Polifarmácia, medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e a vulnerabilidade de pessoas idosas / Polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, and the vulnerability of older adults

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a frequência de polifarmácia e prescrição de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI) segundo os Critérios de Beers e CBMPI em pessoas idosas com vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal onde analisou-se os prontuários de 496 participantes com 60 anos ou mais, atendidos em primeira consulta em uma Policlínica Gerontológica. Os dados sociodemográficos, medicamentos, e o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional 20 (IVCF-20) e quedas foram extraídos dos prontuários. A polifarmácia foi definida como o uso simultâneo de cinco ou mais medicamentos. Os participantes foram classificados em três grupos: robusto, em risco e vulnerável. Resultados A análise demonstrou que 69 (13,91%) dos participantes faziam uso de polifarmácia. Entre os usuários de polifarmácia, 40 (57,97%) faziam uso de pelo menos um MPI. Os MPIs mais encontrados foram a glibenclamida e o omeprazol, respectivamente. Pessoas idosas com vulnerabilidade apresentaram um risco três vezes maior de apresentar polifarmácia (RP 3,59; IC95% 2,109-6,092). Conclusão O uso de polifarmácia e MPI neste estudo estavam associados à vulnerabilidade da pessoa idosa, reforçando a necessidade de avaliação criteriosa de prescrições medicamentosas para essa população.

Abstract Objective To analyze the frequency of polypharmacy and the prescription of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) according to the Beers Criteria and CBMPI in older adults with clinical-functional vulnerability. Method This is a cross-sectional study where the medical records of 496 participants aged 60 and older, seen in their first appointment at a Gerontological Polyclinic, were analyzed. Sociodemographic data, medications, the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20), and falls were extracted from the medical records. Polypharmacy was defined as the simultaneous use of five or more medications. Participants were classified into three groups: robust, at risk, and vulnerable. Results The analysis revealed that 69 (13.91%) participants were using polypharmacy. Among polypharmacy users, 40 (57.97%) were using at least one PIM. The most commonly found PIM were glibenclamide and omeprazole, respectively. Older adults with vulnerability were three times more likely to have polypharmacy (OR 3.59; 95% CI 2.109-6.092). Conclusion The use of polypharmacy and PIM in this study was associated with the vulnerability of older adults, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of medication prescriptions for this population.

Aspectos farmacológicos y adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes VIH

Introducción: La adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico favorece la supresión viral y reduce la resistencia a la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad a largo plazo. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre los aspectos farmacológicos y la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral de una IPS colombiana. Metodología: Estudio analítico transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH en tratamiento antirretroviral entre los años 2012 a 2020. Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria múltiple con fines explicativos. Resultados: Se analizaron 9835 pacientes donde la proporción de adherencia fue de 90 % y en el modelo ajustado se evaluó su relación con los antecedentes de no adherencia (ORa:0,52 IC95 °/o:0,40-0,66), grupo farmacológico (2 ITIAN + 1 IP u otro) (ORa:1,22 IC95 %:0,99-1,76), dos tomas al día (ORa:1,02 IC95 %:0,74-1,40), unidades al día (≥ 3) (ORa:0,69 IC95 %:0,47-1,02), reacciones adversas a medicamentos (ORa:0,56 IC95 °%:0,40-0,78), polimedicación (ORa:1,36 IC95 %:1,00-1,85), tiempo TAR (1 a 2 años) (ORa:1,63 IC95 %:1,27-2,09),tiempo TAR (6 a 12 meses) (ORa:1,66 IC95 %:1,27-2,18), tiempo TAR (<6 meses) (ORa:1,36 IC95 %:1,03-1,78), tasa de reclamación de los medicamentos (ORa:0,42 IC95 %:0,32-0,55) y antecedentes PRUM (ORa:0,11 IC95 %:0,09-0,14). Discusión: La proporción de adherencia obtenida es superior a lo descrito para otros países (entre 60-77 %); sin embargo se encuentra que los hallazgos correspondientes al efecto de las variables farmacológicas analizadas son acordes a lo descrito en estudios previos en el tema Conclusión: Los antecedentes de no adherencia, reacciones adversas, tasa de reclamación de los medicamentos y antecedentes de problemas relacionados con el uso de medicamentos son aspectos que reducen la probabilidad de adherencia; mientras que el mayor tiempo de uso del tratamiento aumenta la misma.

Introduction: Adherence to drug treatment promotes viral suppression and reduces long-term resistance to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Objective: To determine the relationship between the pharmacological aspects and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in a Colombian IPS. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study in patients with HIV on antiretroviral treatment between 2012 and 2020. A multiple binary logistic regression model was used for explanatory purposes. Results: A total of 9,835 patients were analyzed where the proportion of adherence was 90 % and in the adjusted model its relationship with history of non-adherence was assessed (ORa: 0,52 95 % CI: 0,40-0,66), pharmacological group (2 NRTI + 1 PI or other) (ORa: 1,22 95 % CI: 0,99-1,76), two doses per day (ORa: 1,02 95 % CI: 0,74-1,40), units per day (≥ 3 ) (ORa: 0,69 95 % CI: 0,47-1,02), adverse drug reactions (ORa: 0,56 95 % CI: 0,40-0,78), polypharmacy (ORa: 1,36 95 % CI : 1,00-1,85), ART time (1 to 2 years) (ORa: 1,63 95 % CI: 1,27-2,09), ART time (6 to 12 months) (ORa: 1,66 95 % CI: 1,27-2,18), ART time (<6 months) (ORa: 1,36 95 % CI: 1,03-1,78), inconsistency in the claim (ORa: 0,42 95 % CI: 0,32-0,55) and PRUM history (ORa: 0,11 95 % CI: 0,09-0,14). Discussion: The proportion of adherence obtained is higher than that described for other countries (between 60-77 %); however, the findings corresponding to the effect of the pharmacological variables analysed are in line with those described in previous studies on the subject. Conclusion: The history of non-adherence, adverse reactions, inconsistencies in the claim fill history and problems related to the use of medications are aspects that reduce the probability of adherence. While the longer time of use of the treatment increases adherence.

Síndromes geriátricos y abandono

Fundamento: el abandono en la vejez es un condicionante de muchos trastornos de salud y constituye en mayor medida una condición de gran incidencia a nivel mundial. Objetivo: comparar los síndromes geriátricos y el abandono en pacientes adultos mayores. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, analítico y correlacional, en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 33 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de Tabasco. La muestra se conformó con 203 pacientes de 60 años y más, que acudieron a consulta de Medicina Familiar y Atención Médica Continua. Se aplicaron 3 instrumentos: la escala de Pfeiffer, el International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form, la Escala de Percepción de Abandono del Adulto Mayor y se interrogó sobre el consumo de medicamentos prescritos y automedicados. Resultados: existió relación entre los síndromes geriátricos y el abandono, como se comprobó en la correlación entre las variables analizadas. El deterioro cognitivo leve, moderado y severo, se encontró en bajas proporciones. El 40,7 % de los pacientes aceptó tener incontinencia urinaria. La presencia de polifarmacia se encontró en altas proporciones. Conclusiones: los síndromes geriátricos presentes en el estudio fueron: deterioro cognitivo, polifarmacia e incontinencia urinaria, más la presencia de ser soltero, viudo o divorciado muestran una relación significativa para sufrir abandono.

Foundation: abandonment in old age is a condition of many health disorders and is, to a greater extent, a condition of high incidence worldwide. Objective: to compare geriatric syndromes and abandonment in older adult patients. Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical and correlational study was carried out in the Family Medicine Unit No. 33 of the Mexican Social Security Institute of Tabasco. The sample was made up of 203 patients aged 60 and over, who attended Family Medicine and Continuing Medical Care consultations. Three instruments were applied: the Pfeiffer scale, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form, the Perception of Abandonment Scale for the Elderly, and questions were asked about the consumption of prescribed and self-medicated medications. Results: there is a relationship between geriatric syndromes and abandonment, as verified in the correlation between the variables analyzed. Mild, moderate and severe cognitive impairment was found in low proportions. 40.7 % of the patients accepted having urinary incontinence. The presence of polypharmacy was found in high proportions. Conclusions: the geriatric syndromes present in the study such as: cognitive impairment, polypharmacy and urinary incontinence, plus the presence of being single, widowed or divorced show a significant relationship to suffering abandonment.

Perfil medicamentoso e frequência de polifarmácia em idosos de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde / Drug profile and frequency of polypharmacy in elderly people in a Primary Care Unit / Perfil farmacológico y frecuencia de polifarmacia en ancianos en una Unidad Básica de Salud

Objetivo: identificar o perfil medicamentoso e a frequência de polifarmácia em idosos cadastrados e que fazem acompanhamento em uma unidade básica de saúde. Método: estudo observacional e retrospectivo, realizado em uma unidade básica de saúde de um município do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. Foi realizada amostragem aleatória e estratificada para coleta de dados de prontuários físicos e eletrônicos de idosos atendidos nos anos de 2019 e 2020, analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: entre 448 prontuários foram analisados, porém somente 208 (46,4%) foram válidos. Os medicamentos mais prescritos foram losartana (n=72; 34,6%), sinvastatina (n=60; 28,8%) e metformina (n=51; 24,5%). Observou-se 24,0% de frequência de polifarmácia (n=51), maior frequência de mulheres (n=42; 30,2%) e com significativa associação com diabetes mellitus (p=0,034). Conclusão: a polifarmárcia foi detectada, mais presente nas mulheres, sendo que medicamentos mais utilizados foram relacionados à hipertensão arterial, dislipidemias e diabetes mellitus. Destaca-se a incompletude de informações nos prontuários analisados.

Objective: to identify the medication profile and frequency of polypharmacy in registered elderly people who are followed up at a primary care unit. Method: observational and retrospective study, carried out in a primary care unit in a municipality in Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. Random and stratified sampling was carried out to collect data from the physical and electronic medical records of the elderly assisted in the years 2019 and 2020, analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: among 448 medical records analyzed, 208 (46.4%) were considered valid for inclusion in the study. The most prescribed drugs were losartan (n=72; 34.6%), simvastatin (n=60; 28.8%) and metformin (n=51; 24.5%). There was a 24.0% frequency of polypharmacy (n=51), a higher frequency of wome (n=42; 30.2%) and with a significant association with diabetes mellitus (p=0.034). Conclusion: polypharmacy was detected, more present in women, and the most used drugs were related to arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The incompleteness of information in the analyzed medical records stands out. Descriptors: Health of the Elderly; Aged; Primary Health Care; Polypharmacy.

Objetivo: identificar el perfil farmacológico y frecuencia de polifarmacia en ancianos registrados en seguimiento en una unidad básica de salud. Método: estudio observacional y retrospectivo, realizado en una unidad básica de salud de un municipio del Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio y estratificado para recolectar datos de las historias clínicas físicas y electrónicas de los ancianos atendidos en los años 2019 y 2020, analizados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: de 448 historias clínicas analizadas, 208 (46,4%) fueron consideradas válidas para su inclusión en el estudio. Los fármacos más prescritos fueron Losartán (n=72; 34,6%), Simvastatina (n=60; 28,8%) y Metformina (n=51; 24,5%). La frecuencia de polifarmacia estuvo en el 24,0% (n=51), mayor frecuencia de mujeres (n=42; 30,2%) y con asociación significativa con diabetes mellitus (p=0,034). Conclusión: se detectó la polifarmacia, más presente en las mujeres; los fármacos más utilizados estuvieron relacionados con hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia y diabetes mellitus. Se destaca la incompletitud de la información en las historias clínicas analizadas.

La medicalización de los servicios de salud y la publicidad masiva de medicamentos en la automedicación y la polifarmacia

La medicalización de los servicios de salud y la publicidad masiva de medicamentos en la automedicación y la polifarmacia son temas relevantes de interés mundial. Se encuentran vinculados a la calidad de vida, el deterioro de la salud, la funcionalidad, la autonomía y los actuales modelos económicos y de salud pública. Estos mal manejados perpetúan un círculo perjudicial que trasciende las políticas públicas, las naciones y la sociedad en su conjunto. Ambos modifican el pronóstico de las enfermedades de base (transmisibles o no transmisibles), las comorbilidades, y los procesos farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos, cambian su índice terapéutico, y su relación entre las concentraciones para producir efectos terapéuticos o tóxicos. Ejemplos como la insuficiencia renal atribuida al consumo frecuente de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y la suspensión de metformina en personas adultas mayores con un filtrado glomerular < 30 ml/min o la presencia de comorbilidades.

The medicalization of health services and the massive advertising of drugs in self-medication and polypharmacy are relevant issues of global interest. They are linked to the quality of life, deterioration of health and current autonomy of the economic and public health models. The medicalization of poorly managed services perpetuates a harmful circle that transcends public policies, modifying the prognosis of underlying communicable and non-communicable diseases, comorbidities, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. As a result of these problems, alterations appear in the therapeutic index and its relationship between concentrations to produce therapeutic or toxic effects. This global problem of polypharmacy in public health mainly affects the elderly.

A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Due to easy availability and high prevalence of chronic diseases, an increased number of drugs are being prescribed per family. It is important to ensure patients are aware of appropriate storage requirements to prevent negative health and economic consequences. Aim and Objectives: (1) To identify drug storage habits of patients (2) To evaluate the awareness of patients regarding appropriate storage conditions. (3) To identify potential harmful usage patterns of stored drugs in the household. Materials and Methods: This is a survey-based study among 100 patients attending the medicine outpatient department (OPD). A pre-validated questionnaire was given to the participants and response was collected and analyzed. Results: All participants reported storage of medications at home. An average of 3.42 ± 1.8 drugs were stored at home. Future use (50%) was the most common reason for storing medications. Analgesics (35%), cardiovascular medications (35%), and antibiotics were the most common drug groups to be stored. Bedroom cabinets and drawers were the most common storage location. Only 25% of participants were aware that drugs had specific storage requirements. Most participants (85%) could not read or understand the label present on drug formulations. Conclusion: Awareness of appropriate home storage conditions for medications remains low. This presents an opportunity for health-care providers and workers to better communicate storage instructions. Understanding patient behavior in this regard may lead to better health outcomes

Heart Smart Diabetes Care

The world is growing smarter day by day, and so is health care. In spite of innumerable inventions and tech-tools, however, we struggle to contain chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. We need to work together and design a rational, scientific and socially sustainable Heart Smart diabetes care ecosystem, with Heart Smart management strategies, to ensure happiness and harmony in persons who live with diabetes.

Polifarmacia en pacientes mayores de 60 años en la Atención Primaria / Polypharmacy in patients over 60 years of age in primary health care

Los pacientes de la tercera edad conforman el grupo etario más medicado de la sociedad, principalmente por el incremento de la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas, y por presentar tres características principales que lo diferencian de otros grupos de edad: polienfermedad, polifarmacia y cambios fisiológicos relacionados con el envejecimiento. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la presencia de polifarmacia y las asociaciones de fármacos sugerentes de posibles interacciones medicamentosas potenciales, en el adulto mayor en un Consultorio Médico vinculado a la Farmacia Principal Municipal de Santa Clara.

Elderly patients make up the most medicated age group in society, mainly due to the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and because they have three main characteristics that differentiate them from other age groups: polypathology, polypharmacy and physiological changes related to aging. The objective of this research was to characterize the presence of polypharmacy and the associations of drugs suggestive of possible potential drug interactions in the elderly from a doctor's office linked to the Main Municipal Pharmacy of Santa Clara.

Clinical value of Hospital Admission Risk Profile (HARP) and the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) scales to predict hospital-associated functional decline in an acute geriatric unit in Colombia

Background: Older adults admitted to a hospital for acute illness are at higher risk of hospital-associated functional decline during stays and after discharge. Objective: This study aimed to assess the calibration and discriminative abilities of the Hospital Admission Risk Profile (HARP) and the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) scales as predictors of hospital-associated functional decline at discharge in a cohort of patients older than age 65 receiving management in an acute geriatric care unit in Colombia. Methods: This study is an external validation of ISAR and HARP prediction models in a cohort of patients over 65 years managed in an acute geriatric care unit. The study included patients with Barthel index measured at admission and discharge. The evaluation discriminate ability and calibration, two fundamental aspects of the scales. Results: Of 833 patients evaluated, 363 (43.6%) presented hospital-associated functional decline at discharge. The HARP underestimated the risk of hospital-associated functional decline for patients in low- and intermediate-risk categories (relation between observed/expected events (ROE) 1.82 and 1.51, respectively). The HARP overestimated the risk of hospital-associated functional decline for patients in the high-risk category (ROE 0.91). The ISAR underestimated the risk of hospital-associated functional decline for patients in low- and high-risk categories (ROE 1.59 and 1.11). Both scales showed poor discriminative ability, with an area under the curve (AUC) between 0.55 and 0.60. Conclusions: This study found that HARP and ISAR scales have limited discriminative ability to predict HAFD at discharge. The HARP and ISAR scales should be used cautiously in the Colombian population since they underestimate the risk of hospital-associated functional decline and have low discriminative ability.

Antecedentes: los adultos mayores ingresados en un hospital por una enfermedad aguda tienen un mayor riesgo de deterioro functional hospitalario durante su estancia y después del alta. Objetivo: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las capacidades de calibración y discriminación de las escalas Hospital Admission Risk Profile (HARP) e Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) como predictores de deterioro funcional hospitalario al alta en una cohorte de pacientes mayores de 65 años que recibieron manejo en una unidad geriátrica de agudos en Colombia. Métodos: este estudio es una validación externa de los modelos de predicción ISAR y HARP en una cohorte de pacientes mayores de 65 años atendidos en una unidad geriátrica de agudos. El estudio incluyó pacientes con índice de Barthel medido al ingreso y al alta y la evaluación de la capacidad de discriminación y calibración, dos aspectos fundamentales para esta medición. Resultados: de 833 pacientes evaluados, 363 (43.6%) presentaron deterioro funcional hospitalario al momento del alta. La escala HARP subestimó el riesgo de deterioro funcional hospitalario para los pacientes en las categorías de riesgo bajo e intermedio (relación entre eventos observados /esperados (ROE) 1.82 y 1.51, respectivamente). El HARP sobrestimó el riesgo de deterioro funcional hospitalario para pacientes en la categoría de alto riesgo (ROE 0.91). El ISAR subestimó el riesgo de deterioro hospitalario para pacientes en categorías de bajo y alto riesgo (ROE 1.59 y 1.11). Ambas escalas mostraron una pobre capacidad de discriminación, con un área bajo la curva (AUC) entre 0.55 y 0.60. Conclusiones: este estudio encontró que las escalas HARP e ISAR tienen una capacidad de discriminación limitada para predecir deterioro funcional hospitalario al alta. Las escalas HARP e ISAR deben usarse con cautela en la población colombiana ya que subestiman el riesgo de deterioro funcional hospitalario y tienen baja capacidad de discriminación.

Polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions in adult outpatients receiving cardiovascular drugs

Background: The prevalence of polypharmacy is rising and is particularly relevant to cardiovascular diseases. Assessing the extent of polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) is an essential first step in improving safe and rational use of drugs. Aims and Objective: This study aims to study the frequency of polypharmacy and pDDI in adult outpatients receiving cardiovascular drugs. Materials and Methods: Prescriptions of all adult outpatients receiving at least one cardiovascular drug were considered for the study. A total of 2027 prescriptions were analyzed for estimating rate of polypharmacy. Out of these, 335 randomly selected prescriptions were analyzed with the help of an online drug interaction checker software for estimating rate of pDDIs, commonly involved drug pairs and severity of pDDI. Results: The rate of polypharmacy in cardiac outpatients was 56.93% and that of pDDI was 78.81%. The commonly involved drugs in interactions were amlodipine, atenolol, calcium carbonate, atorvastatin, metformin, furosemide, and aspirin. One-third of pDDIs were categorized to be of minor severity while half of the pDDIs belonged to monitor closely category. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and pDDI are common in cardiac outpatients.

Polifarmácia e adesão medicamentosa em idosos no âmbito da atenção básica de saúde: estudo transversal / Polypharmacy and drug adherence in the elderly in the context of primary health care: cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a adesão medicamentosa em idosos que fazem o uso de polifarmácia no âmbito da Atenção Básica. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de caráter quantitativo. A amostra foi constituída por 231 idosos. RESULTADOS: Dos 231 idosos que participaram do estudo 36,4% eram do sexo masculino e 63,6% do sexo feminino. A média de idade observada foi de 73,4 (± 8,7) anos. Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis "sexo", "quantidade de medicamentos" e "possui cuidador". Ademais, observou-se a correlação estatística positiva entre a idade e a quantidade de medicamentos utilizada pelo idoso. A prevalência de polifarmácia identificada foi de 16,0%. A maior parte dos usuários de múltiplos fármacos apresentaram adesão ao tratamento (86,5%). CONCLUSÃO: Presume-se a necessidade de uma maior investigação da relação entre o cuidador e a quantidade medicamentos utilizados pelos idosos, além da capacitação profissional para o manejo da polifarmácia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drug adherence in elderly people who use polypharmacy in the context of primary care. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of quantitative character. The sample consisted of 231 elderly. RESULTS: Of the 231 elderly who participated in the study, 36.4% were male and 63.6% were female. The mean age observed was 73.4 (± 8.7) years. There was a statistically significant difference among the variables "sex", "quantity of drugs" and "has caregiver". In addition, a positive statistical correlation was observed between age and the amount of drugs used by the elderly. The prevalence of polypharmacy identified was 16.0%. Most users of multiple drugs showed adherence to treatment (86.5%). CONCLUSION: It is assumed the need for a greater investigation of the relationship between the caregiver and the amount of medicines used by the elderly, in addition to professional training for the management of polypharmacy.

Heart Smart Diabetes Care

The world is growing smarter day by day, and so is health care. In spite of innumerable inventions and tech-tools, however, we struggle to contain chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. We need to work together and design a rational, scientific and socially sustainable Heart Smart diabetes care ecosystem, with Heart Smart management strategies, to ensure happiness and harmony in persons who live with diabetes.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLYPHARMACY, LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION, AND DELIRIUM AMONG HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY PATIENTS

Background: Decreased organ function in the elderly is associated with the aging process, which initiates various chronic diseases and increases the risk of polypharmacy. Meanwhile, polypharmacy tends to provoke adverse drug reactions that prolong the treatment period and increases the risk of delirium in elderly patients. Aim: To determine the relationship between polypharmacy, length of hospitalization, and delirium in geriatrics admitted to the Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital. An observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design was carried out Method: at the Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital. Patients aged 60 years or older who had 2 or more drugs during hospitalization were enrolled, while those with incomplete medical records were excluded. The demographic and clinical data were gathered, processed, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software and the P-value of <0.05 was considered signi?cant. A total of 116 subjects participated in this study and were dominated by males in the 60-69 Result: years age group. A signi?cant correlation was discovered between polypharmacy and the length of hospitalization (p=0.012). Polypharmacy was detected in 67.2% of subjects, 58.6% had an increased risk of drug interactions, 44% had a prolonged length of hospitalization, and 29.3% experienced altered mental status. This showed that several delirium-related drugs were still prescribed to geriatric patients, namely ranitidine (38.7%) and ketorolac (20.2%). There is a signi?cant Conclusion: relationship between polypharmacy, length of hospitalization, and delirium in geriatric patients.

Research progress on the interrelation between multiple chronic conditions and sleep disorders / 中华全科医师杂志

Multiple chronic conditions have become prominent health problems nowadays. There is a positive correlation between the number of chronic diseases and the risk of sleep disorders. Patients with sleep disorders will also be more difficult to control chronic diseases they have. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the sleep problems in patients with multimorbidity. This article discusses the interrelation between multimorbidity and sleep disorders from various dimensions, to provide a new vision for the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders in patients with multimorbidity.

Effect of polypharmacy on anticoagulant therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation / 中华老年医学杂志

Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a prevalent arrhythmia in elderly patients.Such patients often have comorbidities and are subjected to polypharmacy, which may lower medication compliance and increase the risk of bleeding and cardiovascular events.These factors may also affect the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy.According to research, non-vitamin K antagonistic oral anticoagulants like Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, and Dabigatran are a safer and more effective option for anticoagulant therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation compared to warfarin.Studying the impact of polypharmacy on anticoagulant therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation can aid in the development of personalized treatment strategies and improve the prognosis of aged patients.

Research progress on the association between common chronic diseases and physical performance measures in older adults / 中华老年医学杂志

China has already entered the aging society.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases showed a high prevalence in the elderly.Polypharmacy and multimorbidity also represent a major problem for elderly patients.Physical function, as a key factor in the maintainence of intrinsic capabilities for older adults, is increasingly valued by clinicians.Studies at home and abroad show that early decline in physical function may be an early sign of preclinical disease status.Early functional assessment for older adults is helpful to identify disease risk and disease-related adverse events, as well as optimizing health management for this population.

Research progress on coping strategies of unreasonable drug use in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Irrational drug use is common and inevitable in the elderly population, which leads to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions, the increase of hospital readmission rate and related mortality rate, and the increase of medical economic burden.Therefore, it is imperative to reduce irrational drug use, and the standardized drug prescription has become a new challenge for clinicians and pharmacists.Accurate detection method of irrational drug use, practical and effective drug use scheme, and intervention measures are the key to guide rational drug use in clinical practice.Mainly in terms of risk factors of irrational drug use, the status quo and its coping strategies, this paper reviews the research status at home and abroad in order to reduce irrational drug use in the elderly, reduce drug risk, and improve medication environment for the elderly.

Analysis of the burden of polypharmacy and its influencing factors among elderly tuberculosis patients in Guizhou province / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To understand the polypharmacy burden and influencing factors of elderly tuberculosis （TB） in Guizhou province， and to provide reference for reducing the polypharmacy burden of patients. METHODS From April to July 2022， 405 elderly TB outpatients were selected from three designated TB hospitals in Guiyang City， Bijie City， and Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province by convenience sampling method as investigation objects. The general situation questionnaire and the Living with Medicines Questionnaire （LMQ） were used for face-to-face survey. Descriptive analysis， one-way ANOVA and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to understand the score of polypharmacy burden of elderly TB patients and explore the factors effecting polypharmacy burden in TB patients. RESULTS The total polypharmacy burden score of 405 elderly TB patients was （112.65±14.59） points， which was higher than the threshold （110 points） for high burden standard in LMQ. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that aged 80 to 92 years， self-financed+medical insurance， retreatment， drug resistance， and adverse drug reactions were the risk factors for polypharmacy burden in elderly TB patients （P＜0.05）； living in the city， family member management， volunteer management and intelligent tool-assisted management were the protective factors （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The burden of polypharmacy in elderly TB patients from Guizhou province is heavy， and is influenced by patient’s age， residence， payment method， treatment classification， drug resistance， adverse drug reactions， and medication management. It is recommended that medical staff should provide key populations with medication guidance based on influential factor for polypharmacy burden so as to reduce their polypharmacy burden.

Preditores de risco para o consumo de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos com dor / Risk predictors for the consumption of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly people with pain / Predictores de riesgo para el consumo de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados en ancianos con dolor

Objetivo: Verificar quais as comorbidades podem ser preditoras do risco para uso de medicamentos potenciamente inapropriados para idosos (MPII) e desenvolver um modelo preditor para o consumo de MPII. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, transversal, com alocação consecutiva de idosos atendidos ambulatorialmente. Foram desenvolvidos modelos probabilísticos com a utilização de regressões logísticas binárias. Resultados: Um modelo contendo as variáveis dor, ansiedade, depressão, escore de Elixhauser, e número de medicamentos atingiu área sob a curva de 0,853 (IC95% 0,813-0,893) para identificar idosos sob risco de receber prescrição de MPII. Os resultados corroboram que a ansiedade [OR 10,6 (IC95% 1,29-87,0), p=0.028] e depressão [OR 40,3 (IC95% 5,05-321), p<0.001] são fatores de risco independentes para o uso de MPII.Conclusão: Ferramentas de suporte à decisão clínica podem incorporar modelos preditores como os desenvolvidos no presente trabalho, aumentando o nível de informação e facilitando a sinalização de MPII no ato da prescrição.

Objective: To verify which comorbidities may be predictors of the risk for use of potentially inappropriate medication for the elderly (PIME) and to develop a predictive model for the consumption of PIME. Method: It is a study retrospective, cross-sectional study with consecutive allocation of elderly patients treated on an outpatient basis. Probabilistic models have been developed using binary logistic regressions. Results: A model containing the variables pain, anxiety, depression, Elixhauser score, and number of medications reached an area under the curve of 0.853 (95%CI 0.813-0.893) to identify elderly people at risk of receiving PIME prescription. The results corroborate that anxiety [OR 10.6 (95%CI 1.29-87.0), p=0.028] and depression [OR 40.3 (95%CI 5.05-321), p<0.001] are independent risk factors for the use of PIME.Conclusion: Clinical decision support tools can incorporate predictive models such as those developed in the present study, increasing the level of information and facilitating the signaling of PIME at the time of prescription.

Objetivo: Verificar qué comorbilidades pueden ser predictoras del riesgo de uso de medicación potencialmente ianpropriada para los ancianos (MPIA) y desarrollar un modelo predictivo para el consumo de MPIA. Método: És un estudio retrospectivo, transversal, con asignación consecutiva de ancianos atendidos de forma ambulatoria. Se han desarrollado modelos probabilísticos utilizando regresiones logísticas binarias. Resultados: Un modelo que contenía las variables dolor, ansiedad, depresión, puntaje de Elixhauser y número de medicamentos alcanzó un área bajo la curva de 0,853 (IC95% 0,813-0,893) para identificar ancianos con riesgo de recibir prescripción de MPIA. Los resultados corroboran que la nestidade [OR 10,6 (IC95% 1,29-87,0), p=0,028] y la depresión [OR 40,3 (IC95% 5,05-321), p<0,001] son factores de riesgo independientes para el uso de MPIA. Conclusión: Las herramientas de apoyo a la decisión clínica pueden incorporar modelos predictivos como los desarrollados en el presente estudio, aumentando el nivel de información y facilitando la señalización del MPIA en el momento de la prescripción.

Fatores associados à polifarmácia em idosos atendidos na atenção primária à saúde / Factors associated with polymedication in elderly care in primary health care / Factores asociados a la polimedicación en el cuidado del anciano en la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados à polifarmácia em idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: :revisão integrativa de literatura realizada no mês de outubro de 2021. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, no idioma português e disponíveis na íntegra. Foram excluídos artigos repetidos, fora da temática e de revisão. Resultados: fizeram parte dessa revisão 18 artigos. Evidenciou-se que a polifarmácia é uma realidade entre os idosos brasileiros atendidos no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Observou-se associação com multimorbidade, sexo feminino, autopercepção negativa de saúde, classe econômica mais pobre, sobrepeso, fatores relativos às doenças crônicas e à fragilidade, não saber ler e escrever. Conclusão: o conhecimento dos fatores associados a polifarmácia em idosos é importante para a reflexão de profissionais de saúde quanto à importância de identificar e monitorar os grupos de idosos mais vulneráveis.

Objectives: to identify the factors associated with polypharmacy in elderly people treated in Primary Health Care. Method:integrative literature review conducted in October 2021. The inclusion criteria were articles published in the last 10 years, in the language Portuguese and available in full. Repeated, off-the-topic and review articles were excluded. Results: 18 articles were part of this review. It was evidenced that polypharmacy is a reality among the Elderly Brazilians assisted in the scope of Primary Health Care. There was an association with multimorbidity, female gender, negative self-perception of health, poorer economic class, overweight, factors related to chronic diseases and frailty, not being able to read and write. Conclusion: knowledge of the factors associated with polypharmacy in the elderly is important for the reflection of health professionals regarding the importance of identifying and monitoring the most vulnerable groups of elderly.

Objetivos:identificar los factores asociados a la polifarmacia en ancianos atendidos en Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en octubre de 2021. Los criterios de inclusión fueron artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años, en el idioma portugués y disponibles en su totalidad. Se excluyeron los artículos repetidos, fuera de tema y de revisión. Resultados:18 artículos formaron parte de esta revisión. Se evidenció que la polifarmacia es una realidad entre los ancianos brasileños atendidos en el ámbito de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Hubo asociación con multimorbilidad, sexo femenino, autopercepción negativa de la salud, peor clase económica, sobrepeso, factores relacionados con enfermedades crónicas y fragilidad, no saber leer y escribir. Conclusión: el conocimiento de los factores asociados a la polifarmacia en ancianos es importante para la reflexión de los profesionales de la salud sobre la importancia de identificar y monitorear los grupos de ancianos más vulnerables.