[Polypharmacy and psychotropic drugs as risk factors for falls in long-term care setting for elderly patients in Lombardy]

Recenti Prog Med. 2009 Jan;100(1):9-16.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Aim of the study was to investigate polypharmacy and psychotropic drugs as risk factors for falls in a Long-term Care Setting for elderly patients. In a cross-sectional study we investigated the characteristics of 414 subjects: 207 fallen patients 44 (21.3%) male e 163 (78.7%) female mean age 84.16 +/- 8.3 y.o. First generation neuroleptics (OR 1.739 CI 95% 1.047-2.889), benzodiazepines (OR 2.357 CI 95% 1.5-3.702) and mood stabilizers (OR 1.889 CI 95% 1.091-3.270) were associated to falls when adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities. Polypharmacotherapy (> or = 4 drugs) was a risk factor for falls when associated to a risk medication in the daily regimen only (OR 2.157 CI 95% 1.447-3.217). What raised has to be taken into account in the prescriptive activities in a Long term Care Setting for elderly patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Long-Term Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Polypharmacy
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs