Changes in Statin Prescription Patterns in Patients Admitted to an Australian Geriatric Subacute Unit.

Samer Noaman; Omar Al-Mukhtar; Sheri Abramovic; Hanin Mohammed; Cheng Yee Goh; Claire Long; Christopher Neil; Edward Janus; Nicholas Cox; William Chan
Abstract
Assessment of demographic and clinical factors influencing the decision of statin discontinuation in the elderly population admitted to subacute geriatric unit. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical factors impacting the decision-making process of statin discontinuation in the elderly.We retrospectively assessed changes in statin discontinuation and prescription among patients (≥60 years old) discharged from a geriatric evaluation and management unit by reviewing hospital digital medical records at Western Health - The Williamstown Hospital over a 12-month period from 4 February 2012 until 4 February 2013 inclusive. The main outcome of the study was to determine the independent predictors of statin discontinuation using logistic regression analysis.Of the studied population, 46% were already prescribed statins prior to their admission. Statins were discontinued in 17.5% of patients at discharge. Predictors of statin de-prescription included octogenarian status, primary prevention indication, poor functional recovery, residential care facility discharge destination and lower cognitive function. The presence of previous cardiovascular disease history and the burden of comorbidities were not predictors of statin discontinuation.We observed that factors that conveyed poor prognosis such as advanced age, poor functional recovery, worse cognitive function, being discharged to a residential care facility as well as primary prevention indication for statin prescription are predictors of statin discontinuation in the geriatric unit.
Journal HEART, LUNG & CIRCULATION
ISSN 1444-2892
Published 01 Mar 2019
Volume 28
Issue 3
Pages 423-429
DOI 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.12.009
Type Journal Article
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