Drug-Drug Interactions in Elderly Patients with Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Primary Care, Nursing Home and Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review and a Preliminary Study

Educational interventions to reduce depression and anxiety in older adults with cancer in the community: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Older adults make up half of those with cancer and are prone to mood disorders, such as depression and severe anxiety, resulting in negative repercussions on their health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL). Educational interventions have been shown to reduce adverse psychological outcomes. We examined the effect of educational interventions on the severity of psychological outcomes in older adults with cancer (OAC) in the community.

METHOD

This PRISMA-adherent systematic review involved a search of PubMed, MedLine, Embase and PsycINFO for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated educational interventions impacting the severity of depression, anxiety and HRQOL in OAC. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used for the primary analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs were included. Meta-analyses showed a statistically insignificant decrease in the severity of depression (SMD = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.69; 0.09), anxiety (SMD = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.73; 0.13) and improvement in overall HRQOL scores (SMD = 0.44, 95%CI: -0.16; 1.04). However, subgroup analyses revealed that these interventions were particularly effective in reducing the severity of depression and anxiety in specific groups, such as OAC aged 60-65, those with early-stage cancer, those with lung cancer and those treated with chemotherapy. A systematic review found that having attained a higher education and income level increased the efficacy of interventions in decreasing the severity of adverse psychological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although overall meta-analyses were statistically insignificant, subgroup meta-analyses highlighted a few specific subgroups that the educational interventions were effective for. Future interventions can be implemented to target these vulnerable groups.

Analyzing the Iatrogenic Triad: Discovering Strategies for Preventing Harm in the Elderly

Objectives

The iatrogenic triad is a significant global health problem in the elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate the iatrogenic triad in the elderly and identify potential preventive measures to mitigate its occurrence.

Materials and Methods

A preliminary observational study was conducted on 150 ambulatory elderly patients to assess potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), polypharmacy, and drug interactions. The AGS Beers Criteria 2019, Polypharmacy, Medication Complexity Regimen Index (MRCI), and Micromedex (a drug information software) were used to assess the harmful triad. Before and after data collection, we observed, identified, and unfolded potential strategies to avoid the harmful triad in the elderly population.

Results

MRCI is 30.49 ± 13.77, suggesting a moderate level of complexity in the drug regimens of elderly patients. Among the PIMs identified by the AGS Beer criteria for 2019, glimepiride (45) and diclofenac (23) were found to be the most frequently prescribed. Moderate-level drug-drug interactions were identified between aspirin and metoprolol (20), metoprolol and metformin (13), and aspirin and enalapril (11). All drug-ethanol and drug-food interactions were rapid and often unknown to patients. Furthermore, the study found that MRCI and polypharmacy were significantly associated with the number of PIMs and drug interactions (p < 0.01). Based on data collection, this study identified three possible ways to prevent the iatrogenic triad in elderly patients: interaction, collaboration, and continuing education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study sheds light on medication regimen complexity, PIMs, and drug interactions in elderly patients. The study also highlights three possible ways to prevent the iatrogenic triad: interaction, collaboration, and continuing education. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can help prevent harm and improve the quality of care for elderly patients.

Use of potentially inappropriate medication for elderly patients in tertiary care hospital of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives

The elderly population is affected by chronic diseases and lifelong medication. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria is a comprehensive approach to medication usage in the older population to reduce potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use. The purpose of this study was to assess the usage of PIMs in elderly patients upon discharge from tertiary care hospital settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using the AGS Beers Criteria 2019.

Methods

The data was obtained from the medical records of 1237 patients (>65 years) who were discharged from medical or surgical wards at two hospitals affiliated with King Abdulaziz Medical City. The data was analyzed to determine the prevalence of PIM prescription, and the proportional odds of the independent factors influencing outcomes were estimated using ordinal regression analysis for criteria 1 and 2, while Binary regression analysis was conducted for criterion 3.

Results

There were approximately equal numbers of male and female participants in our study (male: 50.8 % vs. female: 49.2 %). One-third of the patients were above the age of 80 years, with 41 % being between the ages of 70 and 80 years. Moreover, almost 70 % of the samples had chronic illnesses. The overall prevalence of PIMs was 29.2 %, with 11 % of PIMs to be avoided in elderly patients and 17 % to be used with caution in the elderly, while disease-specific PIMs were identified in 1.2 % of the patients. The most common PIM class was proton pump inhibitors (44.41 %), and patients discharged from the surgical unit were more likely to be prescribed PIMs. Proton pump inhibitors (44.41 %) were the most inappropriately prescribed drug class, and patients discharged from the surgical unit were more likely to be prescribed PIMs.

Conclusion

The study noticed that male gender, the presence of multiple diseases, and obesity are associated with more than one PIM prescription. There is a need to streamline the surgical department's prescription procedure to eliminate prescription disparities. Prescription monitoring is recommended to avoid medication errors, particularly in patients who are taking multiple medications.

Factors Associated With PIM use in the Frail Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) by the elderly is commonly studied, but studies evaluating the use of PIM by frail elderly covered by prepaid health plans are still lacking. Objective: To identify the prevalence of use and the factors associated with the use of PIM by the elderly patients with high and moderate risk of clinical-functional vulnerability, according to the Beers criteria 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with elderly people from a private health plan in Vitória-ES, Brazil. Socioeconomic, demographic and clinical data were collected through a digital platform and a structured questionnaire through an interview, from October 2018 to June 2019. The association between the use of PIM and independent variables was verified by univariate logistic regression with their respective confidence intervals (CI) 95%. The Multiple Model included the variables with P ≤ .20. Results: 332 elderly patients were interviewed (mean age 81.5 years, gender 237 female, 95 male). A 65% prevalence of PIM use was identified. In the multiple logistic regression model, the variables associated with the use of PIM were self-medication (P = .004), high risk of clinical-functional vulnerability (P = .022), use of psychotropic medications (P = .000001), musculoskeletal medications (P = .04) and alimentary tract medications (P = .03). Physical exercises were considered a protection factor (P = .02). Conclusion: The high prevalence of PIM use indicates the need for improvement in elderly private health care, to increase pharmacotherapy safety for this population.

Performance of potentially inappropriate medications assessment tools in older Indian patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use are common problems in older adults. Safe prescription practices are a necessity. The tools employed for the identification of PIM sometimes do not concur with each other.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients ≥60 years who visited the Geriatric Oncology Clinic of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India from 2018 to 2021 was performed. Beer's-2015, STOPP/START criteria v2, PRISCUS-2010, Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA)-2018, and the EU(7)-PIM list-2015 were the tools used to assess PIM. Every patient was assigned a standardized PIM value (SPV) for each scale, which represented the ratio of the number of PIMs identified by a given scale to the total number of medications taken. The median SPV of all five tools was considered the reference standard for each patient. Bland-Altman plots were utilized to determine agreement between each scale and the reference. Association between baseline variables and PIM use was determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 467 patients included in this analysis, there were 372 (79.66%) males and 95 (20.34%) females with an average age of 70 ± 5.91 years. The EU(7)-PIM list was found to have the highest level of agreement given by a bias estimate of 0.010, the lowest compared to any other scale. The 95% CI of the bias was in the narrow range of -0.001 to 0.022, demonstrating the precision of the estimate. In comparison, the bias (95%) CI of Beer's criteria, STOPP/START criteria, PRISCUS list, and FORTA list were -0.039 (-0.053 to -0.025), 0.076 (0.060 to 0.092), 0.035 (0.021 to 0.049), and -0.148 (-0.165 to -0.130), respectively. Patients on polypharmacy had significantly higher PIM use compared to those without (OR = 1.47 (1.33-1.63), p = <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The EU(7)-PIM list was found to have the least bias and hence can be considered the most reliable among all other tools studied.

Associated adverse health outcomes of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes

Aim: This study aimed to identify the association of chronic polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) with adverse health outcomes (AHOs) in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes in China. Methods: A 2-year retrospective cohort study was conducted using 11,829 community-followed older adults with diabetes and medical records from 83 hospitals and 702 primary care centers in Shenzhen, China. Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were identified from prescription records using Beers' criteria, and their associated AHO was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of chronic polypharmacy and at least one PIM exposure was 46.37% and 55.09%, respectively. The top five PIMs were diuretics, benzodiazepines, first-generation antihistamines, sulfonylureas, and insulin (sliding scale). Chronic polypharmacy was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for coronary heart disease, admission for stroke, admission for dementia, and emergency department visits. Exposure to PIMs was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for heart failure (PIMs ≥2), admission for stroke (PIMs ≥3), emergency department visits, bone fracture, constipation, and diarrhea. Conclusion: Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were prevalent in older adults with diabetes in Chinese communities. Iatrogenic exposure to chronic polypharmacy and PIMs is associated with a higher incidence of different AHOs. This observational evidence highlights the necessity of patient-centered medication reviews for chronic polypharmacy and PIMs use in older patients with diabetes in primary care facilities in China and draws attention to the caution of polypharmacy, especially PIM use in older adults with diabetes in clinical practice.

Managing Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults Through a Digital Care Solution: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Aging is closely associated with an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions. Digital musculoskeletal care interventions emerged to deliver timely and proper rehabilitation; however, older adults frequently face specific barriers and concerns with digital care programs (DCPs).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether known barriers and concerns of older adults impacted their participation in or engagement with a DCP or the observed clinical outcomes in comparison with younger individuals.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a single-arm investigation assessing the recovery of patients with musculoskeletal conditions following a DCP for up to 12 weeks. Patients were categorized according to age: ≤44 years old (young adults), 45-64 years old (middle-aged adults), and ≥65 years old (older adults). DCP access and engagement were evaluated by assessing starting proportions, completion rates, ability to perform exercises autonomously, assistance requests, communication with their physical therapist, and program satisfaction. Clinical outcomes included change between baseline and program end for pain (including response rate to a minimal clinically important difference of 30%), analgesic usage, mental health, work productivity, and non-work-related activity impairment.

RESULTS

Of 16,229 patients, 12,082 started the program: 38.3% (n=4629) were young adults, 55.7% (n=6726) were middle-aged adults, and 6% (n=727) were older adults. Older patients were more likely to start the intervention and to complete the program compared to young adults (odds ratio [OR] 1.72, 95% CI 1.45-2.06; P<.001 and OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.97-2.92; P<.001, respectively) and middle-aged adults (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45; P=.03 and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14-1.68; P=.001, respectively). Whereas older patients requested more technical assistance and exhibited a slower learning curve in exercise performance, their engagement was higher, as reflected by higher adherence to both exercise and education pieces. Older patients interacted more with the physical therapist (mean 12.6, SD 18.4 vs mean 10.7, SD 14.7 of young adults) and showed higher satisfaction scores (mean 8.7, SD 1.9). Significant improvements were observed in all clinical outcomes and were similar between groups, including pain response rates (young adults: 949/1516, 62.6%; middle-aged adults: 1848/2834, 65.2%; and older adults: 241/387, 62.3%; P=.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults showed high adherence, engagement, and satisfaction with the DCP, which were greater than in their younger counterparts, together with significant clinical improvements in all studied outcomes. This suggests DCPs can successfully address and overcome some of the barriers surrounding the participation and adequacy of digital models in the older adult population.

A Case of Milk-Alkali Syndrome Caused by Diuretic-Induced Alkalosis and Polypharmacy

Milk-alkali syndrome, which is characterized by hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal dysfunction, typically results from the ingestion of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkaline products. However, these symptoms can also manifest when alkalosis and calcium loading occur simultaneously, owing to other factors. We report a case of milk-alkali syndrome caused by loop-diuretic-induced alkaline load and polypharmacy in an 85-year-old Japanese woman with multiple comorbidities, including osteoporosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and Parkinson's disease. The patient regularly took 14 drugs, including calcium L-aspartate, eldecalcitol, celecoxib, and a fixed-dose combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Immediately before admission, furosemide was administered for the treatment of edema. The patient presented with chest discomfort, general malaise, and clinical signs of dehydration, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, accompanied by electrocardiogram abnormalities, renal dysfunction, and chloride-resistant metabolic alkalosis. The hypercalcemia was specifically induced by calcium L-aspartate and eldecalcitol. The hypomagnesaemia and hypophosphatemia were caused by diuretics and hypercalcemia. Thus, all the oral medications were discontinued, and rehydration and electrolyte correction therapy were administered. The final diagnosis was milk-alkali syndrome caused by the concomitant use of loop diuretics and other medications, without absorbable alkaline preparation use. This case underscores the importance of considering drug-related factors, checking concomitant medications, and being aware of the benefits, harmful effects, and side effects of polypharmacy in older adults with multimorbidity.

Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults-Prevalence, Trends and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

(1) Background: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults are associated with drug-related problems, adverse health consequences, repeated hospital admissions and a higher risk of mortality. In Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries, studies of PIMs among large cohorts of older adults are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PIMs, trends and associated factors among outpatient older adults in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Over three years (2017-2019), data on 23,417 people (≥65 years) were retrieved from outpatient clinics in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PIMs were assessed using the 2019 Beers Criteria. Covariates included sex, age, nationality, number of dispensed medications, and number of diagnoses. A generalized estimating equation model was used to assess trends and factors associated with PIMs. (3) Results: The prevalence of PIMs was high and varied between 57.2% and 63.6% over the study years. Compared with 2017, the prevalence of PIMs increased significantly, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) of 1.23 (1.18-1.29) and 1.15 (1.10-1.21) for 2018 and 2019, respectively. Factors associated with being prescribed PIMs included ≥5 dispensed medications (OR_adjusted = 23.91, 95% CI = 21.47-26.64) and ≥5 diagnoses (OR_adjusted = 3.20, 95% CI = 2.88-3.56). Compared with females, males had a lower risk of being prescribed PIMs (OR_adjusted = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85-0.94); (4) Conclusions: PIMs were common with an increasing trend among older adults in Saudi Arabia. A higher number of dispensed medications, increased number of diagnoses and female sex were associated with being prescribed PIMs. Recommendations on how to optimize prescriptions and implement de-prescribing strategies are urgently needed.

Global Mapping of Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing for Older Adults in Community Settings: An Umbrella Review

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is a major public health concern with several undesirable health consequences for older adults. In this overview, we aimed to map and gather information from existing literature to provide a better insight into the prevalence of PIP among community dwellers. Electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 2022. The quality of the included systematic reviews (SRs) was assessed using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews checklist. The degree of overlap within the SRs was also evaluated (2% overlap). All SRs on the prevalence of PIP in older individuals in community settings were included, and a narrative approach was used to synthesize data. Nineteen SRs comprising 548 primary studies met the inclusion criteria, and the average quality of the included SRs was moderate. More than half (50.5%) of the primary studies were conducted in Europe, followed by the United States (22.8%), and Asia (18.9%). Thirty different criteria were used in the primary studies to estimate the prevalence of PIP. The most widely used criteria were those presented in Beers (41.8%) and STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions)/START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) (21.8%) criteria. Benzodiazepines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants were the most frequently reported PIPs. A considerable variation in the prevalence of PIP ranging from 0% to 98% was reported by SRs. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the extent of PIP in community settings. To identify knowledge-to-action gaps, SR authors should consider the differences in prevalence of PIP according to settings, applied tools, data sources, geographical areas, and specific pathologies. There is also a need for primary and SR studies from low- and middle-income countries regarding the prevalence of PIP.

Potentially inappropriate medications use in a psychiatric elderly care hospital: A cross-sectional study using Beers criteria

Background and Aims

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) carry risks that outweigh any potential benefits when compared to safer or more effective alternative treatments. Adverse drug events are more likely to occur in older adults with psychiatric diseases due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and age-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of PIM use in an aged care hospital's psychogeriatric division, using the American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria 2019.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on all current inpatients, having a mental disorder and aged ≥65 years, in one elderly care hospital in Beirut, from March to May 2022. Medications, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected from patients' medical records. PIMs were evaluated based on Beers criteria 2019. Independent variables were described using descriptive statistics. Factors associated with PIM use were identified by bivariate analysis followed by binary logistic regression. A two-sided p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study included 147 patients, with a mean age of 76.3 years, 46.9% of them having schizophrenia, 68.7% using 5 or more drugs and 90.5% taking at least 1 PIM. The most prescribed PIMs were antipsychotics (40.2%), anticholinergics (16%), and antidepressants (7.8%). PIM use was significantly associated with polypharmacy (AOR = 20.88, 95% CI: 1.22-357.87, p = 0.04) and anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) score (AOR = 7.25, 95% CI: 1.13-46.52, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

PIMs were highly prevalent among hospitalized Lebanese psychiatric elderly. Polypharmacy and ACB score were the determinants of PIM use. A multidisciplinary medication review led by a clinical pharmacist could reduce PIM use.

Potentially inappropriate medication among older patients with diabetic kidney disease

Objective: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) contribute to poor outcomes in older patients, making it a widespread health problem. The study explored the occurrence and risk factors of PIM in older diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients during hospitalization and investigated whether polypharmacy was associated with it. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the patients ≥ 65 years old diagnosed with DKD from July to December 2020; the PIM was evaluated according to the American Beers Criteria (2019). Factors with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included in Logistic multivariate analysis to explore the potential risk factors related to PIM. Results: Included 186 patients, 65.6% of patients had PIM, and 300 items were confirmed. The highest incidence of PIM was 41.7% for drugs that should be carefully used by the older, followed by 35.3% that should be avoided during hospitalization. The incidence of PIM related to diseases or symptoms, drug interactions to avoid, and drugs to avoid or reduce dose for renal insufficiency patients were 6.3%, 4.0% and 12.7%, respectively. The medications with a high incidence of PIM were diuretics (35.0%), benzodiazepines (10.7%) and peripheral ɑ1 blockers (8.7%). Compared with hospitalization, there were 26% of patients had increased PIM at discharge. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacy during hospitalization was an independent risk factor for PIM, OR = 4.471 (95% CI: 2.378, 8.406). Conclusion: The incidence of PIM in hospitalized older DKD patients is high; we should pay more attention to the problem of polypharmacy in these patients. Pharmacists identifying the subtypes and risk factors for PIM may facilitate risk reduction for older DKD patients.

Clinical Relevance of Drug-Drug Interactions With Antibiotics as Listed in a National Medication Formulary: Results From Two Large Population-Based Case-Control Studies in Patients Aged 65-100 Years Using Linked English Primary Care and Hospital Data

This study evaluated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between antibiotic and nonantibiotic drugs listed with warnings of severe outcomes in the British National Formulary based on adverse drug reaction (ADR) detectable with routine International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision coding. Data sources were Clinical Practice Research Databank GOLD and Aurum anonymized electronic health records from English general practices linked to hospital admission records. In propensity-matched case-control study, outcomes were ADR or emergency admissions. Analyzed were 121,546 ADR-related admission cases matched to 638,238 controls. For most antibiotics, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for ADR-related hospital admission were large (aOR for trimethoprim 4.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.97-4.30). Of the 51 DDIs evaluated for ADR-related admissions, 38 DDIs (74.5%) had statistically increased aORs of concomitant exposure compared with nonexposure (mean aOR 3.96; range 1.59-11.42); for the 89 DDIs for emergency hospital admission, the results were 75 (84.3%) and mean aOR 2.40; range 1.43-4.17. Changing reference group to single antibiotic exposure reduced aORs for concomitant exposure by 76.5% and 83.0%, respectively. Medicines listed to cause nephrotoxicity substantially increased risks that were related to number of medicines (aOR was 2.55 (95% CI, 2.46-2.64) for current use of 1 and 10.44 (95% CI, 7.36-14.81) for 3 or more medicines). In conclusion, no evidence of substantial risk was found for multiple DDIs with antibiotics despite warnings of severe outcomes in a national formulary and flagging in electronic health record software. It is proposed that the evidence base for inclusion of DDIs in national formularies be strengthened and made publicly accessible and indiscriminate flagging, which compounds alert fatigue, be reduced.

Prevalence and associated factors of drug-drug interactions in elderly outpatients in a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study based on three databases

Background

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are factors of adverse drug reactions and are more common in elderly patients. Identifying potential DDIs can prevent the related risks. Fewer studies of potential DDIs in prescribing for elderly patients in outpatient clinics. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors with potential DDIs and potentially clinically significant DDIs (csDDIs) among elderly outpatients based on 3 DDIs databases.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on outpatients (≥65 years old) of a tertiary care hospital in China between January and March 2022. Patients' prescriptions, including at least 1 systemic drug, were consecutively collected. The potential DDIs were identified by Lexicomp^®, Micromedex^®, and DDInter. Patient-related clinical parameter recorded at the prescriptions and DDIs with higher risk rating was analyzed. Variables showing association in univariate analysis (P<0.2) were included in logistic regression analysis. Weighted kappa analysis was used to analyze the consistencies of different databases.

Results

A total of 19,991 elderly outpatients were involved in the study, among whom 21,527 drug combinations including 486 drugs occurred. Lexicomp^®, Micromedex^®, and DDInter respectively identified 32.22%, 32.93%, and 22.62% of patients have at least one potential DDIs, meanwhile, 9.16%, 14.53%, and 4.56% of patients have at least one potential csDDIs. Under any evaluation criteria, polypharmacy and neurology visits were risk factors for csDDIs. Lexicomp^® has the highest coverage rate (87.86%) for drugs. Micromedex^® identified the most csDDIs (740 drug combinations). Drugs used in diabetes and psycholeptics were frequently found in the csDDIs of 2 commercial databases. The consistency between Lexicomp^® and Micromedex^® was moderate (weighted kappa 0.473). DDInter had fair consistencies with the other databases.

Conclusions

This study showed the prevalence of potential DDIs is high in elderly outpatients and potential csDDIs were prevalent. Considering the relative risk, pre-warning of potential DDIs before outpatient prescribing is necessary. As the consistencies among identification criteria are not good, more research is needed to focus on actual adverse outcomes to promote accurate prevention of csDDIs.

Drug-drug interactions in nursing home residents: analysis from the COME-ON trial

BACKGROUND

as a result of the high prevalence of polypharmacy in nursing homes (NHs), nursing home residents (NHRs) are exposed to numerous drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that can lead to adverse drug effects, and increased morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate (i) the prevalence of DDIs among NHRs and its evolution over time, and (ii) factors associated with a favourable evolution.

DESIGN

posthoc analysis of the COME-ON study, a cluster-randomised controlled trial aiming at reducing potentially inappropriate prescriptions in NHs, through the implementation of a complex intervention.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

901 NHRs from 54 Belgian NHs.

METHODS

DDIs were identified using a validated list of 66 potentially clinically relevant DDIs in older adults. We defined a favourable evolution at 15 months as the resolution of at least one DDI present at baseline, without the introduction of any new DDI. Factors associated with a favourable evolution were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

at baseline, 475 NHRs (52.7%) were exposed to at least 1 DDI and 225 NHRs (25.0%) to more than one DDI. Most common DDI was 'Concomitant use of at least three central nervous system active drugs'. At 15 months, we observed a 6.3% absolute decrease in DDI prevalence in intervention group, and a 1.0% absolute increase in control group. The intervention, older age and private NH ownership were significantly associated with a favourable DDI evolution.

CONCLUSION

a high prevalence of DDI in Belgian NHs was observed, but the COME-ON intervention was associated with a favourable evolution over time.

Pharmacist Intervention in Portuguese Older Adult Care

Healthy ageing has become one of the most significant challenges in a society with an increasing life expectancy. Older adults have a greater prevalence of chronic disease, with the need for multiple medications to appropriately control these issues. In addition to their health concerns, ageing individuals are prone to loneliness, dependence, and economic issues, which may affect their quality of life. Governments and health professionals worldwide have developed various strategies to promote active and healthy ageing to improve the quality of life of older adults. Pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals, easily accessible to the population, thus playing a pivotal role in medication management. Their proximity to the patient puts them in a unique position to provide education and training to improve therapeutic adherence and identify medication-related problems. This paper aims to address the importance of Portuguese community pharmacists in the medication management of older adults, emphasising their intervention in health promotion, patient education, medication-related problems, deprescription, dose administration aids, and medication review and reconciliation. We also discuss home delivery services and medication management in long-term care facilities.

Colchicine and macrolides: a cohort study of the risk of adverse outcomes associated with concomitant exposure

Colchicine is increasingly used as the number of potential indications expands. However, it also has a narrow therapeutic index that is associated with bothersome to severe side effects. When concomitantly use with medications inhibiting its metabolism, higher plasma levels will result and increase likelihood of colchicine toxicity. We conducted a cohort study using electronic health records comparing encounters with colchicine plus a macrolide and colchicine with an antibiotic non-macrolide. We assessed the relationship between the two groups using adjusted multivariate logistic regression models and the risk of rhabdomyolysis, pancytopenia, muscular weakness, heart failure, acute hepatic failure and death. 12670 patients on colchicine plus an antibiotic non-macrolide were compared to 2199 patients exposed to colchicine plus a macrolide. Patients exposed to colchicine and a macrolide were majority men (n = 1329, 60.4%) and white (n = 1485, 67.5%) in their late sixties (mean age in years 68.4, SD 15.6). Heart failure was more frequent in the colchicine plus a macrolide cohort (n = 402, 18.3%) vs the colchicine non-macrolide one (n = 1153, 9.1%) (p < 0.0001) and also had a higher mortality rate [(85 (3.87%) vs 289 (2.28%), p < 0.0001 macrolides vs non-macrolides cohorts, respectively]. When the sample was limited to individuals exposed to either clarithromycin or erythromycin and colchicine, the adjusted OR for acute hepatic failure was 2.47 (95% CI 1.04–5.91) and 2.06 for death (95% CI 1.07–3.97). There is a significant increase in the risk of hepatic failure and mortality when colchicine is concomitantly administered with a macrolide. Colchicine should not be used concomitantly with these antibiotics or should be temporarily discontinued to avoid toxic levels of colchicine.

Drug–Drug Interactions with Oral Anticoagulants as Potentially Inappropriate Medications: Prevalence and Outcomes in Elderly Patients in Primary Care and Hospital Settings

Direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists are considered as potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in several situations according to Beers Criteria. Drug–drug interactions (DDI) occurring specifically with these oral anticoagulants considered PIM (PIM–DDI) is an issue since it could enhance their inappropriate character and lead to adverse drug events, such as bleeding events. The aim of this study was (1) to describe the prevalence of oral anticoagulants as PIM, DDI and PIM–DDI in elderly patients in primary care and during hospitalization and (2) to evaluate their potential impact on the clinical outcomes by predicting hospitalization for bleeding events using machine learning methods. This retrospective study based on the linkage between a primary care database and a hospital data warehouse allowed us to display the oral anticoagulant treatment pathway. The prevalence of PIM was similar between primary care and hospital setting (22.9% and 20.9%), whereas the prevalence of DDI and PIM–DDI were slightly higher during hospitalization (47.2% vs. 58.9% and 19.5% vs. 23.5%). Concerning mechanisms, combined with CYP3A4–P-gp interactions as PIM–DDI, were among the most prevalent in patients with bleeding events. Although PIM, DDI and PIM–DDI did not appeared as major predictors of bleeding events, they should be considered since they are the only factors that can be optimized by pharmacist and clinicians.

Facing the challenge of polypharmacy when prescribing for older people with cardiovascular disease. A review by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy

Population ageing has resulted in an increasing number of older people living with chronic diseases (multimorbidity) requiring five or more medications daily (polypharmacy). Ageing produces important changes in the cardiovascular system and represents the most potent single cardiovascular risk factor. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the greatest burden for older people, their caregivers, and healthcare systems. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy in older people is complex because age-related changes in body composition, organ function, homeostatic mechanisms, and comorbidities modify the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of many commonly used cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular drugs. Additionally, polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions, which in turn can lead to increased morbi-mortality and healthcare costs. Unfortunately, evidence of drug efficacy and safety in older people with multimorbidity and polypharmacy is limited because these individuals are frequently underrepresented/excluded from clinical trials. Moreover, clinical guidelines are largely written with a single-disease focus and only occasionally address the issue of coordination of care, when and how to discontinue treatments, if required, or how to prioritize recommendations for patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This review analyses the main challenges confronting healthcare professionals when prescribing in older people with CVD, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. Our goal is to provide information that can contribute to improving drug prescribing, efficacy, and safety, as well as drug adherence and clinical outcomes.

Prioritising Risk Factors for Prescription Drug Overdose among Older Adults in South Korea: A Multi-Method Study

Older adults are vulnerable to drug overdose. We used a multi-method approach to prioritise risk factors for prescription drug overdose among older adults. The study was conducted in two stages. First, risk factors for drug overdose were classified according to importance and changeability through literature review, determined through 2-phase expert surveys. Second, prescription drug overdose cases during 2011–2015 were selected from a national cohort; the prevalence of ‘more important’ or ‘more changeable’ factors determined in stage one was investigated. Scores were assigned according to the Basic Priority Rating Scale formula, reflecting the problem size and seriousness and intervention effectiveness. In the first stage, polypharmacy, old-old age, female sex, chronic disease, psychiatric disease, and low socioeconomic status (SES) were selected as risk factors. In the second stage, 93.9% of cases enrolled had chronic medical disease; 78.3% were using multiple drugs. Low SES was more prevalent than other risk factors. As per the scoring formula, chronic medical disease, polypharmacy, psychiatric disease, low SES, female sex, and old-old age were the most important risk factors in order of priority. Patients with chronic medical disease and those using multiple medications should be prioritised in overdose prevention interventions among older adults.