[Potentially inappropriate medication in older adults with palliative care at home]. / Medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores con necesidades paliativas en domicilio.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults with advanced chronic diseases and palliative care needs are more exposed to polypharmacy and use of potentially inappropriate medication, which generates a high risk of adverse events and impaired quality of life. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with palliative care needs receiving home care services after hospital discharge. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study of pharmacy dispensing and electronic health records, of older adults in a home care system and with palliative care needs according to the screening with the NECPAL tool or the PROFUND and/or PALIAR indexes. Dispensed medications during 180 days after admission to home care were analyzed. Medications were classified as potentially inappropriate according to the LESS-CHRON criteria. RESULTS: We included 176 patients, mean age 87.4 years, 67% were women; 73% were pluripathologic patients and 22% had one chronic progressive disease. Mortality at 6 months was 73%. Median frequency of dispensed medications per patient was 9.1 (IQR = 4-9.7). The frequency of potentially inappropriate medication dispensation among patients was 87%, mainly antihypertensives, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: This study observed that dispensation of potentially inappropriate medication among older adults with palliative care needs and home care services is very high. This emphasizes the need for effective patient-centered interventions to prevent inadequate prescription and stimulate de-prescription.

Introducción: Los adultos mayores con enfermedades crónicas avanzadas y necesidad de cuidados paliativos están más expuestos a la polifarmacia y a consumir medicación potencialmente inapropiada, la cual genera un alto riesgo de eventos adversos y alteración de la calidad de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la frecuencia de consumo de medicación potencialmente inapropiada de adultos mayores con necesidad de cuidados paliativos que ingresaron a cuidados domiciliarios luego de una hospitalización. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal observacional de registros de dispensación e historias clínicas electrónicas, de adultos mayores en un sistema de cuidados domiciliarios y con necesidades de cuidados paliativos según el rastreo con la herramienta NECPAL, los índices PROFUND y/o PALIAR. Se analizó el consumo de fármacos durante los 180 días posteriores al ingreso a cuidados domiciliarios. Se clasificaron los fármacos como potencialmente inapropiados según criterios de LESS-CHRON. Resultados: Se incluyeron 176 pacientes, edad promedio 87.4 años, 67% mujeres; 78% eran pluripatológicos y 22% presentaban una enfermedad única crónica progresiva. La mortalidad a los 6 meses fue 73%. La mediana de consumo de fármacos por paciente fue 9.1 (RIC = 4-9.7). El 87% consumía medicación potencialmente inapropiada, principalmente antihipertensivos, benzodiacepinas y antipsicóticos. Conclusión: Este estudio observó que los adultos mayores, con necesidad de cuidados paliativos en cuidados domiciliarios, tienen un alto consumo de medicación potencialmente inapropiada. Esto refuerza la necesidad de implementar intervenciones efectivas centradas en el paciente, para prevenir la prescripción inadecuada y estimular la de-prescripción.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing among older patients and associated factors: comparison of two versions of STOPP/START criteria

Abstract The study aimed to estimate and compare the prevalence and type of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) between the STOPP/START original (v1) and updated version (v2) among older patients in various settings, as well as associated factors. The study included 440 patients attending a community pharmacy, 200 outpatients and 140 nursing home users. An increase in the prevalence of STOPP v2 (57.9%) compared to v1 (56.2%) was not statistically significant in the total sample and within each setting (p>0.05). A decrease in the prevalence of START v1 (55.8%) to v2 (41.2%) was statistically significant (p<0.001) in the total sample and within each setting (p<0.05). Drug indication (32.9%) and fall-risk medications (32.2%) were most commonly identified for STOPP v2, while cardiovascular system criteria (30.5%) were the most frequently detected for START v2. The number of medications was the strongest predictor for both STOPP v1 and v2, with odds ratio values of 1.35 and 1.34, respectively. Patients' characteristics associated with the occurrence of STOPP and START criteria were identified. According to both STOPP/START versions, the results indicate a substantial rate of potentially inappropriate prescribing among elderly patients. The prevalence of PIMs was slightly higher with the updated version, while the prevalence of PPOs was significantly lower

Conhecimento dos prescritores sobre medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde / Prescribers' knowledge of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults in a Primary Care Unit

Introdução: O conhecimento dos prescritores sobre medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI) pode reduzir o risco de resultados adversos à saúde em idosos, uma vez que esses medicamentos podem trazer mais risco do que benefício a esses pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo é obter informações sobre o conhecimento dos prescritores em relação aos cuidados na prescrição de medicamentos para idosos e analisar o conhecimento destes em relação a critérios explícitos de classificação de MPI.Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e observacional, de delineamento transversal, desenvolvido com a aplicação de questionário on-line respondido de forma anônima por prescritores de uma unidade básica de saúde.Resultados: Dos 20 profissionais que responderam ao questionário, 9 eram professores, 7 médicos residentes e 4 médicos contratados. Em relação aos idosos, 70% dos prescritores percebem boa adesão ao tratamento e 40% maior frequência de reações adversas a medicamentos, quando comparados à população em geral. Somente 30% dos profissionais relataram conhecimento sobre algum critério de classificação de MPI, e 25% destes já utilizou/utiliza algum dos critérios na prática clínica. Porém, os prescritores citaram as classes mais presentes no Critério de Beers para MPI como candidatas à desprescrição e ajuste de dose.Conclusão: O conhecimento e aplicação de critérios de classificação de MPI na prática clínica é ainda incipiente, mesmo em Unidade vinculada a Hospital Universitário.

Introduction: Knowledge of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) may reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in older patients, given that PIMs may be more harmful than beneficial to this population. To investigate prescribers' knowledge of appropriate drug prescription in older adults and evaluate their knowledge of explicit criteria for PIM classification.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, exploratory, observational study. We developed an online questionnaire, which was anonymously answered by prescribers from a primary care unit.Results: A total of 20 prescribers answered the questionnaire, of whom 9 were professors, 7 were medical residents, and 4 were physicians. In older patients, 70% of prescribers reported good adherence to treatment and 40% reported a higher rate of adverse drug reactions compared with the general population. Only 30% of prescribers reported some knowledge of the criteria for PIM classification, and 25% of them had already used/use some of the criteria in clinical practice. However, the most prevalent drug classes in the Beers Criteria for PIM were mentioned by prescribers as potentially requiring deprescription and dose adjustment.Conclusion: Knowledge and application of the PIM classification in clinical practice is still incipient, even in a primary care unit affiliated with a teaching hospital.

Criterios de Beers para identificar el consumo de medicación potencialmente inapropiada: adaptación para su aplicación en Argentina / Beers criteria to identify the consumption of potentially inappropriate medication: adaptation for its application inArgentina

Introducción. Los Criterios de Beers son los más utilizados para evaluar el uso de medicación potencialmente inapropiada en grandes poblaciones, pero no contemplan algunos medicamentos de uso frecuente fuera de los EE.UU. Objetivo. Realizar una adaptación al contexto de Argentina de los Criterios de Beers publicados en 2019. Métodos. Fue elaborada una lista preliminar de medicación potencialmente inapropiada adaptada a la comercialización local, que luego fue consensuada por un panel de expertos (método Delphi). Resultados. De los 112 medicamentos originales listados en la tabla dos de los Criterios de Beers (en forma individual o como grupo), fueron excluidos 36 por no estar disponibles el país y fueron sumados 23 que no se comercializan en los EE.UU. pero sí en Argentina. Luego de dos rondas y de consensuar la suma a esta lista de dos grupos farmacológicos(antimigrañosos y vasodilatadores periféricos), fue acordado el agregado de picosulfato, bisacodilo, senósidos y cáscara sagrada como medicación potencialmente inapropiada en el grupo de agentes contra el estreñimiento, la fluoxetina entre los inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina y el Ginkgo biloba como droga contra la demencia. También hubo consenso en advertir el riesgo de hipotensión ortostática asociado a la tamsulosina, en aconsejar la consideración de la carga anticolinérgica total del esquema terapéutico administrado y en recomendar al paracetamol como primera línea de tratamiento del dolor, asociado o no a opioides. Conclusiones. Contar con una versión de los Criterios de Beers 2019 adaptada al contexto de Argentina contribuirá al desarrollo y monitoreo de intervenciones para prevenir y reducir el consumo de medicación potencialmente inapropiada. (AU)

Introduction.The Beers Criteria is the most widely used criteria to assess the use of potentially inappropriate medication in large populations, but they do not include some medications that are frequently used outside the United States. Objective.To make an adaptation of the Beers Criteria published in 2019 to the context of Argentina. Methods. A preliminary list of potentially inappropriate medication adapted to local market and practice was designed, which was then agreed upon by a panel of experts (Delphi method). Results. Of the 112 original drugs in the table 2 of the Beers Criteria (individually or as a group), 36 were excluded because they were not available in Argentina and 23 locally marketed drugs but not in the US were included. After two rounds and agreeing to add two additional pharmacological groups to this list (antimigraine and peripheral vasodilators), it was decided to add picosulfate, bisacodyl, sennosides and cascara sagrada as potentially inappropriate medication in the group of anti-constipation agents, fluoxetine among. the selective serotonin reup take inhibitors and Ginkgo biloba as an anti-dementia drug. There was also consensus in warning about the risk of orthostatic hypotension associated with tamsulosin,in advising consideration of the total anticholinergic load of the therapeutic regimen administered, and in recommending paracetamol as the first line of pain treatment, associated or not with opioids. Conclusions. Having a version of the Beers Criteria 2019 adapted to the Argentine context will contribute to the development and monitoring of interventions to prevent and reduce the consumption of potentially inappropriate medication. (AU)

Prevalence and impact of potentially inappropriate medication on community-dwelling older adults. / Prevalencia e impacto de la medicación potencialmente inapropiada en ancianos que viven en comunidad

INTRODUCTION: Potentially inappropriate medication is associated with adverse health and functional outcomes, as well as increased health care costs. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and types of potentially inappropriate medication according to the Beers criteria in community-dwelling older persons and to identify the major clinical and functional consequences of potentially inappropriate medication during two years of following. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, descriptive, and observational study that included 400 65-year or older community-dwelling people (48% women) selected by simple random sampling in 2012. In 2014, 372 people were re-evaluated and classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of potentially inappropriate medication through the follow-up period. RESULTS: In total, 31% had polypharmacy (5-9 medications) and 1,8% had excessive polypharmacy (10 or more medications). The mean of the number of medications was higher in the potentially inappropriate medication group (3 vs. 5.78; p<0.001) and 21.9% still had the potentially inappropriate medication status during the follow-up; of them, 75% had one potentially inappropriate medication and 23% two. The presence of potentially inappropriate medication was more frequent among frail and depressed male individuals with a bad health self-assessment and comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the group with sustained potentially inappropriate medication, we found a worsening health self-assessment, increased frailty, a higher incidence of recurrent falls and prevalence of depression, as well as a higher hospital admission rate, ambulatory medical consultation, and more prescribed medications. We did not find an impact on functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We validated the negative effects of potentially inappropriate medication in the long run for the health of older people and, therefore, potentially inappropriate medications should be monitored in primary care services to avoid greater risks.

Introducción. La medicación potencialmente inapropiada se asocia con consecuencias clínicas, geriátricas, funcionales y farmacoeconómicas negativas. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia y los tipos de medicación potencialmente inapropiada según los criterios de Beers en ancianos que viven en comunidad y determinar las principales consecuencias clínicas y funcionales a lo largo de dos años de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo, observacional y longitudinal que incluyó 400 mayores de 65 años (48 % mujeres) residentes en la comunidad seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple en el 2012. En el seguimiento del 2014 se reevaluaron 372 de ellos y se clasificaron en dos grupos: quienes a lo largo de los dos años siguieron tomando medicación potencialmente inapropiada y quienes no. Resultados. El 31 % de los ancianos estaban polimedicados, (5 a 9 medicamentos) y 1,8 % polimedicados de forma excesiva (10 o más medicamentos). El promedio de consumo de medicamentos era mayor en el grupo de medicación potencialmente inapropiada (3 Vs. 5,78; p<0,001), y el 21,9 % siguieron recibiendo medicación potencialmente inapropiada durante el seguimiento; de ellos, el 75 % recibía un medicamento de este tipo y el 23 %, dos. El uso de dicha medicación fue más frecuente en hombres frágiles con una mala percepción de la propia salud, depresión y un mayor número de comorbilidades, especialmente diabetes mellitus y enfermedad-pulmonar-obstructiva-crónica. En el grupo que siguió recibiendo medicación potencialmente inapropiada la percepción de la propia salud empeoró, con un incremento de la fragilidad, las caídas recurrentes y la depresión, así como en los ingresos hospitalarios y las consultas médicas y mayor cantidad de medicamentos formulados. No se evidenció un impacto en la capacidad funcional. Conclusiones. Se corroboran los efectos negativos a largo plazo de la medicación potencialmente inapropiada en la salud de los ancianos, por lo cual se la debe monitorizar en la atención primaria para evitar mayores riesgos.

Evidence of association between the use of drugs and community-dwelling older people frailty: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has shown that an association between polypharmacy and frailty exists. However, few studies have also considered drug interactions and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the use of drugs and frailty among community-dwelling older people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out among 580 older people in Uberaba (MG). METHODS: Data were collected at these older people's homes using instruments validated in Brazil. Descriptive, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Most of these individuals were classified as pre-frail (55.7%), while 13.1% were frail. It was found that 31.7% of them presented polypharmacy, 41.7% had drug interactions and 43.8% were using potentially inappropriate medications. In the initial model, polypharmacy (odds ratio, OR = 1.91; confidence interval, CI = 1.27-2.86) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.68-3.57) increased the chance that these older people would be pre-frail or frail. In the final adjusted model, use of potentially inappropriate drugs remained associated with the outcome (OR = 2.26; CI = 1.43-3.57). CONCLUSION: Use of potentially inappropriate medications was the independent variable that explained the occurrence of frailty in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly: Incidence and impact on mortality in a cohort ten-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacological therapy plays an important role in disease control in the elderly; unfortunately, this comes with a high prevalence in the use of medications classified as potentially inappropriate. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence, risk factors, and survival of elderly people using potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). METHOD: A ten-year follow-up assessment of elderly participants residing in a capital of Central Brazil was conducted. The initial assessment (baseline) included 418 elderly people. Data were collected through home interviews guided by a questionnaire covering socioeconomic, demographic, living conditions, and health variables. The medication information obtained comprised active ingredient, dosage, route, and regimen for the medications. The PIMs were classified according to 2019 Beers Criteria. The analyses were performed using STATA 15.0. For survival analysis, a Cox Regression was performed with the respective Kaplan Meier curve. RESULTS: The incidence of PIM was 44.1 cases (95% CI: 35.2-54.7) per 1,000 people a year. The most used PIMs were nifedipine, glibenclamide, and sodium diclofenac. The risk factors were polypharmacy (aRR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.31-6.88) and diabetes mellitus (aRR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03-2.39). We identified no statistically significant association between survival and the use of PIM. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the high consumption of PIM among the elderly causing polypharmacy risks. Health professionals working in drug treatment need to be alert to polypharmacy risks to ensure the rational use of medications to prevent adverse reactions and other health problems.

Evidence of association between the use of drugs and community-dwelling older people frailty: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has shown that an association between polypharmacy and frailty exists. However, few studies have also considered drug interactions and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the use of drugs and frailty among community-dwelling older people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out among 580 older people in Uberaba (MG). METHODS: Data were collected at these older people's homes using instruments validated in Brazil. Descriptive, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Most of these individuals were classified as pre-frail (55.7%), while 13.1% were frail. It was found that 31.7% of them presented polypharmacy, 41.7% had drug interactions and 43.8% were using potentially inappropriate medications. In the initial model, polypharmacy (odds ratio, OR = 1.91; confidence interval, CI = 1.27-2.86) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.68-3.57) increased the chance that these older people would be pre-frail or frail. In the final adjusted model, use of potentially inappropriate drugs remained associated with the outcome (OR = 2.26; CI = 1.43-3.57). CONCLUSION: Use of potentially inappropriate medications was the independent variable that explained the occurrence of frailty in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Potentially inappropriate medications for older adults in a primary healthcare unit in southern Brazil.

Background Potentially inappropriate medications for older adults are those that offer more risks than benefits for this population. Such medications found in older adults' prescriptions across the world are associated with higher rates of comorbidities and hospitalizations, along with high expenditure on healthcare resources. Objectives To estimate the frequency of older adults using potentially inappropriate medications according to four different criteria, to identify factors associated with the use of such medicines and differences between the tools. Setting A primary healthcare unit linked to a university hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted via data collection from the electronic medical records of 390 older adults. The information collected comprised sex, age, chronic diseases diagnosed and medications used. The dependent variable of the study was the use of at least one potentially inappropriate medication, according to the following criteria: Beers, Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP), Brazilian consensus and Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS). Main outcome measurement Prevalence of inappropriate medication, differences between the tools and associated factors. Results: The use of at least one potentially inappropriate medication was found in 55.1% of the sample according to the Beers criterion, 51.3% according to the Brazilian consensus, 42.6% according to STOPP and 23.6% according to ARS. It was also seen that 14.9% of the studied population was exposed to a very strong anticholinergic risk. Depending on which tools were used, the agreement observed between the criteria was considered high, moderate, or low. Regarding the four criteria, the use of potentially inappropriate medication is associated with polypharmacy, the diagnosis of three or more chronic diseases and the presence of neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal diseases. Conclusion Among the older adult population studied, the prevalence of potentially anappropriate medication is high, according to the four different classification criteria used. As a more specific tool, the agreement between Anticholinergic Risk Scale and other criteria was lower, but it can be an important complement to other lists.

Patient safety in primary health care and polypharmacy: cross-sectional survey among patients with chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: to characterize and determine the polypharmacy prevalence in patients with chronic diseases and to identify the factors associated, in order to improvement of pharmaceutical care focused on patient safety. METHODS: cross-sectional study included 558 patients, covered by primary health care, using a household and structured questionnaire. We analyzed the data on polypharmacy and its clinical and socioeconomic factors. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was applied, with results expressed in prevalence ratio. RESULTS: the results showed that polypharmacy (consumption of four or more drugs) was of 37.6%. The prevalence ratio analyses identified independent variables associated with polypharmacy: age (3.05), economic strata (0.33), way of medication acquisition through a combination of out-of-pocket and Brazilian public health system (1.44), diabetes and hypertension (2.11), comorbidities (coronary artery disease 2.26) and hospital admission (1.73). In the analyses, inappropriate medication use of the 278 patients (≥ 65 years) was associated with polypharmacy (prevalence ratio 4.04). CONCLUSION: polypharmacy study becomes an opportunity to guide the strategies for the patient safety to promote the medication without harm in chronic diseases.

Prevalência do uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados ao idoso no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática / Prevalencia del uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados para los ancianos en Brasil: una revisión sistemática / Prevalence use of potentially inappropriate drugs for elderly in Brazil: a sistematic review

O envelhecimento está relacionado, via de regra, ao uso de medicamentos. Esta é uma revisão sistemática sobre as prevalências de uso de medicamento potencialmente perigosos em idosos, em estudos brasileiros, utilizando-se o Critério de Beers. A prevalência variou entre 17 e 98,2% em amostras domiciliares, ambulatoriais, hospitalares e em instituições de longa permanência. Dados que demonstram a necessidade de políticas de enfrentamento aos riscos inerentes ao uso de medicamento pelo paciente idoso no Brasil.

The aging is related with use of drugs. This research is a systematic review about use of potentially inappropriate drugs for elderly evaluated by Beers Criteria. The prevalence's range was 17 to 98,2% on home, ambulatory, hospital or nursing home samples. These data demonstrate that governmental politics are necessary to face the risks of drugs using by elderly in Brazil.

El envejecimiento generalmente está relacionado con el uso de medicamentos. Esta es una revisión sistemática de la prevalencia del uso de drogas potencialmente peligrosas en los ancianos, en estudios brasileños, utilizando el Criterio de Beers. La prevalencia varió entre 17 y 98.2% en muestras de atención domiciliaria, ambulatoria, hospitalaria y de atención a largo plazo. Datos que demuestran la necesidad de políticas para enfrentar los riesgos inherentes al uso de medicamentos por parte de pacientes de edad avanzada en Brasil.

Potentially inappropriate medication use and frailty phenotype among community-dwelling older adults: A population-based study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between potentially inappropriate medication use and frailty phenotype among community-dwelling older adults and to identify factors associated with the use of these drugs according to frailty condition. BACKGROUND: There is insufficient evidence about the association between inappropriate medication use and the condition of frailty, particularly among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, data obtained from population surveys should be made available in order to support the development of clinical guidelines about the prevention of frailty. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study conducted according to the STROBE Checklist. METHODS: This population-based study was conducted on 1,607 older adults. Potentially inappropriate medication use was assessed according to Beers criteria and frailty syndrome was determined according to the phenotype proposed by Fried and colleagues. Data were analysed statistically using multinomial or binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: About 13.6% of the subjects were frail, and 36.8% used at least one inappropriate medication. The adjusted model indicated that, the more potentially inappropriate medication use, the higher the prevalence of frailty, prefrailty and the walking slowness component. Female gender, one or more years of schooling, five or more reported morbidities, and instrumental dependence regarding daily life activities were factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication use in the nonfrail group. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate medication use was prevalent among community-living older adults, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of frailty. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Primary care nurses are the professionals with the greatest contact with the older adults in the community. Thus, the results support the inclusion of the assessment of potentially inappropriate medication use in the routine of nursing consultation. In case of a positive screening, the older person should be referred to geriatric evaluation in order to optimise drug treatment for the prevention of frailty.

Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults in Argentina using Beers criteria and the IFAsPIAM List.

Background Medications in which the risk of adverse events exceeds the expectations of clinical benefits are called potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). To identify the use of PIMs in elderly patients, the most commonly used tool are the Beers criteria, developed for the population of the United States. Recently, a consensus panel of Argentine experts developed the first Latin American tool, called the IFAsPIAM List. Objective The present study aimed to identify PIM prescriptions in elderly outpatients, to estimate the prevalence of PIMs, and to evaluate their possible relation with polypharmacy and gender and age of the patients. Also, we aimed to compare the results obtained by using the Beers criteria and the IFAsPIAM List. Setting Ten community pharmacies of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February and September 2015. Data were acquired from 56,952 prescriptions prescribed to 2231 patients aged 65 years old or older. To detect the use of PIMs, we used two tools: the Beers criteria and the IFAsPIAM List. Main outcome measure The prevalence of PIM use according to the Beers criteria and the IFAsPIAM List. Results The monthly average of medications dispensed per patient was 4.35 ± 2.18 and 42.27% of the patients presented major polypharmacy. The prevalence of PIMs was 72.75% according to the Beers criteria and 71.13% according to the IFAsPIAM List (Kappa coefficient k = 0.72), and was significantly higher in patients with major polypharmacy, older than 75 years old, and females. The most frequent PIMs prescribed were anxiolytics, analgesics and antipsychotics. Conclusions The IFAsPIAM List is an effective tool to evaluate the prescription of PIMs in the elderly. The results showed a high prevalence of PIMs with a multicausal origin and directly associated with polypharmacy. As clarified by the authors of the IFAsPIAM List, the criteria specified in the list do not substitute the clinical evaluation of each patient.

Potentially inappropriate medications in older kidney transplant recipients: a Brazilian prevalence study.

Background Older kidney transplant recipients take a larger number of medications than younger patients, but there is currently no evidence that this affects health outcomes or that is it associated with potentia medicine-related problems. Objective To evaluate the prevalence and number of potentially inappropriate medications in older kidney transplant recipients and also the possible associated factors (sex, age, comorbidities, number of medications, etc.). Setting A renal post-transplant ambulatory outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil. Method PIMs were defined according to the Beers criteria, version 2015. Medications were classified following the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. Chi squared tests and analysis of variance were used for the analyses. Main outcome measure Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and medication groups with higher prevalence rates of PIMs, including associated factors. Results Among 143 kidney transplant recipients, 77.6% had at least one potentially inappropriate medication as part of their prescription regime. Medication groups that were most implicated in PIM are medicines that act on the alimentary tract and metabolism (55.9%), cardiovascular system (32.2%) and nervous system (21.7%). We detected a high prevalence (63.6%) of self-medication (use of OTC medicines without indication of a healthcare professional) among the population studied. There was a statistically significant association between the number of prescribed medications and the presence of potentially inappropriate medication in the prescription regime (P < 0.01). Conclusion Our data draw attention to the need of medicine therapy management by clinical pharmacists and clinicians in this group of patients and also assessing the real clinical impacts of these medications in the prescription regimes of elderly renal transplant patients.

Identificação do uso e fatores associados ao consumo de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados por idosas / Identification of the use and associated factors with the consumption of potentially inappropriate medications by elderly women

Este estudo objetiva identificar o uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados por idosas e os fatores associados. Realizou-se delineamento transversal, retrospectivo e analítico. A amostra foi constituída por mulheres, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, em uso de no mínimo um medicamento. Para a definição e identificação dos medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados, foram empregados os critérios de Beers. Participaram do estudo 79 idosas, com idade média de 63,44 ± 2,39 anos, as quais utilizavam um total de 225 medicamentos, dos quais 72 (35,1%) foram classificados como medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados, utilizados por 44 (55,7%) mulheres. O número de medicamentos em uso e o relato de insônia e depressão apresentaram-se associados ao uso de medicamentos inapropriados. Os inibidores da bomba de prótons, benzodiazepínicos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides foram as classes de medicamentos inapropriados mais frequentes. Os resultados evidenciam que mais da metade das idosas estão em uso de no mínimo um medicamento inapropriado. Nesse contexto, destaca-se a necessidade da divulgação dos critérios de Beers entre os profissionais de saúde como estratégia para a promoção da farmacoterapia segura e eficaz à população idosa. (AU)

This study's objective is to identify the use of potentially inappropriate medications by elderly women and associated factors. 125Estud. interdiscipl. envelhec., Porto Alegre, v. 23, n. 3, p. 111-128, 2018. A R T I G O S A cross-sectional retrospective and analytical design was carried out. The sample consisted of women aged over 60 years in use of at least one medication. For definition and identification of potentially inappropriate medications, the Beers criteria were used. The study included 79 elderly women, whose mean age was 63.44 ± 2.39 years and whom used a total of 225 medications, of which 72 (35.1%) were classified as potentially inappropriate medications, used by 44 (55.7%) women. The number of medications in use, the reporting of insomnia and depression were associated to the use of inappropriate medications. Proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and non-steroidal anti- -inflammatory drugs were the most common classes of inappropriate medications. The results evidenced that more than half of the elderly women are using at least one inappropriate medication. In this context, it's important to bring to attention the need to disseminate the Beers criteria among health professionals as a strategy for the promotion of safe and effective pharmacotherapy to the elderly population. (AU)

Ingredientes Farmacéuticos Activos Potencialmente Inapropiados en Adultos Mayores: Lista IFAsPIAM: Panel de Consenso Argentino.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a list agreed by Argentinean experts and adapted to the local context containing potentially inappropriate (PI) medications in old people (OP) usingthe Delphi consensus technique optimized for this subject. METHODS: A preliminary list of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) was drawn up based on foreign PIM lists and a selective search in the scientific literature. The iterative Delphi process was used to submit the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of the preliminary PIM list to the panel of Argentinean experts. The analysis of theanswers to determine the arrival to the consensus was carried out applying three criteria specially defined for this purpose. RESULTS: After two Delphi rounds, it was not reached agreement about 12 APIs. The List of explicit criteria for PIAPIs for use in OP (IFAsPIAM List) was finally constituted by 128 APIs corresponding to 9 groups of the ATC classification system to which they were organized. In addition to each API, information justifying the unfavorable benefit/risk profile and therapeutic alternatives or recommendations/precautions was recorded. The group with the most PI APIs was N (NervousSystem) (60; 47%) followed by groups C (Cardiovascular) and M (Musculoskeletal). CONCLUSION: This study presents the first Latin American list of PIM in OP developed using an expert consensus technique. The IFAs PIAM List would contribute to the rational use of drugs in elderly population, constituting a valuable tool in Argentinean public health.

[Polypharmacy and associated factors in elderly diabetic]. / Polifarmácia e fatores associados em idosos diabéticos.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors related to polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in elderly patients with diabetes. METHODS: We studied 127 elderly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 41 males (age = 69.9 ± 6.9 years) and 86 women (age = 71.1 ± 7.7 years). For evaluation of health conditions, medication use, polypharmacy and associated factors, we used the questionnaire adapted from Morais. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic-Chemical Classification System, and for identification of MPI, we adopted the criteria of Beers-Fick and PRISCUS. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher Exact tests. RESULTS: In this population, 100% of elderly using drugs. The average consumption was 5.8 per individual drug, varying from two to 14, and the prevalence of polypharmacy was 85%. Among the factors studied, only the retirement showed a statistically significant association (p <0.05) with polypharmacy. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension (92.8%), heart problems (70.8%), circulatory (40.8%) and musculoskeletal problems (44.5%). Of drugs used by the elderly, 12 of them were considered potentially inappropriate and 47.2% of the study subjects make use of these medicines regularly. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study urges new thinking pharmaceutical assistance, as a practical view in full perspective and not meant only as purchasing and dispensing drugs.

Patient, Physician, and Health-System Factors Influencing the Quality of Antidepressant and Sedative Prescribing for Older, Community-Dwelling Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To identify determinants of potentially inappropriate (PI) antidepressant and anxiolytic/sedative prescribing for older, community-dwelling adults. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Office visits from the 2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study measuring associations between various patient and physician factors and prescribing of PI antidepressants, and PI sedatives among elderly, using Beers 2012/2015 criteria, a clinical decision model, and multivariate logistic regressions. DATA COLLECTION: Visits by older adults (≥65 years) involving medications were extracted to identify visits with antidepressants and sedatives. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Black race, asthma, depression, osteoporosis, payment type, consultation time, and computer systems with prescribing support were associated with reduced odds of PI antidepressant prescribing among users. Income, chronic renal failure, diabetes, and obesity were associated with reduced odds of PI sedative prescribing. Female sex, white race, depression, increasing number of medications, and physician specialty were associated with increased odds of PI sedative prescribing. CONCLUSIONS: Various patient and health-system factors influence the quality of antidepressant and sedative prescribing for older community-dwelling adults. Longer consultations and the use of computer systems with prescribing support may minimize potentially inappropriate antidepressant prescribing. As medication numbers increase, exposure to PI sedatives is more likely, requiring medication review and monitoring.

Potentially inappropriate medications among older adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of potentially inappropriate medications among older adults. METHODS: This is a population-based cross-sectional study with 1,451 older individuals aged 60 years or more in the city of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2014. We have investigated the use of medications in the last 15 days. Using the Beers criteria (2012), we have verified the use of potentially inappropriate medications and their relationship with socioeconomic and demographic variables, polypharmacy, self-medication, and burden of disease. RESULTS: Among the 5,700 medications used, 5,651 could be assessed as to being inappropriate. Of these, 937 were potentially inappropriate for the older adults according to the 2012 Beers criteria (16.6%). Approximately 42.4% of the older adults studied used at least one medication considered as potentially inappropriate. The group of medications for the nervous system accounted for 48.9% of the total of the potentially inappropriate medications. In the adjusted analysis, the variables female, advanced age, white race, low educational level, polypharmacy, self-medication, and burden of disease were associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medications. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to known the possible consequences of the use of medication among older adults. Special attention should be given to the older adults who use polypharmacy. Specific lists should be created with more appropriate medications for the older population in the National Essential Medicine List. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso de medicamentos potencialmente inadequados entre idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com 1.451 idosos com 60 anos ou mais em Pelotas, RS, em 2014. Investigou-se o uso de medicamentos nos últimos 15 dias. Utilizando os critérios de Beers (2012), verificou-se a potencial inadequação dos medicamentos e sua relação com variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas, polifarmácia, automedicação e carga de doença. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 5.700 medicamentos utilizados, 5.651 puderam ser avaliados quanto à inadequação. Destes, 937 eram potencialmente inadequados para idosos segundo os critérios de Beers de 2012 (16,6%). Cerca de 42,4% dos idosos usaram no mínimo um medicamento considerado potencialmente inapropriado. O grupo de medicamentos para o sistema nervoso correspondeu a 48,9% do total de medicamentos potencialmente inadequados. Na análise ajustada, as variáveis sexo feminino, idade avançada, cor da pele branca, baixa escolaridade, polifarmácia, automedicação e carga de doença mostraram-se associadas ao uso de medicamentos potencialmente inadequados. CONCLUSÕES: É importante que sejam bem conhecidas as possíveis consequências do uso de medicamentos entre idosos. Atenção especial deve ser dada aos idosos que fazem uso de polifarmácia. É necessário existir listas específicas com medicamentos mais adequados para uso em idosos na Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing and associated factors in elderly patients at hospital discharge in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Background The Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) criteria is used to identify instances of potentially inappropriate prescribing in a patient's medication regimen. Objective To determine the prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) among elderly patients at hospital discharge. Setting A university hospital medical clinic in Brazil. Method Discharge prescriptions were examined using the STOPP/START criteria. Subjects were inpatients aged ≥60 years receiving at least one medication prior to hospitalization and with a history of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of PIMs and PPOs was determined and a multivariable binary regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors associated with PIMs or PPOs. Main outcome measure Prevalence of PIMs and PPOs. Results Of the 230 subjects, 13.9% were prescribed at least one PIM. The most frequently prescribed PIMs were glibenclamide or chlorpropamide prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (31.0%), and aspirin at doses >150 mg/day (14.3%). Ninety patients had at least one PPO (39.1%). The most prevalent PPOs were statins (29.8%) and antiplatelet therapy (13.7%) for diabetes mellitus when coexisting major cardiovascular risk factors were present. No predictors for PIMs were found. In contrast, diabetes was a risk factor while dyslipidaemia was a protective factor for PPOs. Conclusion PIMs and PPOs commonly occur with elderly people at hospital discharge. Diabetes and dyslipidaemia were significantly associated with PPOs. Our findings show the need for interventions to reduce potentially inappropriate prescribing, such as a pharmacist medication review process at hospital discharge.