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O'Leary CET, Wilkinson TJ, Hanger HC. A comparison of changes in drug burden index between older inpatients who fell and people who have not fallen: A case-control study. Australas J Ageing 2024. [PMID: 38770595 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older inpatients who fall are often frail, with multiple co-morbidities and polypharmacy. Although the causes of falls are multifactorial, sedating and delirium-inducing drugs increase that risk. The aims were to determine whether people who fell had a change in their sedative and anticholinergic medication burden during an admission compared to people who did not fall. A secondary aim was to determine the factors associated with change in drug burden. METHODS A retrospective, observational, case-control study of inpatients who fell. Two hundred consecutive people who fell were compared with 200 randomly selected people who had not fallen. Demographics, functional ability, frailty and cognition were recorded. For each patient, their total medications and anticholinergic and sedative burden were calculated on admission and on discharge, using the drug burden index (DBI). RESULTS People who fell were more dependent and cognitively impaired than people who did not fallen. People who fell had a higher DBI on admission, than people who had not fall (mean: .69 vs .43, respectively, p < .001) and discharge (.66 vs .38, p < .001). For both cohorts, the DBI decreased between admission and discharge (-.03 and -.05), but neither were clinically significant. Higher total medications and a higher number DBI medications on admission were both associated with greater DBI changes (p = .003 and <.001, respectively). However, the presence (or absence) of cognitive impairment, dependency, frailty and single vs multiple falls were not significantly associated with DBI changes. CONCLUSIONS In older people, DBI medications and falls are both common and have serious consequences, yet this study was unable to demonstrate any clinically relevant reduction in average DBI either in people who fell or people who had not fallen during a hospital admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E T O'Leary
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Timothy J Wilkinson
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - H Carl Hanger
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Liu BM, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Redston MR, Fujita K, Thillainadesan J, Gnjidic D, Hilmer SN. Association of the Drug Burden Index (DBI) exposure with outcomes: A systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:589-603. [PMID: 38006299 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Drug Burden Index (DBI) measures an individual's total exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications. This systematic review aimed to investigate the association of the DBI with clinical and prescribing outcomes in observational pharmaco-epidemiological studies, and the effect of DBI exposure on functional outcomes in pre-clinical models. METHODS A systematic search of nine electronic databases, citation indexes and gray literature was performed (April 1, 2007-December 31, 2022). Studies that reported primary data on the association of the DBI with clinical or prescribing outcomes conducted in any setting in humans aged ≥18 years or animals were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation risk of bias tool. RESULTS Of 2382 studies screened, 70 met the inclusion criteria (65 in humans, five in animals). In humans, outcomes reported included function (n = 56), cognition (n = 20), falls (n = 14), frailty (n = 7), mortality (n = 9), quality of life (n = 8), hospitalization (n = 7), length of stay (n = 5), readmission (n = 1), other clinical outcomes (n = 15) and prescribing outcomes (n = 2). A higher DBI was significantly associated with increased falls (11/14, 71%), poorer function (31/56, 55%), and cognition (11/20, 55%) related outcomes. Narrative synthesis was used due to significant heterogeneity in the study population, setting, study type, definition of DBI, and outcome measures. Results could not be pooled due to heterogeneity. In animals, outcomes reported included function (n = 18), frailty (n = 2), and mortality (n = 1). In pre-clinical studies, a higher DBI caused poorer function and frailty. CONCLUSIONS A higher DBI may be associated with an increased risk of falls and decreased function and cognition. Higher DBI was inconsistently associated with increased mortality, length of stay, frailty, hospitalization or reduced quality of life. Human observational findings with respect to functional outcomes are supported by preclinical interventional studies. The DBI may be used as a tool to identify older adults at higher risk of harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Liu
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Aged Care Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mitchell R Redston
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenji Fujita
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janani Thillainadesan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Aged Care Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Jamieson H, Nishtala P, Bergler HU, Weaver S, Pickering J, Ailabouni N, Abey-Nesbit R, Gullery C, Deely J, Gee S, Hilmer S, Mangin D. Deprescribing Anticholinergic and Sedative Drugs to Reduce Polypharmacy in Frail Older Adults Living in the Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1692-1700. [PMID: 36692224 PMCID: PMC10460556 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is associated with poor outcomes in older adults. Targeted deprescribing of anticholinergic and sedative medications may improve health outcomes for frail older adults. Our pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was a pragmatic 2-arm randomized controlled trial stratified by frailty. We compared usual care (control) with the intervention of pharmacists providing deprescribing recommendations to general practitioners. METHODS Community-based older adults (≥65 years) from 2 New Zealand district health boards were recruited following a standardized interRAI needs assessment. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) was used to quantify the use of sedative and anticholinergic medications for each participant. The trial was stratified into low, medium, and high-frailty. We hypothesized that the intervention would increase the proportion of participants with a reduction in DBI ≥ 0.5 within 6 months. RESULTS Of 363 participants, 21 (12.7%) in the control group and 21 (12.2%) in the intervention group had a reduction in DBI ≥ 0.5. The difference in the proportion of -0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.9% to 7.0%) provided no evidence of efficacy for the intervention. Similarly, there was no evidence to suggest the effectiveness of this intervention for participants of any frailty level. CONCLUSION Our pharmacist-led medication review of frail older participants did not reduce the anticholinergic/sedative load within 6 months. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown measures required modification of the intervention. Subgroup analyses pre- and post-lockdown showed no impact on outcomes. Reviewing this and other deprescribing trials through the lens of implementation science may aid an understanding of the contextual determinants preventing or enabling successful deprescribing implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Prasad S Nishtala
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Hans Ulrich Bergler
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan K Weaver
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John W Pickering
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nagham J Ailabouni
- The Pharmacy Australian Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, South Australia, Australia
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Abey-Nesbit
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn Gullery
- Planning, Funding and Decision Support, Canterbury District Health Board, General Manager of Planning, Funding and Decision Support; Lightfoot Solutions, Healthcare Systems, Specialist Advisor, Berkshire, UK
| | - Joanne Deely
- Burwood Academy Trust, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan B Gee
- Psychiatry of Old Age Academic Unit, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Geriatric Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Hilmer SN, Lo S, Kelly PJ, Viney R, Blyth FM, Le Couteur DG, McLachlan AJ, Arora S, Hossain L, Gnjidic D. Towards Optimizing Hospitalized Older adults' MEdications (TO HOME): Multi-centre study of medication use and outcomes in routine care. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:2508-2518. [PMID: 36987555 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Comprehensively investigate prescribing in usual care of hospitalized older people with respect to polypharmacy; potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) according to Beers criteria; and cumulative anticholinergic and sedative medication exposure calculated with Drug Burden Index (DBI). Specifically, to quantify exposure to these measures on admission, changes between admission and discharge, associations with adverse outcomes and medication costs. METHODS Established new retrospective inpatient cohort of 2000 adults aged ≥75 years, consecutively admitted to 6 hospitals in Sydney, Australia, with detailed information on medications, clinical characteristics and outcomes. Conducted cross-sectional analyses of index admission data from cohort. RESULTS Cohort had mean (standard deviation) age 86.0 (5.8) years, 59% female, 21% from residential aged care. On admission, prevalence of polypharmacy was 77%, PIMs 34% and DBI > 0 in 53%. From admission to discharge, mean difference (95% confidence interval) in total number of medications increased 1.05 (0.92, 1.18); while prevalence of exposure to PIMs (-3.8% [-5.4, -2.1]) and mean DBI score (-0.02 [-0.04, -0.01]) decreased. PIMs and DBI score were associated with increased risks (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) of falls (PIMs 1.63 [1.28, 2.08]; DBI score 1.21[1.00, 1.46]) and delirium (PIMs 1.76 [1.38, 1.46]; DBI score 1.42 [1.19, 1.71]). Each measure was associated with increased risk of adverse drug reactions (polypharmacy 1.42 [1.19, 1.71]; PIMs 1.87 [1.40, 2.49]; DBI score 1.90 [1.55, 2.15]). Cost (AU$/patient/hospital day) of medications contributing to PIMs and DBI was low ($0.29 and $0.88). CONCLUSION In this large cohort of older inpatients, usual hospital care results in an increase in number of medications and small reductions in PIMs and DBI, with variable associations with adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Sarita Lo
- Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Patrick J Kelly
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rosalie Viney
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona M Blyth
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David G Le Couteur
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital and The University of Sydney, Concord, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sheena Arora
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lutfun Hossain
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Holland R, Bond C, Alldred DP, Arthur A, Barton G, Birt L, Blacklock J, Blyth A, Cheilari S, Daffu-O'Reilly A, Dalgarno L, Desborough J, Ford J, Grant K, Harry B, Hill H, Hughes C, Inch J, Maskrey V, Myint P, Norris N, Poland F, Shepstone L, Spargo M, Turner D, Watts L, Zermansky A, Wright D. Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of pharmacist independent prescribers in care homes: cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2023; 380:e071883. [PMID: 36787910 PMCID: PMC9926330 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the effectiveness, cost effectiveness (to be reported elsewhere), and safety of pharmacy independent prescribers in care homes. DESIGN Cluster randomised controlled trial, with clusters based on triads of a pharmacist independent prescriber, a general practice, and one to three associated care homes. SETTING Care homes across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, their associated general practices, and pharmacy independent prescribers, formed into triads. PARTICIPANTS 49 triads and 882 residents were randomised. Participants were care home residents, aged ≥65 years, taking at least one prescribed drug, recruited to 20 residents/triad. INTERVENTION Each pharmacy independent prescriber provided pharmaceutical care to approximately 20 residents across one to three care homes, with weekly visits over six months. Pharmacy independent prescribers developed a pharmaceutical care plan for each resident, did medicines reviews/reconciliation, trained staff, and supported with medicines related procedures, deprescribing, and authorisation of prescriptions. Participants in the control group received usual care. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES The primary outcome was fall rate/person at six months analysed by intention to treat, adjusted for prognostic variables. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (EQ-5D by proxy), Barthel score, Drug Burden Index, hospital admissions, and mortality. Assuming a 21% reduction in falls, 880 residents were needed, allowing for 20% attrition. RESULTS The average age of participants at study entry was 85 years; 70% were female. 697 falls (1.55 per resident) were recorded in the intervention group and 538 falls (1.26 per resident) in the control group at six months. The fall rate risk ratio for the intervention group compared with the control group was not significant (0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.26) after adjustment for all model covariates. Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between groups, with exception of the Drug Burden Index, which significantly favoured the intervention. A third (185/566; 32.7%) of pharmacy independent prescriber interventions involved medicines associated with falls. No adverse events or safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSIONS Change in the primary outcome of falls was not significant. Limiting follow-up to six months combined with a small proportion of interventions predicted to affect falls may explain this. A significant reduction in the Drug Burden Index was realised and would be predicted to yield future clinical benefits for patients. This large trial of an intensive weekly pharmacist intervention with care home residents was also found to be safe and well received. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 17847169.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Holland
- Leicester Medical School, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christine Bond
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Antony Arthur
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Garry Barton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Linda Birt
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Annie Blyth
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Dalgarno
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Joanna Ford
- Geriatric Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kelly Grant
- Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Bronwen Harry
- Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Helen Hill
- Stow Healthcare Ltd, Bury St. Edmunds, UK
| | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Jacqueline Inch
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Phyo Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Nigel Norris
- School of Education and Lifelong Learning, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Fiona Poland
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Lee Shepstone
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Maureen Spargo
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - David Turner
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Laura Watts
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - David Wright
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Havnes K, Svendsen K, Johansen JS, Granas AG, Garcia BH, Halvorsen KH. Is anticholinergic and sedative drug burden associated with postdischarge institutionalization in community-dwelling older patients acutely admitted to hospital? A Norwegian registry-based study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2022; 32:607-616. [PMID: 36585814 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate the association between anticholinergic (AC) and sedative (SED) drug burden before hospitalization and postdischarge institutionalization (PDI) in community-dwelling older patients acutely admitted to hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional study using data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and the Norwegian Prescription Database. We studied acutely hospitalized community-dwelling patients ≥70 years during 2013 (N = 86 509). Patients acutely admitted to geriatric wards underwent subgroup analyses (n = 1715). We calculated drug burden by the Drug Burden Index (DBI), use of AC/SED drugs, and the number of AC/SED drugs. Piecewise linearity of DBI versus PDI and a knot point (DBI = 2.45) was identified. Statistical analyses included an adjusted multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS In the total population, 45.4% were exposed to at least one AC/SED drug, compared to 52.5% in the geriatric subgroup. AC/SED drugs were significantly associated with PDI. The DBI with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.11 (95% CI 1.07-1.15) for DBI < 2.45 and 1.08 (95% CI 1.04-1.13) for DBI ≥ 2.45. The number of AC/SED drugs with OR of 1.07 (95% CI 1.05-1.09). The AC component of DBI with OR 1.23 and the number of AC drugs with OR 1.13. In the subgroup, ORs were closer to 1 for AC drugs. CONCLUSIONS The use of AC/SED drugs was highly prevalent in older patients before acute hospital admissions, and significantly associated with PDI. The number, or just using AC/SED drugs, gave similar associations with PDI compared to applying the DBI. Using AC drugs showed higher sensitivity, indicating that to reduce the risk of PDI, a clinical approach could be to reduce the number of AC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjerstin Havnes
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Surgery, Cancer, and Women's Health Clinic, The University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristian Svendsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jeanette Schultz Johansen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne Gerd Granas
- Department of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Beate Hennie Garcia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kjell H Halvorsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Abey-Nesbit R, Schluter PJ, Wilkinson TJ, Thwaites JH, Berry SD, Allore H, Jamieson HA. Risk factors for injuries in New Zealand older adults with complex needs: a national population retrospective study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:630. [PMID: 34736406 PMCID: PMC8567659 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02576-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and falls-related injuries are common among older adults. Injuries in older adults lead to poor outcomes and lower quality of life. The objective of our study was to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries among home care clients in New Zealand. METHODS The study cohort consisted of 75,484 community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older who underwent an interRAI home care assessment between June 2012 and June 2018 in New Zealand. The injuries included for analysis were fracture of the distal radius, hip fracture, pelvic fracture, proximal humerus fracture, subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic subdural haematoma, and vertebral fracture. Unadjusted and adjusted competing risk regression models were used to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries. RESULTS A total of 7414 (9.8%) people sustained a falls-related injury over the 6-year period, and most injuries sustained were hip fractures (4735 63.9%). The rate of injurious falls was 47 per 1000 person-years. The factors associated with injury were female sex, older age, living alone, Parkinson's disease, stroke/CVA, falls, unsteady gait, tobacco use, and being underweight. Cancer, dyspnoea, high BMI, and a decrease in the amount of food or fluid usually consumed, were associated with a reduced risk of sustaining an injury. After censoring hip fractures the risks associated with other types of injury were sex, age, previous falls, dyspnoea, tobacco use, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS While it is important to reduce the risk of falls, it is especially important to reduce the risk of falls-related injuries. Knowledge of risk factors associated with these types of injuries can help to develop focused intervention programmes and development of a predictive model to identify those who would benefit from intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Abey-Nesbit
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Philip J Schluter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury-Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand.,School of Clinical Medicine - Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tim J Wilkinson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Sarah D Berry
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather Allore
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hamish A Jamieson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Hilmer SN. Bridging geriatric medicine, clinical pharmacology and ageing biology to understand and improve outcomes of medicines in old age and frailty. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101457. [PMID: 34481922 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
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Shmuel S, Pate V, Pepin MJ, Bailey JC, Golightly YM, Hanson LC, Stürmer T, Naumann RB, Gnjidic D, Lund JL. Effects of anticholinergic and sedative medication use on fractures: A self-controlled design study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:3212-3224. [PMID: 34291817 PMCID: PMC8595585 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Unintentional falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, and evidence is needed to understand modifiable risk factors. We evaluated 1-year fall-related fracture risk and whether dispensing of medications with anticholinergic/sedating properties is temporally associated with an increased odds of these fractures. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study with nested self-controlled analyses conducted between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. SETTING Twenty percent nationwide, random sample of US Medicare beneficiaries. PARTICIPANTS New users of medications with anticholinergic/sedating properties who were 66+ years old and had Medicare Parts A, B, and D coverage but no claims for medications with anticholinergic/sedating properties in the year before initiation were eligible. MEASUREMENTS We followed new users of medications with anticholinergic/sedating properties until first non-vertebral, fall-related fracture (primary outcome), Medicare disenrollment, death, or end of study data. We estimated the 1-year risk with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of first fracture after new use. We applied the self-controlled case-crossover and case-time-control designs to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs by comparing anticholinergic and/or sedating medication exposure (any vs. none) during a 14-day hazard period preceding the fracture to exposure to these medications during an earlier 14-day control period. RESULTS A total of 1,097,989 Medicare beneficiaries initiated medications with anticholinergic/sedating properties in the study period. The 1-year cumulative incidence of fall-related fracture, accounting for death as a competing risk, was 5.0% (95% CI: 5.0%-5.0%). Using the case-crossover design (n = 41,889), the adjusted OR for the association between anticholinergic/sedating medications and fractures was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.08). Accounting for the noted temporal trend using the case-time-control design (n = 209,395), the adjusted OR was 1.60 (95% CI: 1.52, 1.69). CONCLUSION Use of anticholinergic/sedating medication was temporally associated with an increased odds of fall-related fractures. Patients and their healthcare providers should consider pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for the target condition that are safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Shmuel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Virginia Pate
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Marc J. Pepin
- Durham VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Janine C. Bailey
- Durham VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Yvonne M. Golightly
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3300 Thurston Building, CB #7820, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bondurant Hall, CB #7135, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Laura C. Hanson
- Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine & Palliative Care Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Til Stürmer
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Rebecca B. Naumann
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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10
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Gray SL, Marcum ZA, Dublin S, Walker R, Golchin N, Rosenberg DE, Bowles EJ, Crane P, Larson EB. Association Between Medications Acting on the Central Nervous System and Fall-Related Injuries in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A New User Cohort Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:1003-1009. [PMID: 31755896 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well established that individual medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) increase falls risk in older adults. However, less is known about risks associated with taking multiple CNS-active medications. METHODS Employing a new user design, we used data from the Adult Changes in Thought study, a prospective cohort of community-dwelling people aged 65 and older without dementia. We created a time-varying composite measure of CNS-active medication exposure from electronic pharmacy fill data and categorized into mutually exclusive categories: current (within prior 30 days), recent (31-90 days), past (91-365 days), or nonuse (no exposure in prior year). We calculated standardized daily dose and identified new initiation. Cox proportional hazards models examined the associations between exposures and the outcome of fall-related injury identified from health plan electronic databases. RESULTS Two thousand five hundred ninety-five people had 624 fall-related injuries over 15,531 person-years of follow-up. Relative to nonuse, fall-related injury risk was significantly greater for current use of CNS-active medication (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.57-2.42), but not for recent or past use. Among current users, increased risk was noted with all doses. Risk was increased for new initiation compared with no current use (HR = 2.81; 95% CI = 2.09-3.78). Post hoc analyses revealed that risk was especially elevated with new initiation of opioids. CONCLUSIONS We found that current use, especially new initiation, of CNS-active medications was associated with fall-related injury in community-dwelling older adults. Increased risk was noted with all dose categories. Risk was particularly increased with new initiation of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly L Gray
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Zachary A Marcum
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Sascha Dublin
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle
| | - Rod Walker
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle
| | - Negar Golchin
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle.,Comagine Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dori E Rosenberg
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle
| | - Erin J Bowles
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle
| | - Paul Crane
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Eric B Larson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle.,Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
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11
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Hikaka J, Jones R, Hughes C, Connolly MJ, Martini N. Ethnic Variations in the Quality Use of Medicines in Older Adults: Māori and Non-Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:205-217. [PMID: 33432516 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00828-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), ethnic inequities in health outcomes exist. Non-Māori experience better access to healthcare than Māori, including access to the quality use of medicines. Quality medicines use requires that medicines provide maximal therapeutic benefit with minimal harm. As older adults are more at risk of harm from medicines, and, because inequities are compounded with age, Māori older adults may be at more risk of medicines-related harm than younger and non-Māori populations. This narrative review examined ethnic variation in the quality use of medicines, including medicines utilisation and associated clinical outcomes, between Māori and non-Māori older adult populations in NZ. The review was structured around prevalence of medicine utilisation by medicine class and in particular disease states; high-risk medicines; polypharmacy; prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP); and association between PIP and clinical outcomes. 22 studies were included in the review. There is ethnic variation in the access to medicines in NZ, with Māori older adults often having reduced access to particular medicine types, or in particular disease states, compared with non-Māori older adults. Māori older adults are less likely than non-Māori to be prescribed medicines inappropriately, as defined by standardised tools; however, PIP is more strongly associated with adverse outcomes for Māori than non-Māori. This review identifies that inequities in quality medicines use exist and provides a starting point to develop pro-equity solutions. The aetiology of inequities in the quality use of medicines is multifactorial and our approaches to addressing the inequitable ethnic variation also need to be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Hikaka
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Rhys Jones
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Martin J Connolly
- Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nataly Martini
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Jamieson H, Abey-Nesbit R, Nishtala PS, Allore H, Han L, Deely JM, Pickering JW. Predictors of Residential Care Admission in Community-Dwelling Older People With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1665-1670. [PMID: 32646821 PMCID: PMC7641960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to identify variables associated with dementia and entry into aged residential care (ARC) and derive and validate a risk prediction model for dementia and entry into ARC. DESIGN This was an observational study of prospectively collected Home Care International Residential Assessment Instrument (interRAI-HC) assessment data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants included all people age ≥65 years who had completed an interRAI-HC assessment between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2018. Exclusion criteria included death or entry into ARC within 30 days of assessment and not living at home at the time of the assessment. MEASURES InterRAI data from 94,202 older New Zealanders were evaluated for presence or absence of dementia. A multivariable competing-risks model for entry into ARC with death as the competing event was used to estimate subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR). RESULTS In total, there were 18,672 (19.8%) persons with dementia (PWD). PWD were almost twice as likely to enter ARC as persons without dementia [42.8% vs 25.3%; difference 17.5% (95% confidence interval 16.7%‒18.2%)]. PWD at highest risk of entering ARC were those where there was a desire to live elsewhere (SHR 1.44), depression (indicated, SHR 1.15), poor cognitive performance (Cognitive Performance Scale minimal SHR 1.32 and severe plus SHR 1.91), and wandering (SHR 1.19). Factors associated with reduced risks of PWD entering ARC were living with a child or relative, alcohol consumption, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS A desire to live elsewhere, social isolation, independent activities of daily living, and depression were independently associated with entry into ARC. Supporting caregivers may improve outcomes for PWD that delay entry into ARC. Future revisions of the interRAI questionnaire could provide more insight on this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | - Prasad S Nishtala
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Heather Allore
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joanne M Deely
- Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand; Research Management Office, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - John W Pickering
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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13
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Reinold J, Schäfer W, Christianson L, Barone-Adesi F, Riedel O, Pisa FE. Anticholinergic Burden and Fractures: A Systematic Review with Methodological Appraisal. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:885-897. [PMID: 33094444 PMCID: PMC7704512 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Medications with anticholinergic activity (MACs) are used to treat diseases common in older adults. Evidence on the association between anticholinergic burden (AB) and increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis or reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is inconsistent. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of observational studies on AB with fractures and osteoporosis or reduced BMD and provide methodological appraisal of included studies. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and CENTRAL as well as grey literature from database inception up to August 2020. Eligibility criteria were: observational design, AB-exposure measured through a scale, fracture of any type or osteoporosis or reduced BMD as outcome, and reported measure of association between exposure and outcome. No restrictions related to time, language or type of data were applied. Eligibility and risk of bias assessment as well as data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the RTI Item Bank. Results The majority of the nine included studies had low risk of bias but heterogeneous methodology. No study used a new user design. Seven studies reported an increased risk of fractures associated with AB. In four studies using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), adjusted risk of fractures was increased by 2–61% for ARS = 1, by 0–97% for ARS = 2, by 19–84% for ARS = 3, and by 56–96% for ARS ≥ 4; in three studies the ARS was aggregated, risk increased by 39% for ARS = 1–2 and 17% for ARS = 2–3. Two studies reported increased risk of fractures of 14 and 52% in the highest AB-category and one study reported that change in ARS of ≥ 3 during hospitalization was associated with a 321% increased risk in fractures. Two studies did not find an association between AB and fractures. The association between AB and osteoporosis or reduced BMD could only be assessed in two studies, one reporting increased risk of lower BMD at Ward’s triangle, the other reporting no association between AB and BMD T-score change at the femoral neck. Discussion Our study suggests an association between AB and increased risk of fractures with possible dose-exposure gradient in studies using the ARS. The low number of studies and heterogeneity of methods calls for the conduct of more studies. Plain language summary We conducted a study investigating the risk of fractures associated with anticholinergic burden, which is the result of taking one or more medication with anticholinergic activity. The results of our study suggest that persons who experience anticholinergic burden might have a higher risk of fractures. However, since we were only able to include nine studies, more studies conducted in a similar way are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40266-020-00806-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Reinold
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Achterstraße 30, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Wiebke Schäfer
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Achterstraße 30, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lara Christianson
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Achterstraße 30, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Francesco Barone-Adesi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Oliver Riedel
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Achterstraße 30, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Federica Edith Pisa
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Achterstraße 30, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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14
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Wouters H, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, Van Campen JP, Teichert M, Van Der Meer HG, Schaap LA, Huisman M, Comijs HC, Denig P, Lamoth CJ, Taxis K. Long-Term Exposure to Anticholinergic and Sedative Medications and Cognitive and Physical Function in Later Life. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:357-365. [PMID: 30668633 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergic and sedative medications are frequently prescribed to older individuals. These medications are associated with short-term cognitive and physical impairment, but less is known about long-term associations. We therefore examined whether over 20 years cumulative exposure to these medications was related to poorer cognitive and physical functioning. METHODS Older adult participants of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were followed from 1992 to 2012. On seven measurement occasions, cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications was quantified with the drug burden index (DBI), a linear additive pharmacological dose-response model. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alphabet Coding Task (ACT, three trials), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT, learning and retention condition), and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM, two trials). Physical functioning was assessed with the Walking Test (WT), Cardigan Test (CT), Chair Stands Test (CST), Balance Test (BT), and self-reported Functional Independence (FI). Data were analyzed with linear mixed models adjusted for age, education, sex, living with a partner, BMI, depressive symptoms, comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, COPD, osteoarthritis, CNS diseases), and prescribed medications. RESULTS Longitudinal associations were found of the DBI with poorer cognitive functioning (less items correct on the three ACT trials, AVLT learning condition, and the two RCPM trials) and with poorer physical functioning (longer completion time on the CT, CST, and lower self-reported FI). CONCLUSIONS This longitudinal analysis of data collected over 20 years, showed that higher long-term cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications was associated with poorer cognitive and physical functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Wouters
- Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jos P Van Campen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG) hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Teichert
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Helene G Van Der Meer
- Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth & Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, The Netherlands.,Department of Sociology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannie C Comijs
- Department Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Denig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
| | - Claudine J Lamoth
- Center of Human Movement Science, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Taxis
- Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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15
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Blalock SJ, Renfro CP, Robinson JM, Farley JF, Busby-Whitehead J, Ferreri SP. Using the Drug Burden Index to identify older adults at highest risk for medication-related falls. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:208. [PMID: 32532276 PMCID: PMC7291506 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01598-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Drug Burden Index (DBI) was developed to assess patient exposure to medications associated with an increased risk of falling. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the DBI and medication-related fall risk. METHODS The study used a retrospective cohort design, with a 1-year observation period. Participants (n = 1562) were identified from 31 community pharmacies. We examined the association between DBI scores and four outcomes. Our primary outcome, which was limited to participants who received a medication review, indexed whether the review resulted in at least one medication-related recommendation (e.g., discontinue medication) being communicated to the participant's health care provider. Secondary outcomes indexed whether participants in the full sample: (1) screened positive for fall risk, (2) reported 1+ falls in the past year, and (3) reported 1+ injurious falls in the past year. All outcome variables were dichotomous (yes/no). RESULTS Among those who received a medication review (n = 387), the percentage of patients receiving at least one medication-related recommendation ranged from 10.2% among those with DBI scores of 0 compared to 60.2% among those with DBI scores ≥1.0 (Chi-square (4)=42.4, p < 0.0001). Among those screened for fall risk (n = 1058), DBI scores were higher among those who screened positive compared to those who did not (Means = 0.98 (SD = 1.00) versus 0.59 (SD = 0.74), respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the DBI is a useful tool that could be used to improve future research and practice by focusing limited resources on those individuals at greatest risk of medication-related falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Blalock
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, CB# 7573, USA.
| | - Chelsea P Renfro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, USA
| | - Jessica M Robinson
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Joel F Farley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Jan Busby-Whitehead
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Director, Center of Aging and Health, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Stefanie P Ferreri
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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16
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Blalock SJ, Ferreri SP, Renfro CP, Robinson JM, Farley JF, Ray N, Busby-Whitehead J. Impact of STEADI-Rx: A Community Pharmacy-Based Fall Prevention Intervention. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:1778-1786. [PMID: 32315461 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of a community pharmacy-based fall prevention intervention (STEADI-Rx) on the risk of falling and use of medications associated with an increased risk of falling. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING A total of 65 community pharmacies in North Carolina (NC). PARTICIPANTS Adults (age ≥65 years) using either four or more chronic medications or one or more medications associated with an increased risk of falling (n = 10,565). INTERVENTION Pharmacy staff screened patients for fall risk using questions from the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) algorithm. Patients who screened positive were eligible to receive a pharmacist-conducted medication review, with recommendations sent to patients' healthcare providers following the review. MEASUREMENTS At intervention pharmacies, pharmacy staff used standardized forms to record participant responses to screening questions and information concerning the medication reviews. For participants with continuous Medicare Part D/NC Medicaid coverage (n = 3,212), the Drug Burden Index (DBI) was used to assess exposure to high-risk medications, and insurance claims records for emergency department visits and hospitalizations were used to assess falls. RESULTS Among intervention group participants (n = 4,719), 73% (n = 3,437) were screened for fall risk. Among those who screened positive (n = 1,901), 72% (n = 1,373) received a medication review; and 27% (n = 521) had at least one medication-related recommendation communicated to their healthcare provider(s) following the review. A total of 716 specific medication recommendations were made. DBI scores decreased from the pre- to postintervention period in both the control and the intervention group. However, the amount of change over time did not differ between these two groups (P = .66). Risk of falling did not change between the pre- to postintervention period or differ between groups (P = .58). CONCLUSION We successfully implemented STEADI-Rx in the community pharmacy setting. However, we found no differences in fall risk or the use of medications associated with increased risk of falling between the intervention and control groups. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1778-1786, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Blalock
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stefanie P Ferreri
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chelsea P Renfro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica M Robinson
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joel F Farley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Neepa Ray
- University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Medication Optimization Through Practice and Policy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jan Busby-Whitehead
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Center of Aging and Health, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Medication exposure and frailty in older community-dwelling patients: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 42:508-514. [PMID: 32140916 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the association between the medication exposure, measured by the polypharmacy/excessive polypharmacy and the anticholinergic and/or sedative drug exposure, on frailty status among French older community-dwelling patients. Setting day-care unit in France (Lyon), with retrospective data from July, 2017 to March, 2018. Method This monocentric cross-sectional study included community-dwelling patients aged 65 years and over and admitted at the day-care unit for a geriatric evaluation. Frailty was assessed according to the frailty phenotype, described by Fried et al. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were defined as the concomitant use of 5-9 and 10 or more drugs, respectively. The cumulative anticholinergic and sedative exposure was measured using the drug burden index (DBI). The DBI score was presented in 4 differentiated scores: a null score (DBI = 0), a combined score (anticholinergic and sedative score), an anticholinergic score, and a sedative score. The association between medication and frailty was assessed by logistic regression models controlled for multiple potential confounders. Main outcome measure Association between medication exposure (polypharmacy, anticholinergic and sedative exposure) and frailty. Results In this study, 403 patients were included: 44.7% were frail and 40.7% were pre-frail. Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy affected 44.7% and 17.1% of the population respectively. The mean DBI was 0.33 ± 0.43, with 16.4% of patients with only sedative exposure, 9.7% with only anticholinergic exposure and 33.0% with both exposures. After adjustment, polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were associated with frailty with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 2.18 (1.03-4.22) and 2.72 (1.01-7.37) respectively. The cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative drugs (combined score) was significantly associated to an increased risk for frailty with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 3.54 (1.47-8.57). Conclusion The study showed that polypharmacy and cumulative anticholinergic and sedative exposure are associated with frailty. Further research should address the potential benefit of collaborative medication review for preventing medication-associated frailty.
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18
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Dearing ME, Bowles S, Isenor J, Kits O, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Neville H, Hilmer S, Toombs K, Sirois C, Hajizadeh M, Negus A, Rockwood K, Reeve E. Pharmacist-led intervention to improve medication use in older inpatients using the Drug Burden Index: a study protocol for a before/after intervention with a retrospective control group and multiple case analysis. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035656. [PMID: 32086361 PMCID: PMC7044900 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use is common in older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes such as falls and hospitalisations. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a pharmacist-led medication optimisation initiative using an electronic tool (the Drug Burden Index (DBI) Calculator) in four hospital sites in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The study aims to enrol 160 participants between the preintervention and intervention groups. The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT 2013 checklist) was used to develop the protocol for this prospective interventional implementation study. A preintervention retrospective control cohort and a multiple case study analysis will also be used to assess the effect of intervention implementation. Statistical analysis will involve change in DBI scores and assessment of clinical outcomes, such as rehospitalisation and mortality using appropriate statistical tests including t-test, χ2, analysis of variance and unadjusted and adjusted regression methods. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by the Nova Scotia Health Authority Research Ethics Board. The findings of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03698487.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marci Elizabeth Dearing
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pharmacy, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Susan Bowles
- Department of Pharmacy, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Isenor
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Olga Kits
- Research Methods Unit, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, Saint Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather Neville
- Department of Pharmacy, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sarah Hilmer
- NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, Saint Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kent Toombs
- Department of Pharmacy, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Caroline Sirois
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universite Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Excellence on Aging of Quebec, Quebec Integrated University Centre for Health and Social Services of the National Capital, Québec city, Québec, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hajizadeh
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aprill Negus
- Department of Family Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kenneth Rockwood
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Health Care of the Elderly, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily Reeve
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Quality Use of Medicines Pharmacy Research Centre, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Association between anticholinergic drug burden and mortality in older people: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 76:319-335. [PMID: 31832732 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to conduct a systematic review of studies examining the association between anticholinergic burden and mortality in older individuals. METHODS A literature search was performed to identify relevant studies, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, from January 1990 to December 2018. We included studies of patients with a mean age of 65 years or older where the anticholinergic burden was estimated using anticholinergic risk assessment tools, and associations between anticholinergic load and mortality were investigated. The primary outcome of interest was the association between anticholinergic burden and mortality. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were included. These were three cross-sectional, one nested case-control and 23 prospective or retrospective cohort studies. Most studies were determined to be of good quality. A total of 15 studies reported a positive correlation between anticholinergic burden and mortality, while the remaining 10 studies did not report a significant association. Eighteen out of 27 studies (80%) had a short follow-up period of 1 year or less. Among the five high-quality studies that met all the domains of the quality assessment criteria, four showed a positive association. CONCLUSION The variation in results could relate to the quality of the studies, follow-up period, anticholinergic risk assessment tool used and the study setting. Sixty-three percent (n = 17) of all the included studies, but almost all of the high-quality studies with an extended follow-up, reported a positive correlation between anticholinergic burden and mortality. Further high-quality research, using standardized measures and with adequate follow-up periods, is required to confirm the relationship between anticholinergic burden and mortality.
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Abey-Nesbit R, Schluter PJ, Wilkinson T, Thwaites JH, Berry SD, Jamieson HA. Risk factors for hip fracture in New Zealand older adults seeking home care services: a national population cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:93. [PMID: 30909862 PMCID: PMC6434861 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hip fractures are a common injury in older people. Many studies worldwide have identified various risk factors for hip fracture. However, risk factors for hip fracture have not been studied extensively in New Zealand. The interRAI home care assessment consists of 236 health questions and some of these may be related to hip fracture risk. METHODS The cohort consisted of 45,046 home care clients aged 65 years and older, in New Zealand. Assessments ranged from September 2012 to October 2015. Hip fracture diagnosis was identified by linking ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes from hospital admissions data (September 2012 to December 2015) to the interRAI home care data. Unadjusted and adjusted competing risk regressions, using the Fine and Gray method were used to identify risk factors for hip fracture. Mortality was the competing event. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 61% female with a mean age of 82.7 years. A total of 3010 (6.7%) of the cohort sustained a hip fracture after assessment. After adjusting for sociodemographic and potentially confounding variables falls (SHR (Subhazard Ratio) = 1.17, 95% CI (Confidence interval): 1.05-1.31), previous hip fracture (SHR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.93-5.89), female gender (SHR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22-1.55), underweight (SHR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.39-2.02), tobacco use (SHR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.25-1.96), Parkinson's disease (SHR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), and Wandering (SHR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.72) were identified as risk factors for hip fracture. Shortness of breath (SHR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.90), was identified as being protective against hip fracture risk. Males and females had different significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for hip fracture similar to international work on risk factors for hip fracture, can be identified using the New Zealand version of the interRAI home care assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Abey-Nesbit
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Philip J Schluter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury-Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand.,School of Clinical Medicine - Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tim Wilkinson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Sarah D Berry
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hamish A Jamieson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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