Evaluation of anticholinergic burden in elderly outpatients and the risk factors / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#The use of anticholinergic drugs in the elderly may lead to negative events such as falls, delirium, urinary retention and cognitive decline, and the higher the number of anticholinergic drugs use, the more such negative events occur. This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with the prescription of total anticholinergic drugs in elderly outpatients and evaluate the rationality of anticholinergic drugs, and to provide a reference for reducing the adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs.@*METHODS@#A list of drugs with anticholinergic activity based on the Beers criteria was established. The basic information (such as age and gender), clinical diagnosis, and medications of elderly outpatient were extracted from hospital electronic medical records, and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) Scale was used to calculate the anticholinergic burden for each patient. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors for the occurrence of problems such as multiple medication and insomnia.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1 840 prescriptions for elderly patients were reviewed. Of these patients, ACB score was more than or equal to 1 in 648 (35.22%) patients. Number of prescription medication (95% CI: 1.221 to 1.336) and insomnia (95% CI: 3.538 to 6.089) were independent factors affecting ACB scores (both P<0.01). Medications for patients of ACB scores were most commonly treated with the central nervous system drugs (such as alprazolam and eszopiclone) and for the cardiovascular system drugs (such as metoprolol and nifedipine).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a high rate of ACB drugs use in geriatric patients, and the clinical focus should be on multiple medication prescriptions, especially on the central nervous system drugs (such as alprazolam and eszopiclone) and cardiovascular system drugs (such as metoprolol and nifedipine). The prescription review should be emphasized to reduce adverse reactions to anticholinergic drugs in elderly patients.

Seguridad del paciente: análisis de la prescripción en adultos mayores de una policlínica de salud mental del Hospital Vilardebó, Uruguay / Patient safety: analysis of prescriptions in older adults in a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at Vilardebó Hospital, Uruguay / Segurança do paciente: análise da prescrição em idosos de uma Policlínica de Saúde Mental do Hospital Vilardebó, Uruguai

Introducción: los pacientes con 65 años o más, por su condición fisiológica, tienen mayor probabilidad de estar expuestos a reacciones adversas a medicamentos. Algunos riesgos están asociados a la carga anticolinérgica de la medicación, y otros al perfil de seguridad de cada uno de los fármacos. Objetivo: realizar un análisis de los tratamientos farmacológicos para los pacientes ≥65 años y su posible implicancia en la clínica, por los riesgos potenciales debido a reacciones adversas. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, observacional, naturalístico, del tratamiento farmacológico de los pacientes ≥65 años de la policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó, entre mayo y agosto de 2021. Se calculó la carga anticolinérgica de los tratamientos y se efectuó una comparación de dicha carga con la de una muestra de pacientes menores de 65 años. Resultados: 356 pacientes (83,0%) ≥65 años tenían un riesgo alto de tener algún efecto por su carga anticolinérgica y este riesgo fue similar a los pacientes menores de 65 años. Un total de 344 pacientes estaban en tratamiento con alguna benzodiazepina, destacándose el uso de flunitrazepam (47,6%) y clonazepam (32,6%). A 289 pacientes (67,4%) se le prescribió algún antipsicótico y nueve pacientes estaban con más de dos antipsicóticos. Dos pacientes estaban en tratamiento con imipramina y 49 pacientes recibían algún antiparkisoniano. Conclusiones: los pacientes mayores de 65 años están expuestos a riesgos altos de padecer reacciones adversas a medicamentos como consecuencia de una alta carga anticolinérgica (similar a la de la población más joven estudiada) y de una acentuada polifarmacia. Además, se deberían evitar algunas prácticas, como la prescripción de ciertos tipos de benzodiacepinas, así como minimizar el uso de imipramina y antiparkisonianos. Es necesario buscar estrategias de formación que disminuyan o minimicen este potencial riesgo que repercute adversamente en la salud de los pacientes.

Summary: Introduction: patients aged 65 years or older are at increased risk for exposure to adverse drug reactions because of their physiological status. Some risks are associated with the anticholinergic burden of medication, and others with the safety profile of each drug. Objective: to perform an analysis of pharmacological treatments for patients aged 65 years old or older and their possible clinical implications, given the potential risks of adverse drug reactions. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, naturalistic, observational study of the pharmacological treatment of users aged 65 years old or older of the outpatient service at Vilardebó Hospital, between May and August 2021, was performed. A calculation was made of the anticholinergic burden of treatments and a comparison of this burden was made with a sample of patients under 65 years of age. Results: 356 patients (83.0%) ≥ 65 years old were at high risk of having some kind of effect from their anticholinergic burden and this risk was similar to patients younger than 65 years. A total of 344 patients were in treatment with a benzodiazepine. The prescription of flunitrazepam (47.6%) and clonazepam (32.6%) stood out. While 289 patients (67.4%) were in treatment with an antipsychotic, 9 patients were on more than 2 antipsychotics. Two patients were on imipramine and 49 patients were in treatment with some antiparkinsonian drugs. Conclusions: patients older than 65 years old are exposed to a high risk of suffering adverse drug reactions as a consequence of a high anticholinergic load (similar to that of the younger population studied) and a marked polypharmacy. In addition, some practices should be avoided, such as the prescription of certain types of benzodiazepines used in this population, as well as minimizing the use of imipramine and antiparkinsonian drugs. It is necessary to look for training strategies to minimize this potential risk that adversely affects the health of patients.

Introdução: pacientes com 65 anos ou mais, devido à sua condição fisiológica, estão mais propensos a serem expostos a reações adversas a medicamentos. Alguns riscos estão associados à carga anticolinérgica do fármaco e outros ao perfil de segurança de cada um dos medicamentos. Objetivo: realizar uma análise dos tratamentos farmacológicos para pacientes ≥ 65 anos de idade e sua possível implicação clínica, devido aos riscos potenciais decorrentes de reações adversas. Método: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, observacional, naturalístico do tratamento farmacológico de pacientes ≥ 65 anos da Policlínica Hospitalar de Vilardebó, entre maio e agosto de 2021. A carga anticolinérgica dos tratamentos foi calculada e foi feita uma comparação com a de uma amostra de pacientes com menos de 65 anos. Resultados: 356 pacientes (83,0%) ≥ 65 anos apresentaram alto risco de ter algum efeito devido à sua carga anticolinérgica e esse risco foi semelhante aos pacientes com menos de 65 anos. Um total de 344 pacientes estava em tratamento com algum benzodiazepínico, com destaque para o uso de flunitrazepam (47,6%) e clonazepam (32,6%). 289 pacientes (67,4%) receberam algum antipsicótico e 9 pacientes estavam tomando mais de 2 antipsicóticos. Dois pacientes estavam sendo tratados com imipramina e 49 estavam recebendo um antiparkisoniano. Conclusões: pacientes com mais de 65 anos estão expostos a um alto risco de sofrer reações adversas a medicamentos em decorrência de uma carga anticolinérgica elevada (semelhante à da população mais jovem estudada) e de uma polifarmácia acentuada. Além disso, algumas práticas devem ser evitadas, como a prescrição de determinados tipos de benzodiazepínicos que são utilizados nessa população, além de minimizar o uso de imipramina e antiparkinsonianos. É necessário buscar estratégias de formação que reduzam ou minimizem esse risco potencial que afeta negativamente a saúde dos pacientes.

Anticholinergic Burden in Geriatric Patients Attending Clinical Pharmacology Clinic — A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study in Eastern India

Background : Anticholinergic burden in Geriatric population is of great concern throughout the Globe, yet often neglected. There are previous studies to assess the Anticholinergic burden, carried out in specific population, though its prevalence in general population is difficult to interpret. Polypharmacy remains one of the major causes contributing to the increased burden in Anticholinergic score among Geriatrics. Multiple co-morbidities and the prevalence of Multiple Chronic Diseases are the responsible factors which imbibe Multiple Drug Therapy in Geriatric population. Anticholinergic burden in older adults has been associated with Cognitive impairment, Delirium, Dizziness and Confusion, Falls and increased hospitalizations. However, Anticholinergic-acting drugs are often advised in Geriatric population. In this study an attempt was made to understand the Anticholinergic burden score among Geriatric population. Methods : This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was done, in a period of six months among 62 Geriatric patients attending a therapeutics clinic of a private clinical pharmacology OPD for first time. Patients were noted for their comorbidities and anticholinergic burden was calculated, based on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. Results were statistically analyzed. Results : Clinically significant anticholinergic burden was observed in 22.58% population. The most frequently prescribed drug was found to be alprazolam followed by amitriptyline and theophylline. Among the comorbidities hypertension and diabetes was commonly seen in majority of the population. Conclusion : Co-professional care at clinical pharmacology OPD with assessment of anticholinergic burden of geriatric prescriptions and advices on rational de-prescribing with suggestions on safer alternatives would be beneficial for treating physicians to optimize therapy.

Prescribing Cascade � What, When, How and the Ways to Mitigate

Rational prescribing is essential for adequate patient compliance and proper therapeutic outcome. Often medicines are prescribed randomly to take care of the drug induced adverse reactions without changing the culprit drug or modifying it抯 dose, rather commonly by adding another drug towards amelioration of the presenting complain, ignoring it抯 drug related occurrence. This 慞rescribing Cascade� turns out to be a vicious cycle by promoting polypharmacy thus leading to it抯 adverse consequences. This can happen to any person at any age but elderly population are more vulnerable because of their age related physiological changes and co-morbidities. There are several ways to curb the vicious cycle down like anticholinergic burden assessment, selecting the right drug for the right person, medication reconciliation etc.

Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) Poisoning in Childhood

ABSTRACT Objective: A very small amount of Atropa belladonna (AB) can lead to serious symptoms of poisoning and can cause death in children. In this study, demographic, clinic and laboratory results of AB poisoning were evaluated. Methods: A total of 108 cases with belladonna poisoning were retrospectively evaluated. At time of admission, age, age groups, gender, signs and symptoms caused by poisoning, duration of stay in hospital, laboratory data, intensive care needs, and applied treatments were recorded. Results: Approximately 44.4% were females and 55.6% were males. While the most common symptoms were xeroderma and flushing, the most frequent findings were tachycardia and mydriasis. Eight patients complained about astasis and five of them were taken into the intensive care unit. Astasis complaint was relatively higher (p < 0.01) in the patients who needed intensive care than those who did not. Creatine kinase levels were relatively higher (p = 0.06) in the intensive care patients as compared to non-intensive care patients. Neostigmine was given to all patients. Five patients, who failed to respond to therapy, were taken into the intensive care and respond to treatment successfully with physostigmine. Conclusion: Atropa belladonna poisoning may seriously progress in the act of late diagnosis and treatment in childhood. Thus, it is crucial to realize that AB poisoning should be taken into consideration in the patients with flushing, xeroderma with mydriasis, tachycardia, tremor, abdominal pain, and fever symptoms. Patients with astasis complaints should be evaluated carefully in terms of intensive care need. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale lower than 12 should be observed in the intensive care.

Evaluation of anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic activity of ethanolic extract of Tectina grandis Linn. bark

Background: Asthma is a chronic disease that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Tectona grandis Linn. bark, also known as Teak (English), is traditionally used to treat asthma. However, the scientific data on anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic of this plant has got little attention. An attempt has been based on ethanolic extract of bark of Tectona grandis Linn. shown a tremendous effect on asthma when comparative study was done with normal and treated group.Methods: The anti-asthmatic activity of a 95% ethanol and 5% distilled water extract of dried and fresh Tectona grandis Linn. bark, was evaluated against histamine and acetylcholine-induced preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs fasted for 24 h were exposed to an atomized fine mist of 2% histamine dihydrochloride and acetylcholine aerosol (dissolved in normal saline) using nebulizer at a pressure of 300 mmHg in the histamine chamber (24�� cm, made of perplex glass. They were divided in groups Mepyramin (8 mg/kg) intraperitonially, atropine aerosol and Tectona grandis bark formulation (2.5, 5, 10 gm/kg) were administered orally 30 min prior to exposure. Animals, which did not develop typical asthma within 6 minutes, were taken as protected.Results: Ethanolic extract of Tectona grandis Linn. bark at 5 and 10 gm/kg significantly reduce bronchoconstriction as compared to control group along with significant mast cell stabilization activity.Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study shows that the ethanolic bark extract of Tectona grandis Linn. has potential antiasthamatic and antichlolinergic action in histamine and acetylcholine broncocontraction in guinea pigs.

Convergence excess consecutive esotropia associated with 0.01% atropine eye drops usage in patients operated for intermittent exotropia

To report convergence excess esotropia (CEET) following 0.01% atropine eye drops (Low dose atropine [LDA]). Children who developed CEET that resolved promptly after discontinuation of LDA are described. Three myopes aged 5.3 � 1.2 years and mean sphere -4.5D were included. All were operated for intermittent exotropia earlier. Mean esotropia was +28.3PD for near and 10.6PD for distance. LDA induced high AC/A ratio and fusion normalized in 3 weeks after discontinuation of LDA. LDA should be used with caution in patients with esophoria or previously operated for intermittent exotropia. Any evidence of the emergence of a CEET should warrant discontinuation of LDA.

Carga anticolinérgica en pacientes mayores de 65 años con tratamiento farmacológico ambulatorio en una población colombiana / Anticholinergic load in patients older 65 years with ambulatory pharmacological treatment in a Colombian population

RESUMEN Introducción: los fármacos con potencial efecto anticolinérgico son prescritos frecuentemente en la población mayor de 65 años. Existen varias escalas para calcular la carga anticolinérgica: Anticholinergic Drug Scale, Anticholinergic Risk Scale y Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden. Objetivo: caracterizar la carga anticolinérgica en pacientes mayores de 65 años con polifarmacia que son formulados ambulatoriamente. Métodos: estudio de corte transversal, retrospectivo con información de prescripción registrada desde abril hasta septiembre de 2016. Se utilizó la base de datos transaccional de prescripción de una EPS nacional registrada en la plataforma tecnológica de un PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Management). Se analizaron los medicamentos con propiedades anticolinérgicas y carga anticolinérgica. Resultados: fueron 115.713 los pacientes formulados, con una edad media de 74 años. Los grupos terapéuticos más asociados con carga anticolinérgica moderada fueron, en un 6,5 %, dimenhidrinato, amantadina, biperideno y quetiapina. Un 13,1 % con carga anticolinérgica alta donde se encuentran el butil bromuro de hioscina y la amitriptilina. Discusión: el manejo de las patologías en los pacientes adultos mayores es compleja y se llega hasta el punto de requerir prescripción de múltiples medicamentos; por lo cual, se hace fundamental evaluar la necesidad del uso de estos, además de verificar su pertinencia y las posibles interacciones farmacológicas de alta significancia clínica, para evitar la presencia de eventos adversos. Por esto se han desarrollado escalas que permiten mejorar el resultado terapéutico especialmente en fármacos con carga anticolinérgica.

SUMMARY Background: Drugs with potential anticholinergic effect are usually prescribed to the population over 65 years. There are several scales created to calculate anticholinergic burden: Anticholinergic Drug Scale, Anticholinergic Risk Scale, and Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden. Objective: To characterize the anticholinergic burden in patients older than 65 years with polypharmacy who are prescribed in ambulatory settings. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study with information registered from April to September 2016. The database of prescription records of a health management organization (HMO), with national registries in the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) technology platform, was used. Medicines were analyzed by its anticholinergic properties and anticholinergic burden. Results: There were 115,713 patients with a median age of 74 years. The medicines with moderate anticholinergic burden were dimenhydrinate, amantadine, biperidene and quetiapine in 6.5 %, and with high anticholinergic burden hyoscine butylbromide and amitryptiline in 13.1 %. Discussion: The medical attention of diseases of the elderly is complex and requires the prescription of multiple medications. It is important to evaluate the medicines and verify their relevance and possible pharmacological interactions, to avoid the presence of adverse events. For this reason, scales have been developed, they allow improving therapeutic results, and especially in medicines with anticholinergic burden and systems of clinical alerts that promotes correct formulation.

Development of a Brazilian anticholinergic activity drug scale / Desenvolvimento de uma escala brasileira de medicamentos com atividade anticolinérgica

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a scale of anticholinergic activity drugs used in Brazil, to be applied in health care and pharmacoepidemiology research. Methods We performed a literature review on PubMed/MEDLINE® to identify previously published scales of anticholinergic drugs. This scale started with anticholinergic drugs, and those with known anticholinergic activity as per the 4th level, chemical-therapeutic subgroup, of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. We also included drugs with high anticholinergic activity, as described in a list of potentially inappropriate medications for use in older adults, according to the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria. Drugs listed in at least two anticholinergic scales were added. Then we verified which drugs in the previous steps were marketed in Brazil. We assigned a score of 1, 2 and 3, based on their anticholinergic action. Results A total of 273 anticholinergic drugs were identified, of which 125 were included in the scale. We identified 45 (36.0%) drugs with a score of 3, 13 (10.4%) with a score of 2, and 67 (53.6%) with a score of 1. Drugs for the nervous and respiratory systems were the most frequent in the scale. Eight drugs were not present in previous scales. Conclusion The methodology used for development of the Brazilian anticholinergic activity scale is simple, systematized, reproducible and easy to update. The scale allows evaluating the impact of anticholinergic burden on health outcomes, and can potentially contribute to pharmacoepidemiology research, leading to more accurate measurements of anticholinergic activity.

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver uma escala de atividade anticolinérgica abrangendo os medicamentos utilizados no Brasil, para aplicação no cuidado em saúde e em pesquisas farmacoepidemiológicas. Métodos Realizou-se revisão da literatura no PubMed/MEDLINE®para identificação das escalas de mensuração da atividade anticolinérgica. Iniciou-se a escala com os fármacos anticolinérgicos e aqueles com atividade anticolinérgica conhecida, relacionados segundo o nível 4, subgrupo químico, na classificação da Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical . Incluíram-se os fármacos com atividade anticolinérgica alta, descritos na lista de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos, segundo o 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria . Adicionaram-se os medicamentos que constavam em, no mínimo, duas escalas anticolinérgicas. Em seguida, verificaram-se os medicamentos constantes nas etapas anteriores comercializados no Brasil. A magnitude da atividade anticolinérgica foi estabelecida em escores com os valores de 1, 2 e 3. Resultados Foram identificados 273 medicamentos com atividade anticolinérgica, sendo 125 incluídos na escala. Destes, 45 (36,0%) receberam pontuação 3, 13 (10,4%) tiveram pontuação 2, e 67 (53,6%) pontuação 1. A maioria dos medicamentos da escala atuava nos sistemas nervoso e respiratório. Oito fármacos não constavam em escalas prévias. Conclusão A metodologia de desenvolvimento da escala brasileira de atividade anticolinérgica é simples, sistematizada, reprodutível e de fácil atualização. A escala permite avaliar o impacto da carga anticolinérgica nos resultados em saúde e pode contribuir com as pesquisas farmacoepidemiológicas, propiciando mensurações mais exatas da atividade anticolinérgica.

Effects of ADRB2（rs1042713）Gene Polymorphism on Therapeutic Efficacy of Anticholinergic Drugs in the Treatment of Refractory Asthma Pediatric Patients / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of ADRB2 （rs1042713） gene polymorphism on therapeutic efficacy of anticholinergic drug in the treatment for refractory asthma pediatric patients. METHODS： 171 children with refractory asthma were selected from outpatient department of Kunming Children’s Hospital during Nov. 2016 to Jul. 2019. The distribution of ADRB2 （rs1042713） genotype， the clinical efficacy [asthma control test （C-ACT） score， FEV1， FVC， PEF， maximal mid-expiratory flow （MMEF）] of anticholinergic drug were analyzed statistically； the response of different genotypes to the use of anticholinergic drug were also analyzed statistically. RESULTS： 148 of 171 refractory asthmatics pediatric patients were administered anticholinergic drug， among them 50 of the 71 AA genotype and 36 of the 77 GA genotype responded to anticholinergic drug treatment. Statistical analysis showed that 71 children with AA refractory asthma had improved C-ACT score， FEV1， FVC， PEF and MMEF， there was statistical significance， compared with GA genotype （P＜0.05）； the response rate of the AA genotype to anticholinergic drugs was 2.71 times that of the GA genotype [OR＝2.71， 95％CI （1.38， 5.34）， P＝0.005]. CONCLUSIONS： The detection of ADRB2 （rs1042713） gene polymorphism has some guiding significance in the treatment of refractory asthma with anticholinergic drugs， and the response of AA genotype is better.

Feasibility of Self-administered Neuromodulation for Neurogenic Bladder in Spinal Cord Injury / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To determine if self-administered transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) is a feasible treatment option for neurogenic bladder among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who utilize intermittent catheterization for bladder management. METHODS: Four-week observational trial in chronic SCI subjects performing intermittent catheterization with incontinence episodes using TTNS at home daily for 30 minutes. Those using anticholinergic bladder medications were given a weaning schedule to begin at week 2. Primary outcomes were compliance and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included change in bladder medications, efficacy based on bladder diary, adverse events, and incontinence quality of life (I-QoL) survey.

The prescribing cascade and medication therapy management between cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To discuss about one patient with Alzheimer′s disease and urinary incontinence and to investigate the prescribing cascade between cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs further more. METHODS: Clinical pharmacists participated in a medication therapy management program aiming at one patient with Alzheimer′s disease and urinary incontinence. By doing this they successfully identified and interrupted a prescribing cascade. Then some constructive advices were provided to doctors and patients on the rational administration of drugs. RESULTS: The drug treatment plan was adjusted by clinical pharmacists and doctors after evaluating the benefits and risks about the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs in the elderly patient with chronic disease. And this change directly led to a significant relief of urinary incontinence in the patient. CONCLUSION: The use of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer′s patients increases the risk of urinary incontinence, and at the same time additional use of anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of urinary incontinence can further damage the cognition.Therefore, clinical pharmacists and doctors should pay great attention to the prescribing cascade of cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs. To identify and interrupt prescribing cascades is important when clinical pharmacists and doctors are prescribing prescriptions for elderly patients with chronic diseases. They must work closely for the optimization of prescriptions and the improvement of medication safety in elderly patients.

The Use of Medicines with Anti-cholinergic Properties and Their Health Impacts among Hospitalised Malaysian Geriatric Patients

@#Background: Studies have shown that the use of medicines with anti-cholinergic (Ach) properties can increase elderly patients’ risk of experiencing falls, confusion, and longer hospital stays (LOS). These adverse effects are preventable with appropriate intervention. Little is known about the use of medicines with Ach properties and their impact on Malaysian elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the use of medicines with Ach properties and their impact on fall risk, confusion, and longer LOS among hospitalised elderly patients. Methods: This study utilised a cross-sectional design and was conducted at a single centre where convenience sampling was employed to collect data from elderly patients (> 60 years) admitted to geriatric and medical wards at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar during a 2-month period (July 2017–August 2017). Patients were excluded from this study if their hospital admission was planned for an elective procedure or if neurocognitive and hepatic impairment were diagnosed prior to the hospital admission. Medicines with Ach properties were identified and classified according to the anti-cholinergic drug scale (ADS). Univariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to assess its impacts on falls, confusion, and LOS. Results: A total of 145 elderly patients with a mean age of 71.59 years old (SD = 8.02) were included in the study. Fifty-two percent of the participants were female, and the average hospital stay was 6 days (SD = 2.09). Medicines with Ach properties were administered in 62% (n = 90) of the cases. The most commonly prescribed medicine with Ach properties was furosemide (n = 59), followed by ranitidine (n = 44), warfarin (n = 23), and methylprednisolone (n = 22). Compared to patients who did not receive medicines with Ach properties, patients who received them had a significantly higher risk of falls [odds ratios (OR) = 2.61; 95%CI: 1.18, 5.78; P = 0.018], confusion (OR = 3.60; 95%CI: 1.55, 8.36; P = 0.003), and LOS (OR = 4.83; 95%CI: 2.13, 10.94; P < 0.001). Multiple comorbidities also showed a significantly increased risk of falls (OR = 3.03; 95%CI: 1.29, 7.07; P = 0.010). Conclusion: Medicines with Ach properties had a significant impact on elderly patients’ health. Strategies for rationally prescribing medicines with Ach properties to Malaysian elderly patients need to be improved and be recognised as an important public health priority.

Antidiarrheal potential of Distemonanthus benthamianus Baillon. extracts via inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels and cholinergic receptors

Objective: To evaluate spasmolytic mechanisms of aqueous and methanolic extracts from Distemonanthus benthamianus trunk-bark. Methods: Spasmolytic activities of extracts were evaluated in vitro on spontaneous and potassium chloride-induced jejunum contractions, or against cholinergic [acetylcholine (0.3μmol/L)] stimulations. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of both extracts was performed in reference to standard compounds. Results: Extracts developed concentration-dependent inhibitory activities. The methanolic extract, which revealed better activity, produced spasmolytic and myorelaxant effects at concentrations of 0.01-0.30 mg/mL with EC50 of 0.06 and 0.09 mg/mL (95％ CI: 0.03-0.3 mg/mL), respectively. Its anticholinergic effect was obtained at the same concentrations with EC50 of 0.11 mg/mL (95％ CI:0.03-0.3 mg/mL). Chromatograms showed the presence of gallic acid in both extracts, rutin being only detected in the aqueous extract. Conclusions: Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts exhibit verapamil and atropine-like activities, thus highlighting calcium channels and muscarinic receptors blocking potentials, which may be conveyed by some phenolic compounds. These results confirm the antidiarrheal activity of Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts.

A network meta-analysis of desmopressin, alarm, and combination of both in the treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To systematically explore the efficacy of four intervention regiments including desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin combined with alarm, and desmopressin combined with anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children by network meta-analysis. Methods The databases of PubMed, Cochrance Library, EMBase and Web of Science were systematically searched and retrieved upto August 1, 2017. Included were the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which had any two or more of four intervention regiments (desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin combined with alarm, and desmopressin combined with anticholinergic drugs) for treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children. The literature was screened according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the data extraction and quality evaluation were performed for the final inclusion of RCT. Software R 3.3.2 and STATA 14.0 were used for data analysis. Results Fifteen RCTs were included with a total of 1505 children. Network meta-analysis showed that the complete response rate and success rate of desmopressin combined with anticholinergic drugs were higher than those of desmopressin (complete reaction rate: OR=2.8, 95％ CI :1.5～5.4; success rate: OR=3.5, 95％ CI :1.7～7.5) and alarm (complete response rate: OR=2.7, 95％ CI :1.1～6.6; success rate: OR=3.8, 95％ CI: 1.6～9.0. The success rate of desmopressin combined with alarm was higher than that of alarm (OR=1.9, 95％CI: 1.1～3.4) . The recurrence rate of alarm after treatment was significantly lower than that of desmopressin (OR=0.15, 95％CI: 0.03～0.53) . The ranking results showed that the complete response rate and success rate of desmopressin combined with anticholinergic drugs were the best. The desmopressin combined with alarm can minimize the number of bed-wetting episodes per week and the recurrence rate of alarm was the lowest among the four regiments. Conclusion The effect of desmopressin combined with anticholinergic drugs is significantly better than that of alarm or desmopressin alone. The combination of desmopressin and alarm has a slight advantage or similar effect to that of single alarm or desmopressin treatment. The effect of desmopressin is similar to that of alarm. Alarm treatment has the lowest recurrence rate.

Anticholinergic toxicity in a one-year-old male following ingestion of Lupinus mutabilis seeds: case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: The seeds from Lupinus mutabilis Sweet, also called "chocho", are an important part of the diet in several countries in South America. Prior to consumption, processing is required to remove toxic alkaloids. These alkaloids are known to have pharmacological properties as antiarrhythmics, antimuscarinics and hypoglycemics. CASE REPORT: We report a case in which a one-year-old male initially presented with altered mental status and respiratory distress and subsequently developed symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity, after ingesting a large amount of chocho seeds. CONCLUSION: In spite of going through a difficult clinical condition, the subject evolved favorably through receiving supportive treatment. The seeds from Lupinus mutabilis provide nutritional benefits when consumed, but people need to know their risks when these seeds are consumed without proper preparation.

A Study of the Association between Psychotropic Drugs and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: Cognitive deficits among patients with schizophrenia are now recognized as being widelyprevalent and one of the most disabling aspects of the illness, as they are associated with poor functionaloutcomes. Psychotropic medications and benzodiazepines, which are often used in these patients couldimpact cognition as could the extrapyramidal side-effects. Yet, here are hardly any Indian studies on thesubject. The aim of this study was to determine whether cognitive dysfunction among patients withschizophrenia is associated with extrapyramidal symptoms, anticholinergic burden of psychotropic drugsand benzodiazepine dosageMethodology: 40 clinically stable, out-patients suffering from schizophrenia, without any pre-existingneurological disorders between the ages of 18 to 60 years, who had been compliant with medications wereselected. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) were assessed using the modified Simpson-Angus scale,anticholinergic burden (ACB) was evaluated using the Anticholinergic burden scale. The benzodiazepinedosage was noted. Cognition was assessed using the Stroop Color and Word Test and the Wisconsin Cardsorting test. The correlations between scores on EPS and ACB and neuropsychological tests were carriedout using partial correlations controlling for positive and negative symptoms.Results: There were no significant associations noted between extrapyramidal symptoms, anticholinergicburden, benzodiazepine dosage and performance on the neurocognitive tests used.Conclusion: Methodological differences make it difficult to construct comparisons across studies but thereis some evidence to support our findings

Underactive bladder and its problems in diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a hot research topic in the field of urinary continence.At present,the research on UAB is not in-depth,which brings many serious problems for the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.In this paper,the definition,classification,risk factors,pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria of UAB are described.Some clinical problems related to UAB are discussed in details,such as the indications and surgical expectations of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with UAB,strategic issues in detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC),oral anticholinergic drugs,and bladder wall injection of botulinum toxin A may lead to urinary retention.

Improvement of phencynonate hydrochloride on posterior circulation vertigo in rats and positive vertigo in mice / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anti-vertigo effect of phencynonate hydrochloride. METHODS To detect the improvement of phencynonate hydrochloride on cerebral blood flow, a rat model wa s es?tablished with bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion. Phencynonate hydrochloride 0.1-4.0 mg·kg-1 was ig given, twice a day for three consecutive days and the alteration of cerebral blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Rotating acceleration equipment was used to provocate mouse vertigo for 30 min, and the spontaneous locomotor activities were tested for occurrence of vertigo in mice. Phencynonate hydrochloride 1.4-5.6 mg·kg-1 was ig given before rotating acceleration. Gastric phenol red emptying rate was used to determine the anti-nausea effect of the test drug in mice 30 min after phencynonate hydrochloride 1.4-8.4 mg·kg-1 was ig given. RESULTS The cerebral blood flow of the rat model with bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion was reduced significantly after 24 h (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, phencynonate hydrochloride (0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg · kg-1) increased the cerebral blood flow in a dose-dependent manner in rats with cerebral ischemia (P<0.01). The spontaneous locomotor activities were significantly reduced after vertigo stimulation in mice (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, phencynonate hydrochloride (2.8 and 5.6 mg · kg-1) increased the movement distance and speed of vertigo mice (P<0.05). Phencynonate hydrochloride (2.8, 5.6 and 8.4 mg·kg-1) inhibited the gastric emptying of mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Phecynonate hydrochloride can improve the cerebral blood flow and locomotor activities in vertigo rats, while inhibiting gastric emptying, which points to the therapeutic potential of phencynonate hydrochloride for vertigo in clinic.

Intraoperative management of trigeminocardiac reflex in microvascular decompression of the trigeminal neuralgia / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the treatment measures of having trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) for the primary trigeminal neuralgia via microvascular decompression.Methods From January 2016 to December 2016,the clinical data and anesthesia records of 79 consecutive patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University and treated the first craniotomy microvascular decompression were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into a no TCR group (n=63) and a TCR group (n=16) according to the intraoperative anesthesia monitoring.The differences of baseline conditions,preoperative complications and pain involved the trigeminal nerve branches were compared between the two groups.The treatment measures and short-term prognosis of the patients with TCR during operation were summarized.Results (1) The proportion of hypertension in the TCR group was 31.2％ (n=5),it was higher than 7.9％ in the no TCR group (n=5).There was significant difference (χ2=6.273,P<0.05).(2) During the operation of microvascular decompression,16 patients in the TCR group had 19-time TCR.The baseline heart rate was 74±10/min before operation,and the heart rate decreased to 51±6/min at onset of TCR.The mean baseline arterial blood pressure was 102±13 mmHg,and the mean arterial blood pressure decreased to 74±8 mmHg at the onset of TCR.There was significant difference (P<0.05).(3) After the onset of TCR,the operation of was stopped,heart rate and the blood pressure recovered spontaneously (n=4).Fifteen patients were treated with medications,including using atropine (12 times,dose 0.2-0.5 mg) and ephedrine hydrochloride (3 times,dose 5-10 mg).Heart rate and blood pressure returned to the baseline level within 20 seconds or 20 seconds after administration of medications.There was no TCR-related cardiac complication or neurological deficit from after procedure to before discharge.Conclusions In microvascular decompression of primary trigeminal neuralgia,if TCR occurs,the selective use of anticholinergic agents or vasoactive agents is needed as early as possible.The risk factors for the occurrence of TCR need to be further verified.