Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and anticholinergic burden according to 2019 Beers Criteria and 2015 STOPP version 2 criteria in older adults at hospital admission in Mexico: an observational retrospective study.

Abstract Introduction: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are associated with a higher number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PIMs and to identify associated factors. Methods: This is an observational retrospective study that analyzed the prevalence of at least one PIM by the 2019 updated Beers Criteria and the 2015 updated STOPP version 2 criteria in adults 65 years of age or older at their hospital admission during a period of 6 months; these data were compared to variables such as comorbidities, hospital length of stay, anticholinergic cognitive burden, and mortality. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to identify prevalence and associated factors. Results: Data of 454 patients was analyzed. Prevalence of PIMs was 48.7% (n=221). The most frequent PIMs were central nervous system drugs (such as benzodiazepines) and proton pump inhibitors. Use of >5 drugs and age >75 years constituted independent risk factors for PIMs presentation. There was a higher anticholinergic burden score in patients presenting with PIMs. Presence of PIMs identified by STOPP criteria was an independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: A high prevalence of PIMs was demonstrated in this population, associated with polypharmacy and older age; besides, PIMs identified by STOPP were associated with higher mortality. The mean anticholinergic cognitive burden was higher in subjects who used at least one PIM.