Pharmacotherapy assessment and adverse drug reactions in older patients admitted to intensive care.

INTRODUCTION: Older patients are more susceptible to medication use, and physiological changes resulting from aging and organic dysfunctions presented by critically ill patients may alter the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic behavior. Thus, critically ill older people present greater vulnerability to the occurrence of pharmacotherapeutic problems. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pharmacotherapy and the development of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). METHOD: A cohort study was conducted in an ICU for adults of a Brazilian University Hospital during a 12-month period. The patients' pharmacotherapy was evaluated daily, considering the occurrence of ADRs and drug-drug interactions (DDIs), the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older people, and the pharmacotherapy anticholinergic burden (ACB). A trigger tool was used for active search of ADRs, with subsequent causality evaluation. PIM use was evaluated by means of the Beers criteria and the STOPP/START criteria. The ABC scale was employed to estimate ACB. The Micromedex® and Drugs.com® medication databases were employed to evaluate the DDIs. RESULTS: The sample of this study consisted of 41 patients, with a mean age of 66.8 years old (±5.2). The 22 triggers used assisted in identifying 15 potential ADRs, and 26.8% of the patients developed them. The mean estimated ACB score was 3.0 (±1.8), and the patients used 3.1 (±1.4) and 3.3 (±1.6) PIMs according to the Beers and the STOPP criteria, respectively. A total of 672 DDIs were identified, with a mean of 16.8 (±9.5) DDIs/patient during ICU hospitalization. Our findings show an association between occurrence of ADRs in the ICU and polypharmacy (p=.03) and DDIs (p=.007), corroborating efforts for rational medication use as a preventive strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Using tools to evaluate the pharmacotherapy for older people in intensive care can assist in the recognition and prevention of pharmacotherapeutic problems, with emphasis on the identification of ADRs through the observation of triggers and subsequent causality analysis.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and drug interaction in older adults with rheumatic disease.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Older people with rheumatic diseases tend to have a greater number of associated comorbidities, which will require the use of more drugs, increasing the risk of hospitalizations, complications, and drug interactions. In Mexico, there has been an estimated prevalence of polypharmacy of up to 55%, however there are scarce reports on the topic in our elderly population with rheumatic diseases. We aimed to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and the association of drug interactions in patients treated for rheumatic disease. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing treatment for rheumatic diseases who were treated in geriatrics and rheumatology clinics from January to December 2021. The presence of polypharmacy and drug interactions was evaluated using the BOT Plus Pharmacological Surveillance System. The prevalence of polypharmacy and the association of drug interactions were estimated. RESULTS: We evaluated 320 patients, with a mean age of 67.05±5.8 years, predominantly female (85%). The prevalence of polypharmacy was 68.1% (n=218), of which 214 (98.1%) patients had related drug interactions; 27.1% were severe and 53.2% as moderate interactions. Factors related with increased risk of drug interactions were being exposed to hypertension increased the risk of drug interactions (POR 1.75, 95% CI 1.44-2.14; P<0.001), having osteoarthritis (POR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.42; P=0.032) and thyroid disease (POR 1.45, 95% CI 1.28-1.65; P=0.001). The most prevalent serious interactions were leflunomide-methotrexate in 27 (46.5%) patients and buprenorphine-tramadol in 8 (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of polypharmacy and drug interactions was observed in elderly patients with rheumatic diseases. The main associated factors were comorbidities, particularly high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and thyroid diseases.

[Translated article] Pharmaceutical recommendations for therapeutic appropriateness in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and to implement pharmacological interventions in a population with multiple sclerosis over 55 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, open-label study, including patients with multiple sclerosis aged 55 years and older during December 2022 and February 2023. The main variable determined was the percentage of compliance with the PIMDINAC criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included, with the presence of PIMDINAC criteria detected in 67.4%. The most frequently detected criterion was non-adherence to concomitant treatment (84.4%), followed by drug-drug interactions (56.2%) and potentially inappropriate medication (25%). A total of 20 pharmaceutical interventions were performed in 17 patients (17.9%). Potentially inappropriate medication was responsible for 11 interventions, non-adherence for 7, and drug-drug interactions for 2. The 81.8% of interventions were accepted, resulting in the discontinuation of 15 inappropriately prescribed drugs. The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in this group of patients is high. The study revealed that PIMDINAC criteria were prevalent in 67.4% of the study population, with polypharmacy playing an important role, suggesting the potential for a multidisciplinary approach, through pharmaceutical interventions to address unnecessary or duplicate treatments.

[Pharmacological intervention in the medication review of institutionalised elderly patients under polypharmacy]. / Intervención farmacéutica en la revisión del tratamiento en pacientes mayores polimedicados institucionalizados.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Drug-Related Problems (DRP) and their resolution after pharmacological review in institutionalised elderly patients under polypharmacy. DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective cohort study from January to October of 2022. LOCATION: Twelve nursing homes at the Community of Madrid. PARTICIPANTS: 295 patients aged 65 or older taking at least 5 chronic medications prescribed prior to the treatment review. INTERVENTIONS: Medication reviews carried out by the pharmacist and agreed upon in face-to-face meetings between the primary care doctor, the nursing home doctor and the pharmacist. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Detected DRP, types and resolution. A age, sex, and number of medications before and after the intervention. Pharmacological subgroups according to anatomical therapeutic chemical classification system (ATC) and active pharmaceutical ingredients involved in the detected DRPs. RESULTS: 1425 DRP were detected, with a mean of 4.85 (SD 3.33) DRPs/patient. The most frequent DRP was reconciliation error (32.52%), followed by pharmaceutical regimen and dosaje. Among the 1425 improvement proposals, 86.73% of them were accepted.Significant statistically differences were observed between the number of medications per patient prior to the pharmacotherapy review (12.29) and after it (10.20), obtaining an average difference of 2.09 (95%CI: 1.98-2.21; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is found that the intervention of multidisciplinary team in which the pharmacist performs a revision of the medication decreased the number of prescribed medications. Therefore, it reduces polymedication and its associated risks.

Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of people over 65 years of age living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to describe and analyze the characteristics of aged people who are living with HIV (APHIV) and evaluate their association on the comorbidities they currently have. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of APHIV under active follow-up at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed, along with their association with the development of comorbidities in this population. A correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for this purpose. RESULTS: Eighty-five APHIV, 65 males and 20 females, with an average age of 69 years (IQR 8) and a duration of living with HIV of 17 years (SD 7), were studied. 41% of them had their initial diagnosis with AIDS. The most common comorbidities are hypertension and dyslipidemia in 55% and 52%, respectively. 40% of APHIV take at least 5 medications. 35% have received more than 5 lines of antiretroviral treatment. At the time of analysis, all APHIV have an undetectable viral load. No significant association was observed between the number of comorbidities and various characteristics of APHIV; however, a weak correlation was noted among age, the cumulative number of antiretroviral treatments received throughout their lives, and the number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the substantial burden of comorbidities and polypharmacy experienced by APHIV. Further studies are needed to better understand the characteristics and variables influencing their development.

Ajuste de dosis según función renal en una paciente polimedicada incluida en el servicio de reacondicionamiento de medicamentos utilizando sistemas personalizados de dosificación (SPD) / Dose adjustment according to renal function in a polymedicated patient included in the medication reconditioning service using personalized dosing systems (SPD)

Paciente de 78 años, polimedicada e incluida en el servicio de Sistema Personalizado de Dosificación de Medicamentos (SPD). Al acudir a retirar su medicación nos informa que desde hace unos meses sufre cansancio, debilidad, mareos y confusión. Se realiza una revisión de la medicación, centrada en la dosificación de los medicamentos de metabolismo o eliminación renal, en función del valor de Filtrado Glomerular estimado de la paciente (FGe). Se realiza derivación al Médico de Atención Primaria (MAP) mediante un informe, en el que se recomienda la reducción de dosis de losartán y manidipino según el valor de FGe de la paciente. El MAP redujo la dosis de los antihipertensivos. Se efectuó seguimiento del caso, que permitió observar que la paciente dejó de presentar los síntomas descritos inicialmente.(AU)

Pharmaceutical recommendations for therapeutic appropriateness in multiple sclerosis patients. / Recomendaciones farmacéuticas de adecuación terapéutica en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and to implement pharmacological interventions in a population with multiple sclerosis over 55 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective observational open-label study including patients with multiple sclerosis aged 55 years and older between December 2022 and February 2023. The main variable determined was the percentage of compliance with the PIMDINAC criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included, with the presence of PIMDINAC criteria detected in 67.4%. The most frequently detected criterion was non-adherence to concomitant treatment (84,4%), followed by drug-drug interactions (56.2%) and potentially inappropriate medication (25%). A total of 20 pharmaceutical interventions were performed in 17 patients (17.9%). Potentially inappropriate medication was responsible for 11 interventions, non-adherence for 7 and drug-drug interactions for 2. The 81.8% of interventions were accepted, resulting in the discontinuation of 15 inappropriately prescribed drugs. The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in this group of patients is high. The study revealed that PIMDINAC criteria were prevalent in 67.4% of the study population, with polypharmacy playing an important role, suggesting the potential for a multidisciplinary approach, through pharmaceutical interventions to address unnecessary or duplicate treatments.

Pluripatología en internación: características de pacientes internados en clínica médica / Pluripathology among inpatients: characteristics of hos pitalized patients in medical clinic wards

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar prevalencia de pluripatología y polifarmacia entre in ternados en salas de clínica médica de un hospital de agudos, sus características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, longitu dinal, descriptivo y analítico. Se incluyeron los pacientes internados en clínica médica del Hospital Tornú entre mayo y septiembre, 2019 mediante muestreo consecuti vo. Se relevaron datos de las historias clínicas. Se evaluó dependencia funcional y pronóstico mediante índices Barthel, Charlson y score PROFUND. Resultados: Se registraron 170 pacientes (58% mascu linos). La edad de mujeres fue significativamente mayor (mediana 79 años; p= 0.002). Prevalencia de pluripatolo gía 32%; polifarmacia 38%; hipertensión 48%; diabetes 27%; deterioro cognitivo 15%; insuficiencia cardíaca 14%; accidente cerebrovascular 12%; anemia 24%; enfermedad renal crónica 10%. Reingresos 10% (94% con reinterna ción precoz; 94% con motivo de reingreso relacionado con internación previa). Mortalidad general: 12%. Los pacientes pluripatológicos presentaron edad elevada (78% > 65 años), mayor frecuencia de polifarmacia (p < 0.0001) y de dependencia (p = 0.001). La mortalidad en pluripatológicos (22%) fue mayor que en el resto (p = 0.0095) y presentaron valores más elevados índice de Charlson y score PROFUND (p < 0.0001). No hubo diferencias significativas en estadía hospitalaria ni en reinternaciones. Conclusiones: La presencia de pacientes con pluri patología se presenta como una realidad cotidiana en nuestros servicios de internación. Este estudio revela la importancia de la consideración de este tipo de pa cientes en el ámbito público debido a su frecuencia y características, demandas sanitarias y costes.

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to de termine the prevalence of pluripathology and polyphar macy among hospitalized patients in internal medicine wards at an acute care hospital, including their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Observational, prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and analytical study. All patients hospital ized in the internal medicine ward at Hospital Tornú from May to September 2019 were included through consecutive sampling. Data from medical records were collected. Functional dependency and prognosis were assessed using the Barthel, Charlson and PROFUND Indexes. Results: 170 patients (58% male) were registered. Wom en were significantly older. Pluripathology prevalence: 32%; polypharmacy 38%; high BP: 48%; diabetes: 27%; cognitive impairment 15%; heart failure: 14%; stroke: 12%; anemia: 24%; CKD 10%. Total readmissions 10% (94% with early readmissions; 94% with readmissions related to a previous hospitalization). Global Mortality: 12%. Patients with pluripathology were elderly (78% > 65 years old) with a higher polypharmacy frequency (p < 0.0001) and functional dependence (p = 0.001). Mortality in patients with pluripathology (22%) was higher than in others (p = 0.0095) with higher Charlson and PROFUND scores (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in terms of hospital stay or readmissions. Conclusions: Pluripathological patients are common in our inpatient hospital department. This study reveals the importance of considering this type of patients in public hospitals due to its frequency, characteristics and healthcare utilization and costs.

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.

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(AU)

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(AU)

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(AU)

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.

Cognitive and functional trajectories in geriatric outpatients after a pharmacologic multidisciplinary intervention: A study protocol / Trayectorias cognitivas y funcionales en pacientes ambulatorios geriátricos tras una intervención farmacológica multidisciplinar: protocolo de estudio

Background Polypharmacy is a common condition among older adults and is associated with adverse drug reactions and health outcomes, including falls, functional and cognitive impairment, and frailty. Methods A prospective observational study will be conducted on older adults with polypharmacy. The aim is to assess the impact of a specialized outpatient clinic focused on pharmacotherapy optimization recently integrated into daily clinical practice in a Spanish public tertiary teaching hospital on patients’ functional and cognitive abilities. Patients who attend a first consultation and meet inclusion criteria (≥75 years old, have a life expectancy≥3 months, and polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed medications) will be invited to participate in the study, until reach a calculated sample size of 104 participants. Patients will be excluded if they are enrolled in a clinical trial related to medication or in the event of a no-show or cancellation of the appointment at the first visit. Participants will receive usual care: a first consultation including multidisciplinary pharmacological optimization in the context of a CGA and subsequent face-to-face and/or telephone follow-up (∼3 and ∼6 months). The primary endpoint will be the functional (Barthel index) and cognitive change in capacities (IPCR – Índice de Incapacidad psíquica de la Cruz Roja). Secondary endpoints include medication changes, changes in patients’ quality of life, rate of falling, and use of healthcare resources. Discussion We expect that the close collaboration between professionals from different disciplines working together will be an effective strategy to improve the functional and cognitive abilities of older adults. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05408598 (March 1, 2022) (AU)

Antecedentes La polifarmacia es una condición común entre los adultos mayores, y se asocia a reacciones adversas a medicamentos y a resultados negativos en la salud como caídas, deterioro funcional y cognitivo, y fragilidad. Métodos Se realizará un estudio observacional prospectivo en adultos mayores con polifarmacia. El objetivo es evaluar el impacto de una consulta especializada ambulatoria centrada en la optimización farmacológica y recientemente integrada en la práctica clínica habitual en un hospital universitario público español, sobre las capacidades funcionales y cognitivas de los pacientes. Los pacientes que acudan a una primera consulta y cumplan los criterios de inclusión (≥75 años, tengan una esperanza de vida ≥3 meses, y polifarmacia (≥5 medicamentos prescritos) serán invitados a participar en el estudio, hasta alcanzar un tamaño muestral calculado de 104 participantes. Los pacientes serán excluidos si ya participan en un ensayo clínico relacionado con medicación o en caso de no presentarse o cancelar la consulta inicial. Los participantes recibirán la atención habitual: una primera consulta que incluirá la optimización farmacológica en el contexto de una valoración geriátrica integral (VGI) y un seguimiento posterior presencial y/o telefónico (∼3 y ∼6 meses). La variable principal será el cambio en las capacidades funcionales (índice de Barthel) y cognitivas (Índice de Incapacidad Psíquica de la Cruz Roja [IPCR]) medidas al inicio y durante el seguimiento. Las variables secundarias incluyen cambios en la medicación, en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, en la tasa de caídas y en el uso de recursos sanitarios. Discusión Esperamos que esta estrecha colaboración entre profesionales de diferentes disciplinas que trabajan conjuntamente sea una estrategia eficaz para mejorar las capacidades funcionales y cognitivas de los adultos mayores. Registro del ensayo ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05408598 (1 de marzo de 2022) (AU)

Longitudinalidad en atención primaria y polifarmacia. Una revisión sistemática / Longitudinality in Primary Care and Polypharmacy. A Systematic Review

El objetivo de este trabajo es recopilar, evaluar e interpretar las evidencias disponibles sobre la relación existente entre el grado de longitudinalidad en atención primaria (AP) y la prevalencia de polifarmacia y sus problemas asociados. Siguiendo la declaración PRISMA realizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos PubMed y Scopus. El cribado por títulos y resúmenes, y la revisión de referencias realizados de forma independiente por 2 autores detectó 16 trabajos de potencial interés. Tras la revisión independiente de todos los originales, 4 fueron descartados por no satisfacer los criterios de inclusión. Los 12 trabajos seleccionados, 9 estudios de cohortes retrospectivos y 3 estudios transversales, estudiaban la relación de la longitudinalidad en AP, medida con diversos índices cuantitativos, con la prevalencia de polifarmacia y otros problemas terapéuticos asociados, como las prescripciones inadecuadas, las duplicidades o las interacciones medicamentosas. Todos mostraban una relación significativa, frecuentemente fuerte (RR>2 o<0,5), entre los indicadores de longitudinalidad y las diversas variables dependientes. Aunque nuestro conocimiento podría mejorar mediante estudios prospectivos que evaluaran directamente la longitudinalidad y su repercusión en los problemas por exceso de medicación, con las evidencias existentes, se puede afirmar que la protección y la promoción de la longitudinalidad en la AP es un elemento clave para el control de la polifarmacia y los problemas asociados (AU)

The aim of this work was to collect, evaluate and interpret the available evidence on the relationship between continuity in primary care (i.e., longitudinality), and the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated problems. Following the PRISMA reporting statement, we carried out a systematic review of the literature searching PubMed and Scopus databases. The screening of titles and summaries and the review of references carried out independently by two authors detected 16 works of potential interest, of which 4 were discarded after the independent review of all the originals because they did not meet inclusion criteria. The 12 papers selected studied the relationship between Longitudinality, measured with various quantitative indices, and the rate of polypharmacy or various associated problems, such as duplicate drugs, inadequate prescriptions or drug interactions. They all showed a significant relationship, often strong (RR>2 or<0.5), between longitudinality indicators and the various dependent variables. Although our knowledge could be improved by prospective studies that more directly evaluate longitudinality and its impact on problems due to excess medication, with the existing evidence, we can affirm that the protection and promotion of continuity in primary care can be a key element for the control of polypharmacy and associated problems (AU)

Tratamientos modificadores de la enfermedad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en España / Disease-modifying treatments for patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain

La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad desmielinizante crónica del sistema nervioso central y discapacitante a largo plazo. Existen diferentes tratamientos modificadores de la enfermedad. Estos pacientes, a pesar de ser generalmente jóvenes, tienen una elevada comorbilidad y riesgo de polimedicación por su compleja sintomatología y discapacidad. Objetivo principal determinar el tipo de tratamiento modificador de la enfermedad en los pacientes atendidos en servicios de farmacia de hospitales españoles. Objetivos secundarios Conocer los tratamientos concomitantes, determinar la prevalencia de la polifarmacia, identificar la prevalencia de interacciones y analizar la complejidad farmacoterapéutica. Método estudio observacional, transversal y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple y tratamiento modificador de la enfermedad activo a los que se atendió en las consultas de pacientes externos o en los hospitales de día durante la segunda semana de febrero 2021. Se recogieron: el tratamiento modificador, las comorbilidades y los tratamientos concomitantes para determinar el patrón de multimorbilidad, polifarmacia, complejidad farmacoterapéutica (Medication Regimen Complexity Index) e interacciones medicamentosas. Resultados se incluyeron 1.407 pacientes de 57 centros de 15 Comunidades Autónomas. La forma de presentación de la enfermedad más frecuente fue la forma remitente recurrente (89,3%). El tratamiento modificador de la enfermedad más prescrito fue dimetilfumarato (19,1%), seguido de teriflunomida (14,0%). De los tratamientos modificadores parenterales, los 2 más prescritos fueron el acetato de glatiramero y el natalizumab con un 11,1 y 10,8% respectivamente. El 24,7% de los pacientes tenían una comorbilidad y el 39,8% al menos 2 comorbilidades. El 13,3% pertenecía al menos a uno de los patrones definidos de multimorbilidad y el 16,5% pertenecían a 2 o más patrones. ... (AU)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and long-term disabling. Different disease-modifying treatments are available. These patients, despite being generally young, have high comorbidity and risk of polymedication due to their complex symptomatology and disability.Objective primaryTo determine the type of disease-modifying treatment in patients seen in Spanish hospital pharmacy departments.Secondary objectivesTo determine concomitant treatments, determine the prevalence of polypharmacy, identify the prevalence of interactions and analyse pharmacotherapeutic complexity.MethodObservational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. All patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and active disease-modifying treatment who were seen in outpatient clinics or day hospitals during the second week of February 2021 were included. Modifying treatment, comorbidities and concomitant treatments were collected to determine multimorbidity pattern, polypharmacy, pharmacotherapeutic complexity (Medication Regimen Complexity Index) and drug-drug interactions.Results1,407 patients from 57 centres in 15 autonomous communities were included. The most frequent form of disease presentation was the relapsing remitting form (89.3%). The most prescribed disease-modifying treatment was dimethyl fumarate (19.1%), followed by teriflunomide (14.0%). Of the parenteral disease-modifying treatments, the two most prescribed were glatiramer acetate and natalizumab with 11.1% and 10.8%. 24.7% of the patients had one comorbidity and 39.8% had at least 2 comorbidities. 13.3% belonged to at least one of the defined patterns of multimorbidity and 16.5% belonged to 2 or more patterns. The concomitant treatments prescribed were psychotropic drugs (35.5%); antiepileptic drugs (13.9%) and antihypertensive drugs and drugs for cardiovascular pathologies (12.4%). ... (AU)

Cognitive and functional trajectories in geriatric outpatients after a pharmacologic multidisciplinary intervention: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is a common condition among older adults and is associated with adverse drug reactions and health outcomes, including falls, functional and cognitive impairment, and frailty. METHODS: A prospective observational study will be conducted on older adults with polypharmacy. The aim is to assess the impact of a specialized outpatient clinic focused on pharmacotherapy optimization recently integrated into daily clinical practice in a Spanish public tertiary teaching hospital on patients' functional and cognitive abilities. Patients who attend a first consultation and meet inclusion criteria (≥75 years old, have a life expectancy≥3 months, and polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed medications) will be invited to participate in the study, until reach a calculated sample size of 104 participants. Patients will be excluded if they are enrolled in a clinical trial related to medication or in the event of a no-show or cancellation of the appointment at the first visit. Participants will receive usual care: a first consultation including multidisciplinary pharmacological optimization in the context of a CGA and subsequent face-to-face and/or telephone follow-up (∼3 and ∼6 months). The primary endpoint will be the functional (Barthel index) and cognitive change in capacities (IPCR - Índice de Incapacidad psíquica de la Cruz Roja). Secondary endpoints include medication changes, changes in patients' quality of life, rate of falling, and use of healthcare resources. DISCUSSION: We expect that the close collaboration between professionals from different disciplines working together will be an effective strategy to improve the functional and cognitive abilities of older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05408598 (March 1, 2022).

[Translated Article] Disease-modifying treatments for patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and long-term disabling. Different disease-modifying treatments are available. These patients, despite being generally young, have high comorbidity and risk of polymedication due to their complex symptomatology and disability. OBJECTIVE PRIMARY: To determine the type of disease-modifying treatment in patients seen in Spanish hospital pharmacy departments. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: to determine concomitant treatments, determine the prevalence of polypharmacy, identify the prevalence of interactions and analyze pharmacotherapeutic complexity. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. All patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and active disease-modifying treatment who were seen in outpatient clinics or day hospitals during the second week of February 2021 were included. Modifying treatment, comorbidities and concomitant treatments were collected to determine multimorbidity pattern, polypharmacy, pharmacotherapeutic complexity (Medication Regimen Complexity Index) and drug-drug interactions. RESULTS: 1407 patients from 57 centres in 15 autonomous communities were included. The most frequent form of disease presentation was the relapsing remitting form (89.3%). The most prescribed disease-modifying treatment was dimethyl fumarate (19.1%), followed by teriflunomide (14.0%). Of the parenteral disease-modifying treatments, the two most prescribed were glatiramer acetate and natalizumab with 11.1% and 10.8%. 24.7% of the patients had 1 comorbidity and 39.8% had at least 2 comorbidities. 13.3% belonged to at least one of the defined patterns of multimorbidity and 16.5% belonged to 2 or more patterns. The concomitant treatments prescribed were psychotropic drugs (35.5%); antiepileptic drugs (13.9%) and antihypertensive drugs and drugs for cardiovascular pathologies (12.4%). The presence of polypharmacy was 32.7% and extreme polypharmacy 8.1%. The prevalence of interactions was 14.8%. Median pharmacotherapeutic complexity was 8.0 (IQR: 3.3-15.0). CONCLUSIONS: We have described the disease-modifying treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis seen in Spanish pharmacy services and characterized concomitant treatments, the prevalence of polypharmacy, interactions, and their complexity.

Influencia de la polifarmacia en la presencia simultánea de alta complejidad farmacoterapéutica, interacciones medicamentosas y no adherencia a la medicación en pacientes con infección por VIH. Proyecto 3-HIT / Influence of polypharmacy in the simultaneous presence of high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and non-adherence to medication in patients with HIV infection. Project 3-HIT

Introducción: La alta complejidad farmacoterapéutica, las interacciones farmacológicas y la falta de adherencia a la medicación concomitante son circunstancias con consecuencias negativas en la evolución clínica de los pacientes con infección por VIH. El fenómeno 3-HIT se refiere a la ocurrencia simultánea de estas situaciones. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la prevalencia del fenómeno 3-HIT en la población VIH polimedicada así como determinar los factores relacionados con su ocurrencia. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y unicéntrico que incluyó a todos los pacientes ancianos en tratamiento antirretroviral activo en seguimiento farmacoterapéutico entre enero y marzo de 2020. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística para evaluar los factores asociados a la ocurrencia del 3-HIT concepto con las variables significativamente asociadas a este fenómeno y aquellas consideradas clínicamente relevantes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 428 pacientes, registrándose una prevalencia de polifarmacia en el 25,9% de la muestra de estudio. El fenómeno 3-HIT se detectó en el 6,3% de los pacientes. Por cada fármaco concomitante prescrito, el riesgo de desarrollar el fenómeno 3-HIT aumenta 1,5 veces. Conclusión: La prevalencia del fenómeno 3-HIT es alta en pacientes VIH con polimedicación. Un cambio en el modelo de atención farmacéutica a un entorno multidimensional es esencial, junto con estrategias de optimización farmacoterapéutica para mejorar los resultados de salud de los pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: The high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and lack of adherence to concomitant medication are circumstances with negative consequences in the clinical evolution of patients with HIV infection. The 3-HIT phenomenon refers to the simultaneous occurrence of these situations. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT in the polymedicated HIV population as well as to determine factors related to its occurrence. Methods: Observational, retrospective and single-center study that included all elderly patients on active antiretroviral treatment in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between January and March 2020. A logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with the occurrence of the 3-HIT concept with the variables significantly associated with this phenomenon and those considered clinically relevant. Results: 428 patients were included, registering a prevalence of polypharmacy in 25.9% of the study sample. The 3-HIT phenomenon was detected in 6.3% of the patients. For each concomitant drug prescribed the risk of developing the phenomenon 3-HIT increases 1.5 times. Conclusion: Prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT is high in HIV patients with polymedication. A change in the pharmaceutical care model to a multidimensional setting is essential, together with pharmacotherapeutic optimization strategies to improve patient health outcomes.(AU)

[Longitudinality in Primary Care and Polypharmacy. A Systematic Review]. / Longitudinalidad en atención primaria y polifarmacia. Una revisión sistemática.

The aim of this work was to collect, evaluate and interpret the available evidence on the relationship between continuity in primary care (i.e., longitudinality), and the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated problems. Following the PRISMA reporting statement, we carried out a systematic review of the literature searching PubMed and Scopus databases. The screening of titles and summaries and the review of references carried out independently by two authors detected 16 works of potential interest, of which 4 were discarded after the independent review of all the originals because they did not meet inclusion criteria. The 12 papers selected studied the relationship between Longitudinality, measured with various quantitative indices, and the rate of polypharmacy or various associated problems, such as duplicate drugs, inadequate prescriptions or drug interactions. They all showed a significant relationship, often strong (RR>2 or<0.5), between longitudinality indicators and the various dependent variables. Although our knowledge could be improved by prospective studies that more directly evaluate longitudinality and its impact on problems due to excess medication, with the existing evidence, we can affirm that the protection and promotion of continuity in primary care can be a key element for the control of polypharmacy and associated problems.

La medicalización de los servicios de salud y la publicidad masiva de medicamentos en la automedicación y la polifarmacia / Medicalization of Health Services and Massive Advertising of Drugs in Self-Medication and Polypharmacy

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(AU)

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)

Disease-modifying treatments for patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain. / Tratamientos modificadores de la enfermedad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en España.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and long-term disabling. Different disease-modifying treatments are available. These patients, despite being generally young, have high comorbidity and risk of polymedication due to their complex symptomatology and disability. OBJECTIVE PRIMARY: To determine the type of disease-modifying treatment in patients seen in Spanish hospital pharmacy departments. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: To determine concomitant treatments, determine the prevalence of polypharmacy, identify the prevalence of interactions and analyse pharmacotherapeutic complexity. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. All patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and active disease-modifying treatment who were seen in outpatient clinics or day hospitals during the second week of February 2021 were included. Modifying treatment, comorbidities and concomitant treatments were collected to determine multimorbidity pattern, polypharmacy, pharmacotherapeutic complexity (Medication Regimen Complexity Index) and drug-drug interactions. RESULTS: 1,407 patients from 57 centres in 15 autonomous communities were included. The most frequent form of disease presentation was the relapsing remitting form (89.3%). The most prescribed disease-modifying treatment was dimethyl fumarate (19.1%), followed by teriflunomide (14.0%). Of the parenteral disease-modifying treatments, the two most prescribed were glatiramer acetate and natalizumab with 11.1% and 10.8%. 24.7% of the patients had one comorbidity and 39.8% had at least 2 comorbidities. 13.3% belonged to at least one of the defined patterns of multimorbidity and 16.5% belonged to 2 or more patterns. The concomitant treatments prescribed were psychotropic drugs (35.5%); antiepileptic drugs (13.9%) and antihypertensive drugs and drugs for cardiovascular pathologies (12.4%). The presence of polypharmacy was 32.7% and extreme polypharmacy 8.1%. The prevalence of interactions was 14.8%. Median pharmacotherapeutic complexity was 8.0 (IQR: 3.3 -- 15.0). CONCLUSIONS: We have described the disease-modifying treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis seen in Spanish pharmacy services and characterised concomitant treatments, the prevalence of polypharmacy, interactions, and their complexity.