Identification of pseudobulbar affect symptoms in the nursing home setting: Development and assessment of a screening tool.

Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) is a neurologic condition characterized by involuntary outbursts of crying and/or laughing disproportionate to patient mood or social context. Although an estimated 9% of nursing home residents have symptoms suggestive of PBA, they are not routinely screened. Our goal was to develop an electronic screening tool based upon characteristics common to nursing home residents with PBA identified through medical record data. Nursing home residents with PBA treated with dextromethorphan hydrobromide/quinidine sulfate (n = 140) were compared to age-, gender-, and dementia-diagnosis-matched controls without PBA or treatment (n = 140). Comparative categories included diagnoses, medication use and symptom documentation. Using a multivariable regression and best decision rule analysis, we found PBA in nursing home residents was associated with chart documentation of uncontrollable crying, presence of a neurologic disorder (e.g., Parkinson's disease), or by the documented presence of at least 2 of the following: stroke, severe cognitive impairment, and schizophrenia. Based on these risk factors, an electronic screening tool was created.

Clinical and Functional Characteristics of Nursing Facility Residents with Opioid-Induced Constipation.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment differences of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in older adults with noncancer pain compared with opioid-treated patients without OIC. DESIGN: Retrospective database analysis. SETTING: United States nursing facilities: Patients, Participants, facility residents. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Minimum data set and prescription claims, pain, impaired cognition, falls, delirium, and drug treatment. RESULTS: We found an OIC prevalence of 8.9%. Nursing facility residents with OIC are more likely to have severe pain (31.3% vs. 29%; P < 0.001), pain in the last 5 days (71.2% vs. 69.2%; P < 0.001), almost constant pain (18.1% vs.13.3%; P < 0.001), and pain interfering with daily activities (36.1% vs. 30%; P < 0.001). Strong opioids were more likely prescribed and the duration of use was longer than in non-OIC nursing facility residents. Cognitive impairment (56.3% vs. 49.8%; P < 0.001), fall rate (4.8% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.023), delirium indicators (confusion assessment method; P < 0.001), urinary incontinence (59.1% vs. 54.9%; P < 0.001), depression (66.5% vs. 61.6%; P < 0.001), and depression severity score (4.7% vs. 4.3%; P < 0.001) were higher in nursing facility residents with OIC. Nursing facility residents with OIC had a higher percentage of concomitantly prescribed anticholinergic medications (76.7% vs. 70.0%; P < 0.001) and a higher mean anticholinergic burden score (1.4% vs. 1.1%; P < 0.001). Over-the-counter laxatives were used more often than prescription laxatives: polyethylene glycol (43%), docusate (31.1%), and senna/sennosides (23%) vs. lactulose (18.1%) and lubiprostone (2.2%). CONCLUSION: Nursing facility residents with OIC experience suboptimal pain relief, additional anticholinergic adverse drug-related effects, and a decreased quality of life.

Clinical Burden and Nonpharmacologic Management of Nursing Facility Residents with Overactive Bladder and/or Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical characteristics of residents with a diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB) and/or urinary incontinence (UI) to determine the prevalence of comorbidities, severe mobility impairment (SMI), moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (MSCI), and a toileting program and the response to that program. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis. SETTING: Skilled nursing facilities. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Residents with a diagnosis of OAB and/or UI and an age range, and gender frequency-matched 1:1 control cohort without OAB and/or UI. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): De-identified Minimum Data Set data 3.0 records (October 1, 2010, to September 30, 2012). RESULTS: Of the 175,632 residents, 65% had a diagnosis of UI and 1% had a diagnosis of OAB. Those with UI and/or OAB were more likely to have MSCI (mean Brief Inventory of Mental Status score 10.2 ± 4.5 vs. 12.5 ± 3.6; P = 0.001) and SMI (49.4% vs. 26.4%; P < 0.001), multiple comorbid conditions, falls and falls with injury, hip fractures (5.5% vs. 4.9%; P < 0.001), urinary tract infections (21.4% vs. 16.5%; P = 0.001), and moisture-associated skin damage (5.2% vs. 2.6%; P = 0.001) than the control cohort. Toileting programs were attempted more often (17.0% vs. 5.1%; P < 0.001) in those with UI and/or OAB but were only minimally successful, with 4.2% having decreased wetness and 0.9% being completely dry. CONCLUSION: Residents with UI and/or OAB exhibit a higher burden of MSCI, SMI, and comorbidities than do residents without these diagnoses. Nonpharmacologic therapies such as toileting programs should be a primary focus in the nursing facility.

Demographic and clinical profile of nursing facility residents with gout.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a demographic and clinical profile of nursing facility residents with a diagnosis of gout. DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective database analysis. SETTING: U.S. nursing facilities. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Nursing facility residents with a diagnosis of gout. INTERVENTIONS: Minimum Data Set and prescription claims records of residents served by Omnicare, Inc., with an International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis of gout, for the time period of October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010, were linked and de-identified. Acute gouty attacks were defined by a proxy measure of a ? 14-day course of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral or injectable steroids, or oral colchicine. RESULTS: In the 138,724 residents (36.8% male: 76.8% white, 11.6% black) evaluated, the incidence of gout was 1.8% (n = 2,487). Of those with gout, males and females were represented relatively equally. There were 1,420 (57.2%) residents 80 years of age or older. Two-thirds of residents with gout required at least extensive assistance with most activities of daily living. Comorbid conditions-hypertension (82.2%), diabetes mellitus (46.6%), arthritis (43.7%), and renal failure (22.4%)-were common. Pain was reported in 68.7% of residents. Allopurinol (60.2%), colchicine (18.6%), febuxostat (2.3%), probenecid (1.1%), and probenecid/colchicine (< 1%) were prescribed in treated residents. While treatment may or may not have been indicated, 375/2,152 (17.4%) received no treatment. Diuretic therapy was received by 75.8% of residents. Acute gouty attacks were noted in 38% of residents; 53%, 25.2%, and 21.8% received short-course treatment with oral or injectable steroids, oral colchicines, or oral NSAIDs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of a retrospective database analysis, this study reveals that nursing facility residents with a diagnosis of gout have significant disease burden. Clinicians should be aware of the potential impact of this disease on physical functioning, pain, and falls in this often-frail population.

Comprehensive Medication Reviews in Long-term Care Facilities: History of Process Implementation and 2015 Results.

BACKGROUND: Since 2013, Part D sponsors have been required to offer comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) to all beneficiaries enrolled in their medication therapy management (MTM) programs at least annually, including those in long-term care (LTC) settings. Since that time, MTM providers have found that accessing and completing CMRs with beneficiaries is frequently prohibitively complex, since the process often requires a live, face-to-face interactive interview where the beneficiary resides. However, with the migration of the CMR completion rate from a star ratings display measure to an active measure, coupled with the new CMR completion rate cutpoints for 2016, accessing this population for CMR completion has heightened importance. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Our proprietary consultant pharmacist (CP) software was programmed in 2012 to produce a cover letter, medication action plan, and personal medication list per CMS standardized format specifications. Using this system, CPs were trained to perform and document CMRs and the interactive interviews. MTM-eligible Part D beneficiaries, identified by several contracted clients as residing in LTC serviced by Omnicare, were provided CMRs and summaries written in CMS standardized format by CPs. Residents with cognitive impairment were identified using 3 data elements in the Minimum Data Set (MDS). OBSERVATIONS: In 2015, 7,935 MTM-eligible beneficiaries were identified as receiving medications from an Omnicare pharmacy. After excluding those who were disenrolled by their prescription drug plans, discharged from the LTC facility, or resided in a LTC facility no longer serviced by Omnicare, 5,593 residents were available for CMR completion. Of these, only 3% refused the CMR offer, and 5,392 CMRs (96%) were completed successfully. Thirty-nine percent of residents had cognitive impairment per MDS assessments; in those instances, CMRs were conducted with someone other than the beneficiary. Based on the CMRs and interactive interviews, 7,527 drug therapy problem recommendations were made to prescribers, about 50% of which resulted in an alteration in therapy, including reductions in polypharmacy and high-risk medications. IMPLICATIONS: The CMR process and written summary in CMS standardized format works effectively for residents in LTC when performed by CPs in the facility, as evidenced by high completion rates and drug therapy problem identification/resolution. Part D plans should further consider using CPs to conduct CMRs in LTC settings. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this research. All authors are employees of Omnicare, a CVS Health Company, and are stockholders of CVS Health. O'Shea and Zarowitz have received research funding (unrelated to the submitted work) from Acadia, AstraZeneca, and Sunovion. The abstract for this article was presented as a research poster at the Academy of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy 2016 Annual Meeting; April 21, 2016; San Francisco, California. Study concept and design were contributed by O'Shea and Zarowitz, along with Erwin. O'Shea collected the data, and data interpretation was performed primarily by O'Shea, along with Zarowitz and Erwin. The manuscript was written by O'Shea, along with Zarowitz, and revised primarily by Zarowitz, along with O'Shea and Erwin.

Risk Factors, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment Differences Between Residents With and Without Nursing Home- and Non-Nursing Home-Acquired Clostridium difficile Infection.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in nursing home residents is believed to be high because of the prevalence of predisposing factors such as decreased immune response, multiple comorbidities, medications, increased risk of infection, close proximity of residents, and recent hospitalization. Yet, specific information on CDI in this population is scarce.  OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences in clinical and demographic characteristics, treatment, and underlying comorbidities in residents who acquired CDI preadmission (non-nursing home-acquired [NNH-Acquired]) compared with those who acquired CDI after admission to a nursing home (nursing home-acquired [NH-Acquired]) and matched controls. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of CDI in nursing home residents with a cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect of linked and de-identified pharmacy claims and Minimum Data Set data (MDS) 2.0 records from October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010. The control group was frequency matched 1:1 for gender, race, and age range to residents with CDI.  RESULTS: Of 195,498 residents, 5,044 (2.6%) had a diagnosis of CDI. Compared with controls, CDI patients had less severe cognitive impairment (P less than 0.01) and more severe functional impairment (P less than 0.01), incontinence (P less than 0.01), and diarrhea (P less than 0.01). They were more likely to (a) have diabetes, stroke, heart failure, cancer, renal failure, and infections; (b) be treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids, megestrol, and proton pump inhibitors; and (c) be discharged to the hospital (29.3% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.001) than controls. NNH-Acquired CDI was 3 times more prevalent than NH-Acquired CDI. Most residents with NNH-Acquired CDI (85.0%) came from acute care hospitals and were more likely to have heart disease, cancer, and infections, while those with NH-Acquired CDI tended to have more cognitive impairment, reliance on staff for activities of daily living, incontinence, and stroke. Thirty-day retreatment rates for NH-Acquired CDI and NNH-Acquired CDI with metronidazole were 72.7% and 68.4%, and with vancomycin were 83.9% and 69.3%, respectively. The facility (Medicare Part A) was the payer for 93.6% of NNH-Acquired CDI and 75% of NH-Acquired CDI treatment; Medicare Part D was the prevalent secondary payer for NNH-Aquired CDI (19.4%) and NH-Acquired CDI (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Residents with CDI had more comorbidities, and the NNH-Acquired group bore a higher burden of illness, resulting in differing treatment patterns and outcomes than the NH-Acquired CDI group.

Challenges in the Pharmacological Management of Nursing Home Residents with Overactive Bladder or Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of nursing home (NH) residents (NHR) with overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary incontinence (UI) with potential pharmacodynamic contraindications to antimuscarinic treatment because of concomitant anticholinergic medications or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and nonpharmacological limitations to antimuscarinic treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis. SETTING: U.S. skilled nursing facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing home residents with a diagnosis of OAB or UI. MEASUREMENTS: Linked and deidentified pharmacy claims and Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 records (October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2012). RESULTS: Of NHRs, 71.3% received at least one anticholinergic medication. Medications that can cause or worsen UI were used commonly. AChEIs and antimuscarinic treatment were prescribed concurrently in 24% of NHRs with OAB or UI. NHRs with OAB or UI were more likely to have concurrent moderate to severe cognitive impairment (MSCI) (70.1%) than those without (29.9%) (P < .001). NHRs with or without OAB or UI and with MSCI were more likely to be treated with an anticholinergic medication than those without MSCI (P = .001). When NHRs with MSCI, severe mobility impairment (SMI), and anticholinergic medication and AChEI use were excluded, only a small proportion of NHRs were potential candidates for antimuscarinic treatment (6.6% with OAB or UI, 6.2% with UI). CONCLUSIONS: This study advances understanding of the challenges in prescribing antimuscarinic treatment safely and appropriately in elderly NHRs with a high prevalence of drug interactions, underlying MSCI, and SMI.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment patterns in U.S. nursing home residents.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes) in nursing home residents (NHRs) is increasing, concurrently with obesity and other comorbid conditions. NHR would benefit greatly from antidiabetic medications that would improve glycemic control and give a lower risk of hypoglycemia but that do not contribute to weight gain in obese individuals. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prescription patterns to NHRs with diabetes, including the use of newer injectable therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. METHODS: Treatment patterns of diabetes in NHR were analyzed using Minimum Data Set records and prescription claims from the Omnicare Senior Health Outcomes data repository (May 2011-September 2012). RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes in this population of 229,283 NHRs was 35.4%. Among the 44,665 NHRs with diabetes and prescription claims data, the prevalence of obesity (40.3%) and multiple comorbidities (100%) was high. Approximately 20% of the NHRs with diabetes were aged <65 years. Overall, 20% of NHRs had diabetes that was untreated with medications during the study period. Insulin was the mainstay of treatment (>80%), followed by oral agents (54%). GLP-1 receptor agonist use was low (0.5%) and associated with poor treatment persistence. CONCLUSION: Considerations other than glycemic control may drive prescribing decisions, contrary to recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, American Medical Directors Association, and European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

Osteoporosis prevalence and characteristics of treated and untreated nursing home residents with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to describe the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) diagnosis in nursing home residents (NHRs). Secondary objectives included assessment of pharmacologic therapies and risk of fracture in NHRs with OP, as well as differentiating clinical characteristics of treated versus untreated male and female NHR with OP. Finally, we sought to evaluate persistence and compliance rates in NHRs treated with OP and determine the prevalence of severe renal impairment in NHRs with OP treated with a bisphosphonate. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: US NH. PARTICIPANTS: NHRs with a Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 record in the Omnicare Senior Health Outcomes (OSHO) data repository during the time period of October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2012. MEASUREMENTS: A patient was considered to have an OP diagnosis if MDS item I3800 indicated the NHR had OP or if the MDS record contained ICD-9-CM codes 733.0x. An expanded definition of OP diagnosis was explored, in which an NHR with a previous fracture (MDS items I3900, I4000, J1700C=1) was also considered to have OP. OP pharmacologic therapies were extracted from the pharmacy claims data and included alendronate, calcitonin salmon, denosumab, ibandronate, raloxifene, risedronate, and teriparatide. Using MDS items, cognitive impairment (Brief Instrument for Mental Status, Cognitive Performance Scale) and functional impairment (composite activities of daily living) were assessed. Using MDS and prescription claims data, high risk of fracture (at least 2 of the following: age ≥75 years, female gender, previous fracture, history of falls, and use of a bisphosphonate) was assessed. Persistence was indicated by continuous use of therapy without a gap of more than 60 days, compliance was calculated using the medication possession ratio, and creatinine clearance (Clcr) was calculated using a modified Cockcroft-Gault equation. RESULTS: The prevalence of OP in NHRs was 13.5%. Using the expanded OP definition, the prevalence of OP increased to 24.2%. Among NHRs with OP (n = 23,666), the mean age was 82.5 and 85.1% were female; 36.8% had gastroesophageal reflux disease or ulcer. Per the definition of high risk for fracture based on older age, female gender, prior fracture, fall history, and use of bisphosphonates, 89.0% of NHRs with OP met the criteria. Additionally, 10.8% had hip fracture, and 15.8% had other fracture. Overall, few NHRs with OP received active treatment: one-third received pharmacologic therapy, of which 73.5% received an oral bisphosphonate. Those with a history of hip fracture had similar treatment rates (31.7%) to those without (32.0%) (P = .804), whereas those with a history of other fracture were more likely to be treated (35.9%) than those without (31.2%) (P = .001). Two-thirds of residents with OP had moderate/severe cognitive impairment, and these residents were less likely to receive OP therapy than those without (P = .001). Persistence with pharmacologic therapy in NHR with a full year of pharmacy data (n = 1399) was higher for raloxifene (82.9%), with calcitonin salmon and bisphosphonates being similar, and the few NHRs who received teriparatide and denosumab were lower. Of the NHRs who received bisphosphonates for whom there was creatinine clearance data, 57% had a Clcr lower than 35 mL/min. CONCLUSION: The recognized prevalence of OP in NHRs using MDS records was low, but consistent with previous reports. Among those with a documented diagnosis of OP, approximately 89% of NHRs with OP were at high risk of fracture and only one-third were treated with active pharmacologic therapy. For those treated, persistence and compliance was suboptimal, but higher with oral therapies. More than half of NHRs with OP treated with bisphosphonates had Clcr of less than 35 mL/min, suggesting alternative forms of therapy should be considered. For all of these reasons, the opportunity exists to improve the care and medication use of residents with OP who are at high risk of fracture.

Clinical, demographic, and pharmacologic features of nursing home residents with Huntington's disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this descriptive, retrospective analysis was to develop a demographic and clinical profile of nursing home residents with a diagnosis of Huntington's disease (HD). METHODS: Queries were made of a large data repository of linked and de-identified Minimum Data Set version 3.0 and prescription claims records, for the time period of October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2012. RESULTS: Of 249,811 residents, 340 (0.14%) had a diagnosis of HD; 61% were female and 77.9% were Caucasian. The age range mode was 55-59 years (15%). Approximately one-half of the residents with HD exhibited communication difficulties, 78% had moderate or severe cognitive impairment, and most have significant functional limitations. Depression, dementia, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disease were present in 59.4%, 50.9%, 35.9%, and 23.2%, and 9.7%, respectively. Only 21% of residents with HD exhibited troublesome behavioral symptoms. Comorbidities of diabetes and cancer were uncommon (0.3%). Use of physical restraints (excluding bed rails) was considerably higher in residents with HD than in the general nursing home population. Falls were documented in almost one-half of residents. Antipsychotics were used in 61.6% of residents; 16.2% had psychotic symptoms. One was treated with tetrabenazine. Anxiolytics were received by 59.1% of residents, whereas only 35.9% had anxiety noted on Minimum Data Set records. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HD in US nursing homes is very low (0.14%). Affected residents have significant cognitive and functional impairments, but problematic behaviors are present in only a minority. Serious comorbidities such as cancer and diabetes are rare. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics are the mainstays of treatment.

Reassessment of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and pharmacologic treatment of nursing facility residents with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate changes in the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns in nursing facility patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from 2005 to 2010 and to compare these to historical data from 1992 to 1996. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 and prescription claims data from April 1, 2005, through September 30, 2010, were linked and extracted from a large data repository, then compared with a similar data set from 1992 to 1996. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010 there were 29,429 of 564,401 (5.2%) unique patients with PD. Moderate-to-severe cognitive and functional impairment was present in 66.2% and 60.0% of patients, respectively. Concurrent conditions included Alzheimer's disease (AD) (18.1%), non-AD dementia (50%), depression (53.6%), and anxiety (22.8%). Anti-PD medications were received by 77.3% of patients, with a prevalence of treatment with carbidopa-levodopa, dopamine-agonists (DA), and anticholinergics of 92.5%, 26.5%, and 7.9%, respectively. Use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics was noted in 37.7%, 58.2%, and 46.3% of patients in 2005-2010, respectively. The prevalence of PD was 5.2% in both 2005-2010 and 1992-1996. The majority of patients in both periods exhibited moderate-to-severe cognitive and functional impairment, but the prevalence of AD, non-AD dementia, depression, and anxiety, and corresponding pharmacotherapy, was much greater in the recent time period. The percentage of patients treated with PD medications increased from 44% in 1992-1996 to 77.3% in 2005-2010. CONCLUSION: Important trends in PD characteristics and treatment were observed in nursing facility residents over time. Opportunity exists to optimize pharmacotherapy in this population.

Clinical, behavioral, and treatment differences in nursing facility residents with dementia, with and without pseudobulbar affect symptomatology.

OBJECTIVES: Characterize the prevalence and impact of crying and tearfulness as symptoms that may be suggestive of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in residents of nursing facilities, including those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD [non-AD-associated] associated dementia. DESIGN: Data were extracted retrospectively from a large repository of de-identified and linked Minimum Data Set 2.0 (MDS) and prescription claims records for the period between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2010. A score of 1 or 2 on MDS item E1m ("crying, tearfulness") was used to identify potential PBA. SETTING: 19,000 nursing facilities in 48 states. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Prescription and MDS records of nursing facility residents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of concomitant diagnoses, MDS mood, and behavioral indicators, and psychopharmacologic medication use, in residents with crying/tearfulness to a control group matched for age, gender, diagnosis of AD or non-AD dementia, and diagnosis of depression. RESULTS: A total of 137,829 residents underwent at least one MDS assessment during the study period. Of these, 12,595 (9.1%) had item E1m ("crying, tearfulness") scored as a 1 or 2 on their MDS assessments. Ten thousand residents were then randomly selected from this group and matched to 10,000 controls without "crying, tearfulness" (MDS E1m = 0) for analysis. A total of 4,786 (47.9%) unique residents with "crying, tearfulness" had a diagnosis of AD (8.8%), non-AD dementia (31.5%), or both (7.6%). All of the MDS mood indicators were at least twice as prevalent in this group compared with those without "crying, tearfulness" Additionally, mood symptoms such as anger, worried/pained facial expressions, and repetitive verbalizations; and behavioral symptoms such as verbal/physical abuse and socially inappropriate/disruptive behavior, were more than twice as frequent in the "crying, tearfulness" group. Antipsychotic medications were also used more often in this group (50% vs. 36.1%), as were antidepressants (59.1% vs. 49.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of an International Classification of Diseases 9th edition, Clinical Modification code, the presence of "crying, tearfulness" on MDS 2.0 item E1m was used as a proxy to identify potential PBA. Nursing facility residents with "crying, tearfulness" had a higher prevalence of all mood and behavior indicators as well as psychopharmacological medication use, compared with matched controls without "crying, tearfulness." Similar results were seen in the subgroup of residents with an underlying diagnosis of AD and/or non-AD dementia. Further research should validate the actual prevalence of PBA in this population, and the corresponding impact on resident outcomes.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, characteristics, and pharmacologic treatment in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prevalent in nursing home residents. National and international guidelines exist for management of COPD; however, little is known about "real-world" management of COPD in this population. Nursing home patients with significant cognitive impairment may have difficulty utilizing handheld device (HHD) formulations of respiratory medications and may be clinically appropriate candidates for nebulized therapy. OBJECTIVES: To determine (a) the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment of patients with a diagnosis of "emphysema/COPD" per Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 2.0 records in U.S. nursing homes and (b) the relationship of nebulized versus HHD formulations of medication to prevalence of shortness of breath in a cohort of cognitively impaired nursing home residents. METHODS: In a descriptive, retrospective analysis of a large data repository of skilled nursing home residents with COPD, prescription claims and MDS data from October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, were extracted, linked, and de-identified. Measures included medications, diagnoses, and selected outcome parameters from the MDS. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of 3-6 on the Cognitive Performance Scale derived from MDS records. A proxy of ≤ 14-day courses of respiratory antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, or both was used to identify COPD exacerbations. Shortness of breath (SOB) in the last 7 days was captured from Section J1.l. of the MDS. RESULTS: The total number of unique patients with at least 1 MDS record during the study period was 126,121. Of those, 27,106 (21.5%) had COPD. The prevalence rates of diagnoses concurrent with COPD were as follows: asthma = 8.6%, Alzheimer's disease or other dementia = 37.2%, congestive heart failure = 37.5%, anxiety disorder = 23%, depression = 50.1%, pneumonia = 21.2%, and respiratory infection = 9%. 58% of patients with COPD were white females aged 75 years or older. According to the MDS, 62% of COPD patients had a short-term memory problem, while 43.3% of patients had moderately or severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making. 83% of COPD patients with pharmacy claims (17,395/27,106) received at least 1 medication used to treat COPD; 9,711 (17.1%) received no respiratory medications. Use of beta-agonists (53.9%), anticholinergic medications (41.2%), long-acting beta-agonist/corticosteroid (LABA/ICS) combinations (28%) in HHD, and nebulized beta-agonist/anticholinergic combinations (26.6%) was prevalent. Inhaled LABA/ICS and long-acting anticholinergic therapy was received by 28% and 22% residents, respectively. 22% (n = 5,085) of patients exhibited at least 2 exacerbations of COPD, and 33% were noted to have SOB. Monotherapy with short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) was evident in 48.7% of cognitively impaired COPD patients. SOB within the previous 7 days was noted in 39.1% of cognitively impaired COPD patients treated with nebulized SABA monotherapy. 38% of these patients exhibited 2 or more COPD exacerbations, and 57.9% were hospitalized at least once during the 12-month period. LABA monotherapy or combined LABA/SABA use represented ≤ 1% of beta-agonist use for unique COPD patients with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis of administrative data, 21.5% of nursing home residents had a diagnosis of COPD, and 17% of these residents received no respiratory medications. These residents had significant cognitive and functional impairment and concurrent diagnoses. 22% of residents experienced at least 2 exacerbations of COPD during the 12 months of study. As many as 60% were not receiving inhaled LABA/ICS or inhaled tiotropium, and 33% exhibited SOB. There is significant use of nebulized SABA monotherapy, which may be contributing to SOB and exacerbations or hospitalizations in nursing home residents with COPD.

Development and validation of a screening tool for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a simple caregiver-rated questionnaire to screen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in nursing home residents. DESIGN: Part 1: Identification of screening parameters by the Delphi process using geriatric and pulmonary experts. Part 2: Retrospective analysis of nursing home residents with COPD compared with a gender and age frequency-matched control group of nursing home residents. SETTING: Twelve skilled nursing facilities in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, and Ohio. PARTICIPANTS: Nine geriatric and pulmonary experts participated in the identification of screening parameters in Part 1. In Part 2, validation occurred in 64 nursing home residents with COPD and 64 nursing home residents without COPD. INTERVENTION: Retrospective analysis of medical records. MEASUREMENTS: A linear logistic regression routine was used with a stepwise algorithm to identify a "best" set of variables predicting the presence of COPD. The list of variables chosen was then used to define a predictive role for COPD. This role was then characterized by its screening characteristics of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The logistic model identified 4 significant COPD screening parameters: diagnosis of asthma (P = .013), shortness of breath at rest (P = .004) and shortness of breath on exertion (P = .001), and smoking fewer than 19 pack-years (P = .005) or greater than or equal to 19 pack-years (P = .001), with an area-under-the-curve of 0.903. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing home residents with a diagnosis of asthma and have shortness of breath or have been smokers are likely to have COPD.

Thrombotic risk and immobility in residents of long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized patients and residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities account for about 60% of all cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE), as incidence is correlated with increasing age, immobility, and underlying medical conditions. The primary aim of the study was to develop an evidence-based VTE risk stratification tool and definition of immobility for residents in LTC facilities. METHODS: Using the Delphi process, a panel of vascular thrombotic and geriatric experts reviewed and ranked statements of VTE risk and immobility derived from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, cohort trials, case-control trials, and case series to arrive at consensus for the importance of each statement. Rating was conducted before and during an on-site meeting following discussion. Statements rated high and very high were used to develop a VTE risk stratification and immobility tool. RESULTS: A total of 1165 publications related to VTE risk were identified from which 137 (12%) pertained to subjects with a median age of 60 years or older; 42 (31%) met study criteria. Eight (29.6%) of 79 publications pertaining to immobility met study criteria. There were 4 studies related to VTE risk and 1 to immobility that were rated as high quality. VTE risk factors were age older than 60 years, active cancer, acute infectious disease, catheter in a central vein, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dehydration, history of VTE, having a first-degree relative with VTE, heart failure, hypercoagulable state, immobility, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and treatment with erythroid stimulating agents to a hemoglobin value greater than 12 g/dL, aromatase inhibitor, hormone replacement therapy, megestrol acetate, or selective estrogen receptor modulators. Immobility was defined as the presence of at least 1 of the following: being bedridden or bedridden except for bathroom privileges, unable to walk at least 10 feet, recent reduction in ability to walk at least 10 feet for at least 72 hours, and having a lower limb cast. CONCLUSIONS: A risk stratification tool for VTE and immobility was developed to assist clinicians in caring for residents of LTC facilities. A prospective trial is needed to validate the tool.