Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Potential adverse drug events: intensive care unit cohort / Potenciais eventos adversos a medicamentos: coorte em unidades de terapia intensiva

Introdução: Eventos adversos a medicamentos estão associados à morbimortalidade, altas taxas de permanência hospitalar e custos elevados. Pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva são um dos principais grupos de risco para ocorrência desses eventos. O uso de rastreadores, indicadores de potenciais eventos, pode simplificar a detecção por meio do screening sistemático de prontuários e possibilitar mensuração contínua. Objetivo: Analisar potenciais eventos adversos e correlacionar seus rastreadores com tempo de internação, número de medicamentos e comorbidades em pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal conduzido com pacientes internados em terapia intensiva de um hospital de alta complexidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostra probabilística composta por 83 prontuários de pacientes, hospitalizados, por no mínimo 24 horas, para tratamento clínico e que receberam, pelo menos, um medicamento. Na identificação dos eventos foi utilizado o instrumento do Institute for Healthcare Improvement adaptado, que inclui rastreadores, medicamentos, bioquímicos e clínicos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas pela Correlação de Pearson, com significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Anti-histamínicos (43,4%), aumento de creatinina (50,6%) e letargia (20,5%) foram os rastreadores mais frequentes de cada categoria. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram ácido acetilsalicílico (67%) e omeprazol (55%). Houve correlação positiva entre o número total de rastreadores e tempo de internação, número de medicamentos e comorbidades (r= 0,961, r=0,555 e r=0,210 respectivamente; p<0,001). Conclusão: Os rastreadores destacados são esperados para pacientes com cardiopatias em unidades de terapia intensiva e sugerem alerta para os profissionais envolvidos no monitoramento de eventos adversos (AU)

Introduction: Adverse drug events are associated with morbidity and mortality, high hospital stay rates and high costs. Intensive care unit patients are one of the main risk groups for the occurrence of these events. The use of triggers, which indicate potential events, can simplify detection by systematic screening of medical records and enables continuous measurement. Objective: Analyze potential adverse events and correlate their triggers with the length of stay, number of medications, and comorbidities in patients admitted to an adult intensive care unit. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with patients admitted to intensive care at high complexity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. A probabilistic sample consisting of medical records of 83 patients hospitalized, for at least 24 hours, for clinical treatment and who received at least one medication. In the identification of the events the adapted instrument of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement was used, which includes drug, biochemical, and clinical triggers. The Pearson's correlation test was used to correlate the number of triggers with the length of stay, the number of medications, and comorbidities, and the significance of p<0.05. Results: Antihistamines (43.4%), creatinine increase (50.6%), and lethargy (20.5%) were the most frequent triggers for each category. Among the drugs, acetylsalicylic acid (67%) and omeprazole (55%) were prominent. There was a positive correlation between the total number of triggers and time of hospitalization, the number of medications, and comorbidities (r=0.961, r=0.555, and r=0,210 respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions: Outstanding triggers can be expected for intensive care units' cardiac patients and suggest warning for professionals involved in monitoring these events (AU)

Determinação do risco potencial de interações medicamentosas prolongadoras do intervalo QT em idosos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva

Introdução: Pacientes hospitalizados em unidade de terapia intensiva, em especial idosos, são particularmente expostos a interações medicamentosas prolongadoras do intervalo QT. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de interações medicamentosas prolongadoras do intervalo QT potenciais (IMQT) e seus preditores clínicos e terapêuticos em idosos hospitalizados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Metodologia: Coorte retrospectiva conduzida em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto. Foram incluídos prontuários de pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos com tempo de internação mínimo de 24 h e que utilizaram dois ou mais medicamentos. O Credi-bleMeds foi utilizado para classificação dos medicamentos com risco de prolongar o intervalo QT; em seguida, o Micromedex foi acessado para identificar e classificar as interações medicamentosas. Preditores clínicos e terapêuticos das interações foram examinados a partir de um modelo de regressão logística múltiplo. Resultados: A incidência de IMQT potenciais foi de 43,9 %. Os medicamentos mais frequentemente combinados nas IMQT potenciais foram ondansetrona (25 %), quetiapina (22,5 %), amiodarona (18,6 %) e haloperidol (17,5 %). As IMQT potenciais mais frequentes foram haloperidol + ondansetrona (25,4 %) seguidas pela dupla ondansetrona + quetiapina (13,1 %). Os preditores de IMQT potenciais foram uso de polifar-mácia (p=0,002), antipsicóticos (p<0,001), antidepressivos (p< 0,001) e antiarrítmicos (p=0,002). Conclusão: A gestão das IMQT requer abordagem pautada em fatores de risco individuais e também, obrigatoriamente, em condutas genéricas relativas a exames bioquímicos, instalação de monitores cardíacos, eletrocardiogramas periódicos e uso de sistemas de alerta para IMQT.

SUMMARY Introduction: Patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, especially the elderly, are particularly exposed to drug interactions that prolong the QT interval. AIM: To determine the incidence of potential QT-prolonging drug interactions (IMQT) and their clinical and therapeutic predictors in elderly patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Methodology: Retrospective cohort conducted in an adult intensive care unit. Medical records of patients aged 60 years or older with a minimum hospital stay of 24 hours and who used two or more medications were included. CredibleMeds was used to classify drugs at risk of prolonging the QT interval; then, Micromedex was accessed to identify and classify drug interactions. Clinical and therapeutic predictors of interactions were examined using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The incidence of potential IMQT was 43.9 %. The drugs most frequently combined in potential MTMI were ondansetron (25 %), quetiapine (22.5 %), amiodarone (18.6 %) and haloperidol (17.5 %). The most frequent potential MTMI were haloperidol + ondansetron (25.4 %) followed by the dual ondansetron + quetiapine (13.1 %). Potential IMQT predictors were use of polypharmacy (p=0.002), antipsychotics (p<0.001), antidepressants (p<0.001) and antiarrhythmics (p=0.002). Conclusion: The management of IMQT requires an approach based on individual risk factors and also, necessarily, on generic conducts related to biochemical tests, installation of cardiac monitors, periodic electrocardiograms and use of warning systems for IMQT.

Introducción: Los pacientes hospitalizados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, especialmente los ancianos, están particularmente expuestos a interacciones medicamentosas que prolongan el intervalo QT. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de posibles interacciones medicamentosas prolongadoras del intervalo QT (IMQT) y sus predictores clínicos y terapéuticos en pacientes ancianos hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Cohorte retrospectiva realizada en una unidad de cuidados intensivos para adultos. Se incluyeron historias clínicas de pacientes de 60 años o más con una estancia hospitalaria mínima de 24 horas y que utilizaban dos o más medicamentos. Se utilizó CredibleMeds para clasificar los fármacos con riesgo de prolongar el intervalo QT; luego, se accedió a Micromedex para identificar y clasificar las interacciones medicamentosas. Los predictores clínicos y terapéuticos de interacciones se examinaron mediante un modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: La incidencia de IMQT potencial fue del 43,9 %. Los fármacos combinados con mayor frecuencia en posibles MTMI fueron ondansetrón (25 %), quetiapina (22,5 %), amiodarona (18,6 %) y haloperidol (17,5 %). Los MTMI potenciales más frecuentes fueron haloperidol + ondansetrón (25,4 %) seguido de ondansetrón dual + quetiapina (13,1 %). Los posibles predictores del IMQT fueron el uso de polifarmacia (p=0,002), antipsicóticos (p<0,001), antidepresivos (p<0,001) y antiarrítmicos (p=0,002). Conclusión: El manejo del IMQT requiere un abordaje basado en factores de riesgo individuales y también, obligatoriamente, en conductas genéricas relacionadas con pruebas bioquímicas, instalación de monitores cardíacos, electrocardiogramas periódicos y uso de sistemas de alerta para IMQT.

[Patterns of food consumption in riverine communities in the mid-Solimões river region - Amazonas - Brazil]. / Padrões de consumo alimentar nas comunidades ribeirinhas da região do médio rio Solimões - Amazonas - Brasil.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 492 riverine residents in the rural area of Coari (AM) to identify food patterns in the mid-Solimões river region and associated factors. Food intake was evaluated using a brief Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The association with socioeconomic variables was evaluated using generalized linear models. Four dietary patterns were identified: "vegetables" (vegetables, tubers, fruit); "Brazilian" (chicken, eggs, rice, beans); "traditional riverine" (fish, flour, milk); "meat and candies" (game and pork, candies). The "vegetable" pattern was associated with education (p = 0.001), number of rooms in the house (p = 0.005) and greater proximity to urban areas (p = 0.004). The "Brazilian" pattern was associated with the female sex (0.013), higher income (p < 0.001) and greater proximity to urban areas (p = 0.001). The "traditional riverine" pattern was associated with distance from the urban area (p < 0.001), and the "meat and candies" pattern was associated with age (p = 0.029), education (p < 0.001) and proximity to urban areas (p = 0.003). The extractive nature of riverine food intake is still present in more isolated communities, and consumption of other food items was associated with better social conditions.

Estudo transversal conduzido na zona rural de Coari (AM) com o objetivo de identificar padrões alimentares de 492 ribeirinhos da região do médio rio Solimões e fatores associados. Utilizou-se um questionário de frequência alimentar breve na avaliação do consumo alimentar. Padrões alimentares foram identificados a partir da análise de componentes principais, analisaram-se associações entre cada padrão e variáveis sociodemográficas utilizando-se modelos lineares generalizados. Identificaram-se quatro padrões alimentares: "vegetais" (vegetais, tubérculos, frutas); "brasileiro" (frango, ovos, arroz, feijão); "ribeirinho tradicional" (peixe, farinha, leite); "carnes e doces" (carnes de caça e de porco, doces). O padrão "vegetais" associou-se a escolaridade (p = 0,001), número de cômodos da residência (p = 0,005) e menor distância da área urbana (p = 0,004). O "brasileiro" associou-se a sexo feminino (p = 0,013), maior renda (p < 0,001) e menor distância da área urbana (p = 0,001). O padrão "ribeirinho tradicional" associou-se à distância da área urbana (p < 0,001), e o padrão "carnes e doces" a idade (p = 0,029), escolaridade (p < 0,001) e distância da área urbana (p = 0,003). O caráter extrativista da alimentação ribeirinha está presente nas comunidades mais isoladas, e o consumo de outros alimentos foi associado a melhores condições sociais.

Padrões de consumo alimentar nas comunidades ribeirinhas da região do médio rio Solimões - Amazonas - Brasil / Patterns of food consumption in riverine communities in the mid-Solimões river region - Amazonas - Brazil

Resumo Estudo transversal conduzido na zona rural de Coari (AM) com o objetivo de identificar padrões alimentares de 492 ribeirinhos da região do médio rio Solimões e fatores associados. Utilizou-se um questionário de frequência alimentar breve na avaliação do consumo alimentar. Padrões alimentares foram identificados a partir da análise de componentes principais, analisaram-se associações entre cada padrão e variáveis sociodemográficas utilizando-se modelos lineares generalizados. Identificaram-se quatro padrões alimentares: "vegetais" (vegetais, tubérculos, frutas); "brasileiro" (frango, ovos, arroz, feijão); "ribeirinho tradicional" (peixe, farinha, leite); "carnes e doces" (carnes de caça e de porco, doces). O padrão "vegetais" associou-se a escolaridade (p = 0,001), número de cômodos da residência (p = 0,005) e menor distância da área urbana (p = 0,004). O "brasileiro" associou-se a sexo feminino (p = 0,013), maior renda (p < 0,001) e menor distância da área urbana (p = 0,001). O padrão "ribeirinho tradicional" associou-se à distância da área urbana (p < 0,001), e o padrão "carnes e doces" a idade (p = 0,029), escolaridade (p < 0,001) e distância da área urbana (p = 0,003). O caráter extrativista da alimentação ribeirinha está presente nas comunidades mais isoladas, e o consumo de outros alimentos foi associado a melhores condições sociais.

Abstract This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 492 riverine residents in the rural area of Coari (AM) to identify food patterns in the mid-Solimões river region and associated factors. Food intake was evaluated using a brief Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The association with socioeconomic variables was evaluated using generalized linear models. Four dietary patterns were identified: "vegetables" (vegetables, tubers, fruit); "Brazilian" (chicken, eggs, rice, beans); "traditional riverine" (fish, flour, milk); "meat and candies" (game and pork, candies). The "vegetable" pattern was associated with education (p = 0.001), number of rooms in the house (p = 0.005) and greater proximity to urban areas (p = 0.004). The "Brazilian" pattern was associated with the female sex (0.013), higher income (p < 0.001) and greater proximity to urban areas (p = 0.001). The "traditional riverine" pattern was associated with distance from the urban area (p < 0.001), and the "meat and candies" pattern was associated with age (p = 0.029), education (p < 0.001) and proximity to urban areas (p = 0.003). The extractive nature of riverine food intake is still present in more isolated communities, and consumption of other food items was associated with better social conditions.

Incidence of pressure injuries and risk factors in a paediatric surgical intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors for, the occurrence of pressure injuries (PIs) in a paediatric surgical intensive care unit (ICU). METHOD: This is a prospective cohort study of 153 children in the postoperative period. Patients were assessed daily by physical examination and data were collected. All independent variables were included in a logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 2 years, and the incidence of PI was 15.7%. According to the Braden Q Scale, 58.2% of patients were at high risk of developing PI; 79.3% of PIs were related to immobility and 69.0% were at stage 1. Risk factors were ICU length of stay and the number of medical devices used. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PI was high because patients were mostly at a considerable risk of developing a PI. PI was associated with several factors, especially length of ICU stay and number of devices, both of which are indirect indicators of the severity of patient condition and healthcare costs.

In(compatibility) of intravenous drugs in critical units: adult cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze potential (in)compatibilities of intravenous drugs based on the scheduling prepared by the nursing team. METHODS: historic cohort (retrospective) with 110 adults in critical units. Intravenous medications were identified concomitantly, whose pairs were analyzed for (in) compatibility using the screening system Trissel's™ 2 Compatibility IV-Micromedex 2.0. Parametric and non-parametric statistic were used according to the nature of the variable. RESULTS: 565 pairs of drugs were identified. Of these, 44.9% were compatible; and 8.8%, potentially incompatible. Most potentially incompatible pairs involved substances with alkaline pH such as phenytoin (32%) and sodium bicarbonate (8%) and weak acids such as midazolam (12%) and dobutamine (6%), which could result in precipitate formation. CONCLUSIONS: almost half of the mixtures simultaneously administrated was compatible, which indirectly reflects in the organized work between the nursing team and the clinical pharmaceutic in the discussions and decisions related to time scheduling.

In(compatibility) of intravenous drugs in critical units: adult cohort / In(compatibilidad) de medicamentos intravenosos en unidades críticas: cohorte de adultos / In(compatibilidade) de medicamentos intravenosos em unidades críticas: coorte de adultos

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze potential (in)compatibilities of intravenous drugs based on the scheduling prepared by the nursing team. Methods: historic cohort (retrospective) with 110 adults in critical units. Intravenous medications were identified concomitantly, whose pairs were analyzed for (in) compatibility using the screening system Trissel's™ 2 Compatibility IV-Micromedex 2.0. Parametric and non-parametric statistic were used according to the nature of the variable. Results: 565 pairs of drugs were identified. Of these, 44.9% were compatible; and 8.8%, potentially incompatible. Most potentially incompatible pairs involved substances with alkaline pH such as phenytoin (32%) and sodium bicarbonate (8%) and weak acids such as midazolam (12%) and dobutamine (6%), which could result in precipitate formation. Conclusions: almost half of the mixtures simultaneously administrated was compatible, which indirectly reflects in the organized work between the nursing team and the clinical pharmaceutic in the discussions and decisions related to time scheduling.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar las (in)compatibilidades potenciales de medicamentos intravenosos basado en el aplazamiento de horarios realizado por equipo de enfermería. Métodos: cohorte histórica (retrospectiva) con 110 adultos de unidades críticas. Identificaron medicamentos intravenosos aplazados de modo concomitante, cuyas duplas han analizadas cuanto a la (in)compatibilidad por medio del sistema de screening Trissel's™ 2 Compatibility IV-Micromedex 2.0. Utilizó estadística paramétrica y no paramétrica segundo naturaleza de la variable. Resultados: identificaron 565 duplas de medicamentos. De estas, 44,9% compatibles; y 8,8%, potencialmente incompatibles. Mayoría de las duplas potencialmente incompatibles envolvió substancias con pH alcalino como fenitoína (32%) y bicarbonato de sodio (8%) y ácidos débiles como midazolam (12%) y dobutamina (6%), las cuales podrían resultar en precipitación. Conclusiones: casi mitad de las misturas aplazadas simultáneamente fue compatible, aspecto que, indirectamente, refleja el trabajo orquestado entre el equipo de enfermería y el farmacéutico clínico en las discusiones y decisiones acerca del aplazamiento de horarios.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as (in)compatibilidades potenciais de medicamentos intravenosos com base no aprazamento de horários realizado pela equipe de enfermagem. Métodos: coorte histórica (retrospectiva) com 110 adultos de unidades críticas. Identificaram-se medicamentos intravenosos aprazados de modo concomitante, cujas duplas foram analisadas quanto à (in)compatibilidade por meio do sistema de screening Trissel's™ 2 Compatibility IV-Micromedex 2.0. Utilizou-se estatística paramétrica e não paramétrica segundo natureza da variável. Resultados: identificaram-se 565 duplas de medicamentos. Destas, 44,9% foram compatíveis; e 8,8%, potencialmente incompatíveis. A maioria das duplas potencialmente incompatíveis envolveu substâncias com pH alcalino como fenitoína (32%) e bicarbonato de sódio (8%) e ácidos fracos como midazolam (12%) e dobutamina (6%), as quais poderiam resultar em precipitação. Conclusões: quase metade das misturas aprazadas simultaneamente foi compatível, aspecto que, indiretamente, reflete o trabalho orquestrado entre a equipe de enfermagem e o farmacêutico clínico nas discussões e decisões acerca do aprazamento de horários.

Self-medication practices in riverside communities in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the practice of self-medication and the associated factors in the riverside population of the Middle Solimões river region - Amazon rainforest. METHODS: a cross-sectional population-based study conducted between April and July 2015, through interviews at home. RESULTS: the prevalence of self-medication among the riverside population was 76.3%. Analgesics and antibacterials were the main therapeutic classes used in self-medication. Self-medication proved to be associated with the male gender, young people, not having sought the health service in the last month, longer commuting from the community to the urban area and the habit of consuming allopathic medicines on their own. CONCLUSIONS: self-medication among the riverside population of Coari - Amazon may reflect the need to seek self-care by people, with the use of allopathic medicines without prescription, mainly due to the restricted access to health services.

Nonadherence to treatment recommendations is a factor contributing to the clinical failure of daptomycin: Cohort study in Brazil

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of daptomycin therapy and adherence to treatment recommendations, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients that received daptomycin during the period of the study. The adherence and nonadherence to clinical guidelines were assessed through organism identification, dose and time of treatment, management of bacteremia, and vancomycin treatment failure. A multiple logistic regression model analyzed the association between independent variables and clinical success (dependent variable), considering 5% of statistical significance. The study presented 52 patients who received daptomycin for the treatment of bacteremia (21.1%) or infections (osteomyelitis [63.5%], synovial fluid [15.4%]). Most patients (86.5%) received daptomycin as the second line of treatment, and 51.9% achieved clinical success. The patients had a better chance of clinical success when they followed the guideline indications (OR = 16.86; 95% CI = 1.45-195.88) and the medication was prescribed by a specialist in infectious diseases (OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 1.11-21.09). The study demonstrated lower clinical success than that described in the literature because of patients who were not eligible according to the clinical guidelines. Adherence to recommendations and appropriate prescription of reserve antibiotics is important in limiting early resistance, and avoiding clinical failure and unnecessary expenditure.

Self-medication practices in riverside communities in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest / Prácticas de automedicación en las comunidades de ribereña en la Amazonía brasileña / Práticas de automedicação em comunidades ribeirinhas na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the practice of self-medication and the associated factors in the riverside population of the Middle Solimões river region - Amazon rainforest. Methods: a cross-sectional population-based study conducted between April and July 2015, through interviews at home. Results: the prevalence of self-medication among the riverside population was 76.3%. Analgesics and antibacterials were the main therapeutic classes used in self-medication. Self-medication proved to be associated with the male gender, young people, not having sought the health service in the last month, longer commuting from the community to the urban area and the habit of consuming allopathic medicines on their own. Conclusions: self-medication among the riverside population of Coari - Amazon may reflect the need to seek self-care by people, with the use of allopathic medicines without prescription, mainly due to the restricted access to health services.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la práctica de la automedicación y los factores asociados en la población ribereña de la región de Solimões Medio - Amazonas. Métodos: estudio transversal basado en la población realizado entre abril y julio de 2015, a través de entrevistas en el hogar. Resultados: la prevalencia de la automedicación entre los habitantes de la ribera fue del 76,3%. Los analgésicos y los antibacterianos fueron las principales clases terapéuticas utilizadas en la automedicación. Se demostró que la automedicación estaba asociada con el género masculino, los jóvenes, que no habían buscado el servicio de salud en el último mes, el mayor tiempo de viaje al área urbana y el hábito de consumir medicamentos alopáticos por su cuenta. Conclusiones: automedicación entre la población ribereña de Coari - Amazonas puede reflejar la necesidad de buscar el autocuidado de las personas, con el uso de medicamentos alopáticos sin receta, principalmente debido al acceso restringido a los servicios de salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a prática de automedicação e os fatores associados na população ribeirinha da região do Médio Solimões - Amazonas. Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional realizado entre abril a julho de 2015, por meio de entrevistas em domicílio. Resultados: a prevalência da automedicação entre os ribeirinhos foi de 76,3%. Analgésicos e antibacterianos foram as principais classes terapêuticas consumidas na prática de automedicação. A automedicação mostrou-se associada ao sexo masculino, jovens, não ter procurado pelo serviço de saúde no último mês, maior tempo de deslocamento da comunidade à zona urbana e o hábito de consumo de medicamentos alopáticos por conta própria. Conclusões: a automedicação entre a população ribeirinha de Coari - Amazonas pode refletir a necessidade de busca do autocuidado pelas pessoas, com o uso de medicamentos alopáticos sem prescrição, sobretudo decorrente do restrito acesso aos serviços de saúde.

Cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment for inpatients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: a systematic review of economic evidence.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy for patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. INTRODUCTION: Among the main multi-resistant microorganisms, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is responsible for the mortality of 40% of patients following 30 days of infection. Treatment for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection entails the use of high-cost antimicrobials. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials can increase the cost of treatment fourfold. This review aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy treatment for patients with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection to better inform decision making in hospital services. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The review included studies on participants 18 years or over with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection who had undergone antimicrobial therapy in hospital and acute care services. Studies that compared the cost-effectiveness of different antimicrobial therapy for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection were included. Outcome measures were cost per unit of effect expressed in clinical outcome units; this included cost per avoided death, cost per prevention of sepsis and cost per duration of stay. Economic studies with a cost-effectiveness design were considered, as well as modeling studies. METHODS: A three-step search strategy was utilized to locate studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, with no date restrictions. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and the full texts of potentially relevant studies for eligibility. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for economic evaluations. Data were extracted from included studies using the standardized JBI data extraction tool. Data were synthesized using narrative, tables and the JBI Dominance Ranking Matrix. RESULTS: This review identified eight studies that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different treatments for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection. The results of this study demonstrated that there was no gold standard treatment for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection, hence treatment was generally directed by colonization pressure and resistance profiles. Furthermore, due to the moderate quality and limited number of studies, there was high uncertainty of the values of the cost-effectiveness ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Ofloxacin appears to be the most cost-effective treatment; however, conclusions are limited due to the small number and low quality of studies.

Economic burden of inpatients infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct medical costs of drug therapy of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) infection patients in hospital-based context. METHODS: A cost-of-illness study conducted with a prospective cohort design with hospitalized adults infected by KPC. Data collection was performed using an instrument composed of sociodemographic data, clinical and prescription medication. Estimates of the direct costs associated to each treatment were derived from the payer's perspective, in the case of federal public hospitals from Brazil, and included only drug costs. These costs were based on the average price available at the Brazilian Price Database Health. No discount rate was used for the cost of drugs. The costs are calculate in American Dollar (US$). RESULTS: A total of 120 inpatients participated of this study. The total drug cost of these inpatients was US$ 367,680.85. The systemic antimicrobial group was responsible for 59.5% of total costs. The direct drug cost per patients infected by KPC was conservatively estimated at nearly US$ 4,100.00, and about of 60% of costs occurred during the period of infection. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study indicate a thoughtful economic hazard posed by KPC that all healthcare sectors have to face. The increasing worldwide incidence of these bacteria represents a growing burden that most health systems are unable to deal with. There is an imperative need to develop protocols and new antimicrobials to treatment of KPC, aiming to rearrange resources to increase the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Nursing Activities Score and the cost of nursing care required and available.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost of nursing care required and available through the use of the Nursing Activities Score. METHOD: Quantitative study, direct costing of nursing care required and available in the Intensive Care Units. Data collection included variables of the patients, nursing professionals and nursing workload measured by the Nursing Activities Score. The cost of nursing care was estimated by multiplying the cost of each hour with the total number of hours of care per category. RESULTS: The negative difference of R$ 94,791.5 between the cost of available and required nursing care indicated an increase of 3.2 nurses and 7.0 nursing technicians. CONCLUSION: The cost of nursing care required identified through the application of the Nursing Activities Score, which is higher than the cost of available care, indicates the need to adjust the number of professionals to meet patients' demands.

Survival of the elderly and exposition to polypharmacy in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: SABE Study. / Sobrevida de idosos e exposição à polifarmácia no município de São Paulo: Estudo SABE.

INTRODUCTION: The use of polypharmacy may be due to the concomitant presence of chronic conditions, medical care by several doctors simultaneously and self-medication. Combined with the vulnerability of the elderly to the effects of drugs due to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, polypharmacy makes this population more susceptible to adverse outcomes. In Brazil, studies show that polypharmacy is a common problem among elderly people. However, few information is available on the association between polypharmacy and mortality. OBJECTIVE: It was assessed the survival of the elderly from São Paulo city exposed to the use of polypharmacy (five or more medications). METHODS: That was a population-based cohort, the Health, Well-Being and Aging Study (SABE Study), conducted from 2006 to 2010. The sample was composed of 1,258 individuals aged 60 years or more. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional risks model were used to examine the association between polypharmacy and mortality. RESULTS: The probability of survival after five years of the users of polypharmacy at baseline was 77.2%, while among the non-users was 85.5%. Polypharmacy remained as a risk factor for death even after adjustment in other conditions associated with mortality, such as age, gender, income, chronic diseases and hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The results point polypharmacy as an indicator of mortality in elderly people. The use of multiple medications by the elderly should be carefully assessed to avoid or minimize the damage to this population.

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de polifarmácia pode ser resultante da presença concomitante de condições crônicas, atendimento por diversos médicos e automedicação. Combinada com a vulnerabilidade de idosos aos efeitos dos medicamentos devido a alterações farmacocinéticas e farmacodinâmicas, a polifarmácia torna essa população mais suscetível a desfechos adversos. No Brasil, estudos mostram que a polifarmácia é um problema frequente entre idosos, mas faltam informações sobre sua associação com mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sobrevida de idosos do município de São Paulo expostos ao uso de polifarmácia (cinco ou mais medicamentos). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma coorte de base populacional, o Estudo Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (Sabe), da qual se pesquisou o seguimento de 2006 a 2010. A amostra foi composta por 1.258 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. O método de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox foram usados para examinar a associação entre mortalidade e polifarmácia. RESULTADOS: A probabilidade de sobrevida após cinco anos dos indivíduos usuários de polifarmácia na linha de base foi de 77,2%, enquanto nos não usuários foi de 85,5%. Apolifarmácia permaneceu como fator de risco para óbito mesmo após ajuste de demais condições associadas à mortalidade, como idade, sexo, renda, doenças crônicas e internação hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apontam para a polifarmácia como um preditor de mortalidade para pessoas idosas. O uso de múltiplos medicamentos por idosos deve ser cuidadosamente avaliado para evitar ou minimizar danos a essa população.

Self-medication practice trend among the Brazilian elderly between 2006 and 2010: SABE Study. / Tendência da prática de automedicação entre idosos brasileiros entre 2006 e 2010: Estudo SABE.

INTRODUCTION: Self-medication involves the concept of the spontaneous search by the individual for some drug that he or she considers appropriate to solve a health problem. Self-medication practice is little explored by the elderly according to other studies based in population data. OBJECTIVE: To examine the trends in self-medication practice among the Brazilian elderly between 2006 and 2010. METHODS: This is a population-based study whose data were obtained from the Health, Well-being and Ageing Study (SABE Study). Thesample consisted of 1,257 elderly people in 2006 and 865 in 2010, who used drugs. RESULTS: The findings showed self-medication reduction from 42.3% in 2006 to 18.2% in 2010. In both periods, predominant utilized therapeutic classes were those acting on the nervous system (27.9% in 2006, and 29.6% in 2010) and on the alimentary tract and metabolism (25.5% in 2006, and 35.9% in 2010). The most commonly used medicines in 2006 and 2010 were analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins. There was a tendency to decrease the use of potentially inappropriate medicines between 2006 (26.4%) and 2010 (18.1%). The elderly themselves were the main responsible for the decision about the drug use in 2006 (62.5%) and 2010 (66.5%). CONCLUSION: Theextent of self-medication practice among the elderly who participated in the study decreased between 2006 and 2010, but the use of medicines that offer risks to health was still reported. Thus, the findings reinforce the importance of monitoring, evaluating, and continuously educating the elderly about risks and benefits of drug consumption, particularly over-the-counter medicines.

INTRODUÇÃO: Automedicação retrata o princípio do próprio indivíduo buscar espontaneamente por algum medicamento que considere adequado para resolver um problema de saúde. Essa prática é ainda pouco explorada entre idosos de acordo com outros estudos baseados em dados populacionais. Objetivo: Examinar as tendências da prática de automedicação dos idosos do Estudo SABE entre 2006 e 2010. MÉTODO: Estudode base populacional cujos dados foram obtidos do Estudo Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE). Aamostra de 2006 foi constituída de 1.258 idosos e a de 2010, de 865 idosos que utilizaram medicamentos. RESULTADOS: Observou-se redução da automedicação de 42,3% em 2006 para 18,2% em 2010. Em ambos os períodos, as classes terapêuticas predominantes foram as dos medicamentos com ação no sistema nervoso (27,9% em 2006 e 29,6% em 2010) e trato alimentar e metabolismo (25,5% em 2006 e 35,9% em 2010). Entreos medicamentos mais usados nos anos de 2006 e 2010 estão os analgésicos/anti-inflamatórios e vitaminas. Houve tendência a declínio da utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados entre 2006 (26,4%) e 2010 (18,1%). Oidoso foi o principal responsável pela indicação da automedicação em 2006 (65,2%) e 2010 (66,5%). CONCLUSÃO: A extensão da prática de automedicação nos idosos do SABE apresentou redução entre 2006 e 2010, porém o emprego de medicamentos que oferecem risco à saúde ainda foi relatado. Desse modo, os achados reforçam a importância de monitorar, avaliar e educar continuamente os idosos acerca dos riscos e benefícios do consumo de medicamentos, sobretudo daqueles isentos de prescrição.