Lessons of the month 2: Olanzapine-induced hypothermia and hand oedema.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a case of olanzapine-induced hypothermia and hand oedema in an older adult with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old woman with hypothyroidism and dementia was reviewed by the geriatric team at a nursing home in view of lethargy and an unrecordable oral temperature. She was noted to have a bilateral hand oedema and right basal crackles. Investigations revealed high white cell count and inflammatory markers. She was treated as per hypothermia and communityacquired pneumonia protocols. The patient did not have the expected response to treatment. Olanzapine was tailed down and stopped with good effect as it was suspected to be a contributory cause to both the hypothermia and oedema. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Potentially inappropriate polypharmacy can be specifically targeted with effective deprescribing. Treatment review should be encouraged on a regular basis, especially in frail older adults with polypharmacy.

European postgraduate curriculum in geriatric medicine developed using an international modified Delphi technique.

BACKGROUND: the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-GMS) recommendations for training in Geriatric Medicine were published in 1993. The practice of Geriatric Medicine has developed considerably since then and it has therefore become necessary to update these recommendations. METHODS: under the auspices of the UEMS-GMS, the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) and the European Academy of Medicine of Ageing (EAMA), a group of experts, representing all member states of the respective bodies developed a new framework for education and training of specialists in Geriatric Medicine using a modified Delphi technique. Thirty-two expert panel members from 30 different countries participated in the process comprising three Delphi rounds for consensus. The process was led by five facilitators. RESULTS: the final recommendations include four different domains: 'General Considerations' on the structure and aim of the syllabus as well as quality indicators for training (6 sub-items), 'Knowledge in patient care' (36 sub-items), 'Additional Skills and Attitude required for a Geriatrician' (9 sub-items) and a domain on 'Assessment of postgraduate education: which items are important for the transnational comparison process' (1 item). CONCLUSION: the current publication describes the development of the new recommendations endorsed by UEMS-GMS, EuGMS and EAMA as minimum training requirements to become a geriatrician at specialist level in EU member states.