The American Journal Of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Self-reported prevalence and factors associated with nonadherence with glaucoma medications in veteran outpatients.
Sleath B, Ballinger R, Covert D … +3 more , Robin AL, Byrd JE, Tudor G
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Apr · PMID 19447359 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to determine the self-reported prevalence of and factors associated with nonadherence with glaucoma medications in veteran outpatients. METHODS: This survey study was condu...
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to determine the self-reported prevalence of and factors associated with nonadherence with glaucoma medications in veteran outpatients. METHODS: This survey study was conducted at a Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic. A survey was administered to patients with glaucoma. We calculated the percentage of self-reported adherence with glaucoma medications in each patient. Logistic regression was used to assess whether patient characteristics and difficulties with using glaucoma medications were related to patients' reporting that they were <100% adherent with their glaucoma medications in the previous week. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 141 patients (men, 91.5%; mean [SD] age, 70.22 [11.60] years [range, 37-93 years]; black race, 45.4%; white race, 44.0%; "other" or data unavailable, 10.6%). Nonwhite patients were significantly less adherent in the previous week than were white patients (27.0% vs 11.3%; P < 0.05). A total of 67.4% patients reported > or =1 difficulty in using their glaucoma medications. The 3 most commonly reported difficulties were "drops fall on cheek" (29.1%), "too many drops come out" (20.6%), and "hard to read print" (17.0%). A total of 19.1% of patients self-reported using <100% of their glaucoma medications in the previous week. The number of difficulties reported was significantly associated with reporting being <100% adherent in the previous week (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this small sample of VA patients with glaucoma, adherence to glaucoma medications could be improved, especially among those who reported difficulties using their medications and those who were nonwhite.
Methylphenidate for the treatment of depressive symptoms, including fatigue and apathy, in medically ill older adults and terminally ill adults.
Hardy SE
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Feb · PMID 19281939 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms, fatigue, and apathy are common symptoms among medically ill older adults and patients with advanced disease, and have been associated with morbidity and mortality. Methylphenidate has bee...
BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms, fatigue, and apathy are common symptoms among medically ill older adults and patients with advanced disease, and have been associated with morbidity and mortality. Methylphenidate has been used to treat these symptoms because of its rapid effect. Despite the long history of methylphenidate use for the treatment of depressive symptoms, fatigue, and apathy, there is little definitive evidence to support its use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to review the efficacy and tolerability of methylphenidate in the treatment of depressive symptoms, fatigue, and apathy in medically ill older adults and adults receiving palliative care. METHODS: English-language articles presenting systematic reviews, clinical trials, or case series describing the use of methylphenidate for the treatment of depressive symptoms, fatigue, or apathy in medically ill older adults or adults receiving palliative care were identified. The key words methylphenidate and either depressive, depression, fatigue, or apathy were used to search the Cochrane Database, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Included articles addressed depressive symptoms, fatigue, or apathy in (1) older adults (generally, age > or =65 years), particularly those with comorbid medical illness; (2) adults receiving palliative care; and (3) adults with other chronic illnesses. I excluded articles regarding treatment of depression in healthy young adults; bipolar disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and narcolepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and related disorders. RESULTS: A total of 19 controlled trials of methylphenidate in medically ill older adults or patients in palliative care were identified. Unfortunately, their conflicting results, small sample sizes, and poor methodologic quality limited the ability to draw inferences regarding the efficacy of methylphenidate, although evidence of tolerability was stronger. The available evidence suggests possible effectiveness of methylphenidate for depressive symptoms, fatigue, and apathy in various medically ill populations. CONCLUSION: In the absence of definitive evidence of effectiveness, trials of low-dose methylphenidate in medically ill adults with depression, fatigue, or apathy, with monitoring for response and adverse effects, are appropriate.
Effect of concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid in an elderly Chinese patient.
Gu J, Huang Y
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Feb · PMID 19281938 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Meropenem is a carbapenem with a broad spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase-producing organisms. Valproic acid is widely used in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. Concomit...
BACKGROUND: Meropenem is a carbapenem with a broad spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase-producing organisms. Valproic acid is widely used in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. Concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid reportedly leads to a rapid decline in serum concentrations of valproic acid, which is sometimes associated with seizures. CASE SUMMARY: This report describes an 85-year-old Chinese male inpatient who twice received concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid for the treatment of pneumonia and poststroke epilepsy, respectively. Rapid declines in valproic acid concentrations were observed both times after meropenem administration. No seizures occurred in the first treatment period; however, when the patient suffered pneumonia again 3 months later, the same concomitant therapy was prescribed, and seizures occurred. It is difficult to identify a single etiology of the seizures. Based on a score of 7 on the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, the seizures were considered to be probably related to the concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Various factors make the effect of concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid unpredictable, even in the same patient. Caution should be used when administering meropenem and valproic acid concomitantly, especially in elderly patients with central nervous system disorders, even if the patient has had a successful prior experience with these 2 drugs. If concomitant administration is essential, very close serum concentration monitoring and clinical observation are necessary.
Impact of a geriatric nursing home palliative care service on unnecessary medication prescribing.
Suhrie EM, Hanlon JT, Jaffe EJ … +3 more , Sevick MA, Ruby CM, Aspinall SL
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Feb · PMID 19281937 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies concerning improvement of medication use in palliative care patients in nursing homes. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate whether a geriatric palliative care team reduc...
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies concerning improvement of medication use in palliative care patients in nursing homes. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate whether a geriatric palliative care team reduced unnecessary medication prescribing for elderly veterans residing in a nursing home. METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patients who died while residing in a geriatric palliative care unit between August 1, 2005, and July 31, 2007. Prescribed medications were evaluated using the Unnecessary Drug Use Measure, which contains 3 items from the Medication Appropriateness Index concerning lack of indication, lack of effectiveness, and therapeutic duplication. This measure was applied at 2 time points: on transfer/admission to the palliative care unit and at the last 30-day pharmacist medication review before death. Paired t tests and McNemar tests were used to compare medication use at these 2 points. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included in the study. The majority were male (97.8%) and white (78.7%), with a mean (SD) age of 79.7 (7.8) years. The median length of stay on the unit was 39.0 days, and the mean number of chronic medical conditions was 8.4 (4.3). At baseline, the mean number of scheduled medications was 9.7 (4.3). The number of unnecessary medications per patient decreased from a mean of 1.7 (1.5) at admission to 0.6 (0.8) at closeout (P = 0.003). The decrease was seen in all 3 categories of the Unnecessary Drug Use Measure. CONCLUSIONS: The geriatric palliative care team was associated with a reduction in the number of unnecessary medications prescribed for older veterans in this nursing home. Future studies should evaluate the impact of decreasing unnecessary prescribing on clinical outcomes such as adverse drug reactions.
Effect of a retrospective drug utilization review on potentially inappropriate prescribing in the elderly.
Starner CI, Norman SA, Reynolds RG … +1 more , Gleason PP
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Feb · PMID 19281936 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Use of potentially inappropriate medications or drugs to be avoided in the elderly (DAE) continues to be widespread. Although the literature suggests DAE are associated with negative health outcomes, educatio...
BACKGROUND: Use of potentially inappropriate medications or drugs to be avoided in the elderly (DAE) continues to be widespread. Although the literature suggests DAE are associated with negative health outcomes, educational interventions have had a positive impact on inappropriate prescribing. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify those members aged > or =65 years participating in a Medicare Part D Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) benefit plan who were receiving medications that may be inappropriate for use in older adults and, through a retrospective drug utilization review (RetroDUR), to notify their prcscribers of the possible safety concerns with continued use. METHODS: The analysis used retrospective administrative pharmacy claims data from 3 Medicare Part D BCBS plans across 4 states. Plan members aged > or =65 years who had a claim for > or =1 DAE during a 30-day review period (August 15, 2007-September 14, 2007) with a minimum supply of 7 days of medication were identified. The National Committee for Quality Assurance 2007 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures for Medicare were used to determine DAE. A packet of information was mailed to prescribers identifying patients who had a claim for > or =1 DAE. Members were then assessed for the presence of a drug in the same drug class 6 months after the initial analysis. RESULTS: Of a possible 328,000 eligible members, 16,973 (5.2%) had a claim for > or =1 DAE during the 30-day review period. A total of 7963 intervention prescriber letters were mailed, affecting 13,198 members with 14,267 DAE claims. The final analyzable intervention cohort consisted of 10,364 members with 11,062 DAE claims. Overall, 5403 claims (48.8%) for DAE were defined as discontinued after 6 months. The most common DAE in the study were estrogens, propoxyphene, muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, antihistamines, and nitrofurantoin, accounting for 9682 claims (87.5%). At the 6-month follow-up, reductions in claims for each of the top 6 drug/drug classes ranged from 31.3% to 66.7%. As a class, the anticholinergics had the highest rate of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: The DAE RetroDUR was associated with a possible reduction in the use of potentially inappropriate prescription medications in these older adults. Further research, using a control population, is needed to show the impact on health care utilization and costs, adverse drug events, and health care and quality-of-life outcomes.
Efficacy and safety profile of a single dose of hydromorphone compared with morphine in older adults with acute, severe pain: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
Chang AK, Bijur PE, Baccelieri A … +1 more , Gallagher EJ
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2009 Feb · PMID 19281935 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Older adults (ie, those aged > or =65 years) are the fastest growing segment of the US population, with an estimated approximately 71 million expected by 2030. Over the past 10 years, there has been an 11% in...
BACKGROUND: Older adults (ie, those aged > or =65 years) are the fastest growing segment of the US population, with an estimated approximately 71 million expected by 2030. Over the past 10 years, there has been an 11% increase in the number of emergency department (ED) visits by older adults, and pain is their most common chief complaint. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare weight-based IV hydromorphone and IV morphine in adults aged > or =65 years presenting to the ED with acute, severe pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of older adults with acute, severe pain at an adult, urban academic ED. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of 0.0075-mg/kg IV hydromorphone or 0.05-mg/kg IV morphine. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in decrease in pain from baseline to 30 minutes after the medications were infused. Patients' degree of pain was measured on a numerical rating scale (NRS) where "0" was defined as "no pain" and "10" was defined as "the worst pain possible." Adverse effects, pain reduction at 10 minutes and 2 hours postbaseline, patient evaluations of satisfaction and pain relief at 30 minutes postbaseline, and use of additional analgesics and antiemetics were tracked as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were randomized to treatment; 183 patients (hydromorphone group, n = 93; morphine group, n = 90 [overall mean (SD) age, 75 (8) years]) had sufficient data for analysis at the primary end point of 30 minutes postbaseline. The mean decrease in pain from baseline to 30 minutes in patients allocated to IV hydromorphone was 3.8 versus 3.3 NRS units in patients allocated to IV morphine. This difference of 0.5 NRS unit (95% CI, -0.2 to 1.3) was neither clinically nor statistically significant. A majority of patients in both groups (57.0% randomized to hydromorphone and 58.9% randomized to morphine) failed to achieve a > or =50% reduction in pain within 30 minutes of treatment. The incidence of adverse effects from baseline to 30 minutes was not statistically different in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of IV hydromorphone at 0.0075 mg/kg was neither clinically nor statistically different from IV morphine at 0.05 mg/kg for the treatment of acute, severe pain at 30 minutes postbaseline in these older adults in the ED. The incidence of adverse effects was not statistically different. Our data suggest that hydromorphone and morphine in the doses given had similar efficacy and safety profiles in these older adults. Neither regimen provided > or =50% pain relief for the majority of patients. Future investigations of acute pain management in older adults should examine the efficacy and safety of higher initial (loading) doses of opioids titrated at frequent intervals until adequate analgesia is achieved.
Inappropriate sexual behaviors in cognitively impaired older individuals.
Guay DR
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Dec · PMID 19161930 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Agitated and aggressive behaviors are common in older patients with dementia (33% of the community-dwelling and 80% of the institutionalized populations). Although inappropriate verbal and physical sexual beh...
BACKGROUND: Agitated and aggressive behaviors are common in older patients with dementia (33% of the community-dwelling and 80% of the institutionalized populations). Although inappropriate verbal and physical sexual behaviors are among the least common of these actions, they can be profoundly disruptive to caregivers (spouse, institutional staff, or both) and other individuals in the immediate surroundings. Substantial mental and physical harm can occur secondary to these behaviors. The common perception is that such behavior cannot be treated. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, and biology of abnormal sexual behaviors in cognitively impaired older individuals and highlights potentially useful drug therapies. METHODS: Primary research and review articles in the English language were identified through a search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1966-September 2008). Search terms included aged, hypersexuality, sexual disorders, paraphilia, sexual behaviors, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medroxyprogesterone acetate, cyproterone acetate, estrogens, LHRH agonists, leuprolide, and triptorelin. The bibliographies of all articles obtained were also reviewed for relevant citations. All articles involving abnormal sexual behaviors in older humans were reviewed. RESULTS: Use of pharmacotherapy in managing inappropriate sexual behaviors in cognitively impaired older individuals has been detailed in only 23 case reports and case series (N = 55 subjects). Additional supportive data from case reports and case series are available in nonsexual agitation/aggression in elderly patients with dementia (N = 16 subjects) and abnormal sexual behaviors in cognitively intact elderly (N = 2 subjects). One comparative trial in nonsexual agitation/aggression in elderly patients with dementia also exists (N = 27 subjects). There are no practice guidelines available for the treatment of abnormal sexual behaviors in the cognitively impaired elderly population. Recommendations must be individualized on the basis of clinical exigency and pragmatism; they should also be predicated on medical clearance to use estrogen or antiandrogen (progestogen, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRH] agonist) therapies, if necessary. Very few data exist regarding the treatment of females of any age exhibiting abnormal sexual behaviors. For males, reasonable data support the use of serotoninergics (eg, tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]), estrogens (oral, transdermal), antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate), and the LHRH agonists (eg, leuprolide, triptorelin). Comparative trial data, both within and between these drug classes from the paraphilia literature, provide additional information that can be used to generate at least a provisional approach to drug treatment of abnormal sexual behaviors in older subjects with impaired cognition. CONCLUSIONS: In general, unless the patient is engaging in or threatening dangerous acts involving physical contact, serotoninergics (first choice, SSRIs; second choice, TCAs) are first-line agents followed by antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate or medroxyprogesterone acetate) as second-line agents. LHRH agonists (first choice) and estrogens (second choice) are considered third-line agents. Combination therapy is reasonable if the patient fails to respond to monotherapy.
An elderly patient with fluoroquinolone-associated achilles tendinitis.
Damuth E, Heidelbaugh J, Malani PN … +1 more , Cinti SK
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Dec · PMID 19161929 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Due to their broad-spectrum activity and oral bioavailability, fluoroquinolone antibiotics are commonly prescribed to adults aged >60 years for many common community-acquired infections. The association betwe...
BACKGROUND: Due to their broad-spectrum activity and oral bioavailability, fluoroquinolone antibiotics are commonly prescribed to adults aged >60 years for many common community-acquired infections. The association between fluoroquinolone use and Achilles tendinitis is well established but sometimes missed in clinical practice. Older patients and patients with renal dysfunction are at particularly increased risk for this complication. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of Achilles tendinitis in a 77-year-old patient with renal dysfunction and a urinary tract infection (UTI) treated with ciprofloxacin 250 mg PO QD. Tendinitis developed within several days of the start of treatment and improved within 2 days of treatment cessation, without the need for intervention. The likelihood of ciprofloxacin having caused this reaction was probable (Naranjo score, 7). Early diagnosis and treatment cessation might have prevented tendon rupture, and the tendinitis resolved completely with subsequent physical therapy. CONCLUSION: Based on this outcome in this patient with UTI, fluoroquinolones should be used with caution, particularly in patients with risk factors predisposing to tendinitis, including advanced age and renal dysfunction.
Factors associated with adherence to medication regimens in older primary care patients: the Steel Valley Seniors Survey.
Stoehr GP, Lu SY, Lavery L … +4 more , Bilt JV, Saxton JA, Chang CC, Ganguli M
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Dec · PMID 19161928 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore associations between 2 specific cognitive domains and aspects of medication management among older primary care patients. METHODS: A sample of patients aged >or=65 years dr...
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore associations between 2 specific cognitive domains and aspects of medication management among older primary care patients. METHODS: A sample of patients aged >or=65 years drawn from several small-town primary care practices was carefully characterized by cognitive testing and use of prescription medications. Two primary outcome variables were examined: (1) self-reports of setting up schedules to manage their own medications and (2) overall research assessment of adherence to prescribed medications. Predictor variables included scores on tests of verbal memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test) and executive function (Part B of the Trail Making Test); prescription insurance status; number of medications; and dosing frequency, adjusting for age, sex, and level of education. Multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models were used for multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The analytic sample included 343 patients (238 women, 105 men; mean [SD] age, 77.52 [6.71] years). Higher scores on the verbal memory test were independently associated with successfully setting up a medication schedule, after adjusting for covariates (compared with scores in the <10th percentile, odds ratio [OR] for scores between the 10th and 50th percentiles: 5.02 [95% CI, 2.22-11.33; P < 0.001]; OR for scores in the >50th percentile: 6.52 [95% CI, 2.76-15.42; P < 0.001]). Higher scores on the executive function test were associated with treatment adherence (compared with scores in the <10th percentile, OR for scores between the 10th and 50th percentiles: 3.25 [95% CI, 1.13-9.33; P = 0.03]; OR for scores in the >50th percentile: 4.32 [95% CI, 2.76-15.68; P = 0.02]). Compared with using <or=4 prescription drugs, using >or=5 drugs was also associated with poor adherence (OR: 0.45 [95% CI, 0.21-0.95; P = 0.04]) as measured by research nurses' assessment of adherence. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of older patients assessed for medication management, independent cognitive processes were associated with the ability to set up a medication schedule and overall adherence to prescriptions. Better verbal memory functioning was strongly and independently associated with setting up a medication schedule, while better executive functioning was strongly and independently associated with being fully adherent to prescription instructions. Deficits in either cognitive ability could result in medication errors due to nonadherence.
Appropriate proton pump inhibitor use among older adults: a retrospective chart review.
George CJ, Korc B, Ross JS
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Dec · PMID 19161927 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, but not always with a clear indication. Nonindicated use is of particular concern among older adults, who may have multiple comorbidities and take more medicatio...
BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, but not always with a clear indication. Nonindicated use is of particular concern among older adults, who may have multiple comorbidities and take more medications, increasing their risk for adverse drug reactions. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the appropriateness of PPI use at an outpatient geriatric practice and the association between particular patient characteristics and appropriate use of these medications. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of a group of randomly identified community-dwelling adults aged >or=65 years with a current prescription for a PPI (as of August 2006) from a geriatric ambulatory care practice within an urban academic medical center. The main outcome was appropriateness of PPI use, categorized as indicated, possibly indicated, or not indicated, based on US Food and Drug Administration-approved indications and national gastroenterology guidelines. RESULTS: Out of approximately 2500 patients in the geriatric practice, 702 (approximately 28%) were identified as having a current prescription for a PPI. From these, 110 charts were randomly selected for review, of which 10 were excluded based on predefined criteria. The sample was 79% female and 46% white, with a mean age of 82.8 years (range, 66-99 years). PPI use was indicated in 64% of these patients, possibly indicated in 7%, and not indicated in 29%. Compared with indicated PPI use, nonindicated use was significantly associated with use for <1 year (relative risk = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.00-4.86; P = 0.05). Nonindicated PPI use was not significantly associated with age, female sex, nonwhite race, or PPI initiation in the inpatient setting. CONCLUSION: Almost 30% of patients receiving a PPI in this academic geriatric practice had no documented indication for PPI use.
Osteoporosis pharmacotherapy and counseling services in US ambulatory care clinics: opportunities for multidisciplinary interventions.
Teschemaker A, Lee E, Xue Z … +1 more , Wutoh AK
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Dec · PMID 19161926 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess rates and predictors of osteoporosis management with medication or nonmedication therapy, and to compare rates of medication and nonmedication therapy in office-based and hos...
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess rates and predictors of osteoporosis management with medication or nonmedication therapy, and to compare rates of medication and nonmedication therapy in office-based and hospital-based ambulatory care settings in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included data on all ambulatory office visits made by patients aged >or=60 years in 2000-2005 in 2 national survey databases representing US ambulatory clinics. Visits with and without a record of anti-osteoporosis medication were identified, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for receipt of medication or nonmedication therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. RESULTS: During 2000-2005, visits by patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or fragility fracture represented <2% of all visits in office- and hospital-based ambulatory care settings. Medication therapy for osteoporosis was documented in 53.2% of these visits, and nonmedication therapy was documented in 31.5%. The most frequently prescribed drug class was bisphosphonates (36.0%), followed by calcium and vitamin D supplementation (23.9%). The most commonly used nonmedication therapies were exercise (16.7%) and diet/nutrition counseling (19.4%). Rates of medication therapy did not differ significantly by ambulatory care setting. However, visits to hospital-based clinics were significantly less likely than visits to office-based clinics to involve nonmedication therapy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = 0.004). Compared with visits by women, visits by men were significantly less likely to involve medication therapy (adjusted OR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P = 0.013), nonmedication therapy (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.6; P < 0.001), or any therapy (adjusted OR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6; P<0.001). Patients aged >or=80 years were significantly less likely to receive nonmedication therapy than were those aged 60 to 69 years (adjusted OR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P = 0.023). Visits by patients with public insurance were significantly less likely to involve medication therapy than visits by patients with other sources of payment (adjusted OR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.0; P = 0.040). No difference in the prevalence of any type of therapy was observed in relation to race. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the prevalence of medication and nonmedication therapies, levels of osteoporosis care did not differ by ambulatory care setting. However, patterns of care varied by certain visit characteristics, including insurance type, age, and sex.
The quality of medication use in older adults: methods of a longitudinal study.
Roth MT, Moore CG, Ivey JL … +3 more , Esserman DA, Campbell WH, Weinberger M
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Oct · PMID 19028378 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The quality of medication use in older adults is a recurring problem of substantial concern. Efforts to both measure and improve the quality of medication use often define quality too narrowly and fall short...
BACKGROUND: The quality of medication use in older adults is a recurring problem of substantial concern. Efforts to both measure and improve the quality of medication use often define quality too narrowly and fall short of addressing the complexity of an older adult's medication regimen. OBJECTIVES: In an effort to more comprehensively define the quality of medication use in older adults, we conducted a prospective cohort study to: (1) describe the quality of medication use in community-dwelling older adults at baseline, examining differences between whites and blacks; (2) examine the effect of race on medication-related problems; and (3) assess the change in quality medication use between whites and blacks over time. This paper presents the research design and methods of this longitudinal study. METHODS: We interviewed white and black community-dwelling older adults (aged > or =60 years) 3 times over 1 year (baseline, 6, and 12 months). We oversampled blacks so that we could estimate racial differences in the quality of medication use. We collected information on the quality of medication use, relying on a clinical pharmacist's assessment of quality and the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders quality indicators. We also collected data on demographic characteristics, health literacy, functional status, and participant-reported drug therapy concerns. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-five older adults were assessed for inclusion; 200 older adults (100 white, 100 black) were enrolled in the study and completed a baseline visit. Of the 200, 92% completed the 6-month visit (n = 183) and 88% completed the 12-month visit (n = 176). We present baseline demographic characteristics for the 200 older adults enrolled in the study. CONCLUSION: This longitudinal study is an initial step toward developing more comprehensive, patient-centered measures and interventions to address the quality of medication use in older adults.
Quantification and classification of errors associated with hand-repackaging of medications in long-term care facilities in Germany.
Gerber A, Kohaupt I, Lauterbach KW … +3 more , Buescher G, Stock S, Lungen M
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Oct · PMID 19028377 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify and classify errors associated with the repackaging of residents' medications in long-term care facilities in Germany. METHODS: This was a prospective 8-week study conduct...
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify and classify errors associated with the repackaging of residents' medications in long-term care facilities in Germany. METHODS: This was a prospective 8-week study conducted in 3 long-term care facilities. Pill organizers, each of which contained all repackaged solid oral dosage forms of long-term medications for a particular resident for an entire day, were inspected and checked against residents' medication sheets by the investigator-pharmacist. On agreement between the pharmacist and the registered nurse responsible for residents' medications, all errors were rectified before medications were administered. The primary study measure was the overall rate of incorrectly repackaged medications relative to all repackaged medications. Secondary measures were the proportion of all pill organizers with medication errors and the proportion of residents who would have been affected by these errors. Errors were categorized by type as follows: wrong time of administration, wrong dose, wrong medication, omission of a medication, extra dose, incorrect halving of tablets, and damaged medication. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six residents were included in the study, representing 8798 daily pill organizers and 48,512 inspected medications. Residents received a mean of 5.4 solid oral dosage forms of long-term medications per day. Six hundred forty-five errors were detected, for an error rate of 1.3%; the errors involved 7.3% of daily pill organizers and 53.0% of residents. The largest proportion of errors involved incorrect halving of tablets (49.1%), followed by omission of a medication (22.0%), extra dose (9.8%), wrong time of administration (8.4%), damaged medication (6.4%), wrong dose (4.2%), and wrong medication (0.2%). These results may underestimate true rates of repackaging errors across long-term care facilities in Germany, as the conditions in the 3 facilities in this study were near-optimal in terms of the environment, process, and quality of repackaging. CONCLUSIONS: Among 48,512 medications inspected over 8 weeks in 3 German long-term care facilities, the rate of repackaging errors was 1.3%, involving 7.3% of daily pill organizers and the medications of 53.00% of residents. The largest proportion of errors involved incorrect halving of tablets.
Addressing delays in medication administration for patients transferred from the hospital to the nursing home: a pilot quality improvement project.
Ward KT, Bates-Jensen B, Eslami MS … +5 more , Whiteman E, Dattoma L, Friedman JL, DeCastro Mariano J, Moore AA
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Oct · PMID 19028376 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Patients being transferred to a nursing home (NH) after an acute hospitalization are subject to adverse effects, including medication errors, related to poor coordination of care across settings. OBJECTIVE: T...
BACKGROUND: Patients being transferred to a nursing home (NH) after an acute hospitalization are subject to adverse effects, including medication errors, related to poor coordination of care across settings. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of a pilot intervention to improve patient safety by reducing delays in administration and omission of medications among patients discharged from the hospital to the NH. METHODS: An expedited discharge protocol was developed in collaboration with hospital physician residents, hospital discharge planners, and NH staff (administrators, directors of nursing services, and licensed nurses). The intervention included education of the involved health care professionals and implementation of the expedited protocol to ensure that medication orders were transmitted to the NH-contracted pharmacy before patients' arrival at the NH. The intervention protocol was compared with a standard discharge protocol among patients aged > or =65 years being discharged from 2 university-affiliated hospitals to a single proprietary NH. The primary outcomes were the time between arrival at the NH and administration of first dose of an ordered medication; the number of omitted medications; the proportion of patients experiencing medication omissions; and the proportion of patients with omitted medications that had a low, medium, and high potential for negative consequences. RESULTS: The study involved 10 patients discharged from each of the 2 hospitals and transferred to the NH. Although several components of the intervention were successfully implemented, none of the medication orders were transmitted to the NH-ccontracted pharmacy before patients' arrival at the NH. All 17 patients with medications ordered to be administered in the evening had > or =1 dose of a medication omitted after their arrival at the NH. The mean (SD) delay from arrival at the NH to administration of the first dose of an ordered medication was 12.55 (7.45) hours. The mean number of doses of different medications omitted per patient was 3.4 (2.60). Sixty-seven doses of medications were omitted; 53 of these omissions involved only 1 dose of a medication. Thirty-three percent of omitted doses involved medications with the highest potential for resulting in a negative consequence. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention to improve patient safety by reducing medication delays for patients making the transition from the hospital to the NH was not successfully implemented, as medication orders were not transmitted to the NH-contracted pharmacies before patients' arrival at the NH. All patients making the transition from hospital to NH experienced a >12-hour delay in medication administration, and the mean number of missed doses of medications was >3. There is a need for further exploration of the reasons for and possible solutions to delays in medication administration during the transition to the NH, as well as of the impact of such delays on patient outcomes, including adverse drug events, emergency department visits, and rehospitalizations.
Hospitalization risk associated with typical and atypical antipsychotic use in community-dwelling elderly patients.
Aparasu RR, Jano E, Johnson ML … +1 more , Chen H
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Oct · PMID 19028375 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Due to age-related changes in drug disposition and response, elderly patients are more susceptible to the adverse effects of antipsychotic medications than younger adults. However, few studies have examined t...
BACKGROUND: Due to age-related changes in drug disposition and response, elderly patients are more susceptible to the adverse effects of antipsychotic medications than younger adults. However, few studies have examined the impact of typical and atypical antipsychotic use on all-cause hospitalization in the elderly population. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the short-term effects of incident use of typical and atypical antipsychotic agents on the risk for hospitalization in a community-dwelling elderly population. METHODS: This retrospective data analysis involved a longitudinal cohort of typical and atypical antipsychotic users and was based on data from the 1996-2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Typical antipsychotic agents included chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, levomepromazine, loxapine, mesoridazine, molindone, perphenazine, promazine, thioridazine, thiothixene, and trifluoperazine. Atypical antipsychotic agents included aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone. Incident cases of antipsychotic use in community-dwelling elderly (aged > or =60 years) persons were selected for the assessment of risk for all-cause hospitalization within 60 days of exposure to antipsychotics. Bivariate analyses were used to compare baseline characteristics; multivariate logistic regression was used to compare hospitalization risk among users of typicals and atypicals after controlling for age, sex, race, income, insurance coverage, perceived general health, perceived mental health, and other concurrent psychotropic use. RESULTS: The analytical sample consisted of 124 community-dwelling elderly patients (atypicals, 75 patients; typicals, 49). A majority of the elderly study sample were women (63%), white (79%), and of middle/high income (57%). The mean (SD) age of the study sample was 74.37 (8.65) years. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between typical and atypical users, with the exception of perceived mental health status. After controlling for other factors, the risk for hospitalization was nearly 4-fold higher with typical antipsychotic use than atypical use (odds ratio, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.12-12.99). CONCLUSION: In this population of community-dwelling elderly, use of typical agents was associated with an increased risk for hospitalization compared with atypical agents.
Antipsychotic drug use among elderly nursing home residents in the United States.
Kamble P, Chen H, Sherer J … +1 more , Aparasu RR
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Oct · PMID 19028374 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic utilization in elderly nursing home residents has increased substantially in recent years, primarily due to the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. However, few studies have examined antipsych...
BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic utilization in elderly nursing home residents has increased substantially in recent years, primarily due to the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. However, few studies have examined antipsychotic utilization patterns in nursing home residents in the United States since the introduction of atypical agents in the 1990s. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of and the factors associated with antipsychotic drug use among elderly nursing home residents in the United States. METHODS: This study involved a cross-sectional analysis of prescription and resident data files from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNNHS). The analysis focused on the use of 11 typical and 6 atypical antipsychotic agents among a nationally representative sample of elderly patients (aged > or =65 years). Descriptive weighted analysis was performed to examine antipsychotic prevalence patterns. Multiple logistic regression analysis within the conceptual framework of the Andersen behavioral model was used to examine the factors associated with antipsychotic drug use among the elderly nursing home residents. RESULTS: According to the 2004 NNHS, 0.32 million elderly nursing home residents received antipsychotic medications, for an overall prevalence of 24.82%. Most received atypical agents (23.45%), while 1.90% received typical agents. Frequently reported diagnoses among the elderly using an antipsychotic agent were dementia (70%), depression (41%), and anxiety (18%). Among the predisposing characteristics, female gender and age (> or =85 years) were negatively associated with antipsychotic drug use. Need factors such as increasing dependence in decision-making ability regarding tasks of daily life, depressed mood indicators, behavioral symptoms, history of falls, and bowel incontinence were positively associated with antipsychotic drug use. In addition to the use of antipsychotic agents in schizophrenia and bipolar mania, this study found high use in conditions such as dementia, anxiety, depression, and parkinsonism in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 4 elderly nursing home residents in the United States received antipsychotic agents. Predisposing and need factors played a vital role in determining the use of antipsychotic agents in these elderly patients. Overall, the study findings suggest that there is a need to monitor antipsychotic drug use by elderly patients in US nursing homes in light of recent efficacy and safety data on atypical agents.
Laryngeal dyspnea in relation to an interaction between acenocoumarol and topical econazole lotion.
Wey PF, Petitjeans F, Lions C … +2 more , Ould-Ahmed M, Escarment J
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Aug · PMID 18775393 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Bleeding is the most serious complication of oral anticoagulant therapy used for the prevention of thromboembolic complications. Drug-drug interactions are an important concern, as they may increase drug toxi...
BACKGROUND: Bleeding is the most serious complication of oral anticoagulant therapy used for the prevention of thromboembolic complications. Drug-drug interactions are an important concern, as they may increase drug toxicity and, in the case of anticoagulant therapies, increase the risk of hemorrhage. CASE SUMMARY: An 84-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a bilateral cervical hematoma and symptoms of upper-airway obstruction that had been increasing for 72 hours, with dyspnea and difficulty speaking developing in the previous 24 hours. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a significant laryngeal hematoma, as well as a hematoma on the floor of the mouth and in the tonsil area. Laboratory abnormalities included a prothrombin time < 10%, an international normalized ratio exceeding the laboratory limits, and an activated partial thromboplastin time >120 seconds. The patient had been receiving acenocoumarol 4 mg/d for 10 years for episodes of atrial fibrillation and recurrent deep venous thrombosis. Seventeen days earlier, she had received a prescription for topical econazole lotion 1% to be applied 3 times daily for 1 month to treat a dermatitis affecting 12% of the body surface. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment of respiratory failure, where oxygen was delivered by face mask. The coagulation disorders were treated with prothrombin complex concentrate 30 IU/kg IV and vitamin K1 10 mg IV, and values normalized within 36 hours. Surgical evacuation of the laryngeal hematoma was not necessary. After 48 hours, improvement in the patient's respiratory symptoms allowed transfer to the ear, nose, and throat unit, where daily endoscopic examination was performed. Aspirin was substituted for acenocoumarol, and the patient returned home after 10 days without sequelae. Based on a Naranjo score of 7, this episode was probably related to an interaction between acenocoumarol and econazole. CONCLUSION: This report describes a case of a probable interaction between topical econazole lotion 1% and acenocoumarol that resulted in overanticoagulation and a life-threatening laryngeal hematoma in this elderly patient.
Megestrol acetate-associated adrenal insufficiency.
Bulchandani D, Nachnani J, Amin A … +1 more , May J
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Aug · PMID 18775392 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Megestrol acetate (MA) is commonly used to promote weight gain in malnourished elderly patients. Although adrenal insufficiency has been reported as an adverse effect of MA, this association is not well recog...
BACKGROUND: Megestrol acetate (MA) is commonly used to promote weight gain in malnourished elderly patients. Although adrenal insufficiency has been reported as an adverse effect of MA, this association is not well recognized in clinical practice. CASE SUMMARY: An 80-year-old woman with worsening dyspnea was transferred to our university-affiliated community medical center from an inpatient psychiatric facility, where she was being treated for major depressive disorder with psychotic features. She had undergone a general decline in physical function accompanied by some weight loss and anorexia consistent with failure to thrive and, 1 month earlier, had been started on MA 400 mg/d to stimulate her appetite and improve her nutrition. During hospitalization at our center, the patient's dyspnea worsened and she was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she was intubated. While in the intensive care unit, the patient developed hypotension. Infectious, cardiac, and neurologic causes of hypotension having been ruled out, a cosyntropin stimulation test was performed to rule out adrenal insufficiency. Cortisol levels before, 30 minutes after, and 60 minutes after administration of cosyntropin were 1.6, 7.1, and 9.8 microg/dL, respectively, indicating a suboptimal response. The adrenocorticotropic hormone level was 8 pg/mL (normal, 10-60 pg/mL). Based on these findings suggesting adrenal insufficiency, MA was discontinued and steroid replacement was initiated. The patient's blood pressure normalized and she improved slowly. She was weaned from the ventilator several weeks later and was discharged to a skilled nursing facility. At 2-month follow-up, the patient's strength and respiratory function were improved, and the results of a repeat cosyntropin stimulation test were normal (cortisol response before, 30 minutes after, and 60 minutes after cosyntropin administration: 15.4, 22.6, and 25.2 microg/dL, respectively). The Naranjo score for this case was 7, indicating a probable correlation between MA use and adrenal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This case of adrenal insufficiency in an elderly woman was probably related to MA use. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of this adverse effect when considering use of MA therapy.
Discrepancies between home medications listed at hospital admission and reported medical conditions.
Slain D, Kincaid SE, Dunsworth TS
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Aug · PMID 18775391 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: One of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's National Patient Safety Goals is for hospitals to accurately and completely reconcile patients' medications. Unfortunately, medication...
BACKGROUND: One of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's National Patient Safety Goals is for hospitals to accurately and completely reconcile patients' medications. Unfortunately, medication histories in charts might bc inaccurate and incomplete. In a thorough medication history, each medication should match a particular reported medical condition. The use of medications without a clear reported indication is of particular concern and has been associated with inappropriate use and polypharmacy. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of discrepancies between home medications listed in hospital admission notes and patients' reported medical conditions and to describe the types of medications most often identified as not having a corresponding indication. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, data were included from adult patients (> or =18 years of age) who were receiving > or =3 home medications on admission to medical wards at a university hospital during a 6-month period. Each home medication listed in the admission note, together with any preadmission paperwork, was matched with an indication listed in the note. Medications were deemed unspecified if an indicated disease state or condition for the medication was not reported. RESULTS: Data from 121 patients were included. The majority (91.7%) of the patients were admitted to an internal medicine service. Eighty-four patients (69.4%) had > or =1 unspecified medication listed in the admission note. Patients with > or =1 unspecified home medication reported taking a significantly higher number of home medications (10.2 [4.5] vs 7.5 [3.5] in those without unspecified medications; P = 0.007). Thirty-two patients (26.4%) were receiving proton pump inhibitors or histamine type 2 antagonists without a reported indication. Seventeen patients (14.0%) were receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors without a reported indication. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 70% of patients admitted to a medical ward had > or =1 unspecified medication listed in the admission note. Based on these results, health care professionals must bc careful to obtain and document complete medication histories with matching indications.
Comparison of estimated glomerular filtration rate with estimated creatinine clearance in the dosing of drugs requiring adjustments in elderly patients with declining renal function.
Spruill WJ, Wade WE, Cobb HH
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · 2008 Aug · PMID 18775390 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The National Kidney Foundation's practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease recommend using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation for calculating the estimated glomerular filtration ra...
BACKGROUND: The National Kidney Foundation's practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease recommend using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation for calculating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to compare the use of this estimated GFR with estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation (CG(CrCl)-Eq) in the dosing of drugs requiring adjustments in elderly patients with declining renal function. Existing as well as new serum creatinine assay standards were used. METHODS: A PubMed literature search for all English-language articles published before November 2007 was conducted using the terms estimated glomerular filtration, GFR, modified diet in renal disease, MDRD, creatinine clearance, CrCl, drug dosing adjustment, renal impairment, human, and elderly. Mathematical comparisons of the age, race, and sex factors for these 2 equations (CG(CrCl)-Eq and MDRD) were performed, as well as a simulation of resulting values from these equations using various combinations of age, weight, and sex factors. RESULTS: None of the articles identified found that the use of the MDRD equation in the elderly was better than the CG(CrCl)-Eq for estimating renal drug elimination. Substantial mathematical differences are inherent in these 2 prediction equations that make any clinical comparison quite difficult. Implementation of new creatinine assay standards will further confuse the use of these 2 equations for estimating GFR and for dosage adjustments in elderly patients with renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Although an MDRD equation may be useful for estimating GFR, the CG(CrCl)-Eq should still be used for drug dosage adjustments. The CG(CrCl)-Eq may require a slight "adjustment factor" to be applied using serum creatinine values measured by newly established assay procedures.
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