Use of Diabetes Medications before and after a Heart Failure-Related Hospitalization among Nursing Home Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) offer cardiovascular benefits, whereas thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and sulfonylureas (SUs) increase cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to describe the use of SGLT-2is, GLP-1RAs, TZDs, and SUs before and after a heart failure (HF)-related hospitalization in nursing home (NH) residents with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DESIGN: This was a cohort study using a 20% sample of Medicare claims linked with Minimum Data Set resident assessments. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study population was long-stay NH residents with T2D and an HF-related hospitalization between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2018. For individuals with multiple HF hospitalizations, 1 hospitalization was randomly selected. METHODS: We ascertained diabetes medications using Medicare Part D claims during the 120 days before and after hospital discharge (or skilled nursing facility discharge, where applicable). We calculated (1) the proportion of study participants who received a medication class of interest during pre- and posthospitalization periods; (2) the proportion of continuous users; and (3) the proportion of posthospitalization users who were new users. RESULTS: A total of 12,990 NH residents with T2D and an HF-related hospitalization were included (mean age 78 years, 66% female, 19% Black). Before hospitalization, 1.5% received TZDs, 14.1% received SUs, 1.2% received GLP-1RAs, and 0.3% received SGLT-2is. Among prehospitalization users of TZDs, SUs, GLP-1RAs, and SGLT-2is, 49%, 62%, 60%, and 40% continued the medications, respectively. Among posthospitalization users of TZDs, SUs, GLP-1RAs, and SGLT-2is, 37%, 10%, 28%, and 11%, respectively, were new users. CONCLUSIONS: Among NH residents with hospitalized HF, GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is were seldom used. TZDs and SUs were still used by many residents with T2D after HF hospitalizations. IMPLEMENTATIONS: Barriers may exist in the use of newer diabetes medications to prevent heart failure in NH residents with T2D, which warrants further studies in older adults with multimorbidity.

Benefits and Harms of Standard Versus Reduced-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for Older Adults With Multiple Morbidities and Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Dose reduction of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medications is inconsistently applied to older adults with multiple morbidities, potentially due to perceived harms and unknown benefits of standard dosing. Methods and Results Using 2013 to 2017 US Medicare claims linked to Minimum Data Set records, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. We identified DOAC initiators (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban) aged ≥65 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation residing in a nursing home. We estimated inverse-probability of treatment weights for DOAC dose using propensity scores. We examined safety (hospitalization for major bleeding) and effectiveness outcomes (all-cause mortality, thrombosis [myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism]). We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs using cause-specific hazard-regression models. Of 21 878 DOAC initiators, 48% received reduced dosing. The mean age of residents was 82.0 years, 66% were female, and 31% had moderate/severe cognitive impairment. After estimating inverse-probability of treatment weights, standard dosing was associated with a higher rate of bleeding (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.03-1.37]; 9.4 versus 8.0 events per 100 person-years). Standard-dose therapy was associated with the highest rates of bleeding among those aged >80 years (9.1 versus 6.7 events per 100 person-years) and with a body mass index <30 kg/m2 (9.4 versus 7.4 events per 100 person-years). There was no association of dosing with mortality (HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.96-1.06]) or thrombotic events (HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.96-1.41]). Conclusions In this nationwide study of nursing home residents with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, we found a higher rate of bleeding and little difference in effectiveness of standard versus reduced-dose DOAC treatment. Our results support the use of reduced-dose DOACs for many older adults with multiple morbidities.

The Burden and Treatment of Chronic Constipation Among US Nursing Home Residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the burden of chronic constipation (CC) and the use of drugs to treat constipation (DTC) in 2 complementary data sources. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: US nursing home residents aged ≥65 years with CC. METHODS: We conducted 2 retrospective cohort studies in parallel using (1) 2016 electronic health record (EHR) data from 126 nursing homes and (2) 2014-2016 Medicare claims, each linked with the Minimum Data Set (MDS). CC was defined as (1) the MDS constipation indicator and/or (2) chronic DTC use. We described the prevalence and incidence rate of CC and the use of DTC. RESULTS: In the EHR cohort, we identified 25,739 residents (71.8%) with CC during 2016. Among residents with prevalent CC, 37% received a DTC, with an average duration of use of 19 days per resident-month during follow-up. The most frequently prescribed DTC classes included osmotic (22.6%), stimulant (20.9%), and emollient (17.9%) laxatives. In the Medicare cohort, a total of 245,578 residents (37.5%) had CC. Among residents with prevalent CC, 59% received a DTC and slightly more than half (55%) were prescribed an osmotic laxative. Duration of use was shorter (10 days per resident-month) in the Medicare (vs EHR) cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The burden of CC is high among nursing home residents. The differences in the estimates between the EHR and Medicare data confirm the importance of using secondary data sources that include over-the-counter drugs and other treatments unobservable in Medicare Part D claims to assess the burden of CC and DTC use in this population.

Development and validation of the fall-related injury risk in nursing homes (INJURE-NH) prediction tool.

BACKGROUND: Existing models to predict fall-related injuries (FRI) in nursing homes (NH) focus on hip fractures, yet hip fractures comprise less than half of all FRIs. We developed and validated a series of models to predict the absolute risk of FRIs in NH residents. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of long-stay US NH residents (≥100 days in the same facility) between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (n = 733,427) using Medicare claims and Minimum Data Set v3.0 clinical assessments. Predictors of FRIs were selected through LASSO logistic regression in a 2/3 random derivation sample and tested in a 1/3 validation sample. Sub-distribution hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated for 6-month and 2-year follow-up. Discrimination was evaluated via C-statistic, and calibration compared the predicted rate of FRI to the observed rate. To develop a parsimonious clinical tool, we calculated a score using the five strongest predictors in the Fine-Gray model. Model performance was repeated in the validation sample. RESULTS: Mean (Q1, Q3) age was 85.0 (77.5, 90.6) years and 69.6% were women. Within 2 years of follow-up, 43,976 (6.0%) residents experienced ≥1 FRI. Seventy predictors were included in the model. The discrimination of the 2-year prediction model was good (C-index = 0.70), and the calibration was excellent. Calibration and discrimination of the 6-month model were similar (C-index = 0.71). In the clinical tool to predict 2-year risk, the five characteristics included independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) (HR 2.27; 95% CI 2.14-2.41) and a history of non-hip fracture (HR 2.02; 95% CI 1.94-2.12). Performance results were similar in the validation sample. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated a series of risk prediction models that can identify NH residents at greatest risk for FRI. In NH, these models should help target preventive strategies.

State Variation in Antipsychotic Use Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia.

OBJECTIVES: More than two-thirds of assisted living (AL) residents have dementia or cognitive impairment and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for behavioral disturbances. As AL communities are regulated by state-level policies, which vary significantly regarding the care for people with dementia, we examined how antipsychotic prescribing varied across states among AL residents with dementia. DESIGN: This was an observational study using 20% sample of national Medicare data in 2017. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study cohort included Medicare beneficiaries with dementia aged 65 years or older who resided in larger (≥25-bed) ALs in 2017. METHODS: The study outcome was the percentage of eligible AL person-months in which antipsychotics were prescribed for each state. We used a random intercept linear regression model to shrink estimates toward the overall mean use of antipsychotics addressing unstable estimates due to small sample sizes in some states. RESULTS: A total of 20,867 AL residents with dementia were included in the analysis, contributing to 194,718 person-months of observation. On average, AL residents with dementia were prescribed antipsychotics during 12.6% of their person-months. This rate varied significantly by state, with a low of 7.8% (95% CI 5.9%-10.3%) for Hawaii to a high of 20.5% (95% CI 16.4%-25.3%) for Wyoming. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We observed significant state variation in the prescribing of antipsychotics among AL residents with dementia using national data. These variations may reflect differences in state regulations regarding the care for AL residents with dementia and suggest the need for further investigation to ensure high quality of care.

Integrated postoperative care model for older colorectal surgery patients improves outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.

BACKGROUND: Older surgical patients have an increased risk for postoperative complications, driving up healthcare costs. We determined if postoperative co-management of older surgery patients is associated with postoperative outcomes and hospital costs. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected for patients ≥70 years old undergoing colorectal surgery at a community teaching hospital. Patient outcomes were compared between those receiving postoperative surgery co-management care through the Optimization of Senior Care and Recovery (OSCAR) program and controls who received standard of care. Main outcome measures were postoperative complications and hospital charges, 30-day readmission rate, length of stay (LOS), and transfer to intensive care during hospitalization. Multivariable linear regression was used to model total charge and multivariable logistic regression to model complications, adjusted for multiple variables (e.g., age, sex, race, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI], American Society of Anesthesiologists score, surgery duration). RESULTS: All 187 patients in the OSCAR and control groups had a similar mean CCI score of 2.7 (p = 0.95). Compared to the control group, OSCAR recipients experienced less postoperative delirium (17% vs. 8%; p = 0.05), cardiac arrhythmia (12% vs. 3%; p = 0.03), and clinical worsening requiring transfer to intensive care (20% vs. 6%; p < 0.005). OSCAR group patients had a shorter mean LOS among high-risk patients (CCI ≥3) (-1.8 days; p = 0.09) and those ≥80 years old (-2.3 days; p = 0.07) compared to the control group. Mean total hospital charge was $10,297 less per patient in the OSCAR group (p = 0.01), with $17,832 less per patient with CCI ≥3 (p = 0.01), than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A co-management care approach after colorectal surgery in older patients improves outcomes and decreases costs, with the most benefit going to the oldest patients and those with higher comorbidity scores.

Psychotropic medication prescribing in assisted living and nursing home residents with dementia after the National Partnership.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes (the Partnership) to decrease antipsychotic use and improve care for nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. We determined whether the extent of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medication prescribing in AL residents with dementia mirrored that of long-stay NH (LSNH) residents after the Partnership. METHODS: Using a 20% sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with Part D, we conducted a retrospective cohort study including AL and LSNH residents with dementia. The monthly prevalence of psychotropic medication prescribing (antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics/sedative-hypnotics, anticonvulsants/mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines, and antidementia medications) was examined. We used an interrupted time-series analysis to compare medication prescribing before (July 1, 2010-March 31, 2012) and after (April 1, 2012-December 31, 2017) the Partnership in both settings. RESULTS: We identified 107,931 beneficiaries with ≥1 month as an AL resident and 323,766 beneficiaries with ≥1 month as a LSNH resident with dementia, including 1,923,867 person-months and 4,984,405 person-months, respectively. Antipsychotic prescribing declined over the study period in both settings. After the launch of the Partnership, the rate of decline in antipsychotic prescribing slowed in AL residents with dementia (slope change = 0.03 [95% CLs: 0.02, 0.04]) while the rate of decline in antipsychotic prescribing increased in LSNH residents with dementia (slope change = -0.12 [95% CLs: -0.16, -0.08]). Antidepressants were the most prevalent medication prescribed, anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer prescribing increased, and anxiolytic/sedative-hypnotic and antidementia medication prescribing declined. CONCLUSIONS: The federal Partnership to reduce antipsychotic prescribing in NH residents did not appear to affect antipsychotic prescribing in AL residents with dementia. Given the increase in the prescribing of mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants that occurred after the launch of the Partnership, monitoring may be warranted for all psychotropic medications in AL and NH settings.

Discontinuation of beta-blockers among nursing home residents at end of life.

BACKGROUND: Given limited life expectancy of nursing home (NH) residents, harms of continuing beta-blockers (BBs) may outweigh clinical benefits. Our objective was to describe beta-blocker discontinuation for NH residents during the last year of life, and identify characteristics associated with earlier discontinuation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that included all long-stay residents in fee-for-service Medicare who died in 2016 and were prescribed oral BBs 1 year before death. Beta-blocker discontinuation was defined as a gap in medication on hand for ≥45 days per Medicare Part D claims, measured from the last date drug was on hand. Comorbidities were obtained from Chronic Condition Warehouse, and other characteristics from the Minimum Data Set. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe time to first discontinuation. Findings were stratified by cardiac diagnoses, perceived life expectancy of <6 months, or elevated mortality index. RESULTS: Eighty-eight thousand two hundred and eighty-four residents were prescribed ≥1 daily BB 12 months before death. Mean age was 84.1 years and 69.2% were female. Of these, 60,573 residents (68.6%) remained on a BB in the last 45 days of life, and 57,880 residents (65.6%) had ≥1 cardiac diagnosis. Only 5239 residents (5.9%) had elevated mortality index, whereas 16,798 residents (19.0%) had perceived poor prognosis. In the last year of life, there was no difference in beta-blocker discontinuation pattern between residents with and without cardiac diagnoses. Residents with perceived poor prognosis and elevated mortality index discontinued BBs earlier. For example, mean time until discontinuation among residents with poor perceived prognosis was 245 versus 279 days in residents without such prognosis (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: BBs are commonly prescribed to NH residents in the final year of life. Overall, discontinuation occurs earlier in residents for whom clinicians perceive limited life expectancy, suggesting that improved prognostication may offer an important opportunity to reduce polypharmacy toward end of life.

Identification of Fall-Related Injuries in Nursing Home Residents Using Administrative Claims Data.

BACKGROUND: Fall-related injuries (FRIs) are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and costs among nursing home (NH) residents. Carefully defining FRIs in administrative data is essential for improving injury-reduction efforts. We developed a series of novel claims-based algorithms for identifying FRIs in long-stay NH residents. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of residents of NH residing there for at least 100 days who were continuously enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B in 2016. FRIs were identified using 4 claims-based case-qualifying (CQ) definitions (Inpatient [CQ1], Outpatient and Provider with Procedure [CQ2], Outpatient and Provider with Fall [CQ3], or Inpatient or Outpatient and Provider with Fall [CQ4]). Correlation was calculated using phi correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Of 153 220 residents (mean [SD] age 81.2 [12.1], 68.0% female), we identified 10 104 with at least one FRI according to one or more CQ definition. Among 2 950 residents with hip fractures, 1 852 (62.8%) were identified by all algorithms. Algorithm CQ4 (n = 326-2 775) identified more FRIs across all injuries while CQ1 identified less (n = 21-2 320). CQ2 identified more intracranial bleeds (1 028 vs 448) than CQ1. For nonfracture categories, few FRIs were identified using CQ1 (n = 20-488). Of the 2 320 residents with hip fractures identified by CQ1, 2 145 (92.5%) had external cause of injury codes. All algorithms were strongly correlated, with phi coefficients ranging from 0.82 to 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: Claims-based algorithms applied to outpatient and provider claims identify more nonfracture FRIs. When identifying risk factors, stakeholders should select the algorithm(s) suitable for the FRI and study purpose.

Pilot study of an Alzheimer's disease risk assessment program in a primary care setting.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to pilot a referral-based cognitive screening and genetic testing program for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk assessment in a primary care setting. METHODS: Primary care providers (PCPs; N = 6) referred patients (N = 94; M = 63 years) to the Rhode Island Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Registry for apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping and cognitive screening. PCPs disclosed test results to patients and counseled them about risk factor modification. RESULTS: Compared to the Registry as a whole, participants were younger, more likely to be non-White, and had lower cognitive screening scores. Mild cognitive impairment participants correctly reported a higher perceived risk of developing AD. Patients who recalled being counseled about modifiable risk factors were more likely to report positive health behavior changes. DISCUSSION: A referral-based program for cognitive and genetic AD risk assessment in a primary care setting is feasible, acceptable to patients, and yielded a more demographically diverse sample than an AD prevention registry.

Secular Trends in the Incidence of Hip Fracture Among Nursing Home Residents.

A recent study suggested a decline in the incidence of hip fracture among US women between 2002 and 2012, followed by a leveling in the incidence rate from 2013 to 2015. Newly admitted nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to hip fracture, and it is unclear whether that trend is observed in this high risk group. The purpose of our study was to describe trends in hip fracture rates and postfracture mortality among 2.6 million newly admitted US nursing home residents from 2007 to 2015, and to examine whether these trends could be explained by differences in resident characteristics. Medicare claims data were linked with the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a clinical assessment performed quarterly on all nursing home residents. In each year (2007-2015), we identified newly admitted long-stay (ie, 100 days in the same facility) nursing home residents. Hip fracture was defined using Medicare Part A diagnostic codes. Follow-up time was calculated from the index date until the first event of hospitalized hip fracture, Medicare disenrollment, death, or until 1 year. Poisson regression was used to adjust rates of hip fracture for age and sex. The number of newly admitted nursing home residents ranged from 324,508 in 2007 to 257,350 in 2015. Although mean age remained similar (83 years), residents were more functionally dependent over time. There was a small absolute decrease in the incidence rate of hip fracture between 2007 (3.32/100 person-years) and 2013 (2.82/100 person-years), with an increase again in 2015 (3.03/100 person-years). Adjusting for patient characteristics somewhat attenuated these trends. One-year mortality was high following fracture in all years (42.6% in 2007, 42.1% in 2014). In summary, we observed a recent slight rise in the incidence rates of hip fracture among nursing home residents that was at least partially explained by differences in resident characteristics over time. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Fluctuations of consciousness after stroke: Associations with the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) and potential undetected delirium.

PURPOSE: To examine associations between fluctuating consciousness and Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) assessments in stroke patients compared to non-neurological patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We linked all recorded CAM-ICU assessments with corresponding Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) measurements in patients with stroke or sepsis from a single-center ICU database. Fluctuating consciousness was defined by RASS variability using standard deviations (SD) over 24-h periods; regression analyses were performed to determine associations with RASS variability and CAM-ICU rating. RESULTS: We identified 16,509 paired daily summaries of CAM-ICU and RASS measurements in 546 stroke patients and 1586 sepsis patients. Stroke patients had higher odds of positive (OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.3-5.5) and "unable to assess" (UTA; OR 5.2, 95% CI 4.0-6.8) CAM-ICU ratings compared to sepsis patients, and CAM-ICU-positive and UTA assessment-days had higher RASS variability than CAM-ICU-negative assessment-days, especially in stroke patients. Based on model-implied associations of RASS variability (OR 2.0 per semi-IQR-difference in RASS-SD, 95% CI 1.7-2.2) and stroke diagnosis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.7) with CAM-ICU-positive assessments, over one-third of probable delirium cases among stroke patients were potentially missed by the CAM-ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Post-stroke delirium may frequently go undetected by the CAM-ICU, even in the setting of fluctuating consciousness.

Nursing Home Residents by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status: Characteristics, Dementia Diagnoses, and Antipsychotic Use.

OBJECTIVES: Given an aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV for long-stay residents in US nursing homes (NHs) between 2001 and 2010 and to compare characteristics and diagnoses of HIV-positive (HIV+) and negative (HIV-) residents. Also, for residents with dementia diagnoses, we compared antipsychotic (APS) medication receipt by HIV status. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparative study. SETTING: NHs in the 14 states accounting for 75% of persons living with HIV. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9 245 009 long-stay NH residents. MEASUREMENTS: Using Medicaid fee-for-service claims data in the years 2001 to 2010, together with Medicare resident assessment and Chronic Condition Warehouse data, we identified long-stay (more than 89 days) NH residents by HIV status and dementia presence. We examined dementia presence by age groups and APS medication receipt by younger (aged younger than 65 years) vs older (aged 65 years or older) residents, using logistic regression. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2010, the prevalence of long-stay residents with HIV in NHs increased from 0.7% to 1.2%, a 71% increase. Long-stay residents with HIV were younger and less often female or white. For younger NH residents, rates of dementia were 20% and 16% for HIV+ and HIV- residents, respectively; they were 53% and 57%, respectively, for older residents. In adjusted analyses, younger HIV+ residents with dementia had greater odds of APS medication receipt than did HIV- residents (AOR = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-1.4), but older HIV residents had lower odds (AOR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.8-0.9). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of long-stay HIV+ NH residents has increased over time, and given the rapid aging of the HIV population, this increase is likely to have continued. This study raises concern about potential differential quality of care for (younger) residents with HIV in NHs, but not for those aged 65 years and older. These findings contribute to the evidence base needed to ensure high-quality care for younger and older HIV+ residents in NHs.

Incidence of Lower-Extremity Fractures in US Nursing Homes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Limited studies suggest lower-extremity (LE) fractures are morbid events for nursing home (NH) residents. Our objective was to conduct a nationwide study comparing the incidence and resident characteristics associated with hip (proximal femur) vs nonhip LE (femoral shaft and tibia-fibula) fractures in the NH. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: US NHs. PARTICIPANTS: We included all long-stay residents, aged 65 years or older, enrolled in Medicare from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009 (N = 1 257 279). Residents were followed from long-stay qualification until the first event of LE fracture, death, or end of follow-up (2 years). MEASUREMENTS: Fractures were classified using Medicare diagnostic and procedural codes. Function, cognition, and medical status were obtained from the Minimum Data Set prior to long-stay qualification. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated as the total number of fractures divided by person-years. RESULTS: During 42 800 person-years of follow-up, 52 177 residents had an LE fracture (43 695 hip, 6001 femoral shaft, 2481 tibia-fibula). The unadjusted IRs of LE fractures were 1.32/1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-1.38) for tibia-fibula, 3.20/1000 person-years (95% CI = 3.12-3.29) for femoral shaft, and 23.32/1000 person-years (95% CI = 23.11-23.54) for hip. As compared with hip fracture residents, non-hip LE fracture residents were more likely to be immobile (58.1% vs 18.4%), to be dependent in all activities of daily living (31.6% vs 10.8%), to be transferred mechanically (20.5% vs 4.4%), to be overweight (mean body mass index = 26.6 vs 24.0 kg/m2 ), and to have diabetes (34.8% vs 25.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings that non-hip LE fractures often occur in severely functionally impaired residents suggest these fractures may have a different mechanism of injury than hip fractures. The resident differences in our study highlight the need for distinct prevention strategies for hip and non-hip LE fractures.

Effect of Bisphosphonates on Fracture Outcomes Among Frail Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates are seldom used in frail, older adults, in part due to lack of direct evidence of efficacy in this population and increasing concerns about safety. OBJECTIVE: We estimated the effects of bisphosphonates on hip fractures, nonvertebral fractures, and severe esophagitis among frail, older adults. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort using 2008 to 2013 linked national Minimum Data Set assessments; Online Survey Certification and Reporting System records; and Medicare claims. SETTING: US nursing homes (NHs). PARTICIPANTS: Long-stay NH residents 65 years and older without recent osteoporosis medication use (N = 24,571). Bisphosphonate initiators were 1:1 propensity score matched to calcitonin initiators (active comparator). MEASUREMENTS: Hospitalized hip fracture, nonvertebral fracture, and esophagitis outcomes were measured using part A claims. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, controlling for over 100 baseline characteristics. RESULTS: The matched cohort included 5209 new bisphosphonate users and an equal number of calcitonin users (mean age [SD] = 85 [8] years; 87% female; 52% moderate-severe cognitive impairment). Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 (SD = 1.7) years, 568 residents (5.5%) had a hip fracture, 874 (8.4%) had a nonvertebral fracture, and 199 (1.9%) had a hospitalized esophagitis event. Users of bisphosphonates were less likely than calcitonin users to experience hip fracture (HR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.71-0.98), with an average gain in time without fracture of 28.4 days (95% CI = 6.0-50.8 days). Bisphosphonate and calcitonin users had similar rates of nonvertebral fracture (HR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.80-1.03) and esophagitis events (HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.84-1.47). The effects of bisphosphonates on fractures and esophagitis were generally homogeneous across subgroups, including those defined by age, sex, history of prior fracture, and baseline fracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: Use of bisphosphonates is associated with a meaningful reduction in hip fracture among frail, older adults, but little difference in nonvertebral fracture or severe esophagitis. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:768-776, 2019.

Assessment of Instruments for Measurement of Delirium Severity: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Measurement of delirium severity has been recognized as highly important for tracking prognosis, monitoring response to treatment, and estimating burden of care for patients both during and after hospitalization. Rather than simply rating delirium as present or absent, the ability to quantify its severity would enable development and monitoring of more effective treatment approaches for the condition. Objectives: To present a comprehensive review of delirium severity instruments, conduct a methodologic quality rating of the original validation study of the most commonly used instruments, and select a group of top-rated instruments. Evidence Review: This systematic review was conducted using literature from Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, from January 1, 1974, through March 31, 2017, with the key words delirium, severity, tests, measures, and intensity. Inclusion criteria were original articles assessing delirium severity and using a delirium-specific severity instrument. Final listings of articles were supplemented with hand searches of reference listings to ensure completeness. At least 2 reviewers independently completed each step of the review process: article selection, data extraction, and methodologic quality assessment of relevant articles using a validated rating scale. All discrepancies between raters were resolved by consensus. Findings: Of 9409 articles identified, 228 underwent full text review, and we identified 42 different instruments of delirium severity. Eleven of the 42 tools were multidomain, delirium-specific instruments providing a quantitative rating of delirium severity; these instruments underwent a methodologic quality review. Applying prespecified criteria related to frequency of use, methodologic quality, construct or predictive validity, and broad domain coverage, an expert panel used an iterative modified Delphi process to select 6 final high-quality instruments meeting these criteria: the Confusion Assessment Method-Severity Score, Confusional State Examination, Delirium-O-Meter, Delirium Observation Scale, Delirium Rating Scale, and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale. Conclusions and Relevance: The 6 instruments identified may enable accurate measurement of delirium severity to improve clinical care for patients with this condition. This work may stimulate increased usage and head-to-head comparison of these instruments.

Outcomes of "diabetes-friendly" vs "diabetes-unfriendly" ß-blockers in older nursing home residents with diabetes after acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: To assess whether nursing home (NH) residents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) preferentially received "T2D-friendly" (vs "T2D-unfriendly") ß-blockers after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to evaluate the comparative effects of the two groups of ß-blockers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This new-user retrospective cohort study of NH residents with AMI from May 2007 to March 2010 used national data from the Minimum Data Set and Medicare system. T2D-friendly ß-blockers were those hypothesized to increase peripheral glucose uptake through vasodilation: carvedilol, nebivolol and labetalol. Primary outcomes were hospitalizations for hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in the 90 days after AMI. Secondary outcomes were functional decline, death, all-cause re-hospitalization and fracture hospitalization. We compared outcomes using binomial and multinomial logistic regression models after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of 2855 NH residents with T2D, 29% initiated a T2D-friendly ß-blocker vs 24% of 6098 without T2D (P < 0.001). For primary outcomes among residents with T2D, T2D-friendly vs T2D-unfriendly ß-blockers were associated with a reduction in hospitalized hyperglycaemia (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.97), but unassociated with hypoglycaemia (OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.82-5.10). For secondary outcomes, T2D-friendly ß-blockers were associated with a greater rate of re-hospitalization (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57), but not death (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.85-1.32), functional decline (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.70-1.19), or fracture (OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.40-7.08). CONCLUSIONS: In older NH residents with T2D, T2D-friendly ß-blocker use was associated with a lower rate of hospitalization for hyperglycaemia, but a higher rate of all-cause re-hospitalization.

Facility and State Variation in Hip Fracture in U.S. Nursing Home Residents.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the variation in hip fracture incidence across U.S. nursing home (NH) facilities and states and examine how hip fracture incidence varies according to facility- and state-level characteristics. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort using linked national Minimum Data Set assessments; Online Survey, Certification and Reporting records; and Medicare claims. SETTING: U.S. NHs with 100 or more beds. PARTICIPANTS: Long-stay NH residents between May 1, 2007, and April 30, 2008, from 1,481 facilities and 46 U.S. states (N = 201,892). MEASUREMENTS: Incident hip fractures were ascertained using Medicare Part A diagnostic codes. Each resident was followed for up to 2 years. RESULTS: The mean adjusted incidence rate of hip fractures for all facilities was 3.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.01-3.26) per 100 person-years (range 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15-1.26 to 6.40, 95% CI = 6.07-6.77). Facilities with the highest rates of hip fracture had greater percentages of residents taking psychoactive medications (top tertile 27.2%, bottom tertile 24.8%), and fewer nursing (top tertile 3.43, bottom tertile 3.53) and direct care (top tertile 3.22, bottom tertile 3.29) hours per day per resident. The combination of state and facility characteristics explained 6.7% of the variation in hip fracture, and resident characteristics explained 7.6%. CONCLUSION: Much of the variation in hip fracture incidence remained unexplained, although these findings indicate that potentially modifiable state and facility characteristics such as psychoactive drug prescribing and minimum staffing requirements could be addressed to help reduce the rate of hip fracture in U.S. NHs.

Pain Treatments After Hip Fracture Among Older Nursing Home Residents.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between use of opioids versus other analgesics with death and functioning after hip fracture in older nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort using national Medicare fee-for-service claims linked to the Minimum Data Set. SETTING: US NHs. PARTICIPANTS: NH residents aged ≥65 years who became a long-stay resident (>100 days in the NH) between January 2008 and December 2009, had a hospitalized hip fracture, and returned to the NH. EXPOSURE: New use of opioid versus nonopioid analgesics (acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) within 14 days post hip fracture. MEASUREMENTS: Follow-up began on the index date and continued until the first occurrence of death, significant functional decline (3-point increase on MDS Activities of Daily Living scale), or 120 days of follow-up. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes were estimated using inverse probability of treatment-weighted multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among the 2755 NH residents with a hip fracture included in our study, 1155 (41.9%) were opioid users, and 1600 (58.1%) were nonopioid analgesic users. The mean age was 86.3 years, 73.8% were female, and 86.0% were white. Opioid use was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of death (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.39-0.56) and a nonsignificant decrease in functional decline (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.58-1.03). CONCLUSION: A rigorous study that addresses the limitations of this study is critical to validate our preliminary findings and provide evidence about the effect of using opioid versus nonopioid analgesics to optimize acute pain in NH residents with a hip fracture.

Association of ß-Blockers With Functional Outcomes, Death, and Rehospitalization in Older Nursing Home Residents After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Importance: Although ß-blockers are a mainstay of treatment after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), these medications are commonly not prescribed for older nursing home residents after AMI, in part owing to concerns about potential functional harms and uncertainty of benefit. Objective: To study the association of ß-blockers after AMI with functional decline, mortality, and rehospitalization among long-stay nursing home residents 65 years or older. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study of nursing home residents with AMI from May 1, 2007, to March 31, 2010, used national data from the Minimum Data Set, version 2.0, and Medicare Parts A and D. Individuals with ß-blocker use before AMI were excluded. Propensity score-based methods were used to compare outcomes in people who did vs did not initiate ß-blocker therapy after AMI hospitalization. Main Outcomes and Measures: Functional decline, death, and rehospitalization in the first 90 days after AMI. Functional status was measured using the Morris scale of independence in activities of daily living. Results: The initial cohort of 15 720 patients (11 140 women [70.9%] and 4580 men [29.1%]; mean [SD] age, 83 [8] years) included 8953 new ß-blocker users and 6767 nonusers. The propensity-matched cohort included 5496 new users of ß-blockers and an equal number of nonusers for a total cohort of 10 992 participants (7788 women [70.9%]; 3204 men [29.1%]; mean [SD] age, 84 [8] years). Users of ß-blockers were more likely than nonusers to experience functional decline (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.28), with a number needed to harm of 52 (95% CI, 32-141). Conversely, ß-blocker users were less likely than nonusers to die (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67-0.83) and had similar rates of rehospitalization (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98-1.14). Nursing home residents with moderate or severe cognitive impairment or severe functional dependency were particularly likely to experience functional decline from ß-blockers (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.11-1.61 and OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10-1.59, respectively). In contrast, little evidence of functional decline due to ß-blockers was found in participants with intact cognition or mild dementia (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.89-1.20; P = .03 for effect modification) or in those in the best (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.77-1.26) and intermediate (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.86-1.27) tertiles of functional independence (P = .06 for effect modification). Mortality benefits of ß-blockers were similar across all subgroups. Conclusions and Relevance: Use of ß-blockers after AMI is associated with functional decline in older nursing home residents with substantial cognitive or functional impairment, but not in those with relatively preserved mental and functional abilities. Use of ß-blockers yielded a considerable mortality benefit in all groups.