321 Review of Statin Therapy in Frail Older Patients over 75 Years Old Residing in Long Term Care

Abstract

Abstract Background Statins are frequently prescribed in older patients for prevention of cardiovascular disease and treatment of hypercholesterolemia. However, there is little evidence to indicate that statins have any benefit in older patients with life expectancy less than 10 years and of those patients in long term care whose average life expectancy is approximately 3-5 years. In addition, statins are associated with significant adverse side effects and contribute to the burden of polypharmacy in older patients. Methods Patients residing in a long term care facility were reviewed and data was collected from their medical notes and medication records in order to; (1) Quantify the proportion of patients on statin therapy (2) Review the indication for statin therapy (3) Investigate the inappropriate prescribing of statins in nursing home patients. Results 55 patients were included in the study. Of the 55 patients, 7 [12.7%] patients were on a statin. Average age of patients on a statin was 77.8 years[SD 9.4]. Of the 7 patients, 2 were on a statin for primary prevention and 5 patients were on for secondary prevention. Average cholesterol in primary prevention group was 3.3mmol/L, average LDL was 1.3 mmol/L. Of the 7 patients on statin for secondary prevention, indications included ischaemic stroke[n= 4] and ischaemic heart disease [n=3]. Average Total cholesterol in secondary prevention group was 3.8 mmol/L and average LDL was 1.91 mmol/L. The average Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale Score of the patients on statin therapy was 7. Conclusion Firstly, this study highlights the incidence of inappropriate prescribing of statins for primary prevention in frail older patients in long term care. It also raises the question surrounding the indication of statin therapy in secondary prevention where cholesterol level are within target range highlighting the need for further studies examining the benefit of statins in frail older patients in LTC.