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Retrospective evaluation of statin prescription in the elderly
Author(s) -
Chee Wee Jie,
Abdullahi Huda,
Chan Yolanda,
Rattle Amelia,
Snedden Stephanie,
Junckerstorff Ralph
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.13996
Subject(s) - medicine , medical prescription , statin , medical record , retrospective cohort study , demographics , polypharmacy , emergency medicine , physical therapy , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , demography , sociology
Background Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia. Although the cardioprotective effects of statins are well documented, questions remain regarding their risk–benefit profile in elderly adults, especially those with limited life expectancies. Aim To describe the prevalence and pattern of statin use in elderly patients admitted to a General Medicine Unit. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients aged ≥80 years who were admitted to the General Medical Unit at Monash Medical Centre between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2015. Patients receiving statin therapy prior to admission were identified and included. Data including patient demographics, indication for statin, comorbidities, co‐prescription of interacting medications, presence of muscle‐related toxicity and any change to statin prescription were collected and described. Results Of 852 patients admitted to hospital, 359 (42%) were taking statins prior to admission. Statins were used for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 63% of patients and for primary prevention in 24%. Most patients were taking high‐ (16%) or medium‐intensity statins (78%); 46% of patients were co‐prescribed medications with the potential to increase the risk of statin toxicity. Statins were discontinued in 16% of patients; however, the majority of patients had no change to their statin prescription. Muscle‐related toxicity was documented in 4% of patients. Conclusion Statin use and the co‐prescription of potentially interacting medications are common in elderly adults admitted to hospital. Statin prescription in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities is rarely reviewed unless directly relevant to their admission diagnosis.