Arjun Poudel1, Patsy Yates2, Debra Rowett3, Lisa M Nissen4. 1. School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: a3.poudel@qut.edu.au. 2. School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. 3. Repatriation General Hospital, Adelaide, Australia. 4. School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Optimal prescribing in patients with limited life expectancy (LLE) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviews the published literature regarding the use of preventive medication in patients with reduced life expectancy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL). Articles published in English from January 1995 to December 2015 were retrieved for analysis to identify peer-reviewed, observational studies assessing use of preventive medications in patients with LLE. Inclusion criteria were: patients with a LLE (less than or equal to two years); prescribed/used preventive medications. RESULTS: Of the 15 studies meeting our eligibility criteria, six were from inpatient hospital settings, five in palliative care, three in nursing homes, and one in community settings. The most common life-limiting illnesses described in the studies were cancer (n = 6), cardiovascular diseases (n = 4), dementia and cognitive impairment (n = 2), and other life-limiting illnesses (n = 3). Lipid-lowering medications, especially the statins were frequently prescribed preventive medication followed by antiplatelets, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, anti-osteoporosis medications, and calcium channel blockers. Only four studies reported the instances of medication withdrawal. CONCLUSION: Patients continue to receive medications that are not prescribed as symptomatic treatment despite having a LLE. Very few rigorous studies have been conducted on minimizing preventive medications in patients with LLE, and expert opinion varies on medication optimization at the end of life. A consensus guideline that addresses this gap is of paramount importance.
CONTEXT: Optimal prescribing in patients with limited life expectancy (LLE) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviews the published literature regarding the use of preventive medication in patients with reduced life expectancy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL). Articles published in English from January 1995 to December 2015 were retrieved for analysis to identify peer-reviewed, observational studies assessing use of preventive medications in patients with LLE. Inclusion criteria were: patients with a LLE (less than or equal to two years); prescribed/used preventive medications. RESULTS: Of the 15 studies meeting our eligibility criteria, six were from inpatient hospital settings, five in palliative care, three in nursing homes, and one in community settings. The most common life-limiting illnesses described in the studies were cancer (n = 6), cardiovascular diseases (n = 4), dementia and cognitive impairment (n = 2), and other life-limiting illnesses (n = 3). Lipid-lowering medications, especially the statins were frequently prescribed preventive medication followed by antiplatelets, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, anti-osteoporosis medications, and calcium channel blockers. Only four studies reported the instances of medication withdrawal. CONCLUSION:Patients continue to receive medications that are not prescribed as symptomatic treatment despite having a LLE. Very few rigorous studies have been conducted on minimizing preventive medications in patients with LLE, and expert opinion varies on medication optimization at the end of life. A consensus guideline that addresses this gap is of paramount importance.
Authors: Ariel R Green; Patricia Lee; Emily Reeve; Jennifer L Wolff; Chi Chiung Grace Chen; Rachel Kruzan; Cynthia M Boyd Journal: J Am Board Fam Med Date: 2019 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.657
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