Use of statins in the elderly according to age and indicationa cross-sectional population-based register study

• PurposeTo investigate statin use in the elderly by age (80 vs. 65-79years) in relation to established indications.MethodsA population-based cohort, including data from four registers, encompassing inhabitants in Region Vastra Gotaland, Sweden, was used. Statin users were defined as those filling statin prescriptions 75% of the year 2010. Primary care and hospital diagnoses in 2005-2010 regarding ischemic heart disease, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, and diabetes were considered established indications.ResultsA total of 278,205 individuals were analyzed. In individuals aged 80 and 65-79years (n=81,885 and n=196,320, respectively), 17% (95% confidence interval 17%; 18%) and 23% (23%; 23%) respectively, were statin users. Among the statin users, 74% (73%; 74%) of those aged 80 and 60% (59%; 60%) of those aged 65-79years had 1 established indication. Conversely, of those with 1 established indication, 30% (30%; 31%) and 53% (52%; 53%) were on statins in the respective age groups. Logistic regression revealed that age, nursing home residence, and multi-dose drug dispensing were the most prominent negative predictors for statin use; adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 0.45 (0.44; 0.46), 0.39 (0.36; 0.42), and 0.47 (0.44; 0.49), respectively.ConclusionsIn the oldest old (80years), statin users were fewer and had more often an established indication, suggesting that physicians extrapolate scientific evidence for beneficial effects in younger age groups to the oldest, but require a more solid ground for treatment. As the oldest old, nursing home residents, and those with multi-dose drug-dispensing were statin users to a lesser extent, physicians may often refrain from treatment in those with lower life expectancy, either due to age or to severely reduced health status. In both age groups, our results however also indicate some over- as well as undertreatment.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmakologi och toxikologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmacology and Toxicology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Statins

Indication

Older people

Pharmacoepidemiology

Register

cardiovascular-disease

primary-care

risk

prevention

association

physicians

Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Statins

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