Persistent polypharmacy and fall injury risk: the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02695-9
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15T22:02:42Z
• Authors: Lingshu Xue; Robert M. Boudreau; Julie M. Donohue; Janice C. Zgibor; Zachary A. Marcum; Tina Costacou; Anne B. Newman; Teresa M. Waters; Elsa S. Strotmeyer
• Keywords: Fall prevention

Older adults receive treatment for fall injuries in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The effect of persistent polypharmacy (i.e. using multiple medications over a long period) on is understudied, particularly injuries. We examined the association between treated injury risk from settings community-dwelling older adults.The Health, Aging Body Composition Study included 1764 (age 73.6 ± 2.9 years; 52% women; 38% black) with Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) claims at or within 6 months after 1998/99 clinic visit. Incident (N = 545 4.6 years) were defined as initial claim an ICD-9 E-code non-fracture injury, fracture code with/without visit to 12/31/08. Those without 1219) followed 8.1 2.6 years. Stepwise Cox models time-varying variable (defined ≥6 prescription two most recent consecutive visits) adjusted demographics, lifestyle characteristics, chronic conditions, functional ability. Sensitivity analyses explored if increasing drugs (FRID) use similarly associated risk.Among participants, 636 (36%) had follow-up period, 1128 (64%) did not. Fall incidence was 38 per 1000 person-years. Persistent increased (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.31 [1.06, 1.63]) adjusting covariates. FRID 48% increase (95%CI: 1.10, 2.00) vs. those who non-persistent use. Risks (HR: 1.22 [0.93, 1.60]) 1.08 [0.77, 1.51]) not significantly compared use.Persistent polypharmacy, combined use, Clinicians may need consider medication management other prevention strategies reduce risk.