Potentially Inappropriate Medications Exposure Research Articles

Potentially inappropriate medication as a predictor of poor prognosis of COVID-19 in older adults: a South Korean nationwide cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between exposure to potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in older adults, controlling for comorbidity and sociodemographic factors.Design and settingNationwide retrospective cohort study...

Association between potentially inappropriate medications prescription and health-related quality of life among US older adults.

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are associated with worse health outcomes among older adults. Our objective was to examine the association between PIM prescription and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults in the United States using nationally representative data. This was a retrospective study utilizing 2011-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. Community dwelling US adults aged 65 years or older were included. A qualified definition operationalized from the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® was used to define exposure to PIMs during the study period. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to measure HRQoL. Survey-weighted linear regression models were constructed to investigate the association between PIM exposure and participants' PCS and MCS scores. Analyses were stratified across three age cohorts (65-74, 75-85, and ≥85 years). Unadjusted analysis showed poorer scores in the PIM exposed group for both PCS and MCS (all p < 0.001). PIM exposure was associated with poorer PCS scores across all age groups with those aged 65-74 years (adjusted regression coefficient = -1.60 [95% CI = -2.27, -0.93; p < 0.001]), those 75-84 years (adjusted regression coefficient: -1.49 [95% CI = -2.45, -0.53; p = 0.003]), and those 85 years and older (adjusted regression coefficient = -1.65 [95% CI = -3.03, -0.27; p = 0.02]). PIM exposure was also associated with poorer MCS scores in participants aged 65-74 years (adjusted regression coefficient = -0.69 [95% CI = -1.16, -0.22; p = 0.004]) and 85 years and older (adjusted regression coefficient = -2.01 [95% CI = -3.25, -0.78; p = 0.002]). Our results suggest that patients' exposure to PIMs is associated with poorer HRQoL. Further work is needed to assess whether interventions to deprescribe PIMs may help to improve patients' HRQoL.

Associated adverse health outcomes of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes.

Aim: This study aimed to identify the association of chronic polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) with adverse health outcomes (AHOs) in community-dwelling older adults with diabetes in China. Methods: A 2-year retrospective cohort study was conducted using 11,829 community-followed older adults with diabetes and medical records from 83 hospitals and 702 primary care centers in Shenzhen, China. Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were identified from prescription records using Beers' criteria, and their associated AHO was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of chronic polypharmacy and at least one PIM exposure was 46.37% and 55.09%, respectively. The top five PIMs were diuretics, benzodiazepines, first-generation antihistamines, sulfonylureas, and insulin (sliding scale). Chronic polypharmacy was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for coronary heart disease, admission for stroke, admission for dementia, and emergency department visits. Exposure to PIMs was positively associated with all-cause hospital admission, admission for heart failure (PIMs ≥2), admission for stroke (PIMs ≥3), emergency department visits, bone fracture, constipation, and diarrhea. Conclusion: Chronic polypharmacy and PIMs were prevalent in older adults with diabetes in Chinese communities. Iatrogenic exposure to chronic polypharmacy and PIMs is associated with a higher incidence of different AHOs. This observational evidence highlights the necessity of patient-centered medication reviews for chronic polypharmacy and PIMs use in older patients with diabetes in primary care facilities in China and draws attention to the caution of polypharmacy, especially PIM use in older adults with diabetes in clinical practice.

Using PIM-Taiwan, PRISCUS, and Beers criteria to assess potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with 90-day rehospitalization: a population-based study in Taiwan.

Background: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy increase the risk of hospitalization in older adults receiving potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). The current study compared the ability of PIM-Taiwan, PRISCUS, and Beers criteria to predict 90-day rehospitalization in older patients with and without PIM. Methods: The retrospective cohort study used Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database to retrieve quarterly information about prescribed medication for adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized between 2001 and 2018. We analyzed the association of PIM with 90-day rehospitalization using logistic regression. Results: The study cohort included 206,058 older adults (mean age: 72.5 years). In the analysis, 133,201 (64.6%), 97,790 (47.5%), and 147,450 (71.6%), were identified as having PIM exposure in PIM-Taiwan, PRICUS, and Beers criteria, respectively. PIM-Taiwan criteria found exposure to PIM affecting the cardiovascular (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32-1.41), gastrointestinal (aOR 1.26, 95% CI = 1.23-1.30), central nervous (aOR 1.11, 95% CI = 1.08-1.14), and respiratory (aOR 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12-1.20) systems significantly increased the risk of 90-day rehospitalization, after adjustment for covariates. In PRISCUS criteria, exposure to PIM affecting the respiratory (aOR 1.48, 95% CI = 1.41-1.56), central nervous (aOR 1.12, 95% CI = 1.09-1.15), and cardiovascular (aOR 1.20, 95% CI = 1.16-1.24) systems significantly increased the risk. In Beers criteria, exposure to PIM affecting the cardiovascular (aOR 1.37, 95% CI = 1.32-1.41), gastrointestinal (aOR 1.38, 95% CI = 1.35-1.42), central nervous (aOR 1.18, 95% CI = 1.15-1.21), endocrine (aOR 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06-1.15), and respiratory (aOR 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04-1.13) systems significantly increased the risk. Patients with 90-day rehospitalization had higher rates of the potentially harmful drug-drug interaction (DDI) pairs of serotonin syndrome (n = 19; 48.8%), QT prolongation (n = 4; 30.8%), extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) (n = 102; 24.5%), and hypokalemia (n = 275; 20.1%). Conclusion: Beers criteria was more efficient in predicting 90-day rehospitalization among older adults experiencing PIM in Taiwan than either PIM-Taiwan or PRISCUS. The risk of 90-day rehospitalization was associated with the potentially harmful DDI classes of serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation, EPS, and hypokalemia.

Hospitalization and emergency department visits associated with potentially inappropriate medication in older adults: self-controlled case series analysis.

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and resulting adverse health outcomes in older adults are a common occurrence. However, PIM prescriptions are still frequent for vulnerable older adults. Here, we sought to estimate the risk of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits associated with PIM prescriptions over different exposure periods and PIM drug categories. We used the National Health Insurance Service-Elderly Cohort Database (NHIS-ECDB) to construct the cohort and implemented a Self-Controlled Case Series (SCCS) method. Hospitalization or ED visits during the exposure and post-exposure periods were compared to those during the non-exposure period, and six PIM drug categories were evaluated. A conditional Poisson regression model was applied, and the risk of outcomes was presented as the incidence rate ratio (IRR). All potential time-varying covariates were adjusted by year. A total of 43,942 older adults aged ≥65 y who had at least one PIM prescription and the events of either hospitalization or ED visits between Jan 2016 and Dec 2019 were selected.. Mean days of each exposure period was 46 d (±123); risk was highest in exposure1 (1-7 d, 37.8%), whereas it was similar during exposure2 (15-28 d), and exposure3 (29-56 d) (16.6%). The mean number of total PIM drugs administered during the study period was 7.34 (±4.60). Both hospitalization and ED visits were significantly higher in both exposure (adjusted IRR 2.14, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):2.11-2.17) and post-exposure periods (adjusted IRR 1.41, 95% CI:1.38-1.44) in comparison to non-exposure period. The risk of adverse health outcomes was highest during the first exposure period (1-14 d), but decreased gradually over time. Among the PIM categories, pain medication was used the most, followed by anticholinergics. All PIM categories significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and ED visits, ranging from 1.18 (other PIM) to 2.85 (pain medication). Sensitivity analyses using the first incidence of PIM exposure demonstrated similar results. All PIM categories significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and ED visits, with the initial period of PIM prescriptions showing the highest risk. In subgroup analysis stratified by the number of medications, PIM effects on the risk of hospitalization and ED visits remained significant but gradually attenuated by the increased number of medications. Therefore, the development of deprescribing strategies to control PIM and polypharmacy collectively is urgent and essential.

Potentially inappropriate medication use is associated with increased risk of incident disability in healthy older adults.

Efforts to minimize medication risks among older adults include avoidance of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). However, most PIMs research has focused on older people in aged or inpatient care, creating an evidence gap for community-dwelling older adults. To address this gap, we investigated the impact of PIMs use in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial cohort. Analysis included 19,114 community-dwelling ASPREE participants aged 70+ years (65+ if US minorities) without major cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, or significant physical disability. PIMs were defined according to a modified 2019 AGS Beers Criteria. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between baseline PIMs exposure and disability-free survival, death, incident dementia, disability, and hospitalization, with adjustment for sex, age, country, years of education, frailty, average gait speed, and comorbidities. At baseline, 7396 (39% of the total) participants were prescribed at least one PIM. Compared with those unexposed, participants on a PIM at baseline were at an increased risk of persistent physical disability (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21, 1.80) and hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20, 1.32), but had similar rates of disability-free survival (adjusted HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93, 1.13) and death (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81, 1.05). These effects did not vary by polypharmacy status in interaction analyses. PIMs exposure was associated with higher risk of disability followed by hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.25, 2.96) as well as vice versa (adjusted HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15, 2.05). PPIs, anti-psychotics and benzodiazepines, were associated with increased risk of disability. PIMs exposure is associated with subsequent increased risk of both incident disability and hospitalization. Increased risk of disability prior to hospitalization suggests that PIMs use may start the disability cascade in healthy older adults. Our findings emphasize the importance of caution when prescribing PIMs to older adults in otherwise good health.

Potentially inappropriate medication use and associated factors in residents of long-term care facilities: A nationwide cohort study.

Background: Residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities (LTCFs) may have multimorbidity and be unable to self-administer medication. Thus, due to the risk of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), epidemiological studies on PIM use and its associated factors should be conducted to ensure safe medication use for residents in LTCFs. Objective: We evaluated PIM use among residents of LTCF and the associated factors in residents of LTCFs in Korea using a nationwide database. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Korea National Health Insurance Service Senior Cohort (KNHIS-SC) database 2.0 of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), a single public insurer in Korea. We analyzed older adults aged ≥65years who were residents of LTCFs in 2018, using the KNHIS-SC database. The 2019 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers criteria was used for PIM identification. The prevalence of PIM use was defined as the proportion of LTCF residents who received PIM prescriptions at least once. We evaluated the frequency of prescriptions, including PIMs, and determined the most frequently used PIMs. We also conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with PIM use. Results: The prevalence of PIM among the LTCF residents was 81.6%. The prevalence of PIM was 74.9% for LTC grades 1 or 2 (high dependence) and 85.2% for LTC grades 3-5 (low dependence). Quetiapine was the most frequently prescribed PIM, followed by chlorpheniramine. The low dependence level was significantly associated with PIM use (odds ratio of LTC grades 3-5: 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.32-1.68, reference: LTC grades 1 or 2); moreover, the number of medical institutions visited, and medications emerged as primary influencing factors. Conclusion: Most LTCF residents were vulnerable to PIM exposure. Furthermore, exposure to PIMs is associated with LTC grade. This result highlights the need for comprehensive medication management of LTCF residents.

POTENTIALLY INAPPROPRIATE MEDICATION USE INCREASES RISK OF INCIDENT DISABILITY IN HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Efforts to minimize medication risks among older adults include avoidance of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). However, most PIMs research has focussed on aged or inpatient care, creating an evidence gap for community-dwelling older adults. To address this, we investigated the impact of PIMs use in the ASPREE clinical trial. Methods ASPREE enrolled 19,114 community-dwelling participants aged 70+ years (65+ if US minorities) without a history of major cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and significant physical disability. PIMs was defined according to a modified 2019 AGS Beers Criteria. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between baseline PIMs exposure, and disability-free survival, death, disability, and hospitalization, with adjustment for comorbidities including frailty. Results At baseline, 7396 (39% of total) participants were prescribed at least one PIM. Compared with those unexposed, participants on a PIM at baseline were at an increased risk of persistent physical disability (Adjusted HR 1.47, 95%CI 1.21, 1.80) and hospitalization (Adjusted HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.20, 1.32), but had similar rates of disability free survival and death. These effects did not vary by polypharmacy status. PIMs exposure was associated with higher risk of disability followed by hospitalization (Adjusted HR 1.92, 95%CI 1.25, 2.96) as well as vice versa (Adjusted HR 1.54, 95%CI 1.15, 2.05). Conclusions: PIMs exposure is associated with increased risk of incident disability and hospitalization. Increased risk of disability prior to hospitalization suggests that PIMs use may start the disability cascade, emphasizing the importance of caution when prescribing PIMs for community-dwelling older adults.

Potentially inappropriate medications and their effect on falls during hospital admission.

Objectiveto investigate the effect of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) on inpatient falls and to identify whether PIMs as defined by STOPPFall or the designated section K for falls of STOPP v2 have a stronger association with inpatient falls when compared to the general tool STOPP v2.Methodsa retrospective observational matching study using an electronic health records dataset of patients (≥70 years) admitted to an academic hospital (2015–19), including free text to identify inpatient falls. PIMs were identified using the STOPP v2, section K of STOPP v2 and STOPPFall. We first matched admissions with PIMs to those without PIMs on confounding factors. We then applied multinomial logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards analysis on the matched datasets to identify effects of PIMs on inpatient falls.Resultsthe dataset included 16,678 hospital admissions, with a mean age of 77.2 years. Inpatient falls occurred during 446 (2.7%) admissions. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for the association between PIM exposure and falls were 7.9 (6.1–10.3) for STOPP section K, 2.2 (2.0–2.5) for STOPP and 1.4 (1.3–1.5) for STOPPFall. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for the effect on time to first fall were 2.8 (2.3–3.5) for STOPP section K, 1.5 (1.3–1.6) for STOPP and 1.3 (1.2–1.5) for STOPPFall.Conclusionswe identified an independent association of PIMs on inpatient falls for all applied (de)prescribing tools. The strongest effect was identified for STOPP section K, which is restricted to high-risk medication for falls. Our results suggest that decreasing PIM exposure during hospital stay might benefit fall prevention, but intervention studies are warranted.

Prevalence and Determinants of Multimorbidity, Polypharmacy, and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in the Older Outpatients: Findings from EuroAgeism H2020 ESR7 Project in Ethiopia.

Few studies have been conducted on multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases) and rational geriatric prescribing in Africa. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of multimorbidity, polypharmacy (five or more long-term medications), and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use according to the 2019 Beers criteria among the older adults attending chronic care clinics from a single institution in Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 randomly selected older adults from 12 March 2020 to 30 August 2020. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictor variables. The prevalence of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and PIM exposure was 59.1%, 24.1%, and 47.2%, respectively. Diuretics (10%), insulin sliding scale (8.8%), amitriptyline (7.8%), and aspirin (6.9%) were among the most frequently prescribed PIMs. Older patients experiencing pain flare-ups were more likely to have multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.64, 95% confidence intervals: 1.13–2.39). Persistent anger (AOR: 3.33; 1.71–6.47) and use of mobility aids (AOR: 2.41, 1.35–4.28) were associated with polypharmacy. Moreover, cognitive impairment (AOR: 1.65, 1.15–2.34) and health deterioration (AOR: 1.61, 1.11–2.32) increased the likelihood of PIM exposure. High prevalence of multimorbidity and PIM use was observed in Ethiopia. Several important determinants that can be modified by applying PIM criteria in routine practice were also identified.

PIH24 Medical Home Implementation Reduced Inappropriate Medication Use Among Older Adults in Parma, Italy: Does Early Adoption and Duration of Experience Matter?

Medical home (MH) implementation in the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, was associated with a reduction in potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among older adults. We examine heterogeneity in this association between early and late adopter MHs, and between the early and later post-implementation periods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Parma LHA administrative healthcare database between 01/01/2011-12/31/2017. Adults ≥65 years who lived in Parma >1 year, had ≥1 medication dispensed, and had a documented primary care physician (PCP) were studied. PIM exposure was determined based on medications that should be always avoided according to the 2011 and 2014 Maio criteria, an Italian modified version of the Beers criteria. Exposure to MH care was time-varying and was operationalized using three levels (non-MH, pre-MH, and MH). Repeated events Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare rates of PIM for 1) early (2011-2012) versus late (after 2012) MH adopters and 2) first year versus later years after MH implementation. Among the 129,938 elderly included, 22% of their total person-time was under exposure to MH. Overall, MH implementation was associated with a decreased rate of PIM use regardless of adoption status, (early MH adopters: post vs. pre, HR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.86-0.92; late MH adopters: post vs pre HR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.90-0.95). Additionally, improvement in PIM exposure over time was seen in MH, as the rate of PIM decreased after the first year in MH vs the first year in MH (HR =0.75; 95% CI: 0.73-0.77). Our findings suggest that MH implementation can reduce PIM use for older adults regardless of when PCPs entered into a MH. Larger decreases among early adopters and those with longer experience in a MH suggests that performance improvement continues after the initial implementation period.

Risk of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Adults With CKD: Findings From the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

Adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be at increased risk of adverse effects from use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Our objective was to assess whether PIM exposure has an independent association with CKD progression, hospitalizations, mortality, or falls. Retrospective observational study. Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study; 3,929 adults with CKD enrolled 2003-2008 and followed prospectively until December2011. PIM exposure was defined as prescriptions for any medications to be avoided in older adults as defined by the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria. Hospitalization count, death, a composite kidney disease end point of CKD progression or initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), KRT, and fall events assessed 1 year after PIM exposure. Logistic regression and Poisson regression to estimate the associations of PIM exposure with each outcome. The most commonly prescribed PIMs were proton pump inhibitors and α-blockers. In unadjusted models, any PIM exposure (compared to none) was associated with hospitalizations, death, and fall events. After adjustment, exposure to 1, 2, or≥3 PIMs had a graded association with a higher hospitalization rate (rate ratios of 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01-1.17], 1.18 [95% CI, 1.07-1.30], and 1.35 [95% CI, 1.19-1.53], respectively) and higher odds of mortality (odds ratios of 1.19 [95% CI, 0.91-1.54], 1.62 [95% CI, 1.21-2.17], and 1.65 [95% CI, 1.14-2.41], respectively). In a cohort subset reporting falls (n=1,109), prescriptions for≥3 PIMs were associated with an increased risk of falls (adjusted OR, 2.85 [95% CI, 1.54-5.26]). PIMs were not associated with CKD progression or KRT. Age did not modify the association between PIM count and outcomes. Measurement bias; confounding by indication. Adults of any age with CKD who are prescribed PIMs have an increased risk of hospitalization, mortality, and falls with the greatest risk occurring after more than 1 PIM prescription.

Potentially Inappropriate Medications Are Associated with Increased Healthcare Utilization and Costs.

To examine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing and its association with healthcare utilization and related expenditures utilizing nationally representative data from the United States. Retrospective cohort study. The 2011-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Community-dwelling sample of U.S. adults aged 65 and older during the first round of each MEPS cycle. A qualified definition operationalized from the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® was used to estimate the prevalence of PIM prescribing over the study period. Negative binomial models were assembled to examine associations between PIM exposure and healthcare utilization including hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient provider visits. Generalized linear models with the log link function and gamma distribution were used to analyze associations between PIM exposure and healthcare expenditures. Sensitivity analyses were conducted utilizing inverse probability treatment weighting using propensity scores for being prescribed a PIM. The period prevalence of PIM prescribing over the 5-year sample was 34.4%. PIM prescribing was positively associated with hospitalizations (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 1.17; 95 confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.26; P < .001), ED visits (aIRR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.17-1.35; P < .001), and outpatient provider visits (aIRR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.14-1.21; P < .001). PIM exposure was associated with higher marginal costs within outpatient visits ($116; 95% CI = $105-$243; P < .001), prescription medications ($128; 95% CI = $72-$199; P < .001), and total healthcare expenditures ($458; 95% CI = $295-$664; P < .001). Similar results were found in our propensity score analyses. PIMs continue to be prescribed at a high rate among older adults in the United States. Our results suggest that receipt of PIMs is associated with higher rates of healthcare utilization and increased costs across the healthcare continuum. Further work is needed to implement evidence-based deprescribing interventions that may in turn reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization.

A Comparison of Patients with Hip Fracture, Ten Years Apart: Morbidity, Malnutrition and Sarcopenia

ObjectivesTo investigate possible differences in morbidity, malnutrition, sarcopenia and specific drug use in patients with hip fracture, ten years apart. To analyse 1-year mortality and possible associations with variables.DesignA prospective, observational study.SettingÖrebro University Hospital, Sweden.ParticipantsTwo cohorts of patients with hip fracture, included in 2008 (n=78) and 2018 (n=76).MeasurementsPresence of comorbidity according to the Elixhauser comorbidity measure, multimorbidity defined as ≥3 comorbidities, preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiologists Classification (ASA-class), malnutrition according to the definition by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), sarcopenia according to the most recently revised definition by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), polypharmacy defined as ≥5 prescribed medications, use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) and Fall-Risk-Increasing-Drugs (FRID) and postoperative 1-year mortality.ResultsWhen comparing the cohorts, significant increases over time was seen for mean comorbidity-count (Difference −1; p=0.002), multimorbidity (Difference −15%; 95%CI −27;−2), ASA-class 3–4 (Difference −25%; 95%CI −39;−9) and polypharmacy (Difference −17%; 95%CI −32;−2). Prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia coherently decreased with 22% (95%CI 5;37) and 14% (95%CI 1;29) respectively. One-year mortality remained unchanged and a significant association was found for a higher ASA-class in 2008 (OR 3.5, 95%CI 1.1;11.6) when adjusted for age. Results on PIM exposure suggest a decrease while exposure to FRID remained high.ConclusionOur findings support an increasing morbidity within the population over time. However, also presented is a coherent decrease in malnutrition and sarcopenia, suggesting a decrease in frailty as a possible explanation for the observed unaltered mortality, in turn suggesting advances in treatment of comorbidities.

PIH82 PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF POLYPHARMACY AND POTENTIALLY INAPPROPRIATE MEDICATIONS IN A LARGE COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER POPULATION IN ITALY

To analyze the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in the older population of the Parma Local Health Authority (LHA), Italy, and to evaluate their associations with patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs) characteristics. Adults 65 years and older were evaluated in a cross-sectional retrospective study using the Parma LHA administrative healthcare data. Subjects were included if they lived in the Parma LHA for the entire year of 2018 and filled at least one medication prescription. Polypharmacy (>5 medications) and excessive polypharmacy (>10 medications) were indicated by adding the total number of medications per quarter, averaged over four quarters. PIMs exposure was defined based on the updated 2017 Maio criteria. Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between polypharmacy and PIMs with patients’ and GPs’ characteristics. Out of 92,146 older patients with a mean age of 76.7 (±7.8), 40% were exposed to polypharmacy, 5% to excessive polypharmacy, and 34% to at least one PIM. Male patients and those ≥75 years old were more likely to be exposed to polypharmacy, excessive polypharmacy, and PIMs. Physicians 60 years and younger were more likely to have patients exposed to polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy. Male GPs showed greater odds of exposing their older patients to PIMs. Patients with polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were more likely to be exposed to PIMs [OR=4.42, 95%CI: 4.25-4.59 and OR=3.73, 95%CI: 3.43-4.05, respectively]. A substantial number of older adults in Parma LHA were exposed to polypharmacy and PIMs. The insight into patients’ and GPs’ characteristics associated with polypharmacy and PIMs may help to enhance the prescribing strategies in this vulnerable patient population.

The Cost of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Nursing Homes in West Occitanie.

Introduction: As of 2019, people older than 65 years represent 20% of the French population. Despite several guidelines suggesting to avoid potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in elderly, the prevalence of their prescription remains high (25%). Furthermore, PIM could lead to preventable adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The main objective of this study was to determine the direct cost of PIM in older persons living in residential care homes for the elderly (nursing homes). A secondary objective was to assess the potential impact of PIM deprescribing on drug-related health care costs. Methods: We undertook a multicenter, retrospective study in 19 care homes for the elderly including 1240 residents. The analysis of prescriptions was carried out according to the European EU(7) PIM list. The cost of each drug was estimated according to the French Medication Insurance database. Furthermore, patient’s comorbidities were studied using Charlson’s comorbidity index. In order to estimate the economic impact of PIM, we used the list of alternative appropriate drugs suggested by EU(7) PIM list and French National Health Authority. An incremental cost per patient was calculated by the difference in costs between PIMs and alternative drugs. Results: A total of 7768 lines of drug prescriptions were analyzed. The mean age was 87.6 ± 7.6 years. About 70% (n = 872) of residents received more than five drugs. We identified 959 residents (77.3%) with at least one PIM. The mean cost of PIM was 0.58 euros versus 0.48 euros for alternatives. PIM substitution by alternatives led to save 12 centimes/resident/day. The mean cost of prescription with PIM was 2.8 euros per resident per day (28% of the overall cost of prescription). According to these results, more than 25 million euros can be overall saved for aged persons living in nursing homes for the older people in France per year. Conclusion: The prevalence of PIMs among the elderly in nursing homes is high and leads to a significant cost. Deprescribing of these medications could decrease both drug misuse and cost of drug prescription. Further research is needed to estimate the overall cost of PIM exposure outcomes, taking into account the ADRs leading to hospitalization.

Potentially inappropriate medications in older adults: a population-based cohort study.

Non-optimal medication use among older adults is a public health concern. A concrete picture of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use is imperative to ensure optimal medication use. To assess the prevalence of PIMs in community-dwelling older adults and identify associated factors. A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS). The QICDSS includes data on drug claims for community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases or at risk of developing chronic diseases aged ≥65 years who are insured by the public drug insurance plan. Individuals aged ≥66 years who were continuously insured with the public drug plan between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2016 were included. PIMs were defined using the 2015 Beers criteria. We conducted multivariate robust Poisson regression analyses to explore factors associated with PIM use. A total of 1 105 295 individuals were included. Of these, 48.3% were prescribed at least one PIM. The most prevalent PIMs were benzodiazepines (25.7%), proton-pump inhibitors (21.3%), antipsychotics (5.6%), antidepressants (5.0%) and long-duration sulfonylureas (3.3%). Factors associated with PIM exposure included being a woman [rate ratio (RR): 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-1.21], increased number of medications and having a high number of chronic diseases, especially mental disorders (RR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.49-1.51). Almost one out of two community-dwelling older adults use a PIM. It is imperative to reduce the use of PIMs, by limiting their prescription and by promoting their deprescribing, which necessitates not only the active involvement of prescribers but also patients.

Association between Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use and Chronic Diseases in the Elderly

Long-term continuous exposure to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) can lead to adverse events in the elderly. However, the effects of long-term exposure of the elderly to PIM and the relationship between PIM and chronic diseases remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the continuous use of PIMs in a community-dwelling elderly population. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted using community pharmacy–filed dispensing records from the Hcare system. Twenty-three community pharmacies were sampled from 2013 to 2015 to obtain records of patients above 65 years-old with continuous prescriptions. PIM were identified according to the 2015 Beers Criteria. The prevalence of patients using PIM was highest in patients with co-morbid mental disorders (40.05%), followed by neurological system disorders (28.91%). Patients who were prescribed a PIM were more than three times as likely to have a mental disorder as those (odds ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval: 3.06–3.28) with non-chronic diseases. The most prescribed PIM agents were central nervous system drugs (53.16%), and benzodiazepines (35.15%). Patients with mental disorders had the highest rate of long-term persistent PIM exposure, with benzodiazepines being the most frequently dispensed. Drug safety concerns should be closely monitored in elderly patients with the abovementioned conditions.

The Impact of Dementia Diagnosis on Patterns of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use Among Older Adults.

Use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) among people with dementia is common. We assessed the patterns of medication use from 1-year before dementia diagnosis, to 1-year after dementia diagnosis, compared with patterns of medication use in people without dementia. We conducted longitudinal study using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data. Adults aged 65 years and older newly diagnosed with dementia (n = 2,418) during 2005-2015 were year, age, and sex matched 1:1 with controls. Generalized estimating equation models weighted for missingness and adjusted for 15 participant characteristics were fit. Among participants with dementia, number of medications reported 1-year prediagnosis was 8% lower than at diagnosis year (p < .0001) and 11% higher 1-year postdiagnosis compared with year of diagnosis (p < .0001). Among participants with dementia, the odds of PIM exposure, assessed using the 2015 Beers Criteria, was 17% lower 1-year prediagnosis (p < .0001) and 17% higher 1-year postdiagnosis (p = .006) compared with year of diagnosis. Among controls, there were approximately 6% more medications reported between consecutive years (p < .0001 each comparison) and the odds of PIM exposure increased 11% between consecutive years (p = .006 and p = .047). At each annual follow-up, participants with dementia had lower odds of PIM exposure than their controls (prediagnosis p < .0001, at diagnosis p = .0007, postdiagnosis p = .03, respectively). There were no differences in exposure to anticholinergic medications. Number of medications and PIM use increased annually for participants with and without dementia. Persistent challenge of increasing PIM use in this group of older adults is of major concern and warrants interventions to minimize such prescribing.

Regular medications prescribed to elderly neurosurgical inpatients and the impact of hospitalization on potentially inappropriate medications.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the regular medications prescribed to elderly neurosurgical inpatients in community hospitals in Japan.Materials and Methods: Elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) who had been admitted to neurosurgery departments from April 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled in this study. We collected data on regular medications at the time of admission and discharge. Furthermore, we retrospectively analyzed factors associated with potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). PIMs were defined as polypharmacy (≥ 6 medications used concurrently) or taking any of the unfavorable medications on the “list of drugs to be prescribed with special caution” in the “Guidelines for Medical Treatment and Its Safety in the Elderly 2015”.Results: We gathered data on over 1900 medications (mean number, 5.04) prescribed to 197 patients (mean age, 76.9 years). PIMs were observed in 51.3% of patients on admission. The most common prescriptions resulting in PIMs were benzodiazepine agents, followed by loop diuretics and H2 receptor antagonists. The multivariate analysis revealed that age (odds ratio, 1.08; p < 0.01) and the number of prescribers (odds ratio, 6.16; p < 0.01) were significantly related to PIMs on admission. PIM exposure at the time of discharge accounted for 39.1%, a 12.2% decrease.Conclusion: More than half of the elderly patients were prescribed PIMs on admission; however, this exposure decreased by 12.2% at the time of discharge. Hospitalization is an optimal opportunity for reconsidering the necessity of medications and for changing the prescriptions according to patients’ conditions.