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Defieuw L, Hias J, Karapinar-Carkıt F, Forsyth P, Van der Linden LR. Empowering European hospital pharmacists in the face of heart failure. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2024:ejhpharm-2023-004068. [PMID: 38740548 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-004068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Defieuw
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Fatma Karapinar-Carkıt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Forsyth
- Pharmacy, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
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Vanderstuyft E, Hias J, Hellemans L, Van Aelst L, Tournoy J, Van der Linden LR. Appropriateness of antithrombotics in geriatric inpatients with atrial fibrillation: a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2024:ejhpharm-2023-004033. [PMID: 38580430 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-004033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation occurs in nearly half of geriatric inpatients and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Suboptimal anticoagulation use is an important concern in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of antithrombotic therapies in this patient cohort. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the geriatric wards of a teaching hospital in Belgium, on a background of clinical pharmacy services. The first 90 atrial fibrillation patients from 2020 to 2022 were included if they received an oral anticoagulant. We assessed utilisation and appropriateness of antithrombotics at discharge, examined reasons for guideline deviations, and explored factors associated with underdosing. Temporal associations for appropriateness and type of anticoagulant (vitamin K antagonist (VKA) vs direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)) were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 86.5 (±5.3) years and the median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5 (interquartile range (IQR) 4-6). At discharge, 256 (94.8%) patients used a DOAC; nine (3.3%) used a VKA; one (0.4%) a DOAC-antiplatelet combination, and in four patients (1.5%) all antithrombotics were discontinued. The majority (64.4%) of patients received reduced DOAC doses with apixaban prescribed in 40.7%. In 39 (14.4%) patients, antithrombotic use was considered inappropriate, mostly without a rationale (23/39). Year 2022 (odds ratio (OR) 0.104; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.012-0.878) was the sole determinant for underdosing. No significant differences were found with respect to appropriateness (p=0.533) or anticoagulant class (p=0.479) over time. CONCLUSION Most geriatric inpatients received a justified reduced DOAC dose. A significant proportion was managed inappropriately with underdosing (= unjustified reduced dose) being most common. Frequently no rationale was provided for deviating from trial-tested doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Vanderstuyft
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Van Aelst
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
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Hias J, Defieuw L, Vanassche T, Verhamme P, Van der Linden L. Therapy and guideline adherence at a multidisciplinary hypertension clinic: A prospective, observational study. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 154:107271. [PMID: 38159830 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is highly prevalent and remains one of the most frequent and preventable causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Yet, suboptimal blood pressure control is common. Hypertension clinics might play an important role in improving target attainment, by targeting drug therapy adherence, improving guideline compliance and by involving pharmacists. OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize patient drug therapy adherence, prescriber guideline compliance and pharmacist interventions at the hypertension clinic. METHODS A prospective observational study was performed at the hypertension clinic of a large, academic hospital. Adult Dutch-speaking patients were eligible for inclusion. Following data were collected: patient demographics, medication use, patient adherence to prescribed antihypertensive drug therapies according to the BAASIS tool and prescriber compliance to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) hypertension guidelines. RESULTS A cohort of 108 patients was included with 51.9% male and aged 65 (IQR: 52-75) years. In total, 104 patients took at least 1 antihypertensive drug and 46 patients (44.2%) were classified as non-adherent with regard to their antihypertensive treatment; 82 patients (78.8%) had suboptimal blood pressure control. Compliance with the ESC guidelines was 66.3% prior to the consultation at the clinic and significantly increased to 77.9% thereafter (p = 0.0015). The clinical pharmacist performed a medication review for 27 patients with a total of 44 recommendations and an acceptance rate of 59.1%. CONCLUSION A visit to the multidisciplinary hypertension clinic improved prescriber guideline compliance and the use of single pill combinations. Involvement of a clinical pharmacist could be beneficial to further improve patient drug therapy adherence and guideline compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lise Defieuw
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Vanassche
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Verhamme
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Edwina AE, Dreesen E, Hias J, Koch BCP, Van den Eede N, Pauwels S, Allegaert K, Van der Linden L, Spriet I, Tournoy J. Agreement Between a Colorimetric Assay and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Quantifying Paracetamol Plasma Concentrations. AAPS J 2024; 26:23. [PMID: 38302833 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Special populations, like geriatric patients, experience altered paracetamol pharmacokinetics (PK), complicating pain management. More PK research is essential to optimize paracetamol (acetaminophen) dosing. Yet, the reference method ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is not readily available. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the agreement between UPLC-MS/MS and the more accessible colorimetric Roche acetaminophen (ACETA) assay in quantifying paracetamol plasma concentrations, to facilitate PK studies and therapeutic drug monitoring for pain management. Patient data and plasma samples were obtained from a prospective study including geriatric patients admitted to the geriatric wards. ACETA and UPLC-MS/MS assays were performed in two separate laboratories. Bland-Altman plot and Passing-Bablok regression were used to assess agreement. Accuracy was evaluated using the McNemar test for a threshold value of 10 mg/L. Population PK modeling was employed to bridge PK data obtained from both methods (NONMEM 7.5). A total of 242 plasma sample pairs were available from 40 geriatric patients (age range, 80-95 years). Paracetamol plasma concentrations from ACETA (median 9.8 [interquartile range 6.1-14.4] mg/L) and UPLC-MS/MS (9.5 [6.2-14.8] mg/L) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). No significant proportional nor additive bias was observed between both assay methods. The classification accuracy (at threshold 10 mg/L) was 85% (P = 0.414). The conversion factor between ACETA and UPLC-MS/MS was estimated at 1.06 (relative standard error 5%), yet with a 13.4% (relative standard error 23%) interindividual variability. ACETA assay showed no systematic bias in comparison with the UPLC-MS/MS assay in determining paracetamol exposure in geriatric blood samples despite the imprecision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Elma Edwina
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, UZ Herestraat 49, Box 7003, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erwin Dreesen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Birgit C P Koch
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Karel Allegaert
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, UZ Herestraat 49, Box 7003, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Hias J, Hellemans L, Walgraeve K, Tournoy J, Vandenbriele C, Van Aelst L, Van der Linden LR. Should vericiguat be initiated in geriatric inpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and a worsening heart failure event prior to discharge? Eur J Hosp Pharm 2023; 30:367-369. [PMID: 35589380 PMCID: PMC10647858 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2022-003305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) occurs predominantly in older adults. HF patients have an increased risk for an acute exacerbation, which commonly requires hospitalisation. Such a worsening HF (WHF) event has an impact on prognosis. Vericiguat is a novel agent which has been shown to reduce the HF hospitalisation risk in patients with a recent WHF event. It is not fully clear how to position this novel agent in geriatric HF inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Hospital Pharmacy, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Hospital Pharmacy, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandenbriele
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Lucas Van Aelst
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Hospital Pharmacy, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
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Hias J, Hellemans L, Nuyts S, Vaes B, Rygaert X, Tournoy J, Van der Linden L. Predictors for unplanned hospital admissions in community dwelling adults: A dynamic cohort study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1432-1439. [PMID: 37573152 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use are associated with unplanned hospital admissions. Targeted interventions might reduce the hospitalization risk. Yet, it remains unclear which patient profiles derive the largest benefit from such interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine independent risk factors, among which polypharmacy, for unplanned hospital admissions in a cohort of community dwelling adults. METHODS A retrospective study was performed using a large general practice registry and an insurance database in Flanders, Belgium. Community dwelling adults aged 40 years or older with data for 2013-2015 were included. The index date was the last general practitioner contact in 2014. Determinants were collected during the preceding year. Unplanned hospital admissions were determined during the year after the index date. Univariable logistic regression models were fitted on each risk factor for an unplanned hospital admission as the primary outcome. Two multivariable models were derived. RESULTS In total, 40411 patients were included and 2126 (5.26%) experienced an unplanned hospital admission. Mean age was 58.3 (±12.3) years. The two models identified the following determinants for an unplanned hospital admission: excessive polypharmacy, older age, male sex, number of comorbidities, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or stroke, low hemoglobin, use of hypnotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants or antiepileptics and prior hospital and general practitioner visits. Prior hospital visits was the largest determinant. CONCLUSIONS In our study we identified and confirmed the presence of known determinants for unplanned hospital admissions in community dwelling adults, most of which align with a geriatric phenotype. Our findings can inform the allocation of interventions aiming to reduce unplanned hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Research Foundation Flanders - FWO, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shauni Nuyts
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-BioStat), Leuven, Belgium; Academic Centre of General Practice, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Vaes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Academic Centre of General Practice, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Petrovic M, Tournoy J, Vandenbriele C, Van Aelst L. Guideline-Directed Medical Therapies for Heart Failure with a Reduced Ejection Fraction in Older Adults: A Narrative Review on Efficacy, Safety and Timeliness. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:691-702. [PMID: 37452262 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01046-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is a prevalent syndrome among older adults, with a major impact on morbidity and mortality. Higher age is correlated with underuse of guideline-directed medical therapies which, in turn, has been linked to worse clinical outcomes. Importantly, most evidence so far has been collected in adults who were younger, less multi-morbid and polymedicated compared with those who are commonly treated in daily clinical practice. Hence, we aimed to assess and describe the evidence base for pharmacotherapy in older adults with heart failure with a reduced ejection. First, a narrative review was undertaken using Medline, from inception to January 2023. Four foundational therapies were selected based on the latest European Society of Cardiology clinical practice guideline: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, beta blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Post hoc analyses from landmark heart failure drug trials were searched and included if they contained data on the impact of age on efficacy, safety and/or timeliness of therapies in the management of heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. Second, a proposal was developed to support and promote the use of evidence-based heart failure pharmacotherapy in complex, older adults. In total, 11 articles were selected: 4 meta-analyses, 6 post hoc analyses and 1 review paper. No attenuation of efficacy for any of the foundational agents was found in older adults. Regarding safety, dedicated analyses showed that beta blockers, mineraloid receptor antagonists, sacubitril-valsartan, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin retained their overall benefit-risk profile regardless of age. Time to benefit was short and occurred generally within 1 month. Consensus was achieved on a five-step proposal to manage complex medication regimens in older adults suffering from heart failure. In conclusion, older adults suffering from heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction should not be denied treatment based on their age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandenbriele
- Adult intensive Care, Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundations Trust, London, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Van Aelst
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Liesenborghs A, Walgraeve K, Van Brantegem P, Hellemans L, Milisen K, Tournoy J. The impact of a pharmacist intervention on post-discharge hypnotic drug discontinuation in geriatric inpatients: a before-after study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:407. [PMID: 37400758 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic use of hypnotic agents is prevalent in older adults, who as a result are at increased risk for certain adverse events, such as day-time drowsiness and falls. Multiple strategies to discontinue hypnotics have been tested in geriatric patients, but evidence remains scarce. Hence, we aimed to investigate a multicomponent intervention to reduce hypnotic drug use in geriatric inpatients. METHODS A before-after study was performed on the acute geriatric wards of a teaching hospital. The before group (= control group) received usual care, while intervention patients (= intervention group) were exposed to a pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention, comprising education of health care personnel, access to standardized discontinuation regimens, patient education and support of transitional care. The primary outcome was hypnotic drug discontinuation at one month after discharge. Secondary outcomes among others were sleep quality and hypnotic use at one and two weeks after enrolment and at discharge. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) upon inclusion, two weeks after enrolment and one month after discharge. Determinants for the primary outcome were identified using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 173 patients were enrolled, with 70.5% of patients taking benzodiazepines. Average age was 85 years (interquartile range 81-88.5) and 28.3% were male. A higher discontinuation rate at one month after discharge was observed in favour of the intervention (37.7% vs. 21.9%, p = 0.02281). No difference in sleep quality was found between both groups (p = 0.719). The average sleep quality was 8.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.98-9.49) and 8.57 (95% CI: 7.75-9.39) in the control and intervention groups respectively. Determinants for discontinuation at one month were: the intervention (odds ratio (OR) 2.36, 95% CI: 1.14-4.99), fall on admission (OR 2.05; 95% CI: 0.95-4.43), use of a z-drug (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23-1.22), PSQI score on admission (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.97-1.19) and discontinuation prior to discharge (OR 4.71, 95% CI: 2.26-10.17). CONCLUSIONS A pharmacist-led intervention in geriatric inpatients was associated with a reduction of hypnotic drug use one month after discharge, without any loss in sleep quality. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05521971 (retrospectively registered on 29th of August 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Astrid Liesenborghs
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Brantegem
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Center for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hellemans L, Mertens B, Hias J, Tournoy J, Van der Linden LR. Age is just a number: the concept of time to benefit in older adults. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2023; 30:117-119. [PMID: 33863810 PMCID: PMC9986927 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A female nursing home resident aged >70 years was admitted to the geriatric ward with de novo dysphagia 6 days after being discharged from the stroke unit. Metformin and ezetimibe had been added to her treatment regimen which already consisted of clopidogrel, atorvastatin, denosumab, calcium and vitamin D. At the geriatric ward a multidisciplinary team involving clinical pharmacists reviewed all treatments and appraised the time to benefit, ascertaining whether there was sufficient time left to experience therapeutic benefits. As a result, metformin, ezetimibe, denosumab, calcium and vitamin D were discontinued. This case report illustrates that both mortality risk assessment and evaluation of the time to benefit should be part of any medication review in frail older adults. Conversely, with limited available data pertaining to the concept of time to benefit, we advocate a broader awareness among pharmacists and a systematic assessment in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Beatrijs Mertens
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
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Hellemans L, Hias J, De Winter S, Walgraeve K, Tournoy J, Van der Linden LR. Importance of medication reconciliation, even in the absence of positive data. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2023; 30:e7. [PMID: 34880102 PMCID: PMC9811525 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2021-003091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hellemans
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Sabrina De Winter
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Tournoy J, Van Aelst L, Vandenbriele C. Estimating the Time to Benefit for Therapies in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Case Study of Sacubitril-Valsartan Using Reconstructed Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:959-966. [PMID: 36404386 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foundational therapies in heart failure improve clinical outcomes in heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Underuse of these life-prolonging heart failure therapies, such as sacubitril-valsartan, is common in older adults and has been associated with worse clinical outcomes. Characterizing the early benefits seen with these therapies might help increase their uptake in older adults. OBJECTIVE We applied several methods to estimate the time to benefit of an HFrEF therapy, using sacubitril-valsartan as a case study. METHODS PARADIGM-HF was a randomized controlled study on sacubitril-valsartan versus enalapril in stable, ambulatory HFrEF patients (n = 8399). The primary endpoint, a composite of death from cardiovascular causes or a first hospitalization for heart failure, was significantly reduced (sacubitril-valsartan (21.8%) versus enalapril (26.5%), hazard ratio (HR) 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.87). We extracted and tabulated the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves of the primary endpoint. An individual patient dataset was then reconstructed. The following methods were applied to explore the time to benefit of sacubitril-valsartan versus enalapril: visual estimation of the point of divergence of the KM curves, statistical process control (SPC), unadjusted landmark analyses using Cox proportional hazards analysis with 30-day increments until significance was persistently achieved, and comparing the survival probabilities of the extracted life tables. RESULTS Six raters visually estimated the time to benefit at a median of 60 days (interquartile range 38-10 days). Using SPC we found an early benefit from 28 days on, using the longest predefined control period of 28 days. An absolute risk reduction of 1 and 2% was found after 59 and 250 days, respectively. The reconstructed dataset provided a similar HR of 0.8004 (95% CI 0.7331-0.8739). Landmark analyses persistently showed statistical significance from 390 days and later. Survival probabilities differed from 35 days onward. CONCLUSION Using multiple approaches, the earliest benefit of sacubitril-valsartan compared to enalapril in stable HFrEF was found at about 1 month after initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Van Aelst
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandenbriele
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hias J, Hellemans L, Laenen A, Walgraeve K, Liesenborghs A, De Geest S, Luyten J, Spriet I, Flamaing J, Van der Linden L, Tournoy J. The effect of a trAnSitional Pharmacist Intervention in geRiatric inpatients on hospital visits after dischargE (ASPIRE): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 119:106853. [PMID: 35842106 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned rehospitalizations occur frequently in older patients. Drug-related problems constitute a major and largely preventable cause with inappropriate prescribing being a substantial culprit. Solutions are needed to reduce this risk by targeting pharmacotherapy both during and after hospital stay. Therefore, we aim to perform a randomized controlled trial in geriatric inpatients to investigate the impact of a multifaceted clinical pharmacy intervention on health-related outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN The study concerns a monocenter, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial that will take place at the acute geriatric wards of a large academic hospital. Patients being in a palliative stage with active therapy withdrawal or patients discharged to another ward within the same hospital or another hospital are excluded. In total, 828 patients will be randomized (1:1) to the usual care or intervention group. The multifaceted clinical pharmacy intervention comprises medication reconciliation at admission and discharge, medication review, patient/caregiver education, intensified communication with primary care providers and post-discharge follow-up, which also includes a telepharmacology service. The primary endpoint is defined as the time to an all-cause, unplanned hospital revisit within six months after discharge. Other health-related outcomes such as drug-related readmissions, quality of life and number of potentially inappropriate medications will be analyzed as secondary endpoints. Patient inclusion started in February 2021. DISCUSSION This study will provide useful insights regarding the impact of clinical pharmacy interventions on geriatric wards with the goal to optimize health-related outcomes such as hospital revisits. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04617340.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annouschka Laenen
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-BioStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Sabina De Geest
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Academic Center for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jeroen Luyten
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU 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
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13
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Castermans A, Hias J, Van der Linden L, Spriet I, Tournoy J. [Case of hepatotoxicity of atorvastatin: the search for a possible etiology]. Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 53. [PMID: 36408752 DOI: 10.36613/tgg.1875-6832/2022.03.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We describe a case of a geriatric patient with repeated hepatotoxicity after (re)start of atorvastatin. We also noticed an increased effect, a fast decline of LDL-cholesterol, after intake of atorvastatin. The intake of rosuvastatin or low dose lovastatin was not associated with hepatotoxicity. Multiple hypotheses were investigated and applied on the case. Genetic testing of statin transporters and CYP-enzymes and medication interactions could not explain the hepatotoxicity.
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14
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Hias J, Van der Linden L, Walgraeve K, Lemper JC, Hellemans L, Spriet I, Tournoy J. Optimizing pharmacotherapy on geriatric hospital units in Belgium - a national survey. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:321-328. [PMID: 33345741 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1864162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inappropriate prescribing remains highly prevalent on geriatric units. The aim of this investigation, initiated by the Belgian College for Geriatrics, was to evaluate the implementation of strategies to optimize pharmacotherapy on geriatric units in Belgium. METHODS A literature search was performed to identify strategies to support the appropriate use of medications in very old inpatients. These strategies were subsequently validated based on Delphi consensus rounds and a national survey was developed. Experts were selected by the research team in collaboration with the Belgian College for Geriatrics. The survey was sent to the heads of the geriatric departments of all Belgian hospitals (n = 100). RESULTS After 3 months a response rate of 55% was achieved. Strategies that were implemented more frequently were the use of electronic prescribing (85%), performing a structured medication review (69%) and providing patient education (76%). In a minority (24%) of hospitals, a clinical pharmacist was directly involved in the multidisciplinary geriatric team. Implementation of clinical decisions support systems (CDSS) was reported by 36% of the hospitals. Educational strategies for healthcare professionals and strategies to optimize transitional care were variable. CONCLUSION Taking into account the current body of evidence, strategies that include transitional care components, CDSS or ward-based clinical pharmacy services should be further promoted on Belgian geriatric units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Claude Lemper
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Spriet I. Inducers and Cardiovascular Risk-Potential Role for Lowered Drug Exposure. JAMA Neurol 2022; 79:419. [PMID: 35254414 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Hias J, Hellemans L, Walgraeve K, Tournoy J, Van der Linden L. Correction to: SGLT2 Inhibitors in Older Adults with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:249. [PMID: 35174453 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
abstract
The class of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has been developed to provide reliable oral anticoagulation without the need for therapeutic drug monitoring. Based on phase I and II trials and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling, fixed drug doses have been selected for large phase III clinical trials for each currently available NOAC. In these trials, the use of the fixed dose without plasma level assessments was shown to be at least as effective and at least as safe as vitamin K antagonists with continuous therapeutic drug monitoring. Real world evidence reaffirms that the use of a fixed NOAC dose without plasma level assessment is safe and effective in a large variety of patients. Nevertheless, measurement of NOAC plasma levels can add information that may be useful in some clinical scenarios. This review discusses the possible use cases, the limitations, and the practical implementation of measuring NOAC plasma concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanassche
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Hias J, Hellemans L, Walgraeve K, Tournoy J, Van der Linden L. SGLT2 Inhibitors in Older Adults with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:185-190. [PMID: 35118602 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is an important medical condition that is prevalent in older adults. Multiple therapies have been identified that improve clinical outcome in heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. Conversely, this has not been the case in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Until now, empagliflozin is the first therapy that has convincingly been shown to improve clinical outcome in HFpEF. Importantly, some key points should be considered to better understand the impact of empagliflozin on the patient trajectory, particularly in older adults with HFpEF. In this current opinion article, we have therefore provided more information on how to translate the findings of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial to the setting of older adults, with a focus on the impact of empagliflozin on hospitalizations, both heart failure-related and all-cause. To better understand the importance of EMPEROR-Preserved findings, we compared these findings with previous relevant HFpEF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) trials and provided information on ongoing trials in the HFpEF setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Van der Linden LR, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Flamaing J, Isabel Spriet I, Tournoy J. Introduction to Bayesian statistics: a practical framework for clinical pharmacists. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2021; 28:336-340. [PMID: 34697050 PMCID: PMC8552187 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2019-002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most pharmaceutical investigations have relied on p values to infer conclusions from their study findings. Central to this paradigm is the concept of null hypothesis significance testing. This approach is however fraught with overuse and misinterpretations. Several alternatives have already been proposed, yet uptake remains low. In this study, we aimed to discuss the pitfalls of p value-based testing and to provide readers with the basics to apply Bayesian statistics. METHODS Jeffreys's Amazing Statistical Package (JASP) was used to evaluate the effect of a clinical pharmacy (CP) intervention (opposed to usual care) on the number of emergency department (ED) visits without hospital admission. Basic Bayesian terminology was explained and compared with classical p value-based testing. In the study example, a Cauchy prior distribution was used to determine the effect size with a scale parameter r=0.707 at location=0 and Bayes factors (BF) were subsequently estimated. A robustness analysis was then performed to visualise the impact of different r values on the BF value. RESULTS A BF of 4.082 was determined, indicating that the observed data were about four times more likely to occur under the alternative hypothesis that the CP intervention was effective. The median effect size of the CP intervention on ED visits was found to be 0.337 with a 95% credible interval of 0.074 to 0.635. A robustness check was performed and all BF values were in favour of the CP intervention. CONCLUSION Bayesian inference can be an important addition to the statistical armamentarium of pharmacists, who should become more acquainted with the basic terminology and rationale of such testing. To prove our point, Jeffreys' approach was applied to a CP study example, using an easy-to-use software program JASP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Roger Van der Linden
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Isabel Spriet
- Hospital Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Hias J, Van der Linden L, Walgraeve K, Gijsen M, Mian P, Koch BCP, Allegaert K, Annaert P, Tournoy J, Spriet I. Pharmacokinetics of 2 oral paracetamol formulations in hospitalized octogenarians. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:1020-1030. [PMID: 34418143 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS It is currently unclear how paracetamol should be dosed in order to increase its efficacy while warranting safety in very old adults. The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of 2 oral paracetamol formulations and its metabolites in hospitalized octogenarians. METHODS Geriatric inpatients aged 80 years and older received a 1000-mg paracetamol tablet or granulate at 08.00, 14.00 and 20.00. After at least 4 consecutive gifts, plasma samples were collected around the 08.00 dose (trough, +0.5, +1, +2, +4, +5 and +6 h). Plasma concentrations of paracetamol and its metabolites were determined and individual pharmacokinetic parameters were derived. The Edmonton Frail Scale was used to assess frailty. An analgesic plasma target was defined as an average plasma concentration (Cavg ) of 10 mg/L. RESULTS The mean (±standard deviation) age was 86.78 (±4.20) years. The majority (n = 26/36, 72%) received the tablet, 10 (28%) the granulate. Thirty patients (85%) were classified with moderate to severe frailty. Seven (21%) patients had a Cavg above 10 mg/L. The median [interquartile range] time to reach the peak concentration was 50.5 [31.50-92.50] and 42.50 [33.75-106.75] min for the tablet and granulate, respectively. The coefficient of variation was 95% for time to reach the peak concentration and 30% for Cavg of paracetamol. A correlation of Cavg of paracetamol was observed with female sex and total serum bilirubin. CONCLUSION Large interindividual differences were found for pharmacokinetic parameters of oral paracetamol in frail inpatients after multiple dosing. Female sex and higher total serum bilirubin concentrations were associated with paracetamol exposure. No significant differences were observed between the tablet and granulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Matthias Gijsen
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit C P Koch
- Department of Hospital pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Hospital pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van Der Linden L, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Loyens S, Flamaing J, Spriet I, Tournoy J. Factors associated with the number of clinical pharmacy recommendations: findings from an observational study in geriatric inpatients. Acta Clin Belg 2021; 76:119-126. [PMID: 31642397 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2019.1683128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Drug-related problems are prevalent in older inpatients and can be reduced by providing clinical pharmacy (CP) services. Details concerning implementation in clinical practice are frequently lacking. The aim was to describe the output of one such CP program and to identify factors associated with CP recommendations.Methods: A CP program was installed at three acute geriatric wards in a teaching hospital. A convenience sample was collected, consisting of inpatients who received a CP consultation at discharge. Medical conditions, patient demographics, and drug use were evaluated retrospectively. Number and type of the CP recommendations were determined. A Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the number of CP recommendations.Results: A cohort of 524 patients, aged 85 (interquartile range (IQR): 82-89) years was included. On admission, 10.31 (standard deviation: 4.49) drugs were taken. Three (IQR: 2-4) CP recommendations were provided per patient, of which 70.2% targeted drug discontinuation. A model was derived, containing the following factors: number of drugs on admission (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.063; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.052-1.074), number of previous contacts with the geriatric department (IRR: 0.869; 95%CI: 0.816-0.926), presence of left-ventricular dysfunction (IRR: 1.179, 95% CI: 1.023-1.360), the number of new drugs (IRR: 1.046; 95% CI: 1.021-1.071) and use of colecalciferol (IRR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.088-1.367).Conclusions: Five factors were associated with the number of CP recommendations at discharge. This could allow for further patient stratification to increase the efficiency of the CP program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van Der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Silke Loyens
- Faculty Of Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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23
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Hellemans L, Nuyts S, Hias J, van den Akker M, Van Pottelbergh G, Rygaert X, Spriet I, Vaes B, Tournoy J, Van der Linden L. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy in community-dwelling middle aged and aged adults between 2011 and 2015. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13942. [PMID: 33340210 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to assess the prevalence, components and evolution of polypharmacy and to evaluate risk factors associated with polypharmacy. METHODS A retrospective dynamic cohort study was performed, using a primary healthcare database comprising Flemish community-dwelling adults aged ≥40 years between 2011 and 2015. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were defined as the use of 5-9 or minimum 10 different medications during 1 year, respectively. Temporal changes were analysed using an autoregressive error model. Risk factors for polypharmacy were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 68 426 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 29.5% and 16.1% for excessive polypharmacy in 2015. The age-standardised prevalence rate of patients using minimum five medications increased with 1.3% per year (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1968-2.4279). The mean number of unplanned hospital admissions was 0.07 (standard deviation (SD) 0.33) for polypharmacy patients and 0.19 (SD 0.53) for excessive polypharmacy patients. Four risk factors were found to be significantly correlated with polypharmacy: age (odds ratio (OR) 1.015; 95% CI: 1.013-1.017), female gender (OR 1.161; 95% CI: 1.108-1.216), number of chronic diseases (OR 1.126; 95% CI: 1.114-1.139) and number of general practitioner contacts (OR 1.283; 95% CI: 1.274-1.292). CONCLUSION The prevalence of polypharmacy increased between 2011 and 2015. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy patients appeared to differ based on our observations of characteristics, drug therapy and outcomes. Age, female gender, number of chronic diseases and number of general practitioner contacts were associated with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hellemans
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shauni Nuyts
- Academic Centre of General Practice/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- L-BioStat, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Academic Centre of General Practice/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of General Practice, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Family Medicine, School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Van Pottelbergh
- Academic Centre of General Practice/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Vaes
- Academic Centre of General Practice/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Capiau A, Foubert K, Van der Linden L, Walgraeve K, Hias J, Spinewine A, Sennesael AL, Petrovic M, Somers A. Medication Counselling in Older Patients Prior to Hospital Discharge: A Systematic Review. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:635-655. [PMID: 32643062 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients are regularly exposed to multiple medication changes during a hospital stay and are more likely to experience problems understanding these changes. Medication counselling is often proposed as an important component of seamless care to ensure appropriate medication use after hospital discharge. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the components of medication counselling in older patients (aged ≥ 65 years) prior to hospital discharge and to review the effectiveness of such counselling on reported clinical outcomes. METHODS Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology (PROSPERO CRD42019116036), a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL was conducted. The QualSyst Assessment Tool was used to assess bias. The impact of medication counselling on different outcomes was described and stratified by intervention content. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were included. Fifteen different components of medication counselling were identified. Discussing the dose and dosage of patients' medications (19/29; 65.5%), providing a paper-based medication list (19/29; 65.5%) and explaining the indications of the prescribed medications (17/29; 58.6%) were the most frequently encountered components during the counselling session. Twelve different clinical outcomes were investigated in the 29 studies. A positive effect of medication counselling on medication adherence and medication knowledge was found more frequently, compared to its impact on hard outcomes such as hospital readmissions and mortality. Yet, evidence remains inconclusive regarding clinical benefit, owing to study design heterogeneity and different intervention components. Statistically significant results were more frequently observed when counselling was provided as part of a comprehensive intervention before discharge. CONCLUSIONS Substantial heterogeneity between the included studies was found for the components of medication counselling and the reported outcomes. Study findings suggest that medication counselling should be part of multifaceted interventions, but the evidence concerning clinical outcomes remains inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Capiau
- Department of Pharmacy, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. .,Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Foubert
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Department of Pharmacy, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Julie Hias
- Department of Pharmacy, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Spinewine
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Pharmacy, CHU UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Anne-Laure Sennesael
- Department of Pharmacy, CHU UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemie Somers
- Department of Pharmacy, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES As clinical pharmacy (CP) services can improve drug use and clinical outcome in older inpatients, a dedicated CP program was installed at the geriatric wards of an academic hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate and potentially improve the CP program, by obtaining physician's feedback. METHODS An anonymous e-questionnaire was sent to all physicians who were active between October 2014 and March 2018 on the acute geriatric wards (80 beds) of the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Thematic content analysis was applied. Six themes were defined: satisfaction with the service, time allocation of the clinical pharmacists, content and clinical relevance of pharmaceutical interventions, communication, time savings for the treating physician and future perspectives. RESULTS A total of 45 physicians (59%) completed the e-questionnaire. All respondents were satisfied with the content of the provided pharmaceutical recommendations. A minority (44%) found that a 0.8 full-time equivalent clinical pharmacist presence was sufficient in terms of the expected workload. The provided CP interventions improved quality of care according to 38 (84%) physicians. Oral and written communication were considered necessary by 89% and 82% of physicians, respectively. On average, an estimated 30 minutes physician time (IQR: 15-60) per patient was saved as a result of the program. The majority (87%) preferred clinical pharmacist presence for discharge support in all geriatric patients. CONCLUSION Physician's satisfaction with the CP service was very high. CP services in geriatric inpatients were perceived to be clinically relevant as well as time-saving by the involved physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Spriet I, Walgraeve K, Flamaing J, Tournoy J. Medication review in older adults: Importance of time to benefit. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 76:247-250. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxy038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Dreessen L, Milisen K, Flamaing J, Spriet I, Tournoy J. Medication review versus usual care to improve drug therapies in older inpatients not admitted to geriatric wards: a quasi-experimental study (RASP-IGCT). BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:155. [PMID: 29970005 PMCID: PMC6029069 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interdisciplinary geriatric consultation teams (IGCT) are regularly requested to provide comprehensive geriatric assessments in older inpatients. Our primary aim was to evaluate whether medication reviews increased the number of IGCT-provided drug-related recommendations. Secondary aims were to reduce the number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), and to identify the acceptance rate of and determinants for the number of recommendations. Methods A before-after study was performed in older inpatients not admitted to acute geriatric wards. The before cohort received usual care (UC); the after cohort was subjected to the intervention (I), consisting of a systematic medication review, based on but not limited to the RASP (Rationalization of Home Medication by an Adjusted STOPP in Older Patients) list. The primary outcome measure was the number of IGCT-provided drug-related recommendations. Age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, creatinine clearance and serum creatinine were ascertained upon enrolment. Following variables were determined on admission and at discharge: number of drugs and number as well as type of RASP-identified PIMs. Acceptance by ward-based physicians was also determined. Poisson regression was performed to identify determinants for the primary outcome measure. Results Fifty-nine participants were enrolled (nUC = 29; nI = 30). The intervention increased the number of drug-related recommendations from a median of 0 (IQR: 0–1) to 8 (IQR: 6.75–10) (p < 0.001). The median number of accepted recommendations differed significantly as well (UC vs. I: 0.0 (0.0–0.5) vs. 3.0 (0.0–5.3); p < 0.001). In the intervention cohort, patients were discharged with fewer drugs compared to admission (UC vs. I: 108.5%, IQR: 100.0–135.8% vs. 92%, IQR: 80.5–103.5%; p = 0.002). More RASP PIMs were discontinued in the intervention cohort, with a mean difference of 1.49 RASP PIMs (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70, 2.23; p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified two determinants: allocation to the intervention cohort with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 14.1 (95% CI: 8.30, 23.8) and the number of preadmission drugs with an IRR of 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.09). Conclusions A structured medication review as part of usual IGCT care may contribute to an increased detection of drug-related problems and help to further reduce polypharmacy in older inpatients, not admitted to acute geriatric care wards. Trial registration NCT02165618, retrospectively registered June 17, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Lisa Dreessen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Health Services and Nursing Research, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Flamaing J, Spriet I, Tournoy J. Clinical Pharmacy Services on Geriatric Care Wards: Catch 22 of Implementation and Research. Drugs Aging 2018; 35:375-377. [PMID: 29671214 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Van der Linden
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium. .,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Julie Hias
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Karolien Walgraeve
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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Van der Linden L, Hias J, Walgraeve K, Joosten E, Flamaing J, Spriet I, Tournoy J. YOUNG EFFORTS FOR OLDER INPATIENTS: DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF A CLINICAL POLYPHARMACY PATHWAY. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Hias
- University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - I. Spriet
- University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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