Incidence and reasons for discontinuation of first-line therapy in patients with multiple myeloma: results from a historical cohort, Brazil 2009-2020.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological cancer requiring multiple lines of anti-myeloma regimens to promote disease remission and increase patient survival. The study assessed the incidence and reasons for discontinuation of first-line therapy in outpatients who started MM therapy in Belo Horizonte, Brazil from 2009 to 2020. A historical cohort study in which patients were followed from treatment initiation until discontinuation of first-line therapy. Discontinuation of first-line therapy was characterized as (i) discontinuation followed by a second-line therapy, and (ii) discontinuation that prevented patients from receiving a subsequent line of treatment. Non-parametric competing risk analysis with a 95% confidence interval estimated the cumulative incidences of discontinuation followed by a second-line therapy. The probability of discontinuation was compared according to selected variables using the Gray's test at a significance level of 5%. Approximately half of the participants (n = 260) were female and younger than 65 years. Discontinuation of first-line therapy followed by a second-line therapy accounted for 50.4% of the patients and occurred up to 30th month. The main reason for discontinuation not qualifying patients for receiving second-line therapy was to achieve a response to treatment. The maximum times for discontinuation not followed by a second-line therapy ranged from 12 to 20 months due to deaths or response to treatment. The probability of receiving second-line therapy was higher among patients initiating therapy in 2009-2014 and those not undergoing transplantation. In conclusion, discontinuation of first-line therapy followed by second-line treatment occurred as likely as the discontinuation not followed by a subsequent line.

Incidence of thromboembolism and associated factors in multiple myeloma patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs: a retrospective analysis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

PURPOSE: The use of immunomodulators in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients has been associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Due to the increase in mortality of cancer patients, venous thromboembolism is an important concern for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of thromboembolic events and evaluate associated risk factors among Brazilian NDMM patients using immunomodulators. METHODS: Real-life retrospective cohort study in two Brazilian institutions with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients treated with immunomodulators from January 2009 to December 2019. Data was collected from patients' medical records for the period of 1 year, and Cox regression was performed to identify risk factors on the development of VTE. RESULTS: We included 131 patients of which there was a mean age of 61.5 years (SD 11.3), 51.9% female, and predominantly using thalidomide (97.7%) as immunomodulator. We found 9 VTE episodes among our patients, with a 12-month cumulative incidence of 6.97% (95% CI 3.41-12.24). Associated factors after multivariate analysis were recent sepsis, recent traumatic injury, previous VTE, and thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Our real-life retrospective cohort presented a low incidence of VTE among Brazilian NDMM patients treated with immunomodulators.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Impacts Quality Of Life And Activities Of Daily Living Of Brazilian Multiple Myeloma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Survival in multiple myeloma (MM) has improved in the past years with the introduction of immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is associated with both drug classes affecting Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and activities of daily living (ADL). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated CIPN in MM patients to identify associated factors and impacts on HRQoL and ADL. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with Brazilian patients from public and private health services. Patients were interviewed using validated tools to measure CIPN and HRQoL, along with sociodemographic and clinical questions. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of CIPN with sociodemographic, clinical, and HRQoL variables. RESULTS: In total, 217 patients were eligible for the study. The median age was 67, 50.9% were women, 51.6% had low income, 47.5% had low education, and 55.3% attended private health services. The chemotherapy regimen most used was the combination of cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (17.5%) among the 24 types of regimens found. Most patients (90.3%) had at least one CIPN symptom: 62.7% were severe, and 51.62% were extremely bothered ADL. Numbness was the most common symptom (40.6%). CIPN was independently associated with education, hospitalization, chemotherapy, side effects, disease symptoms, and global health status in HRQoL. CONCLUSION: MM patients showed a high frequency of CIPN, which affected ADL and impaired HRQoL. Early and accurate detection of CIPN and dose management in patients with thalidomide and bortezomib-based regimens should be performed to provide better treatment outcomes and avoid permanent disabilities.

Health-related quality of life and use of medication with anticholinergic activity in patients with multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: Verify the association between anticholinergic burden and health-related quality of life of patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with multiple myeloma outpatient from a state capital city in southeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacotherapeutic variables were collected by interview. Clinical data were complemented by medical records. Drugs with anticholinergic activity were identified with Brazilian Anticholinergic Activity Drug Scale. Health-related quality of life scores were obtained using QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 instruments. Mann-Whitney was used to compare the median of the health-related quality of life scale scores and the independent variables. Multivariate linear regression was performed to verify the association between independent variables and health-related quality of life scores. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen patients were included, 56.3% had multi-morbidities, and 71.8% used polypharmacy. In all health-related quality of life domains, there were differences between the medians of the polypharmacy variable. A significant difference was identified between the ACh burden and QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 scores. Linear regression identified an association between the use of drugs with anticholinergic activity and the reduction of global status scores (QLQ-C30), functional scale (QLQ-C30), body image (QLQ-MY20), and future perspective (QLQ-MY20). Drugs with anticholinergic activity were associated with increased symptom scores (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20). Polypharmacy was associated with reduction of functioning score and increase of symptom score (QLQ-C30). CONCLUSION: Anticholinergic burden in MM patients is associated with lower scores in quality of life domains: global health and symptoms (QLQ-C30) and functional (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20). The presence of polypharmacy is also associated with lower scores for functional scales and symptom scales (QLQ-C30).

Comparison of three risk assessment models for thromboembolism in multiple myeloma patients receiving immunomodulators: a Brazilian historical cohort.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the complications of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and may occur in up to 10% of this patient population. However, medications used in MM therapy such as immunomodulators (IMID) may raise these rates. Thus, risk prediction models have been developed to quantify the risk of VTE in MM patients. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of three risk assessment models for VTE in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients using immunomodulatory agents. A historical cohort study during a 10-year period in a Brazilian metropolis with NDMM treated with IMID. Data were collected from patient's medical charts for the period of one year to calculate the scores using IMPEDE VTE, SAVED, and International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guidelines. The area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis was calculated to assess the discriminative power of three risk assessment models. We included 131 patients (9 in the VTE group versus 122 in the non VTE group). According to IMPEDE, 19.1, 62.6, and 18.3% of patients were considered low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. SAVED classified 32.1% as high risk and 64.9% had ≥2 risk factors based on IMWG guidelines. The AUC of the IMPEDE VTE score was 0.80 (95% CI 0.66-0.95, p = 0.002), of the SAVED score was 0.69 (95% CI 0.49-0.89, p = 0.057), and of the IMWG risk score was 0.68 (95% CI 0.48-0.88, p = 0.075). IMPEDE VTE was the most accurate in predicting the development of VTE in Brazilian patients on IMID therapy. The SAVED score and the IMWG guidelines did not show discriminative ability in predicting VTE based on the population involved in this study.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of multiple myeloma treatments based on thalidomide and bortezomib: A retrospective cohort study from 2009 to 2020 in a Brazilian metropolis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer of plasma cells; the survival of which has improved over the years with the emergence of new treatments. In Brazil, the availability of treatment-regimens is different from developed countries. Real-world evidence with Brazilian patients is lacking. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of MM treatments in a Brazilian metropolis. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with MM patients, beginning MM treatment from 2009 to 2020 (i.e., before bortezomib became available in public health services). Patients' medical records were revised to obtain clinical variables. The primary outcomes were Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS, measured as time to next treatment), and the secondary outcomes were Adverse Events (AE). Kaplan-Meier curves were obtained and the Cox proportional hazards model was performed for univariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of AE was estimated and the chi-squared test was performed to evaluate the association between AE and MM regimens. RESULTS: In total, 278 patients participated in the study with median age of 64 years; 50.4 % were females, 55.8 % attended a private clinic, 34.9 % received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and 32.4 % were on polypharmacy. Most patients from public services used thalidomide-based regimens (40.3 %) and at private clinics used bortezomib-based regimens (38.1 %) as first-line treatment. Patients had a median OS of 99 months. Patients had median PFS of 28 months in first-line treatment, which was significantly different for age (p = 0.0055), polypharmacy (p = 0.0094) and ASCT (p < 0.0001). PFS was independently associated to polypharmacy and ASCT. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy (39.6 %) was high. In contrast, the incidence of severe AE was low. We found significant difference between first-line T + B-based regimens and leukopenia (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients on polypharmacy and who did not receive ASCT had worse PFS. Similar to other Latin countries, most patients used thalidomide- and bortezomib-based regimens as first-line treatments having similar OS and PFS. Treatments were considered relatively safe, especially regarding serious AE.

Effect of therapeutic regimens and polypharmacy on health-related quality of life of people with multiple myeloma: a cross-sectional study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological cancer and its treatment is geared to promote better Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). We aimed to assess HRQoL and compare scores between variables on therapeutic regimens and polypharmacy in MM patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from April/2019 to February/2020 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. HRQoL scores were obtained by the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 instruments. Data were retrieved from interviews and medical records. Therapeutic regimens were grouped into thalidomide-containing regimens; bortezomib-containing regimens; bortezomib and thalidomide-containing regimens; other therapeutic regimens, and remission group. We performed univariate analyses by the Mann-Whitney method and adopted the Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple comparisons. Robust multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between independent variables and the HRQoL scores. RESULTS: The sample included 225 participants and most patients (65.3%) were on active treatment and had worse scores concerning future perspective. Polypharmacy was associated with worse scores on all scales in the univariate analyses. We observed a difference in the global health and body image (p < .05) scales in the multiple comparisons with therapeutic regimens. The global health scale difference was found between groups with other regimens and the remission group (p < .05). The difference between the bortezomib and thalidomide-containing regimens and remission group was not statistically significant (p = .077) in the body image scale. The multiple linear regression maintained the association of polypharmacy with worse HRQoL scores. CONCLUSION: We identified an independent association between HRQoL and polypharmacy in MM patients. However, there was no difference between the evaluated regimens, suggesting they are equivalent in Brazil about HRQoL.

Use of fall risk-increasing drugs in older adults with multiple myeloma: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) and associated factors and to assess the use of medicines that induce neuropathy in older adults with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: Cross-sectional study with older adults with MM treated at the outpatient oncology and hematology services in a southeastern Brazilian capital. FRIDs were classified according to the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescription in older adults with high fall risk (STOPPFall). The high risk of falling was defined using the Medication Fall Risk Score scale, and the medicines that induce neuropathy were identified according to Vilholm et al. (2014) and Jones et al. (2019). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the association between variables. RESULTS: Approximately 54.2% of the 153 older adults included in the study were female, and the median age was 70.9 years (IQR = 13; min = 60 and max:92). Around 71.3% used FRIDs, and diuretics (25.6%), antidepressants (20.5%), and opioids (19.9%) were the most used. A total of 32.7% had a high risk of falling. Polypharmacy was associated with a higher risk of using FRIDs. Statins used concomitantly with immunomodulators or bortezomib were the most used neuropathyinducing drugs, increasing fourfold the likelihood of reporting peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: The frequency of use of FRIDs is high in older adults with MM and is positively associated with polypharmacy.

Adherence to thalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma: A cross-sectional study in a Brazilian metropolis.

PURPOSE: The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has advanced with the introduction of immunomodulators (IMiDS). Thalidomide is the IMiD available in Brazil with free access to MM patients. Adherence to treatment with IMiDs is essential for a successful therapy. The study proposed to describe adherence to thalidomide treatment in patients diagnosed with MM in onco-hematological outpatient clinics. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with MM undergoing thalidomide treatment. Adherence was measured by the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC), which is an indirect method of measuring adherence that uses database-related medication dispensing information. Patients with PDC ≥90 were classified as adherent. The association between adherence and independent variables was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with a median age of 62.6 years were identified. The median PDC was 93.7%. The frequency of adherence to thalidomide was 56.9%. Adherence to thalidomide showed a negative association with hospitalization in the last 12 months (OR = 0.202; 95% CI = 0.060-0.687) and with higher schooling (OR =0.161; 95% CI = 0.039-0.667) and a positive association with higher income (OR = 5.115; 95% CI = 1.363-19.190). CONCLUSION: Most patients from onco-hematological outpatient clinics in a metropolitan region of southeastern Brazil showed high adherence to thalidomide, which was independently associated with higher income, hospitalization, and higher schooling. More studies are required to understand better the determinants of adherence to thalidomide in the country.

Avaliação de prescrições pediátricas de hidroxiureia para pacientes com doença falciforme / Evaluation of pediatric hydroxyurea prescriptions for patients with sickle cell disease

A hidroxiureia (HU) constituiu um dos principais avanços no tratamento da doença falciforme. O uso do medicamento em crianças no Brasil ainda é off label e está disponível somente na forma farmacêutica sólida. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar as estratégias de adaptação da forma farmacêutica sólida para o uso em crianças com doença falciforme. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, com análise de prescrições pediátricas de HU e aplicação de questionários aos responsáveis no período de janeiro a março de 2018. Foram analisadas 43 prescrições e identificadas duas formas de adaptação 1) diluição convencional: diluição do medicamento em quantidade pré-determinada de água, seguido de administração de parte da solução obtida (22) (51%) e 2) uso da recomendação posológica "holiday" ou intermitente (21) (49%). Todos os pacientes que utilizavam a estratégia de diluição convencional descartavam o restante do medicamento da rede de esgoto doméstica. Além disso, identificou-se administração incorreta do medicamento em um paciente. A falta de forma farmacêutica apropriada para população pediátrica pode levar a riscos de administração incorreta e gastos desnecessários com o descarte de medicamentos, além de descarte inadequado que compromete fatores ambientais. O estudo reforça a necessidade de desenvolvimentos de formas farmacêuticas mais adequadas ao público infantil.

Hydroxyurea (HU) was one of the main advances in the treatment of sickle cell disease. The use of the drug in children in Brazil is still off-label and is only available in solid pharmaceutical form. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the strategies for adapting the solid dosage form for use in children with sickle cell disease. This is a descriptive study, with the analysis of pediatric HU prescriptions and the application of questionnaires to those responsible in the period from January to March 2018. 43 prescriptions were analyzed, and two forms of adaptation were identified, 1) conventional dilution: dilution of the drug in a pre-prescribed quantity - determined amount of water, followed by administration of part of the solution obtained (22) (51%), and 2) use of the holiday or intermittent dose recommendation (21) (49%). All patients using the conventional dilution strategy discarded the remainder of the drug from the domestic sewage system. In addition, incorrect administration of the drug was identified in one patient. The lack of an appropriate pharmaceutical form for the pediatric population can lead to risks of incorrect administration and unnecessary expenses with drug disposal, in addition to improper disposal that compromises environmental factors. This study reinforces the need to develop pharmaceutical forms that are more suitable for children.

Validation of an Instrument for Measuring Adherence to Treatment With Immunomodulators in Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Validate the Treatment Adherence Measure (TAM) instrument in outpatients with MM concerning construct validity, reliability and the ceiling and floor effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with MM previously treated with an immunomodulator for at least one month, aged 18 or over, and followed-up in the investigated outpatient clinics. Adherence to immunomodulators was measured by TAM. The TAM's reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha; The association between adherence and health-related quality of life was investigated to analyze the divergent and convergent construct, measured by the Quality of Life Questionnaire core (QLQ-C30) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire Multiple Myeloma module (QLQ-MY20). The presence of a ceiling or floor effect in the TAM was also analyzed. Results: Eighty-four patients were included in the study, achieving 97.6% adherence. Cronbach's alpha was 0.41, and the hypothesis of convergent construct validity was confirmed, with statistical significance, in contrast to the hypothesis of divergent construct validity. The presence of the ceiling effect in TAM suggested that this instrument does not allow changes to be detected in individuals concerning adherence to IMiDs. Conclusion: TAM instrument did not show satisfactory validity and reliability to measure MM's adherence. MM patients treated at oncohematological outpatient clinics in a metropolitan region of southeastern Brazil showed high adherence to IMiDs.

Validity and reliability of the QLQ-MY20 module for assessing the health-related quality of life in Brazilians with multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare but treatable hematological cancer, which makes the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) an important patient-report outcome measure in clinical studies. The Quality of Life Questionnaire Multiple Myeloma Module (QLQ-MY20) was developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) to measure HRQoL in people with MM. However, the Brazilian Portuguese version of QLQ-MY20 has not yet been validated for Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the instrument for application in Brazilian patients with MM. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional methodological study with patients seen in health services in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The variables were collected through face-to-face interviews with the QLQ-MY20 instrument and complemented with data from medical records. Content validity analyses (content validity coefficient [CVC]; correctness ratio), convergent and divergent validity (Spearman's correlation coefficient [CC]), internal consistency, and temporal reproducibility (test-retest; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) were performed. RESULTS: 225 patients were included and 71.1% were older than 60. The analysis of the judging committee showed adequate content validity. We observed mainly a good internal consistency of the items and good discrimination power in the convergent and divergent validity. High ICC values were observed through the test-retest, and there was no difference in the scores between the two moments, which shows good temporal stability of the instrument. CONCLUSION: The study allowed us to conclude that the Brazilian version of the QLQ-MY20 module is valid and reliable, and thus suitable for application in Brazilians living with MM.

Análise do escore CHA2DS2-VASc em pacientes com controle inadequado de anticoagulação / Analysis of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with inadequate anticoagulation control

Dentre as ferramentas de avaliação do risco de eventos tromboembólicos, destaca-se o escore CHA2DS2-VASc, que contribui para a identificação de pacientes elegíveis ao uso da terapia anticoagulante, sendo um grande auxílio na profilaxia tromboembólica. O presente artigo objetiva caracterizar pacientes com controle inadequado da anticoagulação conforme o CHA2DS2-VASc. Foram coletadas informações dos pacientes em acompanhamento em um ambulatório de anticoagulação vinculado a um hospital de ensino em Minas Gerais. Foram incluídos pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório entre agosto e dezembro de 2017, em uso de varfarina por pelo menos 180 dias, com indicação crônica de anticoagulação e com no mínimo dois resultados do exame Relação Normatizada Internacional (RNI). Identificou-se 434 pacientes, sendo 202 com controle inadequado da anticoagulação. Para os pacientes com controle inadequado, calculou-se o CHA2DS2-VASc, o qual é realizado pela somatória de pontuações de fatores de risco para eventos tromboembólicos. Os pacientes foram classificados em risco baixo (0 pontos), moderado (1 ponto) ou alto (mais de 2 pontos). Também se realizou associação entre o escore e varáveis que caracterizam o contexto dos pacientes, como município de residência e a faixa terapêutica alvo da RNI. Ressalta-se que 107 (53,0%) apresentaram hipertensão; 96 (47,5%) doença arterial periférica, coronariana ou aórtica; 62 (30,7%) acidente vascular cerebral prévio; e 27 (13,4%) diabetes. Identificou-se considerável percentual de pacientes com CHA2DS2-VASc maior que 2 (n = 191; 94,5%), o que indica um risco elevado para a ocorrência de eventos tromboembólicos e reforça a importância da farmacoterapia anticoagulante adequada. Em relação a associação entre características demográficas com os resultados de escore CHA2DS2-VASc, identificou-se associação entre o escore CHA2DS2-VASc e município de residência (p<0,05), não se identificando significância estatística entre o escore CHA2DS2-VASc e a faixa terapêutica alvo da RNI (p>0,05).

Among the tools for assessing the risk of thromboembolic events, the CHA2DS2-VASc score stands out, which contributes to the identification of patients that are eligible for the use of anticoagulant therapy, which is a great aid in thromboembolic prophylaxis. The present study aims to characterize patients with inadequate control of anticoagulation according to their CHA2DS2-VASc score. Information was collected from patients being followed up at an anticoagulation clinic associated with a teaching hospital in Minas Gerais. Patients accompanied at the clinic between August and December 2017, taking warfarin for at least 180 days, with a chronic indication for anticoagulation, and with at least values from two results of the International Normalized List (INR) test were included. 434 patients were identified and 202 with inadequate anticoagulation control. For patients with inadequate control, the CHA2DS2-VASc was calculated, which is performed by the sum of risk factor scores for thromboembolic events. Patients were classified as low (0 points), moderate (1 point), or high (≥ 2 points) risk. An association was also made between the score and variables that characterize the context of the patients, such as the municipality of residence and the target therapeutic range of the INR. It is noteworthy that 107 (53.0%) had hypertension; 96 (47.5%) had peripheral arterial, coronary or aortic disease; 62 (30.7%) had a previous stroke; and 27 (13.4%) had diabetes. A considerable percentage of patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 (n = 191; 94.5%) was identified, which indicates a high risk for the occurrence of thromboembolic events and reinforces the importance of adequate anticoagulant pharmacotherapy. Regarding the association between demographic characteristics and the results of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, an association was identified between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and city of residence (p<0.05), with no statistical significance being identified between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the INR target therapeutic range (p>0.05).

Avaliação do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico de idosos hospitalizados em uso de analgésicos opioides / Evaluación del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de ancianos hospitalizados en el uso de analgésicos opioides / Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of the hospitalized elderly in the use of opioid analgesics

Objetivos: Identificar resultados do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico de idosos hospitalizados em uso de analgésicos opioides. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, integrado a um Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde do Idoso. Os critérios para encaminhamento ao serviço foram estar em uso de opioides e/ou com queixa de dor. Após captação dos pacientes, realizou-se análise da farmacoterapia e, mediante necessidade, intervenções foram efetuadas. Resultados:No total, foram analisados dados referentes ao acompanhamento de 53 pacientes, com média de idade de 73 anos (desvio-padrão + 14,8). Identificaram-se 85 evoluções farmacêuticas, sendo 36 com registro de uso de opioides. Tramadol, codeína, morfina e metadona foram os opioides utilizados no grupo estudado. As principais reações adversas registradas foram constipação, náusea e vômito. Foram realizadas 26 intervenções direcionadas a esses medicamentos. Conclusão: Quando devidamente monitorados, os riscos provenientes do uso de opioides, sejam eles reais ou potenciais, são passíveis de detecção em tempo hábil, permitindo a execução de ações que previnam, amenizem ou eliminem desfechos negativos. A busca por qualificação e a cooperação entre profissionais pode auxiliar o desenvolvimento de habilidades que forneçam aos pacientes uma melhor experiência ao longo dos serviços de acompanhamento (AU)

Objectives: To identify the results of the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of the hospitalized elderly in the use of opioid analgesics. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out, integrated with a Program of Multiprofessional Residency in Elder Health. The criteria for referral to the service were being using opioid and/or complaining of pain. After acquisition of patients, there was an analysis of the pharmacotherapy and, if necessary, interventions were made. Results: In total, there was the analysis of data relating to the follow-up of 53 patients, with a mean age of 73 years (standard deviation + 14.8). There were 85 pharmaceutical evolutions, being 36 with a record of use of opioids. Tramadol, codeine, morphine and methadone were the opioids used in the group studied. The main adverse reactions recorded were constipation, nausea and vomiting. There were 26 interventions directed to these medicines. Conclusion: When properly monitored, the risks from using opioids, whether actual or potential, are detectable in a timely manner, allowing the implementation of actions to prevent, mitigate or eliminate negative outcomes. The search for qualification and the cooperation between professionals can assist in the development of skills that provide patients with a better experience over follow-up services (AU)

Objetivos: Identificar los resultados del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de ancianos hospitalizados en el uso de analgésicos opioides. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, integrado con un Programa de Residencia Multiprofesional en Salud de los Ancianos. Los criterios para su encaminamiento al servicio fueron estar en el uso de opioides y/o quejándose de dolor. Tras la captación de los pacientes, se realizó el análisis de la farmacoterapia y, por necesidad, se realizaron intervenciones. Resultados: En total, se analizaron los datos relativos al seguimiento de 53 pacientes, con una edad media de 73 años (desviación estándar + 14,8). Se identificaron 85 evoluciones farmacéuticas, siendo 36 con un registro de uso de opioides. Tramadol, codeína, morfina y metadona fueron los opioides utilizados en el grupo estudiado. Las principales reacciones adversas registradas fueron el estreñimiento, náuseas y vómitos. Se realizaron 26 intervenciones dirigidas a estos medicamentos. Conclusión: Cuando se supervisa de manera apropiada, los riesgos del uso de opiáceos, ya reales o potenciales, pueden ser detectados de manera oportuna, permitiendo la implementación de acciones para prevenir, mitigar o eliminar los resultados negativos. La búsqueda de la cualificación y la cooperación entre profesionales pueden ayudar en el desarrollo de habilidades que proporcionan a los pacientes una mejor experiencia en los servicios de seguimiento (AU)

Identificação de prescrição de medicamentos que podem ocasionar constipação, Delirium e Xerostomia na alta hospitalar de idosos / Identification of prescription of medications which may cause constipation, Delirium and Xerostomy in discharge from hospital of elderly

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de identificar potenciais riscos de constipação, xerostomia e delirium, ocasionados por medicamentos prescritos para idosos acompanhados pelo Serviço de Referenciamento Farmacoterapêutico (SRF), no momento da alta hospitalar. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, desenvolvido em um hospital público geral de ensino de Belo Horizonte, entre 17 de janeiro e 3 de dezembro de 2014. A amostra estudada foi a de prontuários dos pacientes acompanhados pelos residentes farmacêuticos. Utilizou-se um relatório informatizado para identificação dos pacientes. Em seguida, identificou-se a prevalência de receituários de alta que recomendavam o uso de medicamentos com potencial de ocasionar xerostomia, delirium e constipação. Foram incluídos nos serviços 135 pacientes com mediana de idade de 68 anos, sendo 48,5% do sexo feminino. Os pacientes tiveram uma média de 6 medicamentos prescritos na alta hospitalar. Foi identificada uma prevalência de 85,21% prescrições de medicamentos que potencializam constipação, 46,3% que potencializam xerostomia e 26,76% que potencializam delirium. Foi possível identificar um considerável número de prescrições contendo medicamentos com riscos de xerostomia, delirium e constipação. Recomenda-se a implementação de intervenções que avaliem o risco x benefício da prescrição desses medicamentos, realização de alertas aos pacientes e à Atenção Primária e identificação de outras opções farmacêuticas com menor potencial de danos.

Análise das intervenções realizadas na alta hospitalar de idosos acompanhados em serviço / Analysis of interventions at hospital discharge of elderly seen in guidance service and referencing pharmacotherapeutic

Introdução: A alta hospitalar é um período de transição do cuidado e de responsabilidades em nível de rede e, também, em relação ao indivíduo e à família que retomam o cuidado.8 Algumas experiências em projetos na transição do cuidado abordam a reconciliação medicamentosa, a orientação do paciente e familiares e o contato por telefone.2 Farmacêuticos vinculados a um programa de residência multiprofissional propuseram a realização do referenciamento farmacoterapêutico de idosos na rede, com o intuito de contribuir para a segurança da farmacoterapia durante a transição do cuidado e a realização de contato pós-alta por telefone. Este trabalho destinouse à análise das orientações realizadas durante a alta e descritas nos encaminhamentos farmacoterapêuticos e ao perfil desses indivíduos no contato pós-alta. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de estudo de coorte retrospectivo, desenvolvido em um hospital público geral de ensino de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, que realiza atividades de ensino, pesquisa e assistência, sendo referência para a rede em urgência e emergência, integrado ao SUS. A amostra estudada foi a de prontuários dos pacientes acompanhados pelos farmacêuticos residentes nas equipes multiprofissionais da instituição em estudo que receberam alta de 17 de janeiro de 2014 a 3 de dezembro de 2014, que possuíssem o encaminhamento farmacoterapêutico elaborado e com os quais foi realizado o contato pós-alta. Foram excluídos os pacientes que não preenchessem um dos critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Foram realizados encaminhamentos farmacoterapêuticos para 135 pacientes, entretanto o contato pós-alta foi realizado com 63 desses. Sobre as principais orientações realizadas na alta e descritas nos encaminhamentos farmacoterapêuticos, observamos que a orientação verbal sobre o uso dos medicamentos foi realizada com 133 (93,66 %) pacientes, a orientação para acesso com 130 (91,55%) e o alerta sobre reações adversas e registro das ocorrências ocorreu com 71 (71,13%). A maioria dos entrevistados precisava de ajuda para administrar os medicamentos: 50 (79,37%). Os principais cuidadores eram as filhas, em 22 (34,92%) pacientes, e as esposas, 12 (19,05%); apenas 38 (58,46%) pacientes relataram que fizeram consulta com médico da atenção primária após internação. Conclusão: A orientação farmacêutica na alta e o contato pós-alta são estratégias adotadas na transição do cuidado que podem contribuir para melhoria da educação em saúde, segurança e acessibilidade no uso dos medicamentos.

Introduction: Hospital care is a period of transition and network-level responsibilities and also in relation to the individual and the family which take care.8 Some experience in projects in the care transition approach the medication reconciliation, patient counseling and family and contact by phone.2 Pharmaceutical linked to a multi-residency program proposed carrying out the pharmacotherapeutic referencing elderly on the network in order to contribute to security of pharmacotherapy during the transition from care and conducting postdischarge telephone contact. This study was aimed at analyzing the instructions given during the high and described in pharmacotherapeutic referrals and profile of these indivíuos in postdischarge contact. Methods: It is retrospective cohort study, developed in a general public hospital in Belo Horizonte teaching, Minas Gerais, which conducts teaching, research and care, with reference to the network in emergency care, integrated into the SUS . The sample was the medical records of patients followed by pharmaceutical residents in multidisciplinary teams of the institution under study who were discharged on 17 January 2014 to December 3, 2014 and possessing pharmacotherapeutic forwarding drafted and which was carried out contact High post. Patients who did not meet one of the inclusion criteria were excluded. Results: Pharmacotherapeutic referrals were made to 135 patients, however, the postdischarge contact was made with 63 of these. On the main orientations held high and described in pharmacotherapeutic referrals observed that the verbal guidance on the use of medicines was carried out with 133 (93.66%) patients, the guidance for access in 130 (91.55%) and the alert on adverse events and record the reactions occurred in 71 (71.13%). Most respondents needed help to administer medicines 50 (79.37%). The main caregivers were the daughters in 22 (34.92%) patients and wives 12 (19.05%), only 38 (58.46%) of the patients reported that they did consult with primary care physician after admission. Conclusion: The pharmaceutical guidance in high and postdischarge contact are strategies adopted in the transition of care that can contribute to improved health education, safety and accessibility in the use of medicines.