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Chun GY, Ng SSM, Islahudin F, Selvaratnam V, Mohd Tahir NA. Polypharmacy and medication regimen complexity in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients: a cross- sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:736-744. [PMID: 38551751 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01716-y] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication burden and complexity have been longstanding problems in chronically ill patients. However, more data are needed on the extent and impact of medication burden and complexity in the transfusion-dependent thalassaemia population. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of medication complexity and polypharmacy and determine their relationship with drug-related problems (DRP) and control of iron overload in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients. METHOD Data were derived from a cross-sectional observational study on characteristics of DRPs conducted at a Malaysian tertiary hospital. The medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) was determined using a validated tool, and polypharmacy was defined as the chronic use of five or more medications. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for MRCI, and logistic regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS The study enrolled 200 adult patients. The MRCI cut-off point was proposed to be 17.5 (Area Under Curve = 0.722; sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 62.0%). Approximately 73% and 64.5% of the patients had polypharmacy and high MRCI, respectively. Findings indicated that DRP was a full mediator in the association between MRCI and iron overload. CONCLUSION Transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients have high MRCI and suboptimal control of iron overload conditions in the presence of DRPs. Thus, future interventions should consider MRCI and DRP as factors in serum iron control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geok Ying Chun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Shi Min Ng
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Farida Islahudin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Veena Selvaratnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Ain Mohd Tahir
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia.
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Lao-Domínguez FÁ, Robustillo-Cortés MDLA, Morillo-Verdugo R. Drug burden index in people living with HIV over 50 years of age in a real clinical practice cohort. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2023:S2529-993X(23)00189-2. [PMID: 37394403 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine DBI and its relationship with polypharmacy and pharmacotherapeutic complexity (PC) in a cohort of PLWH over 50 years of age at follow-up of pharmacotherapy in a tertiary hospital. METHODS Observational and retrospective study that included PLWH in active antiretroviral treatment over 50 years of age who have been followed up in outpatient pharmacy services. Pharmacotherapeutic complexity was estimated through Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Collected variables included comorbidities, current prescriptions and its classification according to anticholinergic and sedative activity and associated risk of falls. RESULTS Studied population included 251 patients (85.7% men; median age: 58 years, interquartile range: 54-61). There was a high prevalence of high DBI scores (49.2%). High DBI was significantly correlated with a high PC, polypharmacy, psychiatric comorbidity and substances abuse (p<0.05). Among sedative drugs, the most prescribed were anxiolytic drugs (N05B) (n=85), antidepressant drugs (N06A) (n=41) and antiepileptic drugs (N03A) (n=29). For anticholinergic drugs, alpha-adrenergic antagonist drugs (G04C) were the most prescribed (n=18). Most frequent drugs associated with risk of falls were anxiolytics (N05B) (n=85), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (C09A) (n=61) and antidepressants (N06A) (n=41). CONCLUSION The DBI score in older PLWH is high and it is related to PC, polypharmacy, mental diseases and substance abuse as is the prevalence of fall-related drugs. Control of these parameters as well as the reduction of the sedative and anticholinergic load should be included in the lines of work in the pharmaceutical care of people living with HIV+.
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Poojar B, Shenoy K A, Kamath A, Ramapuram J, Rao SB. Evaluation of health literacy and medication regimen complexity index among patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A single-Centre, prospective, cross-sectional study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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4
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COYLE RP, MORROW M, MAWHINNEY S, COLEMAN SS, ZHENG JH, ELLISON L, BUSHMAN LR, KISER JJ, ANDERSON PL, CASTILLO-MANCILLA JR. Cumulative tenofovir diphosphate exposure in persons with HIV taking single- vs. multiple-tablet regimens. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 42:641-650. [PMID: 35707973 PMCID: PMC9870651 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2711] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed cumulative antiretroviral exposure-using tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS)-in persons with HIV (PWH) receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) as single-tablet regimens (STR) or multiple-tablet regimens (MTR). METHODS Blood for DBS was prospectively collected in PWH on TDF during 1144 person visits (n = 523). Linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for baseline characteristics, were used to compare TFV-DP in STR versus MTR. Models adjusted for ART regimen using either anchor drug class, pharmacokinetic booster status (unboosted [u/] or boosted [b/]), or a combined STR/MTR and booster categorical variable. RESULTS In the anchor class-adjusted model, STR had 19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3%-37%; p = 0.02) higher TFV-DP concentrations than MTR. However, in the booster-adjusted model, STR was not significantly higher than MTR (estimate 5%, 95% CI: -9% to 21%; p = 0.48), although PWH on b/ART had 35% (95% CI: 16%-58%; p = 0.0001) higher TFV-DP than u/ART. In the STR/MTR-boosted variable model, when compared to u/MTR, b/STR, b/MTR, and u/STR had 25% (95% CI: 7%-47%; p = 0.005), 37% (95% CI: 17%-59%; p < 0.0001), and 7% (95% CI: -7% to 24%; p = 0.34) higher TFV-DP, respectively. Compared with b/MTR, b/STR had 9% (95% CI: -31% to 10%; p = 0.37) lower TFV-DP. In a sensitivity analysis of PWH with HIV viral load <20 copies/ml at all visits, b/STR and b/MTR had 34% (95% CI: 16%-55%; p < 0.0001) and 12% (95% CI: -2% to 27%; p = 0.09) higher TFV-DP, respectively, compared with u/MTR, while u/STR had 4% (95% CI: -15% to 8%; p = 0.50) lower TFV-DP. Compared with b/MTR, b/STR had 17% (95% CI: 2%-30%; p = 0.03) higher TFV-DP. CONCLUSIONS Persons with HIV on b/TDF-based ART had higher TFV-DP than u/ART, regardless of STR or MTR use. No significant differences in TFV-DP between regimens of the same boosting status (i.e., b/STR vs. b/MTR; u/STR vs. u/MTR) were observed in the full cohort. Future research should examine the clinical utility of these findings in patient-tailored ART selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. COYLE
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mary MORROW
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Samantha MAWHINNEY
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Jia-Hua ZHENG
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lucas ELLISON
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lane R. BUSHMAN
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer J. KISER
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter L. ANDERSON
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jose R. CASTILLO-MANCILLA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
- Corresponding author: Jose R. Castillo-Mancilla, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. 12700 E. 19 Ave., B168, Aurora, CO 80045, (o) 303-724-4934, (f) 303-724-4926,
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Wurmbach VS, Schmidt SJ, Lampert A, Bernard S, Meid AD, Frick E, Metzner M, Wilm S, Mortsiefer A, Bücker B, Altiner A, Sparenberg L, Szecsenyi J, Peters-Klimm F, Kaufmann-Kolle P, Thürmann PA, Haefeli WE, Seidling HM. Prevalence and patient-rated relevance of complexity factors in medication regimens of community-dwelling patients with polypharmacy. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 78:1127-1136. [PMID: 35476124 PMCID: PMC9184426 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To describe the prevalence of complexity factors in the medication regimens of community-dwelling patients with more than five drugs and to evaluate the relevance of these factors for individual patients. Methods Data were derived from the HIOPP-6 trial, a controlled study conducted in 9 general practices which evaluated an electronic tool to detect and reduce complexity of drug treatment. The prevalence of complexity factors was based on the results of the automated analysis of 139 patients’ medication data. The relevance assessment was based on the patients’ rating of each factor in an interview (48 patients included for analysis). Results A median of 5 (range 0–21) complexity factors per medication regimen were detected and at least one factor was observed in 131 of 139 patients. Almost half of these patients found no complexity factor in their medication regimen relevant. Conclusion In most medication regimens, complexity factors could be identified automatically, yet less than 15% of factors were indeed relevant for patients as judged by themselves. When assessing complexity of medication regimens, one should especially consider factors that are both particularly frequent and often challenging for patients, such as use of inhalers or tablet splitting. Trial registration The HIOPP-6 trial was registered retrospectively on May 17, 2021, in the German Clinical Trials register under DRKS-ID DRKS00025257. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00228-022-03314-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria S Wurmbach
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Anette Lampert
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Bernard
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Andreas D Meid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduard Frick
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Metzner
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wilm
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Achim Mortsiefer
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Professorship of Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Bettina Bücker
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Attila Altiner
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lisa Sparenberg
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Peters-Klimm
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petra Kaufmann-Kolle
- aQua-Institute for Applied Quality Improvement and Research in Health Care, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Petra A Thürmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Philipp Klee-Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, HELIOS University Clinic Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Walter E Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanna M Seidling
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Cooperation Unit Clinical Pharmacy, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Morillo-Verdugo R, Sánchez-Rubio-Ferrández J, Gimeno-Gracia M, Robustillo-Cortés MDLA, Almeida-González CV. Prevalence of polypharmacy and associated factors among patients living with HIV infection in Spain: The POINT study. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:7-13. [PMID: 34991854 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Survival in people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased and thus people are aging with HIV, increasing the frequency of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy among PLWH who were on antiretroviral treatment and were followed in an outpatient setting by the pharmacy department of several hospitals across Spain. In addition, we aimed to evaluate factors associated with polypharmacy and treatment complexity among this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recorded information on demographic data, data on disease control including viral load and CD4 count at the time of inclusion, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatment and drugs interactions. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of 6 or more different drugs, including antiretroviral medication; major polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥11 different drugs. RESULTS Overall, 1225 PLWH were eligible in the study. The median (IQR) age was 49 (40-54). Comorbidities were present in 819 (67%) PLWH and 571 (47%) had two or more comorbidities. Overall, 397 (32.4%, 95% CI 29.8-34.9) PLWH met the criteria for polypharmacy, and 67 (5.5%, 95% CI, 4.2-6.7) had major polypharmacy. Several factors were associated with polypharmacy such as type of antiretroviral treatment, presence of potential interactions, the use of several types of medications and the number of comorbidities. Treatment complexity was also a factor strongly associated with polypharmacy; for each point increase in the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI), the likelihood of polypharmacy increased 2.3-fold. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy is frequent among PLWH in Spain and contributes to a relevant extent to treatment complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carmen V Almeida-González
- Statistics and Research Methodology Unit, Valme University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Seville University, School of Medicine, Seville, Spain
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Medication Discrepancies and Regimen Complexity in Decompensated Cirrhosis: Implications for Medication Safety. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121207. [PMID: 34959611 PMCID: PMC8703811 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121207] [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: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Discrepancies between the medicines consumed by patients and those documented in the medical record can affect medication safety. We aimed to characterize medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity over time in a cohort of outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis, and evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led intervention on discrepancies and patient outcomes. In a randomized-controlled trial (n = 57 intervention and n = 57 usual care participants), medication reconciliation and patient-oriented education delivered over a six-month period was associated with a 45% reduction in the incidence rate of 'high' risk discrepancies (IRR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.31-0.96) compared to usual care. For each additional 'high' risk discrepancy at baseline, the odds of having ≥ 1 unplanned medication-related admission during a 12-month follow-up period increased by 25% (adj-OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.97-1.63) independently of the Child-Pugh score and a history of variceal bleeding. Among participants with complete follow-up, intervention patients were 3-fold less likely to have an unplanned medication-related admission (adj-OR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.07-0.97) compared to usual care. There was no association between medication discrepancies and mortality. Medication regimen complexity, frequent changes to the regimen and hepatic encephalopathy were associated with discrepancies. Medication reconciliation may improve medication safety by facilitating communication between patients and clinicians about 'current' therapies and identifying potentially inappropriate medicines that may lead to harm.
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Guaraldi G, Milic J, Marcotullio S, Mussini C. A patient-centred approach to deprescribing antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:3425-3432. [PMID: 32747939 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few studies have explored the benefit of deprescribing in people living with HIV (PLWH), focusing on the discontinuation of non-antiretrovirals (non-ARVs) used for HIV-associated comorbidities (co-medications), or the management of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between ARVs or between ARVs and co-medications. The availability of modern single-tablet regimens, two-drug regimens and long-acting therapy opens a discussion regarding ARV deprescribing strategies. The objective of this article is to discuss ARV deprescribing strategies in the context of medication-related burden and patients' lived experience with medicine (PLEM) and to suggest indications for whom, when, how and why to consider these ARV options in PLWH. A PLEM construct helps to better interpret these strategies and provides a patient-centred precision-medicine approach. There are several safe and virologically effective ARV deprescribing strategies, but the ultimate benefits of these interventions still need to be further explored in terms of the overall health and quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Guaraldi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Jovana Milic
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Mussini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Vinuesa-Hernando JM, Gimeno-Gracia M, Malo S, Sanjoaquin-Conde I, Crusells-Canales MJ, Letona-Carbajo S, Gracia-Piquer R. Potentially inappropriate prescriptions and therapeutic complexity in older HIV patients with comorbidities. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 43:1245-1250. [PMID: 33543418 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prolonged current survival of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients exposes them to new problems arising from the comorbidities they face. OBJECTIVES To describe the situation of comorbidities, polypharmacy, therapeutic complexity and adherence in people living with HIV over 65 years of age and to assess the presence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) by applying deprescription criteria. METHODS Observational study including HIV people (> 65 years) from a university tertiary level hospital. Demographic, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic characteristics of the patients and their treatments were studied. The prevalence of polypharmacy (> 5 medications) and the pharmacotherapy complexity, quantified by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI), were calculated. Therapeutic adherence was assessed by the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) and the medication possession ratio, according to prescription dispensing records. The Screening Tool of Older People's Prescriptions (STOPP) and List of Evidence-baSed depreScribing for CHRONic patients (LESS-CHRON) criteria were applied to identify PIP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE PIP in elderly people living with HIV. RESULTS Thirty patients were included, 73% of whom were men, with a median age of 71 years (IQR 67 - 76) and a median duration of infection of 17 years (IQR, 9 - 21). Seventy percent of the patients suffered from dyslipemia, 66.7% from hypertension, 43.3% from diabetes and 26.7% from mental health disorders. Seventy percent of the patients took more than 5 medications and 30% more than 10. The MRCI of concomitant medications was higher (18.3 points) than the MRCI of antiretroviral therapy (5.1 points), 66.7% of the studied population was classified as adherent. Finally, 70% of the patients present some PIP according to the STOPP or LESS-CHRON criteria. The polypharmacy was significantly associated (p = 0.008) with meeting deprescription criteria. CONCLUSION The elderly people living with HIV present numerous comorbidities and met the criteria for polypharmacy. Their pharmacotherapy complexity is mainly determined by the concomitant treatments. There is a high prevalence of meeting deprescription criteria in people living with HIV over the age of 65 and a clear relationship between polypharmacy and deprescription. The optimization of pharmacotherapy is necessary in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Gimeno-Gracia
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Malo
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain.,Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isabel Sanjoaquin-Conde
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María José Crusells-Canales
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Letona-Carbajo
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raquel Gracia-Piquer
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain
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MANN SC, MORROW M, COYLE RP, COLEMAN SS, SADERUP A, ZHENG JH, ELLISON L, BUSHMAN LR, KISER JJ, MAWHINNEY S, ANDERSON PL, CASTILLO-MANCILLA JR. Lower Cumulative Antiretroviral Exposure in People Living With HIV and Diabetes Mellitus. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 85:483-488. [PMID: 33136749 PMCID: PMC7756101 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer and developing more non-AIDS comorbidities, which negatively impact antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is a novel pharmacologic measure of cumulative ART adherence that is predictive of viral suppression and future viremia. However, the relationship between non-AIDS comorbidities and this adherence measure is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between 3 non-AIDS comorbidities (diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) and TFV-DP in DBS in PLWH. METHODS Blood for TFV-DP in DBS and HIV viral load was prospectively collected from PLWH on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for up to 3 times over 48 weeks. Non-AIDS comorbidities were recorded. Mixed effect multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the changes in TFV-DP concentrations in DBS according to the presence of comorbidities and to estimate the percent differences in TFV-DP concentrations between these groups. RESULTS A total of 1144 person-visits derived from 523 participants with available concentrations of TFV-DP in DBS were included in this analysis. In univariate analysis, no significant association between non-AIDS comorbidities (categorized as having 0, 1, 2, or 3 comorbidities) and the concentrations of TFV-DP in DBS was observed (P = 0.40). Participants who had DM had 25% lower (95% confidence interval: -36% to -12%; P < 0.001) TFV-DP in DBS than participants without DM after adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, CD4 T-cell count, hematocrit, ART class, patient-level medication regimen complexity index, and 3-month self-reported adherence. CONCLUSIONS Diabetic PLWH have lower concentrations of TFV-DP in DBS compared with those without DM. Further research is required to identify the clinical implications and biological mechanisms underlying these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. MANN
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Mary MORROW
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Ryan P. COYLE
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Austin SADERUP
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Jia-Hua ZHENG
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Lucas ELLISON
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Lane R. BUSHMAN
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Jennifer J. KISER
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Samantha MAWHINNEY
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Peter L. ANDERSON
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Jose R. CASTILLO-MANCILLA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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11
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Morillo-Verdugo R, Sánchez-Rubio-Ferrández J, Gimeno-Gracia M, Robustillo-Cortés MDLA, Almeida-González CV. Prevalence of polypharmacy and associated factors among patients living with HIV infection in Spain: The POINT study. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 40:S0213-005X(20)30317-7. [PMID: 33229100 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.09.020] [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: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Survival in people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased and thus people are aging with HIV, increasing the frequency of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy among PLWH who were on antiretroviral treatment and were followed in an outpatient setting by the pharmacy department of several hospitals across Spain. In addition, we aimed to evaluate factors associated with polypharmacy and treatment complexity among this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recorded information on demographic data, data on disease control including viral load and CD4 count at the time of inclusion, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatment and drugs interactions. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of 6 or more different drugs, including antiretroviral medication; major polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥11 different drugs. RESULTS Overall, 1225 PLWH were eligible in the study. The median (IQR) age was 49 (40-54). Comorbidities were present in 819 (67%) PLWH and 571 (47%) had two or more comorbidities. Overall, 397 (32.4%, 95% CI 29.8-34.9) PLWH met the criteria for polypharmacy, and 67 (5.5%, 95% CI, 4.2-6.7) had major polypharmacy. Several factors were associated with polypharmacy such as type of antiretroviral treatment, presence of potential interactions, the use of several types of medications and the number of comorbidities. Treatment complexity was also a factor strongly associated with polypharmacy; for each point increase in the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI), the likelihood of polypharmacy increased 2.3-fold. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy is frequent among PLWH in Spain and contributes to a relevant extent to treatment complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carmen V Almeida-González
- Statistics and Research Methodology Unit, Valme University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Seville University, School of Medicine, Seville, Spain
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12
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Blanco JR, Morillo R, Abril V, Escobar I, Bernal E, Folguera C, Brañas F, Gimeno M, Ibarra O, Iribarren JA, Lázaro A, Mariño A, Martín MT, Martinez E, Ortega L, Olalla J, Robustillo A, Sanchez-Conde M, Rodriguez MA, de la Torre J, Sanchez-Rubio J, Tuset M. Deprescribing of non-antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 76:305-318. [PMID: 31865412 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02785-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent decades, the life expectancy of HIV-infected patients has increased considerably, to the extent that the disease can now be considered chronic. In this context of progressive aging, HIV-infected persons have a greater prevalence of comorbid conditions. Consequently, they usually take more non-antiretroviral drugs, and their drug therapy are more complex. This supposes a greater risk of drug interactions, of hospitalization, falls, and death. In the last years, deprescribing has gained attention as a means to rationalize medication use. METHODS Review of the different therapeutic approach that includes optimization of polypharmacy and control and reduction of potentially inappropriate prescription. RESULTS There are several protocols for systematizing the deprescribing process. The most widely used tool is the Medication Regimen Complexity Index, an index validated in HIV-infected persons. Anticholinergic medications are the agents that have been most associated with major adverse effects so, various scales have been employed to measure it. Other tools should be employed to detect and prevent the use of potentially inappropriate drugs. Prioritization of candidates should be based, among others, on drugs that should always be avoided and drugs with no justified indication. CONCLUSIONS The deprescribing process shared by professionals and patients definitively would improve management of treatment in this population. Because polypharmacy in HIV-infected patients show that a considerable percentage of patients could be candidates for deprescribing, we must understand the importance of deprescribing and that HIV-infected persons should be a priority group. This process would be highly feasible and effective in HIV-infected persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Ramón Blanco
- Hospital Universitario San Pedro - CIBIR de Logroño, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain.
| | | | - Vicente Abril
- Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014, València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ismael Escobar
- Hospital Infanta Leonor del Madrid, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Bernal
- Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía de Murcia, 30003, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Folguera
- Hospital Puerta de Hierro de Madrid, 28222, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fátima Brañas
- Hospital Infanta Leonor del Madrid, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Olatz Ibarra
- Hospital de Urduliz, Bizkaia, 48610, Urduliz, Biscay, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Iribarren
- Hospital Universitario Donostia, Instituto BioDonostia de San Sebastián, 20014, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Ana Mariño
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, 15405, Ferrol, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Julian Olalla
- Hospital Costa del Sol de Marbella, 29603, Marbella, Málaga, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Montse Tuset
- Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
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Lee S, Jang J, Yang S, Hahn J, Min KL, Jung EH, Oh KS, Cho R, Chang MJ. Development and validation of the Korean version of the medication regimen complexity index. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216805. [PMID: 31095602 PMCID: PMC6522044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The medication regimen complexity index (MRCI), originally developed in English, is a reliable and valid tool to assess the complexity of pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to validate the Korean version of MRCI (MRCI-K). A cross-cultural methodological study comprising 335 discharged patients of a tertiary hospital in Korea was conducted. The translation process included translation into Korean by two clinical pharmacists, back translation by two native speakers, and a pretest of the tool, culminating in the Korean version of MRCI-K. Reliability analysis was assessed using inter-rater and test–retest reliability with 25 randomly selected patients. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted by correlating MRCI scores with medication number, age, sex, adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports, and length of stay. The criterion validity was confirmed through evaluation by a nine-member expert panel that subjectively ranked these regimens. The reliability analysis demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.977), and the intraclass correlation coefficient exceeded 0.90 for all cases. The correlation coefficient for the number of medications was 0.955 (P < 0.001). Weak significant correlations were observed with age and length of stay. The MRCI-K group with ADR reports scored higher (mean, 31.8) than the group without ADR reports (mean, 27.3). The expert panel’s ranking had a stronger correlation with the MRCI ranking than the medication number ranking. MRCI-K has similar reliability and validity as MRCI and is useful for analyzing therapeutic regimens with potential applications in both practice and research in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmin Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicines and Regulatory Science, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - JunYoung Jang
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwon Yang
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsung Hahn
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Lok Min
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicines and Regulatory Science, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun hee Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung sun Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Raejung Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicines and Regulatory Science, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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14
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Manzano-García M, Pérez-Guerrero C, Álvarez de Sotomayor Paz M, Robustillo-Cortés MDLA, Almeida-González CV, Morillo-Verdugo R. Identification of the Medication Regimen Complexity Index as an Associated Factor of Nonadherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV Positive Patients. Ann Pharmacother 2018; 52:862-867. [PMID: 29592537 DOI: 10.1177/1060028018766908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have identified a relationship between the complexity of a medication regimen and non-adherence. However, most studies in people who live with HIV (PLWH) have focused on antiretroviral use and have failed to consider the impact of other medications. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is to identify the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) as an associated factor for nonadherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). The secondary aim is to analyze the relationship between clinical and pharmacotherapeutical variables and adherence to antiretroviral treatment and to generate an adherence model. METHODS A transversal, observational study. Patients included were PLWH over 18 years of age on active antiretroviral therapy. Patients who participated in clinical trials or who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. We had studied HIV transmission mode, viral load, treatment status, number of comorbidities and complexity index as factors associated with adherence to ART. RESULTS We included 619 patients in the study. Number of comorbidities ( p = 0.021; OR = 1.038-1.570); viral load ( p = 0.023; OR = 1.108-4.505) and MRCI ( p < 0.001; OR = 1.138-1.262) (ART and concomitant treatment) were the independent associated factors to ART nonadherence. The value of the Hosmer and Lemeshow test confirmed the validity of this model (P = 0.333). CONCLUSION A higher MRCI was associated with non-adherence. Therefore, the regimen complexity calculation may be appropriate in daily practice for identifying patients at a higher risk of becoming non-adherent.
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15
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Negewo NA, Gibson PG, Wark PA, Simpson JL, McDonald VM. Treatment burden, clinical outcomes, and comorbidities in COPD: an examination of the utility of medication regimen complexity index in COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2017; 12:2929-2942. [PMID: 29062230 PMCID: PMC5638593 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s136256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COPD patients are often prescribed multiple medications for their respiratory disease and comorbidities. This can lead to complex medication regimens resulting in poor adherence, medication errors, and drug–drug interactions. The relationship between clinical outcomes and medication burden beyond medication count in COPD is largely unknown. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the relationships of medication burden in COPD with clinical outcomes, comorbidities, and multidimensional indices. Methods In a cross-sectional study, COPD patients (n=222) were assessed for demographic information, comorbidities, medication use, and clinical outcomes. Complexity of medication regimens was quantified using the validated medication regimen complexity index (MRCI). Results Participants (58.6% males) had a mean (SD) age of 69.1 (8.3) years with a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted of 56.5 (20.4) and a median of five comorbidities. The median (q1, q3) total MRCI score was 24 (18.5, 31). COPD-specific medication regimens were more complex than those of non-COPD medications (median MRCI: 14.5 versus 9, respectively; P<0.0001). Complex dosage formulations contributed the most to higher MRCI scores of COPD-specific medications while dosing frequency primarily drove the complexity associated with non-COPD medications. Participants in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease quadrant D had the highest median MRCI score for COPD medications (15.5) compared to those in quadrants A (13.5; P=0.0001) and B (12.5; P<0.0001). Increased complexity of COPD-specific treatments showed significant but weak correlations with lower lung function and 6-minute walk distance, higher St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and COPD assessment test scores, and higher number of prior year COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations. Comorbid cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or metabolic diseases individually contributed to higher total MRCI scores and/or medication counts for all medications. Charlson Comorbidity Index and COPD-specific comorbidity test showed the highest degree of correlation with total MRCI score (ρ=0.289 and ρ=0.326; P<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion In COPD patients, complex medication regimens are associated with disease severity and specific class of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netsanet A Negewo
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle
| | - Peter Ab Wark
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle
| | - Jodie L Simpson
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan
| | - Vanessa M McDonald
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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16
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Cobretti MR, Page RL, Linnebur SA, Deininger KM, Ambardekar AV, Lindenfeld J, Aquilante CL. Medication regimen complexity in ambulatory older adults with heart failure. Clin Interv Aging 2017; 12:679-686. [PMID: 28442898 PMCID: PMC5396835 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s130832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heart failure prevalence is increasing in older adults, and polypharmacy is a major problem in this population. We compared medication regimen complexity using the validated patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) tool in "young-old" (60-74 years) versus "old-old" (75-89 years) patients with heart failure. We also compared pMRCI between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ISCM) versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NISCM). PATIENTS AND METHODS Medication lists were retrospectively abstracted from the electronic medical records of ambulatory patients aged 60-89 years with heart failure. Medications were categorized into three types - heart failure prescription medications, other prescription medications, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications - and scored using the pMRCI tool. RESULTS The study evaluated 145 patients (n=80 young-old, n=65 old-old, n=85 ISCM, n=60 NISCM, mean age 73±7 years, 64% men, 81% Caucasian). Mean total pMRCI scores (32.1±14.4, range 3-84) and total medication counts (13.3±4.8, range 2-30) were high for the entire cohort, of which 72% of patients were taking eleven or more total medications. Total and subtype pMRCI scores and medication counts did not differ significantly between the young-old and old-old groups, with the exception of OTC medication pMRCI score (6.2±4 young-old versus 7.8±5.8 old-old, P=0.04). With regard to heart failure etiology, total pMRCI scores and medication counts were significantly higher in patients with ISCM versus NISCM (pMRCI score 34.5±15.2 versus 28.8±12.7, P=0.009; medication count 14.1±4.9 versus 12.2±4.5, P=0.008), which was largely driven by other prescription medications. CONCLUSION Medication regimen complexity is high in older adults with heart failure, and differs based on heart failure etiology. Additional work is needed to address polypharmacy and to determine if medication regimen complexity influences adherence and clinical outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert L Page
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Sunny A Linnebur
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Amrut V Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - JoAnn Lindenfeld
- Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
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17
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Bryant BM, Libby AM, Metz KR, Page RL, Ambardekar AV, Lindenfeld J, Aquilante CL. Evaluating Patient-Level Medication Regimen Complexity Over Time in Heart Transplant Recipients. Ann Pharmacother 2016; 50:926-934. [PMID: 27371949 DOI: 10.1177/1060028016657552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication regimen complexity describes multiple characteristics of a patient's prescribed drug regimen. Heart transplant recipients must comply with a lifelong regimen that consists of numerous medications. However, a systematic assessment of medication regimen complexity over time has not been conducted in this, or any other, transplant population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to quantify patient-level medication regimen complexity over time following primary heart transplantation and heart retransplantation, using the validated patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) tool. METHODS Medication lists were reviewed at transplant discharge and years 1, 3, and 5 post-primary heart transplant, and at transplant discharge and years 1 and 3 post-heart retransplantation. Medications were categorized as transplant-specific, other prescription, and over-the-counter (OTC). RESULTS In primary heart transplant recipients (n = 60), mean total medication count was 14.3 ± 3.4 at transplant discharge and did not change significantly over time ( P = 0.64). Transplant-specific medication count decreased significantly from discharge (2.9 ± 0.4) to year 5 (2.3 ± 0.6); P = 0.02. However, 32% of patients were taking 16 or more total medications at year 5 posttransplant. More than 70% of the pMRCI score was attributed to other prescription and OTC medications, which was largely driven by dosing frequency in this cohort. Medication complexity did not differ significantly between heart retransplant recipients (n = 11) and matched primary heart transplant controls (n = 22). CONCLUSION Together, these data highlight the substantial medication burden after heart transplantation and reveal opportunities to address medication regimen complexity in this, and other, transplant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney M Bryant
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne M Libby
- 2 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelli R Metz
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert L Page
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Christina L Aquilante
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
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Gathe J, Arribas JR, Van Lunzen J, Garner W, Speck RM, Bender R, Shreay S, Nguyen T. Patient-Reported Symptoms over 48 Weeks in a Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3b Non-inferiority Trial of Adults with HIV Switching to Coformulated Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir DF Versus Continuation of Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitor with Emtricitabine and Tenofovir DF. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2016; 8:445-54. [PMID: 26286337 PMCID: PMC4575373 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-015-0137-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Coformulated elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF; Stribild®) is a recommended integrase inhibitor-based regimen in treatment guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the British HIV Association. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the change in patient-reported symptoms over time among HIV-infected adults who switch to Stribild® versus those continuing on a protease inhibitor (PI) with FTC/TDF. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted on the STRATEGY-PI study (GS-US-236-0115, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01475838), a randomized, open-label, phase 3b trial of HIV-infected adults taking a PI with FTC/TDF who were randomly assigned (2:1) either to Stribild® (switch) or continuation of their existing regimen (no-switch). Logistic regressions and longitudinal modeling were conducted to evaluate the relationship of treatment with bothersome symptoms. Results At week 4 as compared with baseline, the switch group experienced a statistically significantly lower prevalence in five symptoms (diarrhea/loose bowels, bloating/pain/gas in stomach, pain/numbness/tingling in hands/feet, nervous/anxious, and trouble remembering). The lower prevalence of diarrhea/loose bowels, bloating/pain/gas in stomach, and pain/numbness/tingling in hands/feet observed at week 4 was maintained over time. While there were no significant differences between groups in the prevalence of sad/down/depressed and problems with sex at week 4 or week 48, longitudinal models indicated the switch group had a statistically significantly decreased prevalence in both symptoms from week 4 to week 48. As compared with the no-switch group, higher levels of satisfaction with treatment were experienced by patients in the switch group at the first follow-up visit and at week 24. Conclusions In this study sample, a switch from a ritonavir-boosted PI, FTC, and TDF regimen to coformulated EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF was associated with more treatment satisfaction and a reduction in the prevalence of patient-reported diarrhea/loose bowel symptoms, which was maintained over the 48-week study period. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40271-015-0137-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Van Lunzen
- Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Will Garner
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | | | | | - Sanatan Shreay
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Thai Nguyen
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA.
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Ferreira JM, Galato D, Melo AC. Medication regimen complexity in adults and the elderly in a primary healthcare setting: determination of high and low complexities. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2015; 13:659. [PMID: 26759621 PMCID: PMC4696124 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2015.04.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The complexity of a medication regimen is related to the multiple characteristics of the prescribed regimen and can negatively influence the health outcomes of patients. Objective: To propose cut-off points in the complexity of pharmacotherapy to distinguish between patients with low and high complexities seen in a primary health care (PHC) setting to enable prioritization of patient management. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which included 517 adult and elderly patients, analyzing different cut-off points to define the strata of low and high pharmacotherapy complexities based on percentiles of the population evaluated. Data collection began with the solicitation of prescriptions, followed by a questionnaire that was administered by an interviewer. The complexity of a medication regimen was estimated from the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). High complexity pharmacotherapy scores were analyzed from patient profiles, the use of health services, and pharmacotherapy. The criteria for subject inclusion in the sample population were as follows: inhabitant of the area covered by the municipality, 18 years or older, and being prescribed at least one drug during the collection period. Exclusion criteria at the time of collection were the use of any medication whose prescription was not available. All medications were accessed through the Primary Healthcare Service (PHS). Results: The median total pharmacotherapy complexity score was 8.5. High MRCI scores were correlated with age, medications taken with in the Brazilian PHS, having at least one potential drug-related problem, receiving up to eight years of schooling, number of medications and polypharmacy (five or more medicines), number of medical conditions, number of medical appointments, and number of cardiovascular diseases and endocrine metabolic diseases. We suggest different complexity tracks according to age (e.g., adult or elderly) that consider the pharmacotherapy and population coverage characteristics as high complexity limits. For the elderly patients, the tracks were as follows: MRCI≥25.4, MRCI≥20.9, MRCI≥17.5, MRCI≥15.7, MRCI≥14.0, and MRCI≥13.0. For adult patients, the limits of high complexity were MRCI≥25.1; MRCI ≥ 23.8; MRCI≥21.0; MRCI≥17.0; MRCI≥16.5; and MRCI≥15.5. Conclusion: The medication regimen complexity is associated with the patient’s illness profile and problems with the use of drugs; therefore, the proposed scores can be useful in prioritizing patients for clinical care by pharmacists and other health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Ferreira
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University São João Del-Rei . Divinópolis, MG ( Brasil ).
| | - Dayani Galato
- Pharmacy Department, University of Brasilia . Brasilia ( Brazil ).
| | - Angelita C Melo
- Pharmacy Department, Federal University São João Del-Rei . Divinópolis, MG ( Brasil ).
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20
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Yam FK, Lew T, Eraly SA, Lin HW, Hirsch JD, Devor M. Changes in medication regimen complexity and the risk for 90-day hospital readmission and/or emergency department visits in U.S. Veterans with heart failure. Res Social Adm Pharm 2015; 12:713-21. [PMID: 26621388 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) hospitalization is associated with multiple medication modifications. These modifications often increase medication regimen complexity and may increase the risk of readmission and/or emergency department (ED) visit. OBJECTIVES To determine the association between changes in medication regimen complexity (MRC) during hospitalization of patients with heart failure and the risk of readmission or ED visit at 90 days. Secondary objectives include examining the association between changes in MRC and time to readmission as well as the relationship between number of medications and MRC. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study that included U.S. Veterans hospitalized with heart failure. MRC was quantified using the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI). The change in MRCI was the difference between admission MRCI and discharge MRCI recorded during the index hospitalization. Demographic and clinical data were collected to characterize the study population. Patient data for up to one year after discharge was recorded to identify hospital readmissions and ED visits. RESULTS A total of 174 patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-two patients (36%) were readmitted or had an ED visit at 90 days from the index hospitalization. The mean change (SD) in MRCI during the index hospitalization among the cohort was 4.7 (8.3). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, each unit increase in MRCI score was associated with a 4% lower odds of readmission or ED visit at 90 days but this finding was not statistically significant (OR 0.955; 95% CI 0.911-1.001). In the cox proportional hazard model, the median time to hospital readmission or ED visit was 214 days. Each unit increase in MRCI score was associated with a modest but non-significant increase in probability of survival from readmission or ED visit (HR 0.978; 95% CI 0.955, 1.001). CONCLUSION Changes in medication regimen complexity that occur during hospitalization may also be associated with optimization of medical therapy and do not necessarily portend worse outcomes in patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix K Yam
- UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0764, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Tiffany Lew
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street (119), San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Satish A Eraly
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA, USA; UC San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hsiang-Wen Lin
- China Medical University, College of Pharmacy, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jan D Hirsch
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA, USA; UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0714, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michelle Devor
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA, USA; UC San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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