Medications In Older Patients Research Articles

Barriers and Enablers of Healthcare Providers to Deprescribe Cardiometabolic Medication in Older Patients: A Focus Group Study.

IntroductionBenefits and risks of preventive medication change over time for ageing patients and deprescribing of medication may be needed. Deprescribing of cardiovascular and antidiabetic drugs can be challenging and is not widely implemented in daily practice.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify barriers and enablers of deprescribing cardiometabolic medication as seen by healthcare providers (HCPs) of different disciplines, and to explore their views on their specific roles in the process of deprescribing.MethodsThree focus groups with five general practitioners, eight pharmacists, three nurse practitioners, two geriatricians, and two elder care physicians were conducted in three cities in The Netherlands. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Directed content analysis was performed on the basis of the Theoretical Domains Framework. Two researchers independently coded the data.ResultsMost HCPs agreed that deprescribing of cardiometabolic medication is relevant but that barriers include lack of evidence and expertise, negative beliefs and fears, poor communication and collaboration between HCPs, and lack of resources. Having a guideline was considered an enabler for the process of deprescribing of cardiometabolic medication. Some HCPs feared the consequences of discontinuing cardiovascular or antidiabetic medication, while others were not motivated to deprescribe when the patients experienced no problems with their medication. HCPs of all disciplines stated that adequate patient communication and involving the patients and relatives in the decision making enables deprescribing. Barriers to deprescribing included the use of medication initiated by specialists, the poor exchange of information, and the amount of time it takes to deprescribe cardiometabolic medication. The HCPs were uncertain about each other’s roles and responsibilities. A multidisciplinary approach including the pharmacist and nurse practitioner was seen as the best way to support the process of deprescribing and address barriers related to resources.ConclusionHCPs recognized the importance of deprescribing cardiometabolic medication as a medical decision that can only be made in close cooperation with the patient. To successfully accomplish the process of deprescribing they strongly recommended a multidisciplinary approach.

Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Potentially Inappropriate Medication in Older Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Age-related multiple comorbidities cause older adults to be prone to the use of potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM) resulting in an increased risk of adverse events. Several strategies have emerged to support PIM prescription, and a huge number of interventions to reduce PIM have been proposed. This work aims to analyze the effectiveness of PIM interventions directed to older adults. Methods: A systematic review was performed searching the literature in the MEDLINE PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane scientific databases for interventional studies that assessed the PIM interventions in older adults (≥65 years). Results: Forty-seven articles were included, involving 52 to 124,802 patients. Various types of interventions were analyzed such as medication review, educational strategies, clinical decision support system, and organizational and multifaceted approaches. In the hospital, the most successful intervention was medication review (75.0%), while in primary care, the analysis of all included studies revealed that educational strategies were the most effective. However, the analysis of interventions that have greater evidence by its design was inconclusive. Conclusion: The results obtained in this work suggested that PIM-setting-directed interventions should be developed to promote the wellbeing of the patients through PIM reduction. Although the data obtained suggested that medication review was the most assertive strategy to decrease the number of PIM in the hospital setting, more studies are necessary. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021233484], identifier [PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021233484].

Potentially inappropriate medications and anticholinergic and sedative burden in older patients with haemophilia or von Willebrand disease: The M’HEMORRH‐AGE study

In older patients, multiple chronic conditions lead to the intake of multiple medications and a higher risk of adverse drug events. The exposure to inappropriate medications in older patients with bleeding disorders is poorly explored. The aim of this study was to describe the exposure to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and medications with anticholinergic and sedative properties in older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia or von Willebrand Disease (VWD). The M'HEMORRH-AGE study (Medication in AGEd patients with HAEMORRHagic disease) is a multicentre prospective observational study. Community-dwelling patients over 65years with haemophilia or VWD were included in the study. PIMs were identified using the EU(7)-PIM list, and the anticholinergic and sedative drug exposure was measured using the Drug Burden Index. 142 older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia (n=89) or VWD (n=53) were included (mean age: 72.8±5.8years). PIMs were used by 45.8% of older patients and were mainly represented by cardiovascular (34.9%), nervous systems (26.7%) and alimentary tract and metabolism PIMs (25.6%). Regarding anticholinergic and/or sedative medications, 37.3% of older patients were exposed mainly due to nervous system medications (68.3%), for example analgesics. The M'HEMORRH-AGE study showed the exposure to PIMs and anticholinergic/sedative medications was high in older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia or VWD. Interventions focusing on deprescription of these inappropriate medications should be conducted in this specific population.

Use of antipsychotic and sedative medications in older patients in the emergency department.

Antipsychotics and sedatives are used to treat agitation in the emergency department (ED) but carry significant risk in older adults. Our objective was to determine factors associated with their administration to older ED patients. This was an observational study using data from the 2014-2017 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We identified ED visits for patients aged ≥65 years and determined whether an antipsychotic or sedative was administered. Visits related to substance use/withdrawal, other psychiatric complaints, and intubation were excluded. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for antipsychotic or sedative administration. Of the 78.7 million ED visits that met inclusion criteria, 3.5% involved at least one dose of antipsychotic or sedative medication; 13% involved an antipsychotic and 92% a sedative. Factors associated with antipsychotic administration included nursing home residence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.05-6.80), dementia (aOR: 5.62; 95% CI: 2.44-12.94), and delirium (aOR: 7.33; 95% CI: 2.21-24.32). Sedative administration was positively associated with CT or MR imaging (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.42-2.43), urbanicity of ED (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02-2.08), and female gender (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.08-1.99) and negatively associated with older age (age: 75-84; aOR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; age: 85+; aOR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.45-0.88; reference age: 65-74 years). Antipsychotic and sedative administration were associated with prolonged ED lengths of stay and hospital admission. We identified patient- and facility-level factors associated with sedative and antipsychotic administration in older ED patients. Antipsychotic and sedative administration were associated with prolonged ED lengths of stay and hospital admission.

Mortality associated with antipsychotic medications in older patients with dementia: A population-based study in the Lazio Region, Italy

Antipsychotic drugs (AP) can be effective in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia but they are associated to a wide range of serious adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate all-cause mortality at 30 and 180 days, and 1 year after the first prescription with an AP, and the risk of death associated with the use of typical versus atypical AP medications.

Use of potentially inappropriate medication in older patients with lung cancer at the end of life

ObjectivesMedications at the end of life should be used for symptom control. Medications which potential adverse effects outweigh their expected benefits are called ‘potentially inappropriate medications’ (PIMs). PIMs are related with adverse drug events and reduced quality of life. In this study, we investigated to what extent PIMs are dispensed to older patients with lung cancer in the last month of life. MethodsWe selected patients with lung cancer, aged 65+, diagnosed between 2009 and 2014, and who died before April 1st 2015 from the population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). The NCR is linked to the PHARMO Database Network, that includes medications dispensed by community pharmacies in the Netherlands. The eight PIM groups were based on the OncPal Deprescribing Guideline: aspirin, dyslipidaemia medications, antihypertensives, osteoporosis medications, peptic ulcer prophylaxis, oral hypoglycaemics, vitamins and minerals. ResultsData of 7864 patients with lung cancer were analyzed. Median age was 74 year (IQR = 70–79) and 67% was male. 45% of all patients received at least one PIM in their last month of life. Taking into account all dispensed medications, patients receiving PIMs received more different medications compared to those receiving no PIMs, respectively 10 (SD = 5) vs. 3 (SD = 4) different medications (P < 0.001). ConclusionAlmost half of the older patients with lung cancer in the Netherlands received PIMs in their last month of life. Since PIM use is associated with reduced quality of life, it is important that health care professionals continue to critically assess which medication can be discontinued at the end of life.

Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Antihypertensive Medication Reduction in Older Patients with Hypertension: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Hypertension is a serious global public health problem, and its incidence increases with age. Research has suggested that multiple antihypertensive prescriptions may be harmful to older individuals with hypertension. Baduanjin, a widely practiced physical activity in China, has been used as an adjuvant therapy to antihypertensive treatment in older individuals with hypertension. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise could reduce the need for antihypertensive medications in older patients. Methods This single-center, open, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in China. Seventy eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the 12-week Baduanjin exercise group or the 12-week aerobic exercise group (5 times a week), at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome will include the proportion of participants who reduce their antihypertensive medications. The secondary outcomes will include the changes in mean office systolic and diastolic pressure, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, health-related quality of life (based on SF-36), and gut microbiota composition. Discussion. The results of this study will provide powerful evidence for the use of Baduanjin as an adjuvant therapy for antihypertensive medication reduction in older people with hypertension and therefore find the best treatment for hypertension. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR1900024429).

Older people\u2019s attitudes towards deprescribing cardiometabolic medication

BackgroundOvertreatment with cardiometabolic medication in older patients can lead to major adverse events. Timely deprescribing of these medications is therefore essential. Self-reported willingness to stop medication is usually high among older people, still overtreatment with cardiometabolic medication is common and deprescribing is rarely initiated. An important barrier for deprescribing reported by general practitioners is the patients’ unwillingness to stop the medication. More insights are needed into the influence of patients’ characteristics on their attitudes towards deprescribing and differences in these attitudes between cardiometabolic medication groups.MethodsA survey in older people using cardiometabolic medication using the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire was performed. Participants completed the general rPATD and an adapted version for four medication groups. Linear and ordinal logistic regression were used to assess the influence of age, sex, therapeutic area and number of medications used on the patients’ general attitudes towards deprescribing. Univariate analysis was used to compare differences in deprescribing attitudes towards sulfonylureas, insulins, antihypertensive medication and statins.ResultsOverall, 314 out of 1143 invited participants completed the survey (median age 76 years, 54% female). Most participants (80%) were satisfied with their medication and willing to stop medications if their doctor said it was possible (88%). Age, sex and therapeutic area had no influence on the general attitudes towards deprescribing. Taking more than ten medicines was significantly associated with a higher perceived medication burden. Antihypertensive medication and insulin were considered more appropriate than statins, and insulin was considered more appropriate than sulfonylureas not favouring deprescribing.ConclusionsThe majority of older people using cardiometabolic medication are willing to stop one of their medicines if their doctor said it was possible. Health care providers should take into account that patients perceive some of their medication as more appropriate than other medication when discussing deprescribing.

97 Prescribing of Hypnosedatives in Seniors in Ambulatory Care in the Czech Republic: Inomed and Euroageism Project Findings

Abstract Introduction Among psychotropic drugs, particularly hypnotics are often used by ambulatory seniors due to high prevalence of insomnia in higher age. This study focused on describing the prevalence of insomnia, prevalence of hypnosedative drug use and inappropriate patterns of their prescribing (nongeriatric doses, nongeriatric lenght of therapy) in ambulatory seniors in the Czech Republic. Methods There were 563 ambulatory geriatric patients (≥65 years) included in the study, from 4 geriatric ambulances (regionally different sites) in the Czech Republic. All patients have been assessed using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) using the EUROAGEISM H2020 study protocols. Prevalences of insomnia, hypnosedative drug use and use of drugs that may exacerbate insomnias were documented by descriptive statistics, as well as the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in older patients (PIMs, selectively for hypnosedatives, defined by 2019 Beers criteria and 2015 EU(7)-PIM list). Results 30.6% (N = 172) of ambulatory seniors suffered from insomnias and the majority of patients were treated pharmacologically (24.0%), nonpharmacologic procedures were used rarely (0.5%). Hypnosedatives in the evening or at night (e/n) were mostly prescribed in the age group of patients 84–94 years (42.8%) and most often these were Z-drugs (8.2%), benzodiazepines (BZDs, 7.6%) and from „off-label “hypnotics antipsychotics (17.8%,!17% of users 6 months) and sedative antidepressants (9.2%). In nongeriatric doses and nongeriatric duration of therapy (&amp;gt;4 weeks) there were most often prescribed Z-drugs (6.0% and 2,7%, respectively) and BZDs (2,7% and 11%). Conclusion In ambulatory Czech seniors we documented that one third suffered from insomnias and minimally were applied nonpharmacological treatment strategies. From nongeriatric procedures in hypnosetive drug use were most often described long-term use of antipsychotics e/n, non-geriatric dosing of Z-drugs and long-term use of BZDs e/n. Supported by: InoMed project (reg. No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_069/0010046, 2019–2022), EUROAGEISM H2020-MCSF-ITN-764632 project, PROGRESS Q42 Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, SVV 260417.

Adventures in getting paid

Adventures in getting paid

Clinical outcomes associated with anticholinergic burden in older hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: a single-center database study.

Although anticholinergic burden has been known to be associated with adverse outcomes in older adults, its clinical importance has been less studied in patients with advanced cancer. We aimed to assess clinical impacts of using anticholinergic medications in older patients with cancer. This is a single-center retrospective database study. This study included patients with stage IV solid cancer aged 65years or older who were hospitalized in a hospitalist-operated medical unit of a tertiary hospital. We calculated anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) scores on admission and during hospitalization by reviewing all medications during hospital stays and collected the following data: demographic, medical history and clinical severity, occurrence of delirium, location of discharge, in-hospital mortality, and after discharge mortality data. When we divided the patients into two groups based on the change in ACB during hospitalization, the in-hospital mortality rate, incidence of delirium, frequency of transfers to long-term care hospitals, and length of hospital stay were higher in the ACB-increased group than those in the non-increased group. Even after excluding patients with clinically detected delirium, increased ACB were associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Patients in the ACB-increased group showed higher mortality risk after discharge than those in the non-increased group based on the Cox proportional hazard model. Increased ACB during hospitalization is a predictor of worsening clinical features and higher mortality in older patients with cancer. Further studies investigating causal relationship between an increased ACB and poor prognosis are warranted.

Are Anticholinergic Symptoms a Risk Factor for Falls in Older General Practice Patients With Polypharmacy? Study Protocol for the Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model.

Background: Cumulative anticholinergic exposure, also known as anticholinergic burden, is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes. However, studies show that anticholinergic effects tend to be underestimated by prescribers, and anticholinergics are the most frequently prescribed potentially inappropriate medication in older patients. The grading systems and drugs included in existing scales to quantify anticholinergic burden differ considerably and do not adequately account for patients’ susceptibility to medications. Furthermore, their ability to link anticholinergic burden with adverse outcomes such as falls is unclear. This study aims to develop a prognostic model that predicts falls in older general practice patients, to assess the performance of several anticholinergic burden scales, and to quantify the added predictive value of anticholinergic symptoms in this context. Methods: Data from two cluster-randomized controlled trials investigating medication optimization in older general practice patients in Germany will be used. One trial (RIME, n = 1,197) will be used for the model development and the other trial (PRIMUM, n = 502) will be used to externally validate the model. A priori, candidate predictors will be selected based on a literature search, predictor availability, and clinical reasoning. Candidate predictors will include socio-demographics (e.g. age, sex), morbidity (e.g. single conditions), medication (e.g. polypharmacy, anticholinergic burden as defined by scales), and well-being (e.g. quality of life, physical function). A prognostic model including sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors, as well as variables on morbidity, medication, health status, and well-being, will be developed, whereby the prognostic value of extending the model to include additional patient-reported symptoms will be also assessed. Logistic regression will be used for the binary outcome, which will be defined as “no falls” vs. “≥1 fall” within six months of baseline, as reported in patient interviews. Discussion: As the ability of different anticholinergic burden scales to predict falls in older patients is unclear, this study may provide insights into their relative importance as well as into the overall contribution of anticholinergic symptoms and other patient characteristics. The results may support general practitioners in their clinical decision-making and in prescribing fewer medications with anticholinergic properties.

GPs' mindlines on deprescribing antihypertensives in older patients with multimorbidity: a qualitative study in English general practice.

BackgroundOptimal management of hypertension in older patients with multimorbidity is a cornerstone of primary care practice. Despite emphasis on personalised approaches to treatment in older patients, there is little guidance on how to achieve medication reduction when GPs are concerned that possible risks outweigh potential benefits of treatment. Mindlines — tacit, internalised guidelines developed over time from multiple sources — may be of particular importance in such situations.AimTo explore GPs’ decision-making on deprescribing antihypertensives in patients with multimorbidity aged ≥80 years, drawing on the concept of mindlines.Design and settingQualitative interview study set in English general practice.MethodThematic analysis of face-to-face interviews with a sample of 15 GPs from seven practices in the East of England, using a chart-stimulated recall approach to explore approaches to treatment for older patients with multimorbidity with hypertension.ResultsGPs are typically confident making decisions to deprescribe antihypertensive medication in older patients with multimorbidity when prompted by a trigger, such as a fall or adverse drug event. GPs are less confident to attempt deprescribing in response to generalised concerns about polypharmacy, and work hard to make sense of multiple sources (including available evidence, shared experiential knowledge, and non-clinical factors) to guide decision-making.ConclusionIn the absence of a clear evidence base on when and how to attempt medication reduction in response to concerns about polypharmacy, GPs develop ‘mindlines’ over time through practicebased experience. These tacit approaches to making complex decisions are critical to developing confidence to attempt deprescribing and may be strengthened through reflective practice.

95 Use of Antipsychotic and Sedative Medications in Older Patients in the Emergency Department

Antipsychotics and sedatives are often administered to treat acute agitation, but carry significant risk in older adults, including the potential to precipitate or worsen delirium and increase risk of mortality. Our primary objective was to determine the frequency with which these medications are administered to older patients in the emergency department (ED) and factors associated with their administration. Using data from the 2014-2017 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, we identified ED visits for patients 65 years of age and older and determined whether they were administered either an antipsychotic or sedative during their ED visit. We excluded patients with visits related to substance use, substance withdrawal or psychiatric complaints; and patients requiring intubation. We performed unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify patient-level and facility-level risk factors for antipsychotic/sedative administration. Sensitivity analyses were performed looking at risk factors for each medication category separately. Over the study period, there were approximately 88,637,000 patient visits (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 80,298,000-96,975,000) by older individuals, of whom 11% (95% CI 10-12%) met exclusion criteria. Of the approximately 79,040,000 (95% CI 71,680,000-86,400,000) patients in the analytic cohort, 3.4% (95% CI 3.0-4.0%) received at least one dose of an antipsychotic or sedative medication. In patients who were administered one of these medications, 13% (95% CI 10-17%) received an antipsychotic and 92% (95% CI 88-94%) received a sedative agent. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with antipsychotic/sedative administration included age (age 75-84: OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.95; age 85+: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.95), female (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06-1.83), dementia history (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.15-2.85), CT or MR imaging (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.40-2.32), and urbanicity of hospitals (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06-2.03). In sensitivity analyses, antipsychotic administration was associated with dementia (OR 5.62, 95% CI 2.50-12.64), nursing home residency (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.07-6.96) and delirium (OR 7.03, 95% CI 2.20- 22.52), whereas sedative administration was associated with age (age 75-84: OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51 - 0.95), female (OR 1.47 95% CI 1.08 - 2.00), CT or MR imaging (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.46-2.50) and urbanicity of hospitals (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03 - 2.08). Patients who received an antipsychotic/sedative were more likely to be admitted to the hospital (37%, 95% CI 30-45%) compared to those who did not (21%, 95% CI 19-24%; p<0.001). Older ED patients were infrequently administered antipsychotic and sedative medications. Sedatives were more commonly administered than antipsychotics, despite being considered potentially inappropriate in older adults. Predictors of antipsychotic or sedative administration included dementia history and need to perform advanced imaging. Delirium diagnosis and nursing home residence were also associated with antipsychotic administration.

Barriers and Enablers of Older Patients to Deprescribing of Cardiometabolic Medication: A Focus Group Study.

BackgroundDeprescribing has been recommended for managing polypharmacy but deprescribing preventive medication in older patients is still uncommon. We aimed to investigate older patients’ barriers to and enablers of deprescribing cardiometabolic medication.MethodsTwo focus groups were conducted among patients ≥70 years with polypharmacy, including cardiometabolic medication. Purposive sampling through four community pharmacies was used in two regions in the Netherlands. A topic list was developed using literature and the theoretical domains framework (TDF). The meetings were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic coding, attribute coding and the TDF. In addition, patients were categorized on attitudes towards medication and willingness to stop.ResultsThe meetings were attended by 17 patients and 1 caregiver (71 to 84 years). In total 15 barriers and 13 enablers were identified within four themes, partly related to beliefs, fears and experiences regarding using or stopping medication, and partly related to the relationship with the health care professional and the conditions to stop. Some patients attributed their wellbeing to their medication and were therefore unwilling to stop. Reducing cardiometabolic medication because of less strict treatment targets confused some patients and was a barrier to deprescribing. Having options to monitor clinical measurements and restart medication were enablers. Patients were only willing to stop cardiometabolic medication when this was proposed by a HCP they trusted. Patients with a positive attitude towards medication varied in their willingness to stop cardiometabolic medication. Patients with a negative attitude towards medication were generally willing to stop medication but still perceived several barriers and may consider some medication as being essential.ConclusionFears, beliefs, and experiences regarding using and stopping medication as well as trust in the HCP influence willingness to have medication deprescribed. Attitudes towards medication in general do not necessarily translate into willingness or unwillingness to stop specific medication. For deprescribing cardiometabolic medication, patient involvement when setting new treatment targets and monitoring the effects on short-term outcomes are important.

Prevalence and follow-up of potentially inappropriate medication and potentially omitted medication in older patients with cancer – The PIM POM study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIMs) and Potentially Omitted Medication (POMs) in older patients with cancer. Materials and MethodsIn this prospective observational study (hospital) pharmacists conducted comprehensive medication reviews in older patients with cancer (aged ≥65 years) receiving parenteral chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy at the Deventer Hospital. PIMs and POMs were identified using the Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP), the Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment (START), and pharmacists' expert opinion. Recommendations regarding PIMs and POMs were communicated to the patient's oncologist/haematologist and follow-up was measured. Associations between covariates and the prevalence of PIMs and POMs were statistically analysed. ResultsFor the 150 patients included, 180 PIMs and 86 POMs were identified with a prevalence of 78%. Using pharmacists' expert opinion in addition to only STOPP/START criteria contributed to 49% of the PIMs and 23% of the POMs. A follow-up action was required in 73% of the 266 PIMs and POMs. Number of medicines and Charlson Comorbidity Index score were both associated with having at least one PIM and/or POM (p = .031 and p = .016, respectively). ConclusionThe prevalence of PIMs and POMs and subsequent follow-up in older patients with cancer is high. A pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review is a good instrument to identify these PIMs and POMs and to optimize patients' treatment. A complete approach, including pharmacists' expert opinion, is recommended to identify all PIMs and POMs in clinical practice.

Telmisartan and Rosuvastatin Synergistically Ameliorate Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in Older Hypertensive Patients With Apolipoprotein E Genotype.

Objective: To investigate the effect of telmisartan, rosuvastatin, or their combination on dementia and to understand the impact of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on the effect of the medications in older patients with hypertension.Methods: This is a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial using a 2 × 2 factorial design. Between April 2008 and November 2010, 1,244 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years without cognitive impairment were recruited from communities in six cities in Shandong area, China. Patients were randomized into telmisartan and rosuvastatin administration after a 2-week washout period. APOE genotype was identified at the baseline. Possible dementia was determined using the combination of the global cognitive function and Assessment of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE).Results: Over an average follow-up of 7 [interquartile range (IQR): 6.7–7.2] years, telmisartan and rosuvastatin significantly reduced the cognitive impairment progression and the incidence of dementia. There was a synergistic interaction between telmisartan and rosuvastatin to reduce the cognitive impairment and the incidence of dementia (Padjusted < 0.001). The cognitive impairment progression and the risk of dementia were higher in the hypertensive patients with APOE ε4 allele than in those without APOE ε4 allele. Rosuvastatin medication significantly alleviated the cognitive impairment progression and the risks of dementia in patients with APOE ε4 allele.Conclusion: The combination of telmisartan and rosuvastatin might be an effective prevention and/or treatment strategy for cognitive impairment and dementia, especially in hypertensive patients with the APOE ε4 allele.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR-IOR-17013557. Registered on April 12, 2017 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=23121

Deprescribing Antihypertensive Medication in Older Patients

Clinicians might wish to deprescribe antihypertensive medications for older patients because of concerns about polypharmacy and relative hypotension.

Utility of a computer tool for detection of potentially inappropriate medications in older patients in a tertiary hospital.

Utility of a computer tool for detection of potentially inappropriate medications in older patients in a tertiary hospital.

Potentially inappropriate medications in older patients based on Beers criteria: a cross-sectional study of a family medicine practice in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundThe use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is an important issue in older patients who are at risk of adverse drug events.AimTo determine the prevalence of PIM use, according to Beers criteria, among an older population (aged ≥65 years) in a large family medicine setting, and to identify the associated risks.Design & settingA prospective cross-sectional study of patients aged ≥65 years was conducted from June 2017 to June 2018 at the Family and Community Medicine (FCM) clinics of King Saud Medical City (KSMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodThis cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥65 years who were seen at new appointments or followed-up at the FCM clinics of KSMC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by extensive face-to-face interviews and from the patients’ medical records.ResultsA total of 270 older patients aged 72.41 ±6.23 years (mean ±standard deviation [SD]) were included in the present study. The prevalence of PIMs was 60.7% (n = 164). Multivariate analyses identified three independent variables associated with PIMs: incremental age per 5 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.15 to 1.88; P = 0.002), female sex (OR 1.95, 95% CI = 1.10 to 3.42; P = 0.021), and polypharmacy (OR 8.21, 95% CI = 4.58 to 14.7; P<0.001). The most common PIMs used were 39.4% related to proton pump inhibitors (PPI), 25.2% to diuretics (other than spironolactone), 10.6% to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and 8.7% to aspirin use.ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of PIMs. Increasing age, female sex, and polypharmacy were found to be significant risk factors for PIM use. The frequency of morbidities was not significantly different among patients with PIMs compared to those without PIMs, except for hypertension and osteoarthritis, which were more common in the PIMs group. The present study reinforces the importance of comprehensive medication management and reviews.