Journal Article Summary
The article investigates the issue of polypharmacy among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who are on hemodialysis, highlighting the risks associated with taking multiple medications. Patients with ESKD often have several comorbidities, leading to a high likelihood of being prescribed numerous medications, which can result in adverse drug events (ADEs). The study focuses on the MedSafer tool, an electronic decision support system designed to help healthcare providers identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and facilitate deprescribing, which is the process of reducing unnecessary medications.
In this analysis, researchers examined data from 140 hospitalized patients on hemodialysis who were part of a larger randomized controlled trial. The study compared two groups: one that received usual care and another that received the MedSafer intervention, which provided personalized deprescribing reports. The findings revealed that patients in the intervention group had a higher rate of deprescribing PIMs compared to the control group, with 28.8% of PIMs deprescribed in the intervention group versus 19.3% in the control group. Despite the increase in deprescribing, the overall number of PIMs at discharge remained similar between both groups, indicating that while the intervention was beneficial, the small sample size may limit the generalizability of the results.
The study has some limitations, including its post hoc nature and the small number of participants, which may affect the reliability of the findings. Patients and caregivers should be aware that while deprescribing can reduce medication burden, it should be done carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety. It is important for patients to discuss their medication regimen with their healthcare providers, especially if they are on multiple medications, to evaluate the necessity and appropriateness of each one.
Medication Safety Note
This journal article summary is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Article Cited
- Moryousef Joseph, Bortolussi-Courval Émilie, Podymow Tiina, Lee Todd C., Trinh Emilie, McDonald Emily G.. Deprescribing Opportunities for Hospitalized Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the MedSafer Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease 2022. DOI: 10.1177/20543581221098778. PMID: 35586025. PMCID: PMC9109480.
Featured Pill Pals Product
Docusate Sodium /Senna 8.6-50 mg Tablets 100 Count --- Generic for Peri-Colace --- Rugby Pharma --- Over The Counter
Docusate Sodium /Senna 8.6-50 mg Tablets 100 Count — Generic for Peri-Colace — Rugby Pharma — Over The Counter is available through Pill Pals Pharmacy with cash-pay pharmacy pricing and free shipping where available. This is an Over The Counter Product, so no prescription is required.However, your prescriber can still write for it as a prescription, if desired.
