What question did this study set out to answer?

This report aims to address the risks of prescribing cascades in elderly patients by implementing a multimodal intervention.

April 22, 2026Open Access

Deprescribing and Multimodal Korean Medicine for Sequential Prescribing Cascades (Dyspepsia, Drug-Induced Parkinsonism, and Hypokalemia) in an Elderly Patient with Polypharmacy: A Case Report

Key Points

This report aims to address the risks of prescribing cascades in elderly patients by implementing a multimodal intervention.
Presented a case of an 81-year-old female with multiple drug interactions resulting in severe health issues.
Employed a multimodal Korean Medicine approach including targeted deprescribing and dietary corrections.
Utilized a specific decoction to support recovery alongside standard care.
Normalization of serum potassium levels from critical hypokalemia (2.5 to 3.5 mEq/L) within two weeks.
Resolution of functional deficits and decreased symptoms of both dyspepsia and parkinsonism.
Clinical recovery associated with the comprehensive approach focused on deprescribing.

Abstract

Objectives: Prescribing cascades (PCs) pose severe risks to elderly patients, particularly those receiving fragmented medical care. This report presents a life-threatening case of sequential PCs that was managed using a comprehensive multimodal Korean Medicine (KM) approach.Methods 天麻鉤藤飮) decoction. Within two weeks, serum potassium normalized (3.5 mEq/L), and functional deficits resolved.Conclusions: The resolution of these life-threatening PCs was associated with clinical recovery after targeted deprescribing and multimodal supportive care. This strategy may help to mitigate the harms caused by fragmented geriatric care.

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Cite This Study

Je-Won Lee (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e864ec6e0dea528dde98c2 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22246/jikm.2026.47.1.49

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