Chronic benzodiazepine usage among older people: prevalence, indications, and treatment modifications in patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit.
Eur Geriatr Med
; 15(2): 539-543, 2024 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38214865
ABSTRACT
AIM:
To investigate the prevalence and indications of benzodiazepines (BZD) usage among patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit and assess changes in prescriptions.METHODS:
BZD indications were documented reviewing clinical records, with appropriateness assessed based on the STOPP-START criteria. Changes in BZD prescriptions were recorded at discharge and 3 months later.RESULTS:
Among the 366 patients included (mean age 92.8 years, 68% females), 91 (24.9%) were on BZD upon admission, being inappropriate in 93.4%. At discharge, BZD discontinuation was observed in 40.7% and dose reduction initiated in 57.4%. Among patients discharged without prescriptions, 10.8% resumed their use at 3 months. Of those discharged with BZD tapering, 74.1% were still on them 3 months later.CONCLUSIONS:
The majority of patients employing BZD lacked a medical indication. Admission to a geriatric ward resulted in successful discontinuation or dose reduction for most patients but was not maintained in the outpatient setting.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Benzodiazepinas
/
Hospitalização
Tipo de estudo:
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur Geriatr Med
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Espanha