude reporting odds ratio [cROR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-1.93). The use of lacosamide (adjusted reporting odds ratio [aROR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.24-4.80), lamotrigine (aROR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.05-2.26), levetiracetam (aROR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.35-2.71), and valproic acid (aROR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.16-1.91) was related to a significantly higher reporting odds ratio for delirium, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors. However, when used in combination with benzodiazepine receptor agonists, none of the antiepileptic drugs were found to be associated with delirium. CONCLUSION Our study's findings suggest that antiepileptic drug usage may be associated with delirium development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Kubo
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Rintaro Sogawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Satoko Tsuruhashi
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Toru Murakawa-Hirachi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Ayaka Matsuoka
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Saga University Hospital, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Chisato Shimanoe
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
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Cahir C, Curran C, Walsh C, Hickey A, Brannigan R, Kirke C, Williams DJ, Bennett K. Adverse drug reactions in an ageing PopulaTion (ADAPT) study: Prevalence and risk factors associated with adverse drug reaction-related hospital admissions in older patients. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1029067. [PMID: 36712658 PMCID: PMC9880441 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Older people experience greater morbidity with a corresponding increase in medication use resulting in a potentially higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Objectives: The aim of this study was to; 1) determine the prevalence and characteristics of ADR-related hospital admissions among older patients (≥65 years) in Ireland; and 2) identify the risk factors associated with ADR-related hospital admissions. Methods: A cross-sectional study of ADR prevalence in patients aged ≥65 years admitted acutely to hospital in Ireland over a 8 month period (November 2016- June 2017). A multifaceted review of each hospital admission was undertaken to assess the likelihood of an ADR being a reason for admission (cause of admission or contributing to admission) in the context of the patient's medication, clinical conditions, comorbidities and investigations. A number of decision aids were applied by two independent reviewers to assess ADR causality, avoidability and severity. A random sample of patients, determined not to have a suspected ADR on screening, were assigned to a non-ADR control group. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between potential risk factors for ADR-related admissions compared with non-ADR-related admissions. Results: In total, 3,760 hospital admission episodes (in 3,091 patients) were screened and 377 admissions were considered ADR-related (10.0%, 95% CI 9.1%, 11.0%). 219 (58.1%) ADR-related admissions were caused by an ADR, while ADRs contributed to 158 (41.9%) admissions. 268 (71.1%) of all ADR-related admissions were deemed definitely or possibly preventable/avoidable. 350 (92.8%) ADRs were classified as being of moderate severity, with 27 (7.2%) classified as severe. Antithrombotic agents, mainly aspirin and warfarin, were the drugs most frequently associated with ADR-related admissions (gastrointestinal and vascular haemorrhagic disorders). In multivariable analysis, immobility, frailty, having delirium or ulcer disease and taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication on admission were significantly associated with an ADR-related hospital admission. Conclusion: One in ten hospital admissions, among those aged 65 + years, were considered ADR-related, with approximately 70% potentially avoidable. Reliable and validated ADR detection and prediction tools are needed to develop prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland,*Correspondence: Caitriona Cahir,
| | - Carmel Curran
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Walsh
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Hickey
- Department of Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ross Brannigan
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara Kirke
- National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate at Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J. Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Mertens B, Hias J, Hellemans L, Walgraeve K, Spriet I, Tournoy J, Van der Linden LR. Drug-related hospital admissions in older adults: comparison of the Naranjo algorithm and an adjusted version of the Kramer algorithm. Eur Geriatr Med 2022; 13:567-577. [PMID: 35312975 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-022-00623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Drug-related admissions (DRAs) are an important cause of preventable harm in older adults. Multiple algorithms exist to assess causality of adverse drug reactions, including the Naranjo algorithm and an adjusted version of the Kramer algorithm. The performance of these tools in assessing DRA causality has not been robustly shown. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the adjusted Kramer algorithm to adjudicate DRA causality in geriatric inpatients. METHODS DRAs were assessed in a convenience sample of patients admitted to the acute geriatric wards of an academic hospital. DRAs were identified by expert consensus and causality was evaluated using the Naranjo and the adjusted Kramer algorithms. Positive agreement with expert consensus was calculated for both algorithms. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore determinants for a DRA. RESULTS A total of 218 geriatric inpatients was included of whom 65 (29.8%) experienced a DRA. Positive agreement was 72.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 59.6-82.3%) and 100% (95% CI, 93.0-100%) for the Naranjo and the adjusted Kramer algorithm, respectively. Diuretics were the main culprits and most DRAs were attributed to a fall (n = 18; 27.7%). A fall-related principal diagnosis was independently associated with a DRA (odds ratio 20.11; 95% CI, 5.60-72.24). CONCLUSION The adjusted Kramer algorithm demonstrated a higher positive agreement with expert consensus in assessing DRA causality in geriatric inpatients compared to the Naranjo algorithm. Our results further support implementation of the adjusted Kramer algorithm as part of a standardized DRA assessment in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrijs Mertens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Spriet
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Zazzara MB, Palmer K, Vetrano DL, Carfì A, Onder G. Adverse drug reactions in older adults: a narrative review of the literature. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:463-473. [PMID: 33738772 PMCID: PMC8149349 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a common and potentially preventable cause of unplanned hospitalization, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. We aimed to review the classification and occurrence of ADRs in the older population, discuss the role of age as a risk factor, and identify interventions to prevent ADRs. METHODS We performed a narrative scoping review of the literature to assess classification, occurrence, factors affecting ADRs, and possible strategies to identify and prevent ADRs. RESULTS Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are often classified as Type A and Type B reactions, based on dose and effect of the drugs and fatality of the reaction. More recently, other approaches have been proposed (i.e. Dose, Time and Susceptibility (DoTS) and EIDOS classifications). The frequency of ADRs varies depending on definitions, characteristics of the studied population, and settings. Their occurrence is often ascribed to commonly used drugs, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, digoxin, insulin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Age-related factors-changes in pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and frailty-have been related to ADRs. Different approaches (i.e. medication review, software identifying potentially inappropriate prescription and drug interactions) have been suggested to prevent ADRs and proven to improve the quality of prescribing. However, consistent evidence on their effectiveness is still lacking. Few studies suggest that a comprehensive geriatric assessment, aimed at identifying individual risk factors, patients' needs, treatment priorities, and strategies for therapy optimization, is key for reducing ADRs. CONCLUSIONS Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a relevant health burden. The medical complexity that characterizes older patients requires a holistic approach to reduce the burden of ADRs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie Palmer
- Department of Gerontology, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Liborio Vetrano
- Department of Gerontology, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelo Carfì
- Department of Gerontology, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Reynish E, Hapca S, Walesby R, Pusram A, Bu F, Burton JK, Cvoro V, Galloway J, Ebbesen Laidlaw H, Latimer M, McDermott S, Rutherford AC, Wilcock G, Donnan P, Guthrie B. Understanding health-care outcomes of older people with cognitive impairment and/or dementia admitted to hospital: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr09080] [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] Open
Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment is common in older people admitted to hospital, but previous research has focused on single conditions.
Objective
This project sits in phase 0/1 of the Medical Research Council Framework for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions. It aims to develop an understanding of current health-care outcomes. This will be used in the future development of a multidomain intervention for people with confusion (dementia and cognitive impairment) in general hospitals. The research was conducted from January 2015 to June 2018 and used data from people admitted between 2012 and 2013.
Design
For the review of outcomes, the systematic review identified peer-reviewed quantitative epidemiology measuring prevalence and associations with outcomes. Screening for duplication and relevance was followed by full-text review, quality assessment and a narrative review (141 papers). A survey sought opinion on the key outcomes for people with dementia and/or confusion and their carers in the acute hospital (n = 78). For the analysis of outcomes including cost, the prospective cohort study was in a medical admissions unit in an acute hospital in one Scottish health board covering 10% of the Scottish population. The participants (n = 6724) were older people (aged ≥ 65 years) with or without a cognitive spectrum disorder who were admitted as medical emergencies between January 2012 and December 2013 and who underwent a structured nurse assessment. ‘Cognitive spectrum disorder’ was defined as any combination of delirium, known dementia or an Abbreviated Mental Test score of < 8 out of 10 points. The main outcome measures were living at home 30 days after discharge, mortality within 2 years of admission, length of stay, re-admission within 2 years of admission and cost.
Data sources
Scottish Morbidity Records 01 was linked to the Older Persons Routine Acute Assessment data set.
Results
In the systematic review, methodological heterogeneity, especially concerning diagnostic criteria, means that there is significant overlap in conditions of patients presenting to general hospitals with confusion. Patients and their families expect that patients are discharged in the same or a better condition than they were in on admission or, failing that, that they have a satisfactory experience of their admission. Cognitive spectrum disorders were present in more than one-third of patients aged ≥ 65 years, and in over half of those aged ≥ 85 years. Outcomes were worse in those patients with cognitive spectrum disorders than in those without: length of stay 25.0 vs. 11.8 days, 30-day mortality 13.6% vs. 9.0%, 1-year mortality 40.0% vs. 26.0%, 1-year mortality or re-admission 62.4% vs. 51.5%, respectively (all p < 0.01). There was relatively little difference by cognitive spectrum disorder type; for example, the presence of any cognitive spectrum disorder was associated with an increased mortality over the entire period of follow-up, but with different temporal patterns depending on the type of cognitive spectrum disorder. The cost of admission was higher for those with cognitive spectrum disorders, but the average daily cost was lower.
Limitations
A lack of diagnosis and/or standardisation of diagnosis for dementia and/or delirium was a limitation for the systematic review, the quantitative study and the economic study. The economic study was limited to in-hospital costs as data for social or informal care costs were unavailable. The survey was conducted online, limiting its reach to older carers and those people with cognitive spectrum disorders.
Conclusions
Cognitive spectrum disorders are common in older inpatients and are associated with considerably worse health-care outcomes, with significant overlap between individual cognitive spectrum disorders. This suggests the need for health-care systems to systematically identify and develop care pathways for older people with cognitive spectrum disorders, and avoid focusing on only condition-specific pathways.
Future work
Development and evaluation of a multidomain intervention for the management of patients with cognitive spectrum disorders in hospital.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015024492.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 9, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Reynish
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Simona Hapca
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Rebecca Walesby
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Angela Pusram
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Feifei Bu
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Jennifer K Burton
- Deanery of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Vera Cvoro
- Deanery of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James Galloway
- Health Informatics Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Marion Latimer
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | - Gordon Wilcock
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Donnan
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Considering additive effects of polypharmacy : Analysis of adverse events in geriatric patients in long-term care facilities. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2020; 133:816-824. [PMID: 33090261 PMCID: PMC8373749 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-020-01750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Potential additive effects of polypharmacy are rarely considered in adverse events of geriatric patients living in long-term care facilities. Our aim, therefore, was to identify adverse events in this setting and to assess plausible concomitant drug causes. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed in three facilities as follows: (i) adverse event identification: we structurally identified adverse events using nurses’ interviews and chart review. (ii) Analysis of the concomitantly administered drugs per patient was performed in two ways: (ii.a) a review of summary of product characteristics for listed adverse drug reactions to identify possible causing drugs and (ii.b) a causality assessment according to Naranjo algorithm. Results (i) We found 424 adverse events with a median of 4 per patient (range 1–14) in 103 of the 104 enrolled patients (99%). (ii.a) We identified a median of 3 drugs (range 0–11) with actually occurring adverse events listed as an adverse drug reaction in the summary of product characteristics. (ii.b) Causality was classified in 198 (46.9%) of adverse events as “doubtful,” in 218 (51.2%) as “possible,” in 7 (1.7%) as “probable,” and in 1 (0.2%) adverse event as a “definitive” cause of the administered drugs. In 340 (80.2%) of all identified adverse events several drugs simultaneously reached the highest respective Naranjo score. Conclusion Patients in long-term facilities frequently suffer from many adverse events. Concomitantly administered drugs have to be frequently considered as plausible causes for adverse events. These additive effects of drugs should be more focused in patient care and research.
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El-Sharkawy AM, Devonald MAJ, Humes DJ, Sahota O, Lobo DN. Hyperosmolar dehydration: A predictor of kidney injury and outcome in hospitalised older adults. Clin Nutr 2020; 39:2593-2599. [PMID: 31801657 PMCID: PMC7403861 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hospitalised older adults are vulnerable to dehydration. However, the prevalence of hyperosmolar dehydration (HD) and its impact on outcome is unknown. Serum osmolality is not measured routinely but osmolarity, a validated alternative, can be calculated using routinely measured serum biochemistry. This study aimed to use calculated osmolarity to measure the prevalence of HD (serum osmolarity >300 mOsm/l) and assess its impact on acute kidney injury (AKI) and outcome in hospitalised older adults. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used data from a UK teaching hospital retrieved from the electronic database relating to all medical emergency admissions of patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted between 1st May 2011 and 31st October 2013. Using these data, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality were determined. Osmolarity was calculated using the equation of Krahn and Khajuria. RESULTS A total of 6632 patients were identified; 27% had HD, 39% of whom had AKI. HD was associated with a median (Q1, Q3) LOS of 5 (1, 12) days compared with 3 (1, 9) days in the euhydrated group, P < 0.001. Adjusted Cox-regression analysis demonstrated that patients with HD were four-times more likely to develop AKI 12-24 h after admission [Hazards Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) 4.5 (3.5-5.6), P < 0.001], and had 60% greater 30-day mortality [1.6 (1.4-1.9), P < 0.001], compared with those who were euhydrated. CONCLUSION HD is common in hospitalised older adults and is associated with increased LOS, risk of AKI and mortality. Further work is required to assess the validity of osmolality or osmolarity as an early predictor of AKI and the impact of HD on outcome prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M El-Sharkawy
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Mark A J Devonald
- Renal and Transplant Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - David J Humes
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, City Campus, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Opinder Sahota
- Department of Elderly Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Dileep N Lobo
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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8
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Abstract
Aim: To identify patterns and characteristics of polypharmacy among elderly residents in Danish nursing homes in the Northern region of Denmark. Materials & methods: Twenty-five nursing homes were contacted, where each supplied 20 randomly selected anonymized residents’ information. Residents were 65 years or older, concurrently taking five or more medications. Drug–drug interactions and potential adverse effects were investigated. Results: One hundred residents (68% females; 32% males) were included. The most prevalent co-morbid condition was cardiovascular disease, and the most prevalent medications were for gastrointestinal- and metabolism-related conditions. Age influenced the number of drugs (p = 0.013) and drug–drug interactions per resident (p = 0.039), with a positive correlation. Conclusion: Elderly residents of the studied nursing homes were potentially affected by an inappropriate polypharmacy. Multimorbidity is common among elderly and a leading factor for polypharmacy. We conducted this study on 100 Danish elderly residents (>65 years, on ≥5 medications) in 25 nursing homes, anonymously and randomly chosen in Northern region of Denmark, to find characteristics of potential inappropriate polypharmacy. We found that age influenced the number of drugs (p = 0.013) and number of drug–drug interactions per resident (p = 0.039), but no sex-related difference was evident. Positive correlations were present between the number of drugs and drug–drug interactions. Elderly residents of the studied nursing homes were potentially affected by an inappropriate polypharmacy.
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9
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Social position and geriatric syndromes among Swedish older people: a population-based study. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:267. [PMID: 31615441 PMCID: PMC6792184 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Older people with a low social position are at higher risk of poor health outcomes compared to those with a higher social position. Whether lower social position also increases the risk of geriatric syndromes (GSs) remains to be determined. This study investigates the association of social position with GSs among older community-dwellers. Methods Three consecutive population-based health surveys in 2006, 2010 and 2014 among older community-dwellers (age 65–84 years) in Stockholm County were combined (n = 17,612) and linked with Swedish administrative registry information. Social position was assessed using registry information (i.e. education, country of origin and civil status) and by self-reports (i.e. type of housing and financial stress). GSs were assessed by self-reports of the following conditions: insomnia, urinary incontinence, functional decline, falls, depressive disorder, hearing or vision problems. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between social position and GSs after adjusting for age, sex, health status, health behavior and social stress. Results The prevalence of GSs was 70.0%, but varied across GSs and ranged from 1.9% for depression to 39.1% for insomnia. Living in rented accommodation, being born outside the Nordic countries, being widowed or divorced were associated with GS presence. Financial stress was most strongly associated with GSs (adjusted odds ratio, 2.59; 95% CI, 2.13–3.15). Conclusion GSs are highly prevalent among older Swedish community-dwellers with wide variations across syndromes and strong association with all measures of social position, most strikingly that of experiencing financial stress.
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Thevelin S, Spinewine A, Beuscart JB, Boland B, Marien S, Vaillant F, Wilting I, Vondeling A, Floriani C, Schneider C, Donzé J, Rodondi N, Cullinan S, O'Mahony D, Dalleur O. Development of a standardized chart review method to identify drug-related hospital admissions in older people. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2600-2614. [PMID: 30007041 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to develop a standardized chart review method to identify drug-related hospital admissions (DRA) in older people caused by non-preventable adverse drug reactions and preventable medication errors including overuse, underuse and misuse of medications: the DRA adjudication guide. METHODS The DRA adjudication guide was developed based on design and test iterations with international and multidisciplinary input in four subsequent steps: literature review; evaluation of content validity using a Delphi consensus technique; a pilot test; and a reliability study. RESULTS The DRA adjudication guide provides definitions, examples and step-by-step instructions to measure DRA. A three-step standardized chart review method was elaborated including: (i) data abstraction; (ii) explicit screening with a newly developed trigger tool for DRA in older people; and (iii) consensus adjudication for causality by a pharmacist and a physician using the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre and Hallas criteria. A 15-member international Delphi panel reached consensus agreement on 26 triggers for DRA in older people. The DRA adjudication guide showed good feasibility of use and achieved moderate inter-rater reliability for the evaluation of 16 cases by four European adjudication pairs (71% agreement, κ = 0.41). Disagreements arose mainly for cases with potential underuse. CONCLUSIONS The DRA adjudication guide is the first standardized chart review method to identify DRA in older persons. Content validity, feasibility of use and inter-rater reliability were found to be satisfactory. The method can be used as an outcome measure for interventions targeted at improving quality and safety of medication use in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Thevelin
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Spinewine
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, CHU Dinant-Godinne UCL Namur, Université catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Jean-Baptiste Beuscart
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit Boland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Marien
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Vaillant
- Pharmacy Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Wilting
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division Laboratory and Pharmacy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ariel Vondeling
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Expertise Centre Pharmacotherapy in Older Persons (EPHOR), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Floriani
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Schneider
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Donzé
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shane Cullinan
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital and Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia Dalleur
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Rausch C, Laflamme L, de Rooij SE, Bültmann U, Möller J. Injurious falls and subsequent adverse drug events among elderly - a Swedish population-based matched case-control study. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:202. [PMID: 28870166 PMCID: PMC5583997 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0594-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fall injuries are stressful and painful and they have a range of serious consequences for older people. While there is some clinical evidence of unintentional poisoning by medication following a severe fall injuries, population-based studies on that association are lacking. This is investigated in the current study, in which attention is also paid to different clinical conditions of the injured patients. Methods We conducted a matched case-control study of Swedish residents 60 years and older from various Swedish population-based registers. Cases defined as adverse drug events (ADE) by unintentional poisoning leading to hospitalization or death were extracted from the National Patient Register (NPR) and the Cause of Death Register from January 2006 to December 2009 (n = 4418). To each case, four controls were matched by sex, age and residential area. Information on injurious falls leading to hospitalization six months prior to the date of hospital admission or death from ADE by unintentional poisoning, and corresponding date for the controls, was extracted from the NPR. Data on clinical conditions, such as dispensed medications, comorbidity and previous fall injuries were also extracted from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR) and NPR. Effect estimates were calculated using conditional logistic regression and presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results We found a three-fold increased risk of unintentional poisoning by medication in the six-month period after an injurious fall (OR 3.03; 95% CI, 2.54–3.74), with the most pronounced increase 1–3 weeks immediately after (OR, 7.66; 95% CI, 4.86–12.1). In that time window, from among those hospitalized for a fall (n = 92), those who sustained an unintentional poisoning (n = 60) tended to be in poorer health condition and receive more prescribed medications than those who did not, although this was not statistically significant. Age stratified analyses revealed a higher risk of poisoning among the younger (aged 60–79 years) than older elderly (80+ years). Conclusion Medication-related poisoning leading to hospitalization or death can be an ADE subsequent to an episode of hospitalization for a fall-related injury. Poisoning is more likely to occur closer to the injurious event and among the younger elderly. It cannot be ruled out that some of those falls are themselves ADE and early signs of greater vulnerability among certain patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-017-0594-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rausch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset 4:th floor, Tomtebodavägen 18A, SE 17177, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, FA10, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - L Laflamme
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset 4:th floor, Tomtebodavägen 18A, SE 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S E de Rooij
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Center for Geriatric Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - U Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, FA10, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Möller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset 4:th floor, Tomtebodavägen 18A, SE 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
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Srivastava A, Kahan M, Nader M. Primary care management of opioid use disorders: Abstinence, methadone, or buprenorphine-naloxone? CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2017; 63:200-205. [PMID: 28292795 PMCID: PMC5349718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To advise physicians on which treatment options to recommend for specific patient populations: abstinence-based treatment, buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance, or methadone maintenance. SOURCES OF INFORMATION PubMed was searched and literature was reviewed on the effectiveness, safety, and side effect profiles of abstinence-based treatment, buprenorphine-naloxone treatment, and methadone treatment. Both observational and interventional studies were included. MAIN MESSAGE Both methadone and buprenorphine-naloxone are substantially more effective than abstinence-based treatment. Methadone has higher treatment retention rates than buprenorphine-naloxone does, while buprenorphine-naloxone has a lower risk of overdose. For all patient groups, physicians should recommend methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone treatment over abstinence-based treatment (level I evidence). Methadone is preferred over buprenorphine-naloxone for patients at higher risk of treatment dropout, such as injection opioid users (level I evidence). Youth and pregnant women who inject opioids should also receive methadone first (level III evidence). If buprenorphine-naloxone is prescribed first, the patient should be promptly switched to methadone if withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or opioid use persist despite an optimal buprenorphine-naloxone dose (level II evidence). Buprenorphine-naloxone is recommended for socially stable prescription oral opioid users, particularly if their work or family commitments make it difficult for them to attend the pharmacy daily, if they have a medical or psychiatric condition requiring regular primary care (level IV evidence), or if their jobs require higher levels of cognitive functioning or psychomotor performance (level III evidence). Buprenorphine-naloxone is also recommended for patients at high risk of methadone toxicity, such as the elderly, those taking high doses of benzodiazepines or other sedating drugs, heavy drinkers, those with a lower level of opioid tolerance, and those at high risk of prolonged QT interval (level III evidence). CONCLUSION Individual patient characteristics and preferences should be taken into consideration when choosing a first-line opioid agonist treatment. For patients at high risk of dropout (such as adolescents and socially unstable patients), treatment retention should take precedence over other clinical considerations. For patients with high risk of toxicity (such as patients with heavy alcohol or benzodiazepine use), safety would likely be the first consideration. However, the most important factor to consider is that opioid agonist treatment is far more effective than abstinence-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Srivastava
- Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto in Ontario and a member of the St Joseph's Urban Family Health Team in Toronto.
| | - Meldon Kahan
- Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Substance Use Service at Women's College Hospital in Toronto
| | - Maya Nader
- Staff physician in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto
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13
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Oscanoa TJ, Lizaraso F, Carvajal A. Hospital admissions due to adverse drug reactions in the elderly. A meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 73:759-770. [PMID: 28251277 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is currently admitted that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) account for a great burden of disease. Of particular concern are ADR-induced hospital admissions, particularly in the elderly; they receive most of the medications and they are the most prone to develop ADRs. Therefore, our aim was to carry out a study of ADR-induced hospital admissions focused on the elderly population. METHODS For the purpose, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of those studies addressing ADR-induced hospital admissions in patients over 60 years of age. A computerized search of the literature was carried out in the main databases. The search spans from 1988 to 2015. A pooled prevalence figure was calculated with 95% CIs; heterogeneity was also explored. RESULTS The final number of selected articles was 42; all of them were published between January 1988 and August 2015. The overall average percentage of hospital admissions was 8.7% (95% CI, 7.6-9.8%). NSAIDs are one of the medication classes more frequently related to these admissions (percentages range from 2.3 to 33.3%). Inappropriate medication as a risk factor was studied in nine studies, four found a statistically significant relationship between those medications and hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS Circa one in ten hospital admissions of older patients are due to ADRs. A great burden of disease is due to a few and identifiable medication classes; in most of the cases, the reactions are well known and probably preventable. A sense of purpose and determination is needed by health authorities to face this problem. Doctors, on their part, should be aware when prescribing some specific identifiable medications to these patients. KEY POINTS 1. One in ten hospital admissions in older patients are due to ADRs; NSAIDs are the medications the most related with these admissions, followed by other common medications used in patients of this age, such as beta-blockers. 2. A great burden of disease is due to medications that are intended to cure or alleviate disease; this burden of disease is not only painful for the patients but also costly. 3. Identified risk factors are particular medication classes and polymedication. In most of the cases, reactions are probably preventable.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Oscanoa
- Departamento de Farmacología de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima District, Peru.,Centro de Investigación de Seguridad de Medicamentos de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Calandrias, Peru
| | - F Lizaraso
- Instituto de Investigación de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Calandrias, Peru
| | - Alfonso Carvajal
- Centro de Estudios sobre la Seguridad de los Medicamentos (CESME), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain. .,School of Medicine, Ramón y Cajal, 7, 47005, Valladolid, Spain.
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Salvi F, Rossi L, Lattanzio F, Cherubini A. Is polypharmacy an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes after an emergency department visit? Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:213-220. [PMID: 27075646 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-016-1451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at verifying the role of polypharmacy as an independent risk factor for adverse health outcomes in older emergency department (ED) patients. This was a large (n = 2057) sample of older ED patients (≥65 years) participating in an observational cohort study. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were defined as having 6-9 drug prescriptions and 10 or more drug prescriptions in the last 3 months, respectively. The total number of medication prescriptions was also available. Outcome measures were in-hospital mortality; 30-day ED return; ED revisit, hospital admission, and mortality at 6 months. Logistic and Cox regression models as well as receiver operating characteristic curves using the Youden index and the area under the curve were calculated. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were present in 624 (30.3 %) and 367 (17.8 %) subjects, respectively. The mean number of prescriptions in the last 3 months was 5.7 (range 0-25) drugs. Polypharmacy and, particularly, excessive polypharmacy were constantly and independently associated with worse outcomes. A cut-off of 6 had the highest value of the Youden Index in predicting the majority of the adverse outcomes considered. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy are independent risk factors for adverse health outcomes after an ED visit. Further studies are needed to clarify whether drug related issues (such as non-compliance, inappropriate or suboptimal prescribing, adverse drug reactions, and drug-drug or drug-disease interactions) or underlying multimorbidity and disease severity, as well as clinical complexity and frailty, are responsible for the negative outcomes associated with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Salvi
- Geriatrics and Emergency Care, IRCCS, Italian National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Via della Montagnola n. 81, 60127, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Lorena Rossi
- Scientific Direction, Italian National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Lattanzio
- Scientific Direction, Italian National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Cherubini
- Geriatrics and Emergency Care, IRCCS, Italian National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Via della Montagnola n. 81, 60127, Ancona, Italy
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Srivastava A, Kahan M, Nader M. [Not Available]. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2017; 63:e153-e159. [PMID: 28292811 PMCID: PMC5349734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectif Conseiller les médecins quant aux options thérapeutiques à recommander à des populations précises de patients : approche axée sur l’abstinence, traitement d’entretien par la buprénorphine-naloxone ou traitement d’entretien par la méthadone. Sources d’information Une recherche sur PubMed a été effectuée, et on a relevé dans les publications les données sur l’efficacité, l’innocuité et le profil d’effets indésirables de l’approche axée sur l’abstinence, du traitement par la buprénorphine-naloxone et du traitement par la méthadone. Les études d’observation et interventionnelles ont été incluses. Message principal La méthadone et la buprénorphine-naloxone sont substantiellement plus efficaces que l’approche axée sur l’abstinence. La méthadone présente un taux de rétention plus élevé que la buprénorphine-naloxone, alors que la buprénorphine-naloxone présente un risque plus faible de surdose. Les médecins devraient recommander le traitement par la méthadone ou la buprénorphine-naloxone plutôt que l’approche axée sur l’abstinence, et ce, à tous les groupes de patients (données de niveau I). La méthadone est préférable à la buprénorphine-naloxone chez les patients qui présentent un risque élevé d’abandon, comme les usagers d’opioïdes par injection (données de niveau I). Les jeunes et les femmes enceintes qui font usage d’opioïdes par injection devraient aussi recevoir la méthadone d’abord (données de niveau III). Si la buprénorphine-naloxone est prescrite en premier, il faut faire passer rapidement le patient à la méthadone si les symptômes de sevrage, les fortes envies ou la consommation d’opioïdes persistent malgré une dose optimale de buprénorphine-naloxone (données de niveau II). La buprénorphine-naloxone est recommandée chez les usagers d’opioïdes sur ordonnance par voie orale socialement stables, surtout s’ils ont un emploi ou si leurs obligations familiales les empêchent de se rendre à la pharmacie tous les jours, s’ils ont une affection médicale ou psychiatrique exigeant des soins réguliers de première ligne (données de niveau IV), ou encore si leur emploi exige une fonction cognitive ou un rendement psychomoteur élevés (données de niveau III). La buprénorphine-naloxone est aussi recommandée chez les patients qui présentent un risque élevé de toxicité à la méthadone, tels que les personnes âgées, les personnes qui prennent de fortes doses de benzodiazépines ou d’autres sédatifs, les gros buveurs, les personnes dont la tolérance aux opioïdes est faible et les personnes à risque de prolongement de l’intervalle QT (données de niveau III). Conclusion Il faut tenir compte des caractéristiques et des préférences individuelles des patients lors de la sélection d’un traitement de première intention par un agoniste des opioïdes. Chez les patients qui présentent un risque élevé d’abandon (adolescents et patients socialement instables), la rétention en traitement doit avoir préséance sur les autres considérations cliniques. Chez les patients qui présentent un risque élevé de toxicité (comme les usagers abusifs d’alcool ou de benzodiazépines), la sécurité a sans doute préséance. Ce qu’il importe le plus de considérer toutefois, c’est que le traitement par un agoniste des opioïdes est beaucoup plus efficace que l’approche axée sur l’abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Srivastava
- Professeure agrégée au Département de médecine familiale et communautaire de l'Université de Toronto, en Ontario, et membre de la St Joseph's Urban Family Health Team, à Toronto.
| | - Meldon Kahan
- Professeur agrégé au Département de médecine familiale et communautaire de l'Université de Toronto et directeur médical du Service de toxicomanie à l'Hôpital Women's College à Toronto
| | - Maya Nader
- Médecin membre du personnel au Département de médecine familiale et communautaire de l'Hôpital St. Michael's à Toronto
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16
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Saraf AA, Petersen AW, Simmons SF, Schnelle JF, Bell SP, Kripalani S, Myers AP, Mixon AS, Long EA, Jacobsen JML, Vasilevskis EE. Medications associated with geriatric syndromes and their prevalence in older hospitalized adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities. J Hosp Med 2016; 11:694-700. [PMID: 27255830 PMCID: PMC5048583 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of the hospitalized older adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have more than 3 geriatric syndromes. Pharmacotherapy may be contributing to geriatric syndromes in this population. OBJECTIVES Develop a list of medications associated with geriatric syndromes and describe their prevalence in patients discharged from acute care to SNFs. DESIGN Literature review and multidisciplinary expert panel discussion, followed by cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Academic medical center in the United States PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-four hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs. MEASUREMENTS Development of a list of medications that are associated with 6 geriatric syndromes. Prevalence of the medications associated with geriatric syndromes was examined in the hospital discharge sample. RESULTS A list of 513 medications was developed as potentially contributing to 6 geriatric syndromes: cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, reduced appetite or weight loss, urinary incontinence, and depression. Medications included 18 categories. Antiepileptics were associated with all syndromes, whereas antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiparkinsonism, and opioid agonists were associated with 5 geriatric syndromes. In the prevalence sample, patients were discharged to SNFs with an overall average of 14.0 (±4.7) medications, including an average of 5.9 (±2.2) medications that could contribute to geriatric syndromes, with falls having the most associated medications at discharge at 5.5 (±2.2). CONCLUSIONS Many commonly prescribed medications are associated with geriatric syndromes. Over 40% of all medications ordered upon discharge to SNFs were associated with geriatric syndromes and could be contributing to the high prevalence of geriatric syndromes experienced by this population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:694-700. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika A Saraf
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alec W Petersen
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sandra F Simmons
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - John F Schnelle
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Susan P Bell
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Amy P Myers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Amanda S Mixon
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily A Long
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - J Mary Lou Jacobsen
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eduard E Vasilevskis
- Center for Quality Aging, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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17
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Bellelli G, Morandi A, Di Santo SG, Mazzone A, Cherubini A, Mossello E, Bo M, Bianchetti A, Rozzini R, Zanetti E, Musicco M, Ferrari A, Ferrara N, Trabucchi M. "Delirium Day": a nationwide point prevalence study of delirium in older hospitalized patients using an easy standardized diagnostic tool. BMC Med 2016; 14:106. [PMID: 27430902 PMCID: PMC4950237 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0649-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, delirium prevalence in adult acute hospital populations has been estimated generally from pooled findings of single-center studies and/or among specific patient populations. Furthermore, the number of participants in these studies has not exceeded a few hundred. To overcome these limitations, we have determined, in a multicenter study, the prevalence of delirium over a single day among a large population of patients admitted to acute and rehabilitation hospital wards in Italy. METHODS This is a point prevalence study (called "Delirium Day") including 1867 older patients (aged 65 years or more) across 108 acute and 12 rehabilitation wards in Italian hospitals. Delirium was assessed on the same day in all patients using the 4AT, a validated and briefly administered tool which does not require training. We also collected data regarding motoric subtypes of delirium, functional and nutritional status, dementia, comorbidity, medications, feeding tubes, peripheral venous and urinary catheters, and physical restraints. RESULTS The mean sample age was 82.0 ± 7.5 years (58 % female). Overall, 429 patients (22.9 %) had delirium. Hypoactive was the commonest subtype (132/344 patients, 38.5 %), followed by mixed, hyperactive, and nonmotoric delirium. The prevalence was highest in Neurology (28.5 %) and Geriatrics (24.7 %), lowest in Rehabilitation (14.0 %), and intermediate in Orthopedic (20.6 %) and Internal Medicine wards (21.4 %). In a multivariable logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05), Activities of Daily Living dependence (OR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.12-1.27), dementia (OR 3.25, 95 % CI 2.41-4.38), malnutrition (OR 2.01, 95 % CI 1.29-3.14), and use of antipsychotics (OR 2.03, 95 % CI 1.45-2.82), feeding tubes (OR 2.51, 95 % CI 1.11-5.66), peripheral venous catheters (OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.06-1.87), urinary catheters (OR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.30-2.29), and physical restraints (OR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.40-2.40) were associated with delirium. Admission to Neurology wards was also associated with delirium (OR 2.00, 95 % CI 1.29-3.14), while admission to other settings was not. CONCLUSIONS Delirium occurred in more than one out of five patients in acute and rehabilitation hospital wards. Prevalence was highest in Neurology and lowest in Rehabilitation divisions. The "Delirium Day" project might become a useful method to assess delirium across hospital settings and a benchmarking platform for future surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bellelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy. .,Geriatric Unit, San Gerardo University Hospital, Monza, Italy. .,Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Morandi
- Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care "Fondazione Camplani" Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | - Simona G Di Santo
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Foundation S Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico Mossello
- Research Unit of Medicine of Ageing, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario Bo
- Section of Geriatrics, Città della Salute e della Scienza - Molinette, Torino, Italy
| | - Angelo Bianchetti
- Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Istituto Clinico S. Anna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Renzo Rozzini
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Poliambulanza Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Musicco
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate (Milan), Italy.,Italian Society of Neurology for Dementia (SINDEM), Siena, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrari
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Neuromotor Physiology, ASMN Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Italian Society of Hospital and Community Geriatrics (SIGOT), Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrara
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS, Scientific Institute of Telese, Telese Terme (BN), Italy.,Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Trabucchi
- Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy.,Tor Vergata, Rome University, Rome, Italy.,Italian Psychogeriatric Association (AIP), Brescia, Italy
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Bell SP, Vasilevskis EE, Saraf AA, Jacobsen JML, Kripalani S, Mixon AS, Schnelle JF, Simmons SF. Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Older Adults Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:715-22. [PMID: 27059831 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, recognition, co-occurrence, and recent onset of geriatric syndromes in individuals transferred from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). DESIGN Quality improvement project. SETTING Acute care academic medical center and 23 regional partner SNFs. PARTICIPANTS Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized between January 2013 and April 2014 and referred to SNFs (N = 686). MEASUREMENTS Project staff measured nine geriatric syndromes: weight loss, lack of appetite, incontinence, and pain (standardized interview); depression (Geriatric Depression Scale); delirium (Brief Confusion Assessment Method); cognitive impairment (Brief Interview for Mental Status); and falls and pressure ulcers (hospital medical record using hospital-implemented screening tools). Estimated prevalence, new-onset prevalence, and common coexisting clusters were determined. The extent to which treating physicians commonly recognized syndromes and communicated them to SNFs in hospital discharge documentation was evaluated. RESULTS Geriatric syndromes were prevalent in more than 90% of hospitalized adults referred to SNFs; 55% met criteria for three or more coexisting syndromes. The most-prevalent syndromes were falls (39%), incontinence (39%), loss of appetite (37%), and weight loss (33%). In individuals who met criteria for three or more syndromes, the most common triad clusters were nutritional syndromes (weight loss, loss of appetite), incontinence, and depression. Treating hospital physicians commonly did not recognize and document geriatric syndromes in discharge summaries, missing 33% to 95% of syndromes present according to research personnel. CONCLUSION Geriatric syndromes in hospitalized older adults transferred to SNFs are prevalent and commonly coexist, with the most frequent clusters including nutritional syndromes, depression, and incontinence. Despite the high prevalence, this clinical information is rarely communicated to SNFs on discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Bell
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eduard E Vasilevskis
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Avantika A Saraf
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - J M L Jacobsen
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.,Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Amanda S Mixon
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - John F Schnelle
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sandra F Simmons
- Center for Quality Aging, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Hsieh SJ, Madahar P, Hope AA, Zapata J, Gong MN. Clinical deterioration in older adults with delirium during early hospitalisation: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007496. [PMID: 26353866 PMCID: PMC4567670 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure the prevalence and incidence of delirium in older adults as they transition from the emergency department (ED) to the inpatient ward, and to determine the association between delirium during early hospitalisation and subsequent clinical deterioration. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Urban tertiary care hospital in Bronx, New York. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 65 years or older admitted to the inpatient ward from the ED (n=260). MEASUREMENTS Beginning in the ED, delirium was assessed daily for 3 days, using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. OUTCOMES (1) Clinical deterioration, defined as unanticipated intensive care unit (ICU) admission or in-hospital death (primary outcome); (2) decline in discharge status, defined as discharge to higher level of care, hospice or in-hospital death. RESULTS 38 of 260 participants (15%) were delirious at least once during the first 3 days of hospitalisation. Of the 29 (11%) patients with delirium in the ED (ie, hospital day 1), delirium persisted into hospital day 2 in 72% (n=21), and persisted for all 3 days in 52% (n=15). In multivariate analyses, as little as 1 episode of delirium during the first 3 days was associated with increased odds of unanticipated ICU admission or in-hospital death (adjusted OR 8.07 (95% CI 1.91 to 34.14); p=0.005). Delirium that persisted for all 3 days was associated with a decline in discharge status, even after adjusting for factors such as severity of illness and baseline cognitive impairment (adjusted OR 4.70 (95% CI 1.41 to 15.63); p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS Delirium during the first few days of hospitalisation was associated with poor outcomes in older adults admitted from the ED to the inpatient ward. These findings suggest the need for serial delirium monitoring that begins in the ED to identify a high-risk population that may benefit from closer follow-up and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jean Hsieh
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Purnema Madahar
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Aluko A Hope
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Zapata
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michelle N Gong
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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20
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Davies EA, O'Mahony MS. Adverse drug reactions in special populations - the elderly. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 80:796-807. [PMID: 25619317 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Conference on Harmonization considers older people a 'special population', as they differ from younger adults in terms of comorbidity, polypharmacy, pharmacokinetics and greater vulnerability to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Medical practice is often based on single disease guidelines derived from clinical trials that have not included frail older people or those with multiple morbidities. This presents a challenge caring for older people, as drug doses in trials may not be achievable in real world patients and risks of ADRs are underestimated in clinical trial populations. The majority of ADRs in older people are Type A, potentially avoidable and associated with commonly prescribed medications. Several ADRs are particularly associated with major adverse consequences in the elderly and their reduction is therefore a clinical priority. Falls are strongly associated with benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, antidepressants and antihypertensives. There is good evidence for medication review as part of a multifactorial intervention to reduce falls risk in community dwelling elderly. Multiple medications also contribute to delirium, another multifactorial syndrome resulting in excess mortality particularly in frail older people. Clostridium difficile associated with use of broad spectrum antibiotics mainly affects frail older people and results in prolonged hospital stay with substantial morbidity and mortality. Antipsychotics increase the risk of stroke by more than three-fold in patients with dementia. Inappropriate prescribing can be reduced by adherence to prescribing guidelines, suitable monitoring and regular medication review. Given the heterogeneity within the older population, providing individualized care is pivotal to preventing ADRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Davies
- Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - M S O'Mahony
- Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Salvi F, Marchetti A, D'Angelo F, Boemi M, Lattanzio F, Cherubini A. Adverse drug events as a cause of hospitalization in older adults. Drug Saf 2013; 35 Suppl 1:29-45. [PMID: 23446784 DOI: 10.1007/bf03319101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Older adults are about four to seven times more likely than younger persons to experience adverse drug events (ADEs) that cause hospitalization, especially if they are women and take multiple medications. The prevalence of drug-related hospitalizations has been reported to be as high as 31%, with large heterogeneity between different studies, depending on study setting (all hospital admissions or only acute hospital admissions), study population (entire hospital, specific wards, selected population and/or age groups), type of drug-related problem measured (adverse drug reaction or ADE), method of data collection (chart review, spontaneous reporting or database research) and method and definition used to detect ADEs. The higher risk of drug-related hospitalizations in older adults is mainly caused by age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, a higher number of chronic conditions and polypharmacy, which is often associated with the use of potentially inappropriate drugs. Other factors that have been involved are errors related to prescription or administration of drugs, medication non-adherence and inadequate monitoring of pharmacological therapies. A few commonly used drugs are responsible for the majority of emergency hospitalizations in older subjects, i.e. warfarin, oral antiplatelet agents, insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents, central nervous system agents. The aims of the present review are to summarize recent evidence concerning drug-related hospitalization in older adults, to assess the contribution of specific medications, and to identify potential interventions able to reduce the occurrence of these drug-related events, as they are, at least partly, potentially preventable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Salvi
- Geriatrics and Geriatric Emergency Care, Italian National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Via della Montagnola n. 81, 60127, Ancona, Italy
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Nickel CH, Ruedinger JM, Messmer AS, Maile S, Peng A, Bodmer M, Kressig RW, Kraehenbuehl S, Bingisser R. Drug-related emergency department visits by elderly patients presenting with non-specific complaints. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2013; 21:15. [PMID: 23497667 PMCID: PMC3601989 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-21-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since drug-related emergency department (ED) visits are common among older adults, the objectives of our study were to identify the frequency of drug-related problems (DRPs) among patients presenting to the ED with non-specific complaints (NSC), such as generalized weakness and to evaluate responsible drug classes. Methods Delayed type cross-sectional diagnostic study with a prospective 30 day follow-up in the ED of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. From May 2007 until April 2009, all non-trauma patients presenting to the ED with an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) of 2 or 3 were screened and included, if they presented with non-specific complaints. After having obtained complete 30-day follow-up, two outcome assessors reviewed all available information, judged whether the initial presentation was a DRP and compared their judgment with the initial ED diagnosis. Acute morbidity (“serious condition”) was allocated to individual cases according to predefined criteria. Results The study population consisted of 633 patients with NSC. Median age was 81 years (IQR 72/87), and the mean Charlson comorbidity index was 2.5 (IQR 1/4). DRPs were identified in 77 of the 633 cases (12.2%). At the initial assessment, only 40% of the DRPs were correctly identified. 64 of the 77 identified DRPs (83%) fulfilled the criteria “serious condition”. Polypharmacy and certain drug classes (thiazides, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants) were associated with DRPs. Conclusion Elderly patients with non-specific complaints need to be screened systematically for drug-related problems. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00920491
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian H Nickel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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