Increased Medication Use Research Articles

Epidemiology and Risk Determinants of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Current Knowledge and Future Research Needs.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major global health concern resulting from adverse reactions to medications, supplements or herbal medicines. The relevance of DILI has grown with an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increased use of biologics, including checkpoint inhibitors. This article aims to summarise current knowledge on DILI epidemiology and risk factors. This review critically appraises available evidence on DILI frequency, outcomes and risk determinants, focusing on drug properties and non-genetic host factors that may influence susceptibility. DILI incidence varies across populations, with hospitalised patients experiencing notably higher rates than outpatients or the general population. Increased medication use, particularly among older adults and women, may partly explain age- and sex-based disparities in DILI incidence and reporting. Physiological changes associated with aging likely increase susceptibility to DILI in older adults, though further exposure-based studies are needed for definitive conclusions. Current evidence does not strongly support that women are inherently more susceptible to DILI than men; rather, susceptibility appears to depend on specific drugs. However, once DILI occurs, older age and female sex are associated with greater severity and poorer outcomes. Other less-studied host-related risk factors are also discussed based on available evidence. This article summarises existing data on DILI frequency, outcomes, drug properties affecting hepatotoxicity and non-genetic host risk factors while identifying critical knowledge gaps. Addressing these gaps through future research could enhance understanding and support preventive measures.

Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: There is a need for a comprehensive assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) to better understand its impact on this population. This study aimed to assess sexual dysfunction in patients with young-onset PD. Methods: This case-control study was conducted using a self-administered International Index of Erectile Function Scale (IIEF) questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions related to sexual function, including the ability to achieve and maintain erection and sexual desire. The participants included 30 individuals with young-onset PD and 30 controls without PD who were matched for age and gender. Results: The study enrolled 30 patients with an average age of 37.2 ± 5.29 years and PD symptom duration ranging from less than two years to over two years. Most patients were classified as having stage 2 or 3 PD and exhibited a range of symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. The findings revealed that 40% of the PD group experienced moderate erectile dysfunction, while 23.33% reported severe dysfunction, in contrast to the absence of dysfunction observed in the control group. The analysis indicated that patients with a disease duration of less than two years had higher scores across all five components of the IIEF questionnaire. Furthermore, anxiety, depression, increased medication use, and disease severity significantly affected sexual function. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of young-onset PD on sexual function and underscores the importance of the early recognition and management of sexual dysfunction in patients with PD.

Cardiovascular Disease Patterns, Mortality, and Hospitalization Trends in Adults Over 18: Insights From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Database.

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension, are the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and public health initiatives, the prevalence of CVD continues to rise. Hence, understanding trends of predisposing factors for CVD and current treatment modalities such as medication use and frequency of hospitalization is essential for developing effective interventions and improving public health strategies. This study leverages Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to analyze these trends among adults older than 18 years. Methods Data were sourced from the BRFSSdatabase, analyzing CVD patterns from 2019 to 2021. The study included adults with high cholesterol or blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Data analysis utilized age-adjusted prevalence, mortality, and hospitalization rates. Results The analysis of the BRFSS data revealed several key trends in CVD patterns from 2019 to 2021. There was a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the age-adjusted prevalence of adults taking medication for high cholesterol, rising from 28.9% to 31%, and for controlling high blood pressure, increasing from 57.7% to 60.4%. From 2019 to 2021, coronary heart disease mortality increased from 360,900 to 382,820, while stroke deaths rose from 150,005 to 162,890. Trends show rising mortality for both conditions despite missing data for some years. Mortality rates for coronary heart disease and stroke also rose and were statistically significant (p<0.05), with coronary heart disease mortality increasing from 88 to 92.8 cases per 100,000, and stroke mortality from 37 to 41.1 cases per 100,000.Hospitalization rates for heart failure among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older initially decreased in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting hospital admissions, but rose again in 2021 as healthcare-seeking behaviors normalized.Significant gender and racial disparities were observed, with higher mortality rates among males (127.4 per 100,000) and Black, non-Hispanic individuals (110.5 per 100,000). Conclusions This study highlights the increasing medication use for cholesterol and blood pressure among adults older than 18 years, yet mortality rates for coronary heart disease and stroke persist. Significant gender and racial disparities in medication use and mortality rates were observed. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health intervention towards improving medication adherence and addressing social determinants of health, to reduce CVD burden and enhance health equity across diverse populations.

Prognostic Implications of Coronary Artery Sclerosis in Troponin-Positive Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries.

Coronary sclerosis is a risk factor for the progression to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, understanding its impact on the outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries is limited. This study aimed to explore the prognostic influence of coronary sclerosis on in- and out-of-hospital events in troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries. This study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on prospectively collected data. A total of 24,775 patients who underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2021 in a German university hospital were screened, resulting in a final study cohort of 373 troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and a follow-up period of 6.2 ± 3.1years. Coronary sclerosis was defined as coronary plaques without angiographically detectable stenotic lesions of 50% or more in the large epicardial coronary arteries. The primary study endpoint was the occurrence of in-hospital events. Secondary endpoints included events during follow-up. Patients with coronary sclerosis were significantly older (70 ± 12 vs. 58 ± 16years, p < 0.001), had ST-segment elevation less frequently on electrocardiogram (9.4% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.013), and suffered more often from diabetes mellitus (23.3% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.009), arterial hypertension (79.6% vs. 59.8%, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.1% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.028), chronic kidney disease (22.2% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (19.8% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.045), and valvular diseases than patients without CAD. Patients with coronary sclerosis were more likely to receive medication for primary/secondary prevention on admission and at discharge. The incidence of in- and out-of-hospital events was significantly higher in patients with coronary sclerosis (in-hospital: 42.8% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.010; out-of-hospital: 46.0% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates tended to be higher in the coronary sclerosis group (29.4% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.066). Patients diagnosed with coronary sclerosis presented a higher incidence of comorbidities and increased medication use, and experienced higher rates of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital events, primarily due to the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

#2449 Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease among older community-dwelling adults in Ireland

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health challenge with substantial morbidity and mortality. In Ireland, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of CKD is lacking, with limited data on the combined impact of socioeconomic and traditional risk factors. While the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) has offered insights into CKD burden, a detailed examination of its determinants remains unexplored. The goal of this study was to explore the prevalence and determinants of CKD at the community level within the Irish population. Method This is a retrospective cohort study that utilised cross sectional data from the first wave of TILDA conducted between 2009 and 2011. Participants aged 50 years and older who had health assessment and kidney function tests performed were included. The 2012 and 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations were employed to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) based on cystatin C and creatinine levels. CKD was classified as eGFR &amp;lt; 60 ml/min/1.73 m². We determined the weighted prevalence of CKD using sample weights. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of CKD and models’ performance were assessed using AUC-ROC curves and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Associations were expressed using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among the 5 386 participants tested for cystatin C and serum creatinine, the weighted CKD prevalence was 11.3% based on the 2021 CKD-EPI definition (excluding race) and 13.9% using the 2012 definition. Prevalence was significantly higher in women than men, and increased with age, reaching about 45% in women over 71 years versus 29% in men. Burden of comorbid conditions in CKD individuals varied from 11% (for cancer) to 89% (for hypertension) and were significantly higher than non-CKD individuals (P&amp;lt; 0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, education, and employment, the adjusted odds of CKD were significantly higher for individuals with hypertension AOR 2.15 (95% CI: 1.58–2.96), diabetes AOR 2.00 (95% CI: 1.50–2.66), cardiovascular disease AOR 1.72 (95% CI: 1.43–2.21), cancer AOR 1.64 (95% CI: 1.16–2.30), and obesity AOR 2.18 (95% CI: 1.61–2.96). The likelihood of CKD was also higher for patients with a hospital admission in the previous year AOR = 1.50 (95% CI: 1.14–1.96), possession of a medical card AOR 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06–1.89), and unemployed individuals AOR 1.61, (95% CI: 1.06–2.50), while the likelihood was significantly lower for individuals with a tertiary education (versus primary) AOR 0.73 (95% CI: 0.54–0.98). With further adjustment for medications, the magnitude of these associations was greatly attenuated with increasing odds of CKD for those receiving higher medication burden: 2-3 drugs AOR 2.02, (95% CI: 1.29–3.29), 3-4 drugs AOR 2.52 (95% CI: 1. 59–4.11), and &amp;gt; 5 drugs AOR 4.49 (95% CI: 2.81–7.39) (see Fig. 1). The AUC score ranged from 0.84 to 0.88, indicating strong model performance. Conclusion This study brings renewed attention to observed variation in national estimates of CKD prevalence (11.3% vs 13.9%) that are derived from current prediction equations with important implications for the strategic planning and resourcing of CKD care. This study emphasises the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as health coverage and financial barriers to heath care, education attainment, and employment, on CKD beyond traditional risk factors. Furthermore, the attenuation of known risk factors with increasing medication use highlights the influence of these treatments on CKD dynamics. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted public health strategies and awareness programs in Irish communities to address the increasing burden of CKD.

Increasing Medication Use and Polypharmacy in Type 2 Diabetes: The Danish Experience From 2000 to 2020.

Type 2 diabetes often coexists with other conditions that are amenable to pharmacological treatment. We hypothesized that polypharmacy among individuals with type 2 diabetes has increased since 2000. Using Danish national registries, we established a cohort of all Danish individuals (aged ≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes between 2000 and 2020. We analyzed their medication use and prevalence of varying degrees of polypharmacy (≥5 or ≥10 medications), stratifying by age, sex, number of chronic diseases, and socioeconomic status. The cohort grew from 84,917 patients in 2000 to 307,011 in 2020, totaling 461,849 unique patients. The number of daily medications used per patient increased from (mean ± SD) 3.7 ± 2.8 (in 2000) to 5.3 ± 3.2 (in 2020). The lifetime risk ofpolypharmacy was substantial, with 89% (n = 409,062 of 461,849) being exposed to ≥5 medications at some point and 47% (n = 217,467of 461,849) to ≥10 medications. The increases were driven by an expanding group of medications, with analgesics, antihypertensives, proton pump inhibitors, and statins having the largest net increase. Advanced age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, and Danish ethnicity positively correlated with polypharmacy but could not explain the overall increase in polypharmacy. Medication use and polypharmacy have increased among patients with type 2 diabetes. Although the implications and appropriateness of this increased medication use are uncertain, the results stress the increasing need for health care personnel to understand the potential risks associated with polypharmacy, including medication interactions, adverse effects, and over- and underprescribing.

Prevalence and predictors of polypharmacy in elderly patients discharged from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Swat, Pakistan: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Background: The use of polypharmacy in the elderly has been the subject of much consideration in recent years. However, its prevalence and risk factors are yet to be properly investigated in Pakistan. Objective: The study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of polypharmacy at discharge in Pakistan. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of elderly patients' medical profiles for the year 2021 was performed, and the profiles that met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: The total sample size was 800, and 51.9% of patients received polypharmacy at discharge. The authors found that the female gender (OR = 0.469) has comparatively less risk of receiving polypharmacy. Furthermore, patients with an increased length of stay and increased medication use in the hospital (OR 1.1295, OR = 17.189, respectively) have a high risk of receiving polypharmacy at discharge. Furthermore, patients diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (OR = 4.689), cerebrovascular accident (OR = 2.764), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 3.748), asthma (OR = 2.321), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.754) had higher risks of receiving polypharmacy. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of polypharmacy at discharge in Pakistan and identified several risk factors that could help to reduce polypharmacy by targeting vulnerable groups.

Use of medication in pregnancy on the rise: Study on 1.4million Danish pregnancies from 1998 to 2018.

Maternal demographics have evolved, and more women than ever enter pregnancy with preexisting comorbidity and with potentially complex medication exposure, including polypharmacy (concomitant intake of multiple medications). This study aims to describe the evolution of medication use in pregnancy in Denmark from 1998 to 2018 with special focus on polypharmacy, patterns of use, and underlying demographics. A Danish nationwide historical registry study based on all clinically recognized pregnancies with a gestation ≥10 weeks between 1998 and 2018. Medication use was estimated by redemption of prescriptions during pregnancy. Among a total of 1 402 327 clinically recognized pregnancies, redemption of at least one prescription medication during pregnancy increased from 56.9% in 1998 to 63.3% in 2018, coinciding with an increased use of polypharmacy (from 24.8% in 1998 to 35.2% in 2018). The prevalence of pregnant women who used medications for chronic conditions increased more than the prevalence of women treated for occasional or short-time conditions. Redemption of one or multiple prescription medications during pregnancy was mostly seen among pregnant women ≥35 years of age. However, pregnant women <25 years old exhibited the largest increase in medication use during the study period. Medication use in general, and polypharmacy in particular, increased from 1998 to 2008, possibly as the result of an increased prevalence of pregnant women with chronic conditions requiring pharmacological treatment. Notably, a marked maternal age-based discrepancy in usage pattern was observed, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The rise in the prevalence of polypharmacy during pregnancy underscores the need for pharmacovigilance to monitor adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the patterns of polypharmacy and the accompanying maternal and fetal risks.

Preliminary evaluation of the effect of revised reimbursement scheme in outpatient hemodialysis for medical aid recipients in Korea.

South Korea has universal health coverage guaranteeing equitable healthcare for all. However, equity issues have been raised regarding hemodialysis reimbursement for medical aid recipients with chronic kidney disease. Physicians and civic groups demanded a revision of the discriminatory policy, and in response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare amended the hemodialysis case payment scheme. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the reform and detect any unintended policy outcomes. Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea was used. All subjects were patients with chronic kidney disease who received outpatient hemodialysis and medical aid from April 2017 to March 2022. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, and the generalized estimation equation was used to control for covariates and identify policy effects. The reform of the case payment scheme in 2021 raised the compensation level per hemodialysis case, which was fixed for 7 years from 2014, by approximately 2,000 Korean won. There was no negative effect such as additional expenditure resulting from an unintentional increase in medical use. A year has passed since the implementation of the outpatient hemodialysis rate system reform for medical aid recipients. Our results indicate that the reform has gone smoothly, and we anticipate continuous efforts by the government to guarantee universal health coverage to medical aid recipients. Through such consistent endeavors to correct the discriminatory aspects of policies, South Korea will achieve true universal health coverage.

Concurrent and lagged associations among pain medication use, pain, and negative affect: a daily diary study of people with chronic low back pain.

People with chronic pain often attempt to manage pain and concurrent emotional distress with analgesic substances. Habitual use of such substances-even when not opioid-based-can pose side effect risks. A negative reinforcement model has been proposed whereby relief of pain and emotional distress following medication consumption increases the likelihood that the experience of elevated pain and distress will spur further medication use. People with chronic low back pain (N = 105) completed electronic diary assessments 5 times/day for 14 consecutive days. Lagged and cross-lagged analyses focused on links between time 1 pain and negative affect (NA) and time 2 analgesic medication use and vice versa. Sex differences were also explored. Primary results were as follows: (1) participants on average reported taking analgesic medication during 41.3% of the 3-hour reporting epochs (29 times over 14 days); (2) time 1 within-person increases in pain and NA predicted time 2 increases in the likelihood of ingesting analgesic medications; (3) time 1 within-person increases in medication use predicted time 2 decreases in pain and NA; and (4) lagged associations between time 1 pain/NA and time 2 medication use were strongest among women. Findings suggest that the use of analgesic medications for many people with chronic pain occurs frequently throughout the day. Results support the validity of a negative reinforcement model where pain and distress lead to pain medication use, which in turn leads to relief from pain and distress.

Microbial Features Linked to Medication Strategies in Cardiometabolic Disease Management.

Human gut microbiota are recognized as critical players in both metabolic disease and drug metabolism. However, medication-microbiota interactions in cardiometabolic diseases are not well understood. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how medication intake impacts the gut microbiota, we investigated the association of microbial structure with the use of single or multiple medications in a cohort of 134 middle-aged adults diagnosed with cardiometabolic disease, recruited from Alberta's Tomorrow Project. Predominant cardiometabolic prescription medication classes (12 total) were included in our analysis. Multivariate Association with Linear Model (MaAsLin2) was employed and results were corrected for age, BMI, sex, and diet to evaluate the relationship between microbial features and single- or multimedication use. Highly individualized microbiota profiles were observed across participants, and increasing medication use was negatively correlated with α-diversity. A total of 46 associations were identified between microbial composition and single medications, exemplified by the depletion of Akkermansia muciniphila by β-blockers and statins, and the enrichment of Escherichia/Shigella and depletion of Bacteroides xylanisolvens by metformin. Metagenomics prediction further indicated alterations in microbial functions associated with single medications such as the depletion of enzymes involved in energy metabolism encoded by Eggerthella lenta due to β-blocker use. Specific dual medication combinations also had profound impacts, including the depletion of Romboutsia and Butyriciocccus by statin plus metformin. Together, these results show reductions in bacterial diversity as well as species and microbial functional potential associated with both single- and multimedication use in cardiometabolic disease.

Intra- and inter-individual cognitive variability in schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorder: an investigation across multiple cognitive domains

There is substantial cognitive heterogeneity among patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorders (BD). More knowledge about the magnitude and clinical correlates of performance variability could improve our understanding of cognitive impairments. Using double generalized linear models (DGLMs) we investigated cognitive mean and variability differences between patients with SZ (n = 905) and BD spectrum disorders (n = 522), and healthy controls (HC, n = 1170) on twenty-two variables. The analysis revealed significant case-control differences on 90% of the variables. Compared to HC, patients showed larger intra-individual (within subject) variability across tests and larger inter-individual (between subject) variability in measures of fine-motor speed, mental processing speed, and inhibitory control (SZ and BD), and in verbal learning and memory and intellectual functioning (SZ). In SZ, we found that lager intra -and inter (on inhibitory control and speed functions) individual variability, was associated with lower functioning and more negative symptoms. Inter-individual variability on single measures of memory and intellectual function was additionally associated with disorganized and positive symptoms, and use of antidepressants. In BD, there were no within-subject associations with symptom severity. However, greater inter-individual variability (primarily on inhibitory control and speeded functions) was associated with lower functioning, more negative -and disorganized symptoms, earlier age at onset, longer duration of illness, and increased medication use. These results highlight larger individual differences in patients compared to controls on various cognitive domains. Further investigations of the causes and correlates of individual differences in cognitive function are warranted.

Psychotropic medication use pre and post-diagnosis of cluster B personality disorder: a Quebec’s health services register cohort

BackgroundCluster B personality disorders (PDs) are considered some of the most severe mental health conditions. Scarce evidence exists about the real-world utilization of psychotropics for cluster B PD individuals.ObjectiveWe aimed to uncover trends and patterns of psychotropic medication use among individuals diagnosed with cluster B PD in the year before and after their diagnosis and to identify factors associated with medication use in a large cohort of individuals newly diagnosed with cluster B PDs.MethodsWe conducted a population-based observational study using Quebec’s health services register. We identified Quebec residents aged ≥14 years and insured with the provincial drug plan with a first diagnosis of cluster B PD recorded between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2019. Cluster B PD was defined with ICD-9/10 diagnostic codes. We retrieved all claims for the main psychotropic medication classes: antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications. We calculated the proportion of individuals exposed to these medication classes and analyzed trends over the years using robust Poisson regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. We used robust Poisson regression to identify factors associated with medication class use.ResultsWe identified 87,778 new cases of cluster B PD, with a mean age of 44.5 years; 57.5% were women. Most frequent psychiatric comorbidities in the five years before cluster B PD diagnosis were depression (50.9%), anxiety (49.7%), and psychotic disorders (37.5%). Most individuals (71.0%) received at least one psychotropic during the year before cluster B PD diagnosis, and 78.5% received at least one of these medications in the subsequent year. The proportion of users increased after the diagnosis for antidepressants (51.6–54.7%), antipsychotics (35.9–45.2%), mood stabilizers (14.8–17.0%), and ADHD medications (5.1–5.9%), and remained relatively stable for anxiolytics (41.4–41.7%). Trends over time showed statistically significant increased use of antipsychotics and ADHD medications, decreased use of anxiolytics and mood stabilizers, and a stable use of antidepressants.ConclusionPsychotropic medication use is highly prevalent among cluster B PD individuals. We observed an increase in medication use in the months following the diagnosis, particularly for antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.

Polypharmacy and Deprescribing for Older Adults

Polypharmacy, which refers to using multiple medications by an individual, is becoming increasingly common in the aging population. Although it can be beneficial in treating complex medical conditions, it also carries inherent risks, such as adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, cognitive impairment, and increased healthcare costs. With increased medication use, it is essential to consider the risks and benefits of each prescribed medication. Evidence-based guidelines, such as the Beers Criteria and the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions criteria, can help healthcare providers reduce the risks of polypharmacy. Deprescribing, the process of reducing or stopping medication use that is no longer necessary or potentially harmful, is becoming increasingly important in managing polypharmacy. The 5Rs Framework and the Medication Appropriateness Index are two examples of clinical practice guidelines for deprescribing. Communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, gradual tapering of medication, and involvement of patients and caregivers in decision-making are important considerations for deprescribing in primary care. This article provides an overview of the prevalence and negative consequences of polypharmacy, evidence-based guidelines for reducing polypharmacy, clinical practice guidelines for deprescribing, and considerations for deprescribing in primary care.

Medication-Wide Study: Exploring Medication Use 10 Years Before a Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

There is growing interest in the prediagnostic phase of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in the overlap of IBD with other diseases. We described and compared use of any prescription medication between individuals with and without IBD in a 10-year period preceding diagnosis. Based on cross-linked nationwide registers, we identified 29,219 individuals diagnosed with IBD in Denmark between 2005 and 2018 and matched to 292,190 IBD-free individuals. The primary outcome was use of any prescription medication in years 1-10 before IBD diagnosis/matching date. Participants were considered as medication users if they redeemed ≥1 prescription for any medication in the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) main groups or subgroups before diagnosis/matching. The IBD population had a universally increased use of medications compared with the matched population before IBD diagnosis. At 10 years before diagnosis, the proportion of users was 1.1-fold to 1.8-fold higher in the IBD population in 12 of 14 ATC main groups of medication ( P -value < 0.0001). This applied across age, sex, and IBD subtypes, although it was the most pronounced for Crohn's disease (CD). Two years before diagnosis, the IBD population had a steep increase in medication use for several organ systems. When analyzing therapeutic subgroups of medication, the CD population exhibited 2.7, 2.3, 1.9, and 1.9 times more users of immunosuppressants, antianemic preparations, analgesics, and psycholeptics, respectively, than the matched population 10 years before diagnosis ( P -value < 0.0001). Our findings demonstrate universally increased medication use years before IBD, especially CD, diagnosis and indicates multiorgan involvement in IBD.

Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among Underserved Older Latino Adults.

Previous studies identified alarming increases in medication use, polypharmacy, and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among minority older adults with multimorbidity. However, PIM use among underserved older Latino adults is still largely unknown. The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of PIM use among underserved, community-dwelling older Latino adults. This study examines both the complexity of polypharmacy in this community and identifies associations between PIM and multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and access to medical care among this segment of our population. This community-based, cross-sectional study included 126 community-dwelling Latinos aged 65 years and older. The updated 2019 AGS Beers Criteria was used to identify participants using PIMs. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the independent association of PIM with several independent variables including demographic characteristics, the number of chronic conditions, the number of prescription medications used, level of pain, and sleep difficulty. In addition, we present five cases in order to offer greater insight into PIM use among our sample. One-third of participants had at least one use of PIM. Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was observed in 55% of our sample. In addition, 46% took drugs to be used with caution (UWC). In total, 16% were taking between 9 and 24 medications, whereas 39% and 46% were taking 5 to 8 and 1 to 4 prescription medications, respectively. The multinomial logit regression analysis showed that (controlling for demographic variables) increased PIM use was associated with an increased number of prescription medications, number of chronic conditions, sleep difficulty, lack of access to primary care, financial strains, and poor self-rated health. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed recurrent themes in the missed identification of potential drug-related harm among underserved Latino older adults. Our data suggest that financial strain, lack of access to primary care, as well as an increased number of medications and co-morbidity are inter-connected. Lack of continuity of care often leads to fragmented care, putting vulnerable patients at risk of polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions as clinicians lack access to a current and complete list of medications patients are using at any given time. Therefore, improving access to health care and thereby continuity of care among older Latino adults with multimorbidity has the potential to reduce both polypharmacy and PIM use. Programs that increase access to regular care and continuity of care should be prioritized among multimorbid, undeserved, Latino older adults in an effort toward improved health equity.

Difelikefalin for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is often experienced by patients with CKD receiving dialysis. Approximately 40% of hemodialysis patients are ‘moderately’ to ‘extremely bothered’ by itching, associated with reduced quality of life, poor sleep quality, and depression as well as worse clinical outcomes, including increased medication use, infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. Areas covered This review covers the pathophysiology and treatment landscape of CKD-aP, and the development, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of difelikefalin. We summarize the existing evidence, and discuss both the position of difelikefalin in the treatment pathway and potential future developments. Expert opinion Difelikefalin is a kappa opioid receptor agonist, with a primary mode of action that is outside of the central nervous system and provides an improved safety profile compared with other opioid agonists, with limited potential for abuse and dependency. Difelikefalin has demonstrated efficacy, tolerability, and safety profile in several large-scale clinical trials in more than 1,400 hemodialysis patients with CKD-aP treated for up to 64 weeks. Difelikefalin is the only approved treatment for CKD-aP in the U.S.A and Europe; other treatments are used off-label, have limited proof of efficacy in large-scale clinical trials in this patient population, and may present an increased risk of toxicity in patients with CKD.

دراسة تأثير النظام الغذائي الكيتوني على فقدان الوزن ودهون الدم في الفئران البدينة

Obesity is defined as a high percentage of body fat, which is frequently associated with a high body mass index (BMI), which links an individual's weight and height. Obesity is a frequent and widespread disease all over the world, affecting both children and adults, male and female. Obesity, as a source of many diseases and health problems, has recently emerged as a severe health issue that necessitates treatment and follow-up. Obesity prevalence in various age groups worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, where the obesity incidence is 59%, and the dangers of obesity-related ailments such as type 2 diabetes, strokes, and heart disease, which leads to Increased medication use with bariatric surgery. The ketogenic diet (KD) has recently become the most popular diet all over the world. As a result, the keto diet comprises eating a lot of fat, a tiny bit of protein, and very little carbohydrates. The goal of this research report is to learn more about the effects of a KD on weight loss and lipid profile. In this study, the qualitative method was applied, which relies on secondary data sources. In this study, we used a range of research that was also conducted by other researchers.

Effect of a controlled lifestyle intervention on medication use and costs: The Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (cohort 2).

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS (www.drks.de; reference: DRKS00018775).

Prevalence, association, and prognostic significance of polypharmacy and sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Polypharmacy and sarcopenia are increasing public health problems worldwide. However, data on the prevalence, association, and prognostic significance of polypharmacy and sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis are limited. Polypharmacy and sarcopenia were assessed in 239 patients with liver cirrhosis. Polypharmacy was defined as the daily use of six or more medications, and sarcopenia was diagnosed based on muscle strength and mass evaluated on computed tomography. The association between polypharmacy and sarcopenia and their effects on mortality were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Among the 239 patients, 52% were men, the median age was 68 years, and the number of medications used per patient was 6. Further, 53% and 29% patients had polypharmacy and sarcopenia, respectively. The number of medications used and the prevalence of sarcopenia increased with age. Patients with polypharmacy and sarcopenia had similar characteristics, such as older age, increased medication use, advanced liver disease, and decreased muscle strength and mass. After adjusting for confounders, polypharmacy was significantly associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-4.17). During the median follow-up of 2.2 years, 62 (26%) patients died. Polypharmacy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.83; 95% CI, 1.01-3.37) and sarcopenia (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.12-3.50) independently predicted mortality. The prognostic significance of polypharmacy was more prominent in older adults than in younger adults (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.01-5.67). Polypharmacy and sarcopenia are interrelated and associated with poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Further large, prospective, population-based studies are required to validate these findings.