• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate adverse drug reactions (ADR) and causative drugs in the elderly 65 years of age or older, using Korean spontaneous reporting adverse events reporting database from June 2009 to December 2010. Methods: We estimated the association between ADRs and implicated medications by calculating a proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC). We reexamined the most frequently implicated medications and ADRs, and the seriousness of ADRs. Then, we assessed reports and concordant rate of ADRs due to medications designated as "high-risk" in elderly by 2012 healthcare effectiveness data and information set (HEDIS) or "potentially inappropriate" by 2012 American Geriatrics Society updated Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Results: Among 15,484 elderly reports, data-mining analysis by PRR, ROR and IC showed that 421 drug-ADR pairs were detected as signals (3,189). The most frequently reported ADR and causative drug were urticaria (470) and contrast media agents (647), respectively. One hundred eighty nine ADR cases were graded as serious. Twenty-two kinds of high-risk medications were shown to be implicated in only 0.9% of ADRs. Only thirty-nine cases were consistent with 2012 Beers criteria or HEDIS. Conclusion: These results suggest that management of the other medications including contrast media agents as well as close monitoring of PIMs are necessary for reducing ADRs in the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to assess the incidence of the potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in Korean elderly patients with heart failure, and to evaluate factors that influence PIM use. Method: Korean National Health Insurance claims database between January 2009 and December 2009 was used. Using 2012 updated Beers criteria, PIM use in heart failure patients aged 65 years or older was examined. Result: The incidence of PIM use in elderly heart failure patients was higher than in overall elderly patients. Among the 12,759 elderly patients with heart failure, 46.2% of study subjects were prescribed PIM(s) at least once. The number of PIM per 10 medications that patients received per patient was 1.53. The most commonly used PIMs in elderly heart failure patients were benzodiazepines (30.9%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including COX-2 inhibitors (16.3%), digoxin (9.9%), and spironolactone (9.0%). Women (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17-1.24), medical aid (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.13), and long-term facilities (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.44-2.96) were revealed to be important factors associated with PIM use. In addition, patient's age also seems to influence PIM use. Conclusion: Elderly heart failure patients are at a greater risk for adverse drug events attributed by inappropriate medication use. Efforts to increase awareness of PIM use in elderly heart failure patients are needed. In addition, various comprehensive strategies and policies to identify and prevent PIM use should be established nationwide.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2022

Background: Medication-related problems (MRPs) frequently occur during the discharge period. Elderly patients, particularly, are at high risk for these problems due to polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. The purpose of this study was to build and implement collaboration between general hospital and community pharmacies to address MRPs among high-risk elderly patients before/after discharge. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between June and December of 2020. The inclusion criteria were patients with aged ≥65 years; residents of Jeonju; discharged from Jeonbuk National University hospital; either on medication of exceeding 10 medications (or high-risk medications) after hospitalization through the emergency room, or having severe illness. Patients received medication reconciliation and counselling by hospital pharmacists before discharge and home-visit pharmaceutical care as follow-up by community pharmacists after discharge. Results: Twenty-two patients agreed to home-visit pharmaceutical services. Fifteen and 11 patients completed the first and second home-visit pharmaceutical care service, respectively. Forty-two MRPs were identified in 15 patients. The types of high-frequency MRPs were incorrect administration of drug, adverse drug reactions, medication non-compliance, drug-drug interactions, lifestyle modifications, and expired medication disposal. After consultation with the pharmacist, 34 out of 42 MRPs were resolved. Conclusions: Transitional care for high-risk elderly patients before and after discharge was successfully built and implemented through a collaboration between general hospital and community pharmacies. This study suggests that home-visit pharmaceutical services may have positive effects on the safe use of drugs during the transition period; however, additional research is needed to expand on these findings.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.254-263
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• 2015

Objectives: The present study assessed the prevalence of the potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in Korean elderly patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition, this study examined risk factors that affect PIM use. Method: A retrospective, observational study was conducted using Korean National Health Insurance claims database of 2009. PIM use in Parkinson's disease patients aged 65 years or older was examined based on 2012 Beers Criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for PIM use. Results: Among 5,277 elderly patients with Parkinson's disease, 88.9% of patients used PIM(s) at least once. The average number of PIM items used per patient was 4.2. PIM use ratio, the proportion of total amount of PIMs to all medications per patient, was 12.6%. Frequently used PIM therapeutic classes were benzodiazepines (32.7%), first-generation antihistamines (19.2%), and prokinetics (17.5%). Individual PIMs most commonly used included chlorpheniramine (11.4%), levosulpiride (10.9%), diazepam (9.0%), and alprazolam (7.6%). Women (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.16), medical aid (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15-1.21), and long-term facilities (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.22-2.65) were shown to be risk factors associated with PIM use. Of particular, wide variation in PIM use was associated with the types of healthcare facility. Conclusion: The PIM prevalence was very high in elderly Parkinson's disease patients. Nationally effective and systematic efforts to identify and prevent PIM use should be made to ensure patient safety and to improve quality of care in the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2011

Misinformation and inappropriate use of medication has become one of the most pressing concerns in drug safety. The purpose of this study was to survey public perception on drug safety as well as the channels most relied upon providing such information. The survey was performed for patients or their families visiting pharmacies in a local city in Korea. Analysis was performed from 367 respondents to the survey. The contents of this survey revealed that consumers were aware of the fact that medications should not be taken at any higher dosage or more often than directed by their prescriptions. The survey revealed a general awareness that symptoms might not be relieved immediately by their medications. However, the perception that there could be adverse drug reaction (ADR) at therapeutic dose was low except among the young or highly educated members. Respondents recognized that skin rashes were the most whereas drowsiness was the least common ADR symptom. There was a high awareness of drug-food or drug-drug interactions except in the case of certain nutraceuticals. Doctors and pharmacists were ranked as the most reliable resources to the consumer for providing drug related information. However, public relations or education programs were in need since there were still not negligible numbers of consumers depending on personal experience rather than health professionals.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2015

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill pediatric patients has been reported as increasing to 25 %, depending on population characteristics. The etiology of AKI has changed over the last 10-20 years from primary renal disease to the renal conditions associated with systemic illness. The AKI in pediatric population is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and prevention is needed to reduce the consequence of AKI. It is known that the most important risk factors for AKI in critically ill pediatric patients are clinical conditions to be associated with decreased renal blood flow, direct renal injury, and illness severity. Renal hypoperfusion leads to neurohormonal activation including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system, antidiuretic hormone, and prostaglandins. Prolonged renal hypoperfusion can result in acute tubular necrosis. The direct renal injury can be predisposed under the condition of renal hypoperfusion, and appropriate treatment of volume depletion is important to prevent AKI. The preventable causes of AKI include contrast-induced nephropathy, hemodynamic instability, inappropriate mediation use, and multiple nephrotoxic insults. Given the evidence of preventable factors for AKI, several actions such as the use of protocol for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, appropriate treatment of volume depletion, vigorous treatment of sepsis, avoidance of combinations of nephrotoxic medications, and monitoring of levels of drugs should be recommended.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2021

The World Anti-Doping Agency has made efforts to promote the safe use of medications and prevent doping in sports globally. International standards have been established and experts have advocate anti-doping education to athletes and healthcare professionals. Pharmacists are expected to participate in the pharmaceutical care activity of sports medicine in protecting the athletes while providing the spirits of clean sports. In this review, we described the pharmacists' roles and functions in six areas of sports pharmaceutical care: awareness, treatment, prevention, optimization, abuse, and monitoring. Sports pharmacists should be able to prevent inappropriate drug use and manage athletes' illness and injury using pharmacotherapy. Further pharmacists should actively involve to educate and counsel athletes, trainers, and healthcare teams. In conclusion, pharmacists are expected to play important roles in sports pharmacy, which is the emerging area of specialized pharmaceutical care services.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.497-506
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• 2000

This study is comprised of data obtained from the files of 346 patients with temporomandibular disorders. All patients were diagnosed, treated and followed in the Department of Dentistry at the Inha university hospital, Incheon, Korea. The patients had treated with medications, physical therapy, occlusal splint and arthrocentesis. The study data were obtained from the medical records and telephone interviews that were conducted by research assistants. The results were as follows 1. The patient's main complaint was pain(77%), and mouth opening limitation was 17%. 2. An analysis of the medical records of the 346 patients disclosed that 82% were improved and 17% had no improvement when they were dismissed. 1% of the patients had become worse during therapy. 3. A success rate of 82% was achieved when medication assisted physical therapy was included. In the current status at the telephone interview, 270 patients(89%) reported that they were doing well with 56% describing themselves as asymtomatic and 32% experiencing only minor residual or recurrent symptoms. 11% regarded themselves as unimproved and worse. 4. In the current status of the unsuccessfully treated patients by medications and physical therapy, 64% of patients were doing well(3% as asymptomatic and 56% as only minor residual or recurrent symptom). But 36% of patients was reported as unimproved and worse. 5. TMJ has a remarkable adaptive potential and TMJ disorder has a natural history of spontaneous fluctuations and favorable prognosis during the subsequent natural course. 6. In the treatment of the temporomandibular disorders, there is a treatment ladder, starting with the simplest and least expensive treatment, that is ascended until resolution of the patient's symptoms occur. These findings suggest that conservative reversible therapies are both sufficient and appropriate for management of temporomandibular disorder in most patients. Major alterations of mandibular position or dentoalveolar relationships do not appear to be necessary for obtaining either short term or long term success and therefore they can be generally regards as inappropriate treatment for this disorder. The fact that physical therapy is non-invasive and does not appear to be fraught with irreversible changes, makes it a very applicable vehicle in the area of clinical TMJ disorder management.

• Journal of Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.418-429
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• 2018

Background : To improve medication adherence in elderly patients, the role of pharmacists in teambased services has been highlighted in the literature. However, not much is known about the role and the service elements involved in comprehensive geriatric programs in South Korea. This study was designed to describe the current status of medication adherence in geriatric patients based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment program and analyze the predictive factors for medication adherence in a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods : A retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic medical records of 247 patients from March 1st, 2015 to August 31st, 2015. Medication adherence and the types of non-adherence were also collected. Predictive factors for adherence were evaluated by including factors related to demographics, medications, illness, and patterns of medical usage. Results : The mean age of the study population was 81.2 years (range 65~98 years) and they were taking 9.7 drugs on an average (SD 5.0 drugs). The overall rate of non-adherence was 34%. About 48% of the patients had any forms of assistance in the medication administration. The most common type of non-adherence was "self-adjustment". The multivariate analyses revealed that age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.80-0.96]; p 0.05) and the number of inappropriate medications (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40-0.89]; p 0.05) were strong predictors for non-adherence. Conclusions : These results indicate that strategic considerations of the predictors of non-adherence should be improved in medication counseling services targeting elderly patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.111-125
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• 2018

Purpose : Cachexia, is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness and characterized by loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. Patients with cachxia shows various symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, pain, sleep disorders, and poor appetite. Medications therapy, dietary and exercise therapy, and emotional support are recommended to treat patients with cachexia. However, evidence-based research verifying the role of exercise therapy in patients with cachexia is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise on fatigue and anxiety in patients with cachexia. Methods : Case report. A 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with cachexia. Following 2 weeks of inpatient and 4 weeks of out-patient treatment. we assessed her weight, as well as pain, fatigue, and anxiety level. As an the patient exercised for an hour 5 times a week for 2 weeks,-and during the outpatient visit, she exercised for an hour twice a week for 4 weeks. Her weight was measured using a weighting scale. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale, and fatigue and anxiety levels were assessed using questionnaires. Results : Following 6 weeks of treatment, exercise therapy a positively affected the patient's weight, as well as pain, fatigue, and anxiety levels. We observed a weight gain of 4.5 kg, pain reduction of 5.1 points. Fatigue reduction of 43 points, anxiety reduction of total 41 points. Conclusion : Exercise therapy positively affects weight, as well as pain, fatigue, and anxiety levels in patients with cachexia. However, generalization of this observation is inappropriate based on this single case study.