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Densham E, Youssef E, Ferguson O, Winter R. The effect of statins on falls and physical activity in people aged 65 and older: A systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:657-668. [PMID: 38353691 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Statins are commonly prescribed medications with recognised side effects including muscle weakness. Despite this, little is known about their effect on the physical activity and falls risk in the older population. This paper aims to explore the relationship between statin use and the physical activity and falls risk in adults aged 65 and older. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched on 21/11/2022 to obtain relevant articles. Data considered appropriate included that relating to muscle strength, grip strength, gait speed, balance and falls incidence. Reference and citation searches were performed to identify further relevant papers, and all eligible articles were subject to a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) to assess potential bias. With the data being highly heterogeneous, no attempt to measure effect size was made and a narrative synthesis approach was used. The review proposal was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022366159. RESULTS Twenty articles were included. Data were inconsistent throughout, with the overall trend suggesting no significant negative effects of statins on the parameters of physical activity, or on falls risk. This was especially true in matched and adjusted cohorts, where potential confounders had been accounted for. CONCLUSION This review did not identify a relationship between statin use and physical activity and falls risk in people aged 65 years and older. Ultimately, the risks and benefits of every medication should be considered in the context of each individual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca Winter
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Thompson W, McDonald EG. Polypharmacy and Deprescribing in Older Adults. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:113-127. [PMID: 37729029 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-070822-101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Older adults commonly end up on many medications. Deprescribing is an important part of individualizing care for older adults. It is an opportunity to discuss treatment options and revisit medications that may not have been reassessed in many years. A large evidence base exists in the field, suggesting that deprescribing is feasible and safe, though questions remain about the potential clinical benefits. Deprescribing research faces a myriad of challenges, such as identifying and employing the optimal outcome measures. Further, there is uncertainty about which deprescribing approaches are likely to be most effective and in what contexts. Evidence on barriers and facilitators to deprescribing has underscored how deprescribing in routine clinical practice can be complex and challenging. Thus, finding practical, sustainable ways to implement deprescribing is a priority for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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El-Dahiyat F, Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, Hassan N, Jairoun S, Jaber AAS. Are pharmacists' knowledge and practice the key to promoting deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medication: a missing link between treatment and outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023:7146786. [PMID: 37116892 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deprescribing is a novel strategy whereby medical professionals aim to optimize a patient's prescription program by removing redundant medications. Few studies have looked at the viewpoints of community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on deprescribing in daily practice. This study's objectives included evaluating community pharmacists' deprescribing knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as identifying the obstacles to and enablers of deprescribing in daily practice. METHODS Five pharmacy students in the last year of their studies polled employees of neighbourhood pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates from April 2022 to July 2022. The study's questionnaire was divided into two sections: questions that inquired about the respondents' demographic data and questions that evaluated the respondents' understanding and usage of the deprescribing of potentially harmful medications for patients. The original Bloom's cutoff points were revised and modified to assess the general knowledge and deprescribing practices of United Arab Emirates (UAE) community pharmacists. Multivariate logistic regression identified the variables influencing respondents' deprescribing knowledge and practice. KEY FINDINGS The average age of the participants was 30.8 ± 6.4 SD. Of the total, 255 (37.7%) were male and 422 (62.3%) were female. Pharmacists from independent pharmacies constituted 52.9% of the study sample and 47.1% were from Chain pharmacies. Among the participants, 58.8% (n = 398) had 1-5 years of experience and 41.2% (n = 279) had more than 5 years. Nearly three-quarters of the pharmacists (72.1%, 488) graduated from local universities and 27.9% (n = 189) graduated from regional/international universities. The vast majority of the study sample (84.8%, 574) were bachelor's degree holders and 88.3% (n = 598) were pharmacists in charge. Of the total, 69.3% (n = 469) received deprescribing training to treat patients with multimorbid diseases. The knowledge and practice score was 71.3% with a 95% confidence interval [70.2%, 72.4%]. Of the total participants, 113 (16.7%) had poor knowledge and practice about deprescribing, 393 (58.1%) had moderate knowledge and practice and 171 (25.3%) had good knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION This study highlights the level of understanding of community pharmacists about deprescribing in the UAE. Although most of the respondents in this study received training on deprescribing, less than half of the community pharmacists were unaware of certain classes (long-acting sulfonylureas, anti-diabetic, antihyperlipidemic and psychotropic drugs) of drugs that are candidates for potential deprescribing. This finding indicates that their knowledge about deprescribing was insufficient. Several barriers community pharmacists face in deprescribing were also identified, with patients' resistance and insufficience being the most prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for improved deprescribing practices to ensure drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris El-Dahiyat
- Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, UAE
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, Malaysia
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, UAE
| | - Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, Malaysia
- Pharmacy Department, Emirates Health Services, Dubai, UAE
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Nageeb Hassan
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Sumaya Jairoun
- Pharmacy Department, Valiant Hospital, Dubai, UAE
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacotherapeutics, Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, Al mizhar Dubai, UAE
| | - Ammar Ali Saleh Jaber
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacotherapeutics, Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, Al mizhar Dubai, UAE
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesise the current knowledge on barriers and facilitators to deprescribing cardiovascular medications (CVMs) at the levels of patients, informal caregivers and healthcare providers (HCPs). DESIGN/SETTING We conducted a systematic review of studies exploring/assessing patient, informal caregiver and/or HCP barriers and/or facilitators to deprescribing CVMs. DATA SOURCES Ovid/MEDLINE and Embase from January 2003 to November 2021. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We performed a deductive thematic analysis based on the framework of specific barriers and facilitators to deprescribing CVMs created by Goyal et al. We added a quantification of the occurrence of categories and themes in the selected articles to identify the resounding themes that indicate the greater impetus to address in future research. RESULTS Most frequent deprescribing barriers for patients, informal caregivers and HCPs included uncertainty due to lack of evidence regarding CVM deprescribing (in n=10 studies), fear of negative consequences following deprescribing (n=13) and social influences (n=14). A frequently reported facilitator to deprescribing, especially for patients and informal caregivers, was the occurrence of adverse drug events (n=7). Another frequently reported facilitator for patients were dislike of CVMs (n=9). Necessity and benefit of CVMs were seen as barriers or facilitators similarly by patients and HCPs. CONCLUSION The differences in patient, informal caregiver and HCP regarding barriers and facilitators to deprescribing CVMs stress the need for ground discussions about beliefs and preferences of each stakeholder implicated in deprescribing decisions. Furthermore, HCP uncertainty regarding CVM deprescribing highlights the need to provide HCPs with tools that enable sharing the risks and benefits of deprescribing with patients and ensure a safe deprescribing process. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020221973.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureline Brunner
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carole Elodie Aubert
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Michiels-Corsten M, Gerlach N, Junius-Walker U, Schleef T, Donner-Banzhoff N, Viniol A. MediQuit - an electronic deprescribing tool: a pilot study in German primary care; GPs' and patients' perspectives. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:252. [PMID: 36162994 PMCID: PMC9511770 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) are the central coordinators for patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in most health care systems. They are entrusted with the challenging task of deprescribing when inappropriate polypharmacy is present. MediQuit (MQu) is a newly developed electronic tool that guides through a deprescribing consultation. It facilitates the identification of a medicine to be discontinued (stage 1), a shared decision-making process weighing the pros and cons (stage 2), and equips patients with take-home instructions on how to discontinue the drug and monitor its impact (stage 3). We here aim to evaluate utility and acceptance of MQu from GPs' and patients' perspectives. METHODS Uncontrolled feasibility study, in which 16 GPs from two regions in Germany were invited to use MQu in consultations with their multimorbid patients. We collected quantitative data on demography, utility and acceptance of MQu and performed descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS Ten GPs performed 41 consultations using MQu. Identification (step 1) and implementation elements (Step 3) were perceived most helpful by GPs. Whereas, shared-decision making elements (step 2) revealed room for improvement. Patients appreciated the use of MQu. They were broadly satisfied with the deprescribing consultation (85%) and with their decision made regarding their medication (90%). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of MQu in general practice generally seems possible. Patients welcome consultations targeting medication optimization. GPs were satisfied with the support of MQu and likewise gave important hints for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Michiels-Corsten
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Navina Gerlach
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Health Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Schleef
- Institute of General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norbert Donner-Banzhoff
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Annika Viniol
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Weir KR, Ailabouni NJ, Schneider CR, Hilmer SN, Reeve E. Consumer Attitudes Towards Deprescribing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:1020-1034. [PMID: 34390339 PMCID: PMC9071395 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harmful and/or unnecessary medication use in older adults is common. This indicates deprescribing (supervised withdrawal of inappropriate medicines) is not happening as often as it should. This study aimed to synthesize the results of the Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (PATD) questionnaire (and revised versions). METHODS Databases were searched from January 2013 to March 2020. Google Scholar was used for citation searching of the development and validation manuscripts to identify original research using the validated PATD, revised PATD (older adult and caregiver versions), and the version for people with cognitive impairment (rPATDcog). Two authors extracted data independently. A meta-analysis of proportions (random-effects model) was conducted with subgroup meta-analyses for setting and population. The primary outcome was the question: "If my doctor said it was possible, I would be willing to stop one or more of my medicines." Secondary outcomes were associations between participant characteristics and primary outcome and other (r)PATD results. RESULTS We included 46 articles describing 40 studies (n = 10,816 participants). The meta-analysis found the proportion of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with this statement was 84% (95% CI 81%-88%) and 80% (95% CI 74%-86%) in patients and caregivers, respectively, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95% and 77%). CONCLUSION Consumers reported willingness to have a medication deprescribed although results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. The findings from this study moves toward understanding attitudes toward deprescribing, which could increase the discussion and uptake of deprescribing recommendations in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Rebecca Weir
- University of South Australia, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre (QUMPRC), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nagham J Ailabouni
- University of South Australia, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre (QUMPRC), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carl R Schneider
- University of Sydney, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- University of Sydney, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Department of Aged Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Reeve
- University of South Australia, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre (QUMPRC), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Geriatric Medicine Research, Faculty of Medicine, and College of Pharmacy, Halifax, Canada
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de Juan-Roldán JI, Castillo-Jimena M, González-Hevilla A, Sánchez-Sánchez C, García-Ruiz AJ, Gavilán-Moral E. Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of a Spanish version of the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050678. [PMID: 35450888 PMCID: PMC9024262 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Successful deprescribing depends largely on factors related to the patient. The revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire was developed with the objective of evaluating the beliefs and attitudes of older adults and caregivers towards deprescribing. The present study was designed to validate a Spanish version of the rPATD questionnaire, both the versions for older adults and for caregivers, through a qualitative validation phase and the analysis of its psychometric properties. DESIGN Cross-sectional validation study. SETTING Primary care settings in Málaga (Spain). PARTICIPANTS A sample of 120 subjects (60 patients with polypharmacy and 60 caregivers of patients with polypharmacy) were enrolled in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In the qualitative validation stage, the rPATD questionnaire was translated/back-translated and subjected to a cross-cultural adaptation to evaluate its face validity and feasibility. Next, its psychometric properties were assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha test. Criterion validity through pre-established hypotheses from the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) Specific-Concerns Scale, and test-retest reliability were analysed. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis verified the four-factor structure of the original rPATD questionnaire, with items loading into four factors: involvement, burden, appropriateness and concerns about stopping. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the factors ranged from 0.683 to 0.879. The burden, appropriateness and concerns about stopping factors were significantly correlated with the BMQ Specific-Concerns Score, except for the concerns about stopping factor in the older adults' version. The consistency of the items between administration times (test-retest reliability) showed weighted Cohen's kappa values ranging from moderate (>0.4) to very good (>0.8). CONCLUSIONS The Spanish version of the rPATD questionnaire is a feasible, valid and reliable instrument to evaluate attitudes towards deprescribing in Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ignacio de Juan-Roldán
- Department of Pharmacology and Paediatrics, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina, Málaga, Spain
- Laboratory of Innovative Practices in Polymedication and Health, Plasencia, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061, Málaga, Andalusia, Spain
| | - Marcos Castillo-Jimena
- Department of Pharmacology and Paediatrics, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina, Málaga, Spain
- Group C-08: Multiprofesional Teaching Unit of Community and Family Care, Health District Málaga-Guadalhorce, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga -IBIMA-, Málaga, Spain
- Primary Care Health Centre Campillos, Northern Málaga Integrated Healthcare Area, Andalusian Health Service, Campillos, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alba González-Hevilla
- Department of Pharmacology and Paediatrics, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina, Málaga, Spain
- Group C-08: Multiprofesional Teaching Unit of Community and Family Care, Health District Málaga-Guadalhorce, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga -IBIMA-, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Antonio J García-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacology and Paediatrics, Universidad de Málaga. Facultad de Medicina, Málaga, Spain
| | - Enrique Gavilán-Moral
- Laboratory of Innovative Practices in Polymedication and Health, Plasencia, Cáceres, Spain
- Primary Care Health Office Mirabel, Extremadura Health Service, Cáceres, Spain
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Thompson W, Jarbøl D, Nielsen JB, Haastrup P, Pedersen LB. GP preferences for discussing statin deprescribing: a discrete choice experiment. Fam Pract 2022; 39:26-31. [PMID: 34268565 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing (planned, supervised discontinuation) of statins may be considered in some older persons. This should be carefully discussed between patients and GPs. METHODS We examined GPs' preferences for discussing statin deprescribing by conducting a discrete choice experiment (DCE) sent to a stratified random sample of 500 Danish GPs. Attributes were discussion topics (goals of therapy, evidence on statin use in older persons, adverse effects, uncertainty), and levels were the depth of the discussion topics (none, brief, detailed). We used mixed logistic regression for analysis. RESULTS A total of 90 GPs (mean age 48, 54% female, mean 11 years in practice) completed the DCE. There was substantial variability in which topics GPs felt were most important to discuss; however, GPs generally preferred a brief discussion of topics to detailed ones. The most important discussion topic appeared to be goals of therapy. GPs felt a brief discussion of evidence was important but not a detailed one, while adverse effects and uncertainty were felt to be less important to discuss. CONCLUSION GPs prefer brief discussions on a range of topics when discussing statin deprescribing but have differing views on which topics are most important. For deprescribing communication tools to be useful to GPs in clinical practice, they may need to focus on brief coverage of the range of relevant topics. Future work should evaluate patient preferences, and opportunities for education and training for GPs on deprescribing communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Hospital Pharmacy Fyn, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Jarbøl
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bo Nielsen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Haastrup
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Line Bjørnskov Pedersen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Danish Centre for Health Economics (DaCHE), Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Thompson W, Morin L, Jarbøl DE, Andersen JH, Ernst MT, Nielsen JB, Haastrup P, Schmidt M, Pottegård A. Statin Discontinuation and Cardiovascular Events Among Older People in Denmark. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2136802. [PMID: 34854906 PMCID: PMC8640890 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Statin use is common in older persons. Given uncertainties in ongoing benefit, changes in health status, and shifting goals of care and preferences, statin discontinuation may be considered in some older persons, although there is currently little evidence to guide this decision. Objective To evaluate the association between statin discontinuation and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among people aged 75 years or older who receive long-term statin treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included all persons in Denmark aged 75 years or older who were treated with statins for at least 5 consecutive years as of January 1, 2011. Participants were followed up until December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed from July to November, 2020. Exposure Statin discontinuation. Main Outcomes and Measures Rate of occurrence of MACE and its components (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, coronary revascularization, and death due to myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke) in persons continuing statins compared with those discontinuing statins. Confounding adjustment was done using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Analyses were conducted separately for primary prevention (no history of cardiovascular disease) and secondary prevention (history of cardiovascular disease). Results The study included 67 418 long-term statin users, including 27 463 in the primary prevention analysis (median age, 79 years [IQR, 77-83 years]; 18 134 [66%] female) and 39 955 in the secondary prevention analysis (median age, 80 years [IQR, 77-84 years]; 18 717 [47%] female). In both primary and secondary prevention analyses, the rate of MACE was higher among persons who discontinued statins compared with those who continued statins. In the primary prevention cohort, the weighted rate difference was 9 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 5-12 per 1000 person-years) and the adjusted sub-hazard ratio was 1.32 (95% CI, 1.18-1.48), corresponding to 1 excess MACE per 112 persons who discontinued statins per year. In the secondary prevention cohort, the weighted rate difference was 13 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 8-17 per 1000 person-years) and the adjusted sub-hazard ratio was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.18-1.39), corresponding to 1 excess MACE per 77 persons who discontinued statins per year. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, among older adults receiving long-term statin treatment, discontinuation of statins was associated with a higher rate of MACE compared with statin continuation in both the primary and the secondary prevention cohorts. These findings suggest a need for robust evidence from randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Fyn, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lucas Morin
- Inserm CIC 1431, Clinical Investigation Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
- Inserm 1018, High-Dimensional Biostatistics for Drug Safety and Genomics, Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob Harbo Andersen
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Thomsen Ernst
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bo Nielsen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Haastrup
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Herning, Denmark
| | - Anton Pottegård
- Hospital Pharmacy Fyn, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Sex-Differences in Discontinuation of Statin Treatment in Cancer Patients the Year before Death. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040368. [PMID: 33923405 PMCID: PMC8073177 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Statin treatment is often terminated in patients with advanced cancer but guidelines for statin discontinuation are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate sex-differences in time-points of statin discontinuation in patients with advanced cancer. Medical records from 1535 deceased patients enrolled at a Palliative Home Care Unit were reviewed. A total of 149 patients (42 women and 107 men) who were diagnosed with cancer, and were treated with statins one year before death, were identified. Statin treatment was terminated earlier in women than in men, 3.0 months prior to death (IQR 0.88–7.25) as compared to 1.5 months (IQR 0.5–4.0) (p < 0.05), respectively. In a longitudinal analysis there was a significant difference between men and women still on statin treatment at all studied time-points, 9, 6, and 3 months before death (p < 0.05), where women terminated statin treatment earlier in the disease trajectory. Baseline demographics were similar between the sexes except that more men than women had a history of previous cardiovascular events (p < 0.01). However, neither the indication for statin treatment, i.e., primary prevention versus secondary prevention, nor age could explain the sex-difference in statin discontinuation. There was no difference in cardiovascular events or mortality between men and women after statin discontinuation.
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