Study of polypharmacy in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital
a prospective observational study
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of polypharmacy in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a prospective observational study
Original source:
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I. Neelam, A. Kavya, P. Priyanka, P. Vinod and P. Jeevan
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Study of polypharmacy in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20187-11674
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Neelam et al. focused on polypharmacy among geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, India, aimed at identifying the drugs involved, diseases associated with polypharmacy, and the consequences of using inappropriate medications. The researchers undertook a prospective observational study over a six-month period, including patients aged over 60 years with various comorbidities. The study addressed the rising concern of polypharmacy, which is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, particularly prevalent in the elderly population due to their higher likelihood of chronic illnesses and hospitalizations.
Prevalence and Impact of Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy was notably prevalent among the participants, with the majority of geriatric patients taking five or more medications. The study revealed that among 105 patients, the age group of 60 to 70 years presented with the highest rates of polypharmacy, and males were more commonly affected than females. The departments of general medicine notably showed a higher incidence of polypharmacy compared to other departments like surgery and gastroenterology. The findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to exercise caution while prescribing medications to the elderly to avoid unnecessary complications associated with polypharmacy.
Inappropriate Medications Identified
The study pinpointed several inappropriate medications frequently prescribed to geriatric patients, including pantoprazole, aspirin, spironolactone, and diclofenac. These drugs raised concerns primarily due to their potential to cause adverse effects in older adults. The study emphasized the importance of utilizing guidelines such as the Beers criteria and STOPP/START criteria, which serve as standard references for identifying potentially inappropriate medications. The identification of these drug risks underscores a critical area that demands attention from healthcare professionals to ensure safe prescribing practices in the geriatric population.
Common Diseases Associated with Polypharmacy
Among the diseases studied, cardiovascular conditions and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) emerged as significant contributors to polypharmacy. The investigation revealed that patients with cardiovascular diseases and those who had undergone surgery, particularly for fractures, were often prescribed multiple medications. The study highlighted a relationship between the complexity of managing these chronic conditions and the increased requirement for polypharmacy. This association suggests that a careful review of medication regimens is crucial for improving patient outcomes and minimizing the risks associated with polypharmacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the investigation conducted by Neelam et al. affirms the widespread issue of polypharmacy among geriatric patients and the associated use of inappropriate medications. The study's findings emphasize the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt standardized guidelines when prescribing to the elderly to mitigate risks related to drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. The identification of prevalent conditions and inappropriate drugs calls for a more vigilant and personalized approach to medication management in order to enhance the quality of care for older adults facing the challenges of polypharmacy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main objective of the study on polypharmacy?
The study aims to identify drugs and diseases involved in polypharmacy, find inappropriate drugs, and assess the consequences related to their use in geriatric patients.
What is considered polypharmacy in this study?
Polypharmacy is defined as the use of five or more medications simultaneously, which is common among geriatric patients due to multiple co-morbid conditions.
What methods were used to collect data for the study?
Data was collected through a structured form that included demographic details, medical history, treatment charts, and medication details during hospital stays from August 2016 to January 2017.
How many patients were included in the study on polypharmacy?
A total of 105 patients aged above 60 years were included in the study, with a majority being males (71) compared to females (34).
Which inappropriate drugs were identified in the study?
The study identified several inappropriate drugs, notably pantoprazole, aspirin, diclofenac, and spironolactone, suggesting a need for adherence to Beers criteria and STOPP/START criteria during prescribing.
What were the significant diseases associated with polypharmacy in the study?
Significant diseases included cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular accidents, surgeries, and osteoarthritis, which were found to be prevalent among the geriatric population studied.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of polypharmacy in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
This term encompasses various medications utilized by patients, particularly in the geriatric population. The study identifies specific drugs frequently prescribed, evaluates their appropriateness, and explores the implications of their use in managing comorbidities, ultimately assessing potential risks like drug interactions and adverse effects related to polypharmacy.
2) Study (Studying):
The word 'Study' signifies a systematic investigation into a particular subject. In this context, it represents the research conducted to understand the impact of polypharmacy among geriatric patients, focusing on the types of drugs, associated diseases, and the patterns of medication usage in a tertiary care hospital setting.
3) Disease:
The word 'Diseases' highlights the multiple health conditions faced by geriatric patients, which are often complex and require careful management. In the study, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing these diseases to understand their impact on medication regimens and the potential for polypharmacy.
4) Nilam:
In this context, 'Neelam' denotes the lead author of the study, signifying the pivotal role she played in conducting the research. Identifying her underscores the collaboration among various researchers and highlights the contributions made toward understanding polypharmacy in geriatric patients.
5) Table:
The term 'Table' denotes a structured presentation of data within the study. Various tables summarize findings related to demographics, drug usage, and diseases, allowing for clear, concise interpretation of statistical results and facilitating comparison across different patient groups and medication types.
6) Medicine:
This term encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In the research, it reflects the approach taken to examine the pharmaceutical aspects of care provided to elderly patients, focusing on the efficacy and safety of medications used in managing geriatric health issues.
7) Male:
The term 'Male' refers to one of the gender categories analyzed in the study. The research presents a gender-wise distribution of patients, identifying a predominance of male patients receiving polypharmacy, which invites further exploration into gender-related differences in medication usage and health outcomes in geriatrics.
8) Bleeding:
The term 'Bleeding' pertains to a medical condition that can be associated with certain medications, particularly anticoagulants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study emphasizes the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding among elderly patients, thereby highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices to minimize this risk.
9) Toxicity:
The word 'Toxicity' refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living systems. In the study's context, it relates to the potential adverse effects of some medications prescribed to elderly patients, particularly those that may lead to an increased risk of complications due to drug interactions.
10) Ulcer:
Similar to 'Ulcers', the term 'Ulcer' addresses particular instances of open sores or lesions. In the discussions surrounding the study, it highlights concerns about the implications that certain medications may pose in exacerbating ulcer conditions, underlining the necessity for careful patient monitoring and appropriate treatment strategies.
11) Rheumatoid arthritis:
This term refers to a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints and, in some cases, other tissues. Although not extensively discussed in the study, mentioning it acknowledges the prevalence of chronic conditions in geriatrics and the complexities involved in treating these patients, particularly regarding medication interactions.
12) Tuberculosis:
The term 'Tuberculosis' refers to a highly infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. It is mentioned as an exclusion criterion in the study, highlighting the focus on patients without severe infectious diseases, which may complicate polypharmacy assessments and medication management in the geriatric population.
13) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' signifies the section of the study where the findings are interpreted and contextualized. In this part of the research, results related to polypharmacy, inappropriate drug usage, and their implications on geriatric care are critically analyzed to draw conclusions and suggest improvements in prescribing practices.
14) Anxiety:
The term 'Anxiety' refers to a common mental health condition that may influence medication management among elderly patients. Although not the primary focus of the study, acknowledging anxiety underscores the importance of considering psychological factors in the comprehensive care of geriatric patients, especially regarding drug interactions.
15) Madura:
In this context, 'Madura' likely refers to a specific patient condition (Madura foot) mentioned within the diseases section. Addressing such cases exemplifies the study's comprehensive approach in analyzing various health issues faced by the geriatric population, aiming to improve overall treatment outcomes.
16) Birth:
The term 'Birth' pertains to the demographic aspect of aging. The study references life expectancy statistics, underscoring the increasing number of elderly individuals, thus emphasizing the growing relevance of polypharmacy issues as the population ages and the complexities in managing multiple health conditions.
17) Beta:
The term 'Beta' primarily relates to beta-blockers, which are a class of drugs mentioned in discussions of appropriate medication for heart-related conditions. Including this term highlights the importance of understanding pharmacological management in elderly patients and the need for vigilance regarding potential drug interactions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study of polypharmacy in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Age-wise distribution, Gender-wise distribution, Cardiovascular disease, Cerebrovascular accident, Polypharmacy, Institutional Ethical Committee approval, Data collection form.