Profile of elderly persons with metabolic syndrome and factors associated with possible drug interactions

Abstract Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapy characteristics of elderly persons with metabolic syndrome and to identify factors associated with drug interactions among these individuals. Method: A quantitative, analytical and transversal study was carried out among 263 elderly people with metabolic syndrome in the urban area of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Possible drug interactions were identified and classified according to the Micromedex® DrugReax System. The chi-squared test and the multiple logistic regression model were used for analysis (p<0.05). Results: The majority of the individuals were female (70.7%); aged 60 to 74 years (72.3%); lived with a spouse/partner (63.9%); had some schooling (74.1%); an individual monthly income of ≤ one minimum wage (77.1%); lived with others (88.2%); had five or more morbidities (89.7%) and exhibited polypharmacy (73.0%); used potentially inappropriate medications (54.4%) and had possible drug interactions (75.3%). Associated with the possible presence of drug interactions were: age range (p=0.005), polypharmacy (p<0.001) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (p=0.006). Conclusion: Possible drug interactions were associated with increased age, polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. This study contributes to knowledge of these possible interactions among elderly people with metabolic syndrome, and as such can be considered an important tool for planning actions to ensure the safety of these individuals who, due to the complexity of their treatment, use multiple medications.

Potential drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy in institutionalized elderly patients in a public hospital in Brazil

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Older individuals constitute an increasing proportion of the population, and therefore, are the major consumers of drugs. The elderly, especially those with mental disabilities, frequently develop chronic diseases and start using numerous drugs. Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a major clinical problem in the elderly population, and previous studies have focused only on antidepressants and others types of drugs used to treat mental health conditions. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study shows that in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders (aged 60-69 years), polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) and the use of drugs that act on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems can lead to potential drug-drug interactions. Moreover, it was reported that the prevalence of drug-drug interactions in elderly patients with mental disorders was high during their hospitalization in a public hospital in Brazil. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses should know the factors associated with drug-drug interactions in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders to choose appropriate strategies for avoiding treatment failure and adverse events in patients.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Despite the impact on patient safety and the fact that prevalence is higher in older patients, previous research did not analyse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in view of nursing care of elderly psychiatric patients. Aim To identify potential drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy in prescriptions of aged inpatients with psychiatric disorders and analyse associated factors. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analysed the medical records of institutionalized patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (n = 94), aged >60 years, and prescribed multiple medications. Drug prescriptions were checked at admission, midway through and the last prescription. Factors associated with DDI occurrence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A DDI prevalence potential of 67.0%, 74.5% and 80.8% occurred in patients at admission, midway through hospitalization and the last prescription, respectively. Most of the prescribed drugs were nervous system agents. A high percentage of serious and contraindicated potential DDIs occurred. Age between 60 and 69 years, use of cardiovascular and respiratory system drugs, and the number of medications contributed significantly to DDI. Implications for mental health nursing Knowledge on the factors associated with DDIs in patients with mental disorders can contribute to the improvement of effectiveness and safety of nursing care.

Factors Associated with Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Patients Attended in Primary Health Care: A Focus on Mental Health

There were no Brazilian studies regarding potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in primary health care (PHC) analysing common mental disorders (CMDs) and psychotropic medication.

OBJECTIVES

To identify DDI prevalence in that setting; to classify DDI; to verify correlations with demographics, pharmacotherapeutics, psychotropic medication and CMDs. Among 430 patients interviewed 190 had more than two medications prescribed, 58.4% had DDI. Factors associated were age and number of medications. Nine types of severe DDI composed 28% patients' prescriptions, 71.9% involving psychotropic medication. Only the number of types of drugs contributed to the regression model. Results raise important aspects regarding patient safety in PHC units in Brazil are where patients with psychological complaints have to seek for health care firstly.