| 1. |
- Svahn, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence of heart failure and trends in its pharmacological treatment between 2000 and 2017 among very old people
- 2024
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Nature. - 1471-2318. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe a population of very old people with heart failure (HF), to analyse the use of cardiovascular drugs over time, and to explore factors influencing cardiovascular drug treatment for this group.Methods: All participants with information regarding HF diagnosis were selected from the Umeå 85+/Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA). The people in GERDA are all ≥85 years old. Trained investigators performed structured interviews and assessments. Information regarding medications and diagnoses was obtained from the participants and from medical records. Medical diagnoses were reviewed and confirmed by an experienced geriatrician.Results: In this very old population, the prevalence of HF was 29.6% among women and 30.7% among men. Between 2000 and 2017, there was an increase in the use of renin-angiotensin (RAS) inhibitors (odds ratio [OR] 1.107, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.072–1.144) and beta-blockers (BBs) (OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.086–1.161) among persons with HF, whereas the prevalence of loop diuretics (OR 0.899, 95% CI 0.868–0.931) and digitalis (OR 0.864, 95% CI 0.828–0.901) decreased (p < 0.001 for all drug classes). Higher age was associated with lower use of RAS inhibitors and BBs.Conclusion: In this HF population, the use of evidence-based medications for HF increased over time. This may be a sign of better awareness among prescribers regarding the under-prescribing of guidelines-recommended treatment to old people. Higher age associated with a lower prevalence of RAS inhibitors and BBs. This might indicate that further improvement is possible but could also represent a more cautious prescribing among frail very old individuals.
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| 2. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Constipation and laxative use among people living in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013
- 2019
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BMC. - 1471-2318. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Constipation is a common condition among older people, particularly among people living in nursing homes, and the use of drugs such as opioids is one of many factors that contribute to its high prevalence. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of constipation and the use of laxatives between 2007 and 2013, to analyze constipation and laxative use among people who are prescribed opioids, and to identify factors associated with constipation. Methods: In 2007 and 2013, two surveys were performed in the county of Vasterbotten in Northern Sweden, comprising all those living in nursing homes. The Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale was used to collect data regarding laxative, opioid and anticholinergic drug use, functioning in activities of daily living (ADL), cognition and symptoms of constipation. A comparison was made between 2820 people from 2007 and 1902 people from 2013. Results: The prevalence of symptoms of constipation among people living in nursing homes increased from 36% in 2007 to 40% in 2013. After controlling for age, sex, ADL, cognitive impairment and use of opioid and anticholinergic drugs, this difference was found to be statistically significant. When controlled for demographic changes, there was a statistically significant difference in the regular use of laxatives between the respective years, from 46% in 2007 to 59% in 2013. People prescribed opioids and anticholinergic drugs were at increased risk of constipation, while people with a higher ADL score were at decreased risk. Further, among people prescribed opioids and rated as constipated, 35% in 2007 and 20% in 2013 were not prescribed laxatives for regular use, a difference that was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of symptoms of constipation increased between 2007 and 2013. Although there was a decrease between the years, there were still a number of people being prescribed with opioids and rated as constipated who were not treated with laxatives. This study therefore indicates that constipation remains a significant problem among people in nursing homes and also indicates that those prescribed opioids could benefit from an increased awareness of the risk of constipation and treatment, if required.
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| 3. |
- Abramsson, Linnea, et al.
(författare)
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Adherence to Bisphosphonates among People Admitted to an Orthopaedic and Geriatric Ward at a University Hospital in Sweden
- 2018
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Ingår i: Pharmacy. - : MDPI. - 2226-4787. ; 6:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Oral bisphosphonates are the first choice of therapy to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. These medications have generally poor oral bioavailability, which may further be reduced by concomitant intake of certain foods and drugs; therefore, it is vital to follow specific instructions. The aim with this study was to assess general adherence to oral bisphosphonates and adherence to specific administration instructions among people admitted to two wards at Umeå University hospital in Sweden. This interview study focuses on elderly patients living at home and prescribed oral bisphosphonates. Invited were 27 patients admitted to an orthopaedic ward and a geriatric ward during the period 28 March 2017 and 5 December 2017. In total, 21 patients were interviewed regarding their adherence to oral bisphosphonates. Out of 21 patients, 13 (62%) were considered non-adherent. The most common reason was calcium intake less than 2 h after oral administration of bisphosphonate (54%). The number of regularly prescribed drugs was significantly higher among patients rated non-adherent to bisphosphonates compared to those rated adherent (p = 0.004). Adherence to bisphosphonates administration instruction among elderly people living at home was limited. More research is needed to confirm these results and to investigate the reasons for non-adherence and how adherence to bisphosphonates can be improved.
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| 4. |
- Abramsson, Linnea, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence of drug-related problems using STOPP/START and medication reviews in elderly patients with dementia
- 2020
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Ingår i: Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. - : Elsevier. - 1551-7411 .- 1934-8150. ; 16:3, s. 308-314
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common among elderly patients with dementia. STOPP/START is an explicit tool that has been used to detect DRPs among elderly patients.Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and type of DRPs identified by STOPP/START with DRPs identified by clinical pharmacists among the same population. Secondary objectives were to investigate factors associated with the use of DRPs using the two methods.Method: Extracts from medical records were used to identify DRPs in 212 patients by using STOPP/START. The patients were ≥65 years of age with dementia or cognitive impairment. An earlier study was performed in the same study population in 2012–2014, where DRPs were identified by clinical pharmacists in order to decrease the number of rehospitalizations.Results: STOPP/START identified DRPs in 72.2% of the patients compared with 66.0% identified by the clinical pharmacists. The numbers of DRPs identified by the different methods were 326 and 310, respectively. Different types of DRPs were identified with the different tools. STOPP/START mainly identified DRPs in the categories “ineffective/inappropriate drug” and “needs additional drug therapy”, whereas the clinical pharmacists identified DRPs in several categories.Conclusion: Even though STOPP/START was able to identify a similar number of DRPs compared with DRPs identified by clinical pharmacists, STOPP/START failed to identify DRPs in several important categories. To cover all DRPs, STOPP/START might be used as a complement to implicit criteria.
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| 5. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Behavioral and psychological symptoms and psychotropic drugs among people with cognitive impairment in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 72:8, s. 987-994
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: The use of psychotropic drugs to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms among people with dementia has been widely questioned because of its limited efficacy and risk of harmful side-effects. The objectives of this study was to compare the prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms and the use of psychotropic drug treatments among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units in 2007 and 2013.METHODS: Two questionnaire surveys were performed in 2007 and 2013, comprising all those living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden. A comparison was made between 1971 people from 2007 and 1511 people from 2013. Data were collected concerning psychotropic and antidementia drug use, functioning in the activities of daily living (ADL), cognition, and behavioral and psychological symptoms, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS).RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2013, the use of antipsychotic drugs declined from 25.4 to 18.9 %, and of anxiolytic, hypnotic, and sedative drugs from 35.5 to 29.4 %. The prevalence of people prescribed antidepressant drugs remained unchanged while antidementia drug prescription increased from 17.9 to 21.5 %. When controlled for demographic changes, 36 out of 39 behavioral and psychological symptoms showed no difference in prevalence between the years.CONCLUSIONS: The use of antipsychotic, anxiolytic, hypnotic, and sedative drugs declined considerably between 2007 and 2013 among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units. Despite this reduction, the prevalences of behavioral and psychological symptoms remained largely unchanged.
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| 6. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Drug-related hospital admissions among old people with dementia
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Purpose: Drug treatment associated problems, including medication errors and adverse drug events, are common, and are the cause of a large proportion of hospital admissions in old people. People with dementia are especially at risk of drug-related problems. The objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and character of drug-related problems that lead to acute hospital admissions among old people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Methods: This study was conducted in orthopedic and internal medicine wards in two hospitals in Northern Sweden. Information about acute admissions was collected from the medical records of the study population. A total of 458 people aged 65 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment were included in the study. The contribution of drug related problems to each hospitalization was assessed. Results: Of 458 acute hospital admissions, 189 (41.3%) were determined to be drug-related. The most common drug-related problem (86/189; 45.5%) was an adverse drug reaction. In total, 264 drugs were judged to be involved in 189 drug-related admissions, of which cardiovascular (29.5%) and psychotropic (26.9%) drugs were the most commonly involved drug classes. The relationship between the drug-related problem and the admission was judged certain in 25 cases, probable in 78 cases, and possible in 86 cases. Drug-related admissions were more common among people taking more drugs and among younger patients. Conclusion: Drug-related problems appear to be responsible for a major proportion of hospitalizations among old people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Targeted interventions may be warranted to reduce drug-related problems.
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| 7. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Drug-related hospital admissions among old people with dementia
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 72:9, s. 1143-1153
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: Drug treatment associated problems are common and are the cause of a large proportion of hospitalizations in oldpeople. People with dementia are especially at risk of drug-related problems. The objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and character of drug-related problems that lead to acute hospital admissions among old people (≥65 years) with dementia or cognitive impairment.METHODS: This study was conducted in orthopedic and internal medicine wards in two hospitals in Northern Sweden. Information about acute admissions was collected from the medical records. A total of 458 people aged 65 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment were included in the study. The contribution of drug-related problems to each hospitalization was assessed.RESULTS: Of 458 acute hospital admissions, 189 (41.3 %) were determined to be drug-related. The most common drug-relatedproblem (86/189; 45.5 %) was an adverse drug reaction. In total, 264 drugs were judged to be involved in 189 drug-relatedadmissions, of which cardiovascular (29.5 %) and psychotropic (26.9 %) drugs were the most commonly involved drug classes. The relationship between the drug-related problem and the admission was judged certain in 25 cases, probable in 78 cases, and possible in 86 cases. Drug-related admissions were more common among people taking more drugs (p = 0.035) and among younger patients (p = 0.031).CONCLUSION: Drug-related problems appear to be responsible for a major proportion of hospitalizations among old peoplewith dementia or cognitive impairment. Targeted interventions such as education and medication reviews may be warranted to reduce drug-related problems.
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| 8. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of pharmacists' interventions on inappropriate drug use and drug-related readmissions in people with dementia : a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
- 2018
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Ingår i: Pharmacy. - Basel : MDPI. - 2226-4787. ; 6:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Age-associated physiological changes and extensive drug treatment including use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) pose a significant risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse drug events among elderly people with dementia. This study aimed at analysing the effects of clinical pharmacists' interventions on use of PIMs, risk of emergency department visits, and time to institutionalization. Furthermore, a descriptive analysis was conducted of circumstances associated with drug-related readmissions. This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled intervention study conducted in two hospitals in Northern Sweden. The study included patients (n = 460) 65 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment. The intervention consisted of comprehensive medication reviews conducted by clinical pharmacists as part of a healthcare team. There was a larger decrease in PIMs in the intervention group compared with the control group (p= 0.011). No significant difference was found in time to first all-cause emergency department visits (HR = 0.994, 95% CI = 0.755-1.307 p = 0.963, simple Cox regression) or time to institutionalization (HR = 0.761, 95% CI = 0.409-1.416 p = 0.389, simple Cox regression) within 180 days. Common reasons for drug-related readmissions were negative effects of sedatives, opioids, antidepressants, and anticholinergic agents, resulting in confusion, falling, and sedation. Drug-related readmissions were associated with living at home, heart failure, and diabetes. Pharmacist-provided interventions were able to reduce PIMs among elderly people with dementia and cognitive impairment.
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| 9. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Inappropriate long-term use of antipsychotic drugs is common among people with dementia living in specialized care units
- 2013
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Ingår i: BMC pharmacology & toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2050-6511. ; 14, s. 10-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic drugs are widely used for the treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), despite their limited efficacy and concerns about safety. The aim of this study was to describe antipsychotic drug therapy among people with dementia living in specialized care units in northern Sweden.METHODS: This study was conducted in 40 specialized care units in northern Sweden, with a total study population of 344 people with dementia. The study population was described in regard to antipsychotic drug use, ADL function, cognitive function and BPSD, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). These data were collected at baseline and six months later. Detailed data about antipsychotic prescribing were collected from prescription records.RESULTS: This study showed that 132 persons (38%) in the study population used antipsychotic drugs at the start of the study. Of these, 52/132 (39%) had prescriptions that followed national guidelines with regard to dose and substance.After six months, there were 111 of 132 persons left because of deaths and dropouts. Of these 111 people, 80 (72%) were still being treated with antipsychotics, 63/111 (57%) with the same dose. People who exhibited aggressive behavior (OR: 1.980, CI: 1.515-2.588), or passiveness (OR: 1.548, CI: 1.150-2.083), or had mild cognitive impairment (OR: 2.284 CI: 1.046-4.988), were at increased risk of being prescribed antipsychotics.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antipsychotic drug use among people with dementia living in specialized care units was high and inappropriate long-term use of antipsychotic drugs was common.
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| 10. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, 1971-
(författare)
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Optimizing drug therapy among people with dementia : the role of clinical pharmacists
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Drugs are one of the cornerstones in the management of many diseases. In general, drugs are used for diagnosis, prevention, mitigation of symptoms, and, sometimes, to cure disease. However, drug treatment in elderly people, especially those with dementia and cognitive impairments, may involve significant risk of adverse drug events. The aim of this thesis was to identify the extent of potentially inappropriate drug treatment among people with dementia and cognitive impairment and to assess the occurrence and character of drug-related problems that lead to acute hospital admissions. Another aim was to assess the potential impact of a comprehensive medication review conducted by clinical pharmacists as part of a health care team on quality of patients’ drug therapy and drug-related hospital readmission rates.Method: Long-term use of antipsychotic/psychotropic drugs and associated factors were investigated among 344 and 278 people respectively with dementia living in specialized care units. Trends in the prescribing of potentially inappropriate drugs between 2007 and 2013, comprising 2772 and 1902 people, living in nursing homes in the county of Västerbotten, were assessed using six national quality indicators. Data on drug use, function in the activities of daily living, cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms were collected using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale. Further, an investigation of a separate corresponding population from 2012 was done, where potentially inappropriate drug use was measured before and after a total of 895 medication reviews. Finally, a randomized, controlled trial was carried out among people 65 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment in internal medicine and orthopedic wards at two hospitals in northern Sweden. The proportion of hospital admissions that were drug-related were estimated, and also whether comprehensive medication reviews conducted by clinical pharmacists as part of a health care team could affect the risk of drug-related hospital readmissions.Results: Antipsychotic and other psychotropic drugs were frequently prescribed to people with dementia living in specialized care units for prolonged periods. Associations were found between behavioral and psychological symptoms and different psychotropic drugs. The extent of potentially inappropriate drug use declined between 2007 and 2013. In the separate corresponding population from 2012, the frequency of potentially inappropriate drug use was significantly reduced among people who underwent medication reviews. Hospitalizations due to drug-related problems among old people with dementia or cognitive impairment were prevalent. We found that inclusion of a clinical pharmacist in the health care team significantly reduced the risk of drug-related 30-day and 180-day readmissions. However, in a subset of patients with concomitant heart failure no effect was seen.Conclusion: Among patients with dementia or cognitive impairment long-term treatment with antipsychotic and other psychotropic drugs is common. The results indicate that these drugs are prescribed to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms among cognitively impaired individuals, despite limited evidence of their efficacy and the high risk of adverse effects. Drug-related problems, such as adverse drug reactions, constituted a major cause of hospital admissions. By reducing potentially inappropriate drug use and optimizing overall drug therapy, inclusion of clinical pharmacists in a health care team might improve the quality of patient care and reduce the risk of hospital readmissions among people with dementia.
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