Key result
Polypharmacy linked to ~27% higher all-cause mortality in older adults with CKD.
Why the study?
Polypharmacy may contribute to adverse outcomes, which could worsen in elderly individuals with CKD, but evidence linking polypharmacy, CKD, and mortality is scarce.
Does polypharmacy increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with chronic kidney disease?
Cohort (n=13,513)
Yes
Does polypharmacy increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with chronic kidney disease?
Effect estimate: HR 1.27 (95% CI 1.15-1.39)
Polypharmacy is associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults, particularly those with chronic kidney disease, highlighting the need for careful medication management and deprescribing.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Polypharmacy was associated with higher mortality in older CKD adults; hypothesis-generating for deprescribing trials, should not yet change practice.
Wang et al. (2023) conducted a cohort in Polypharmacy and Chronic Kidney Disease (n=13,513). Polypharmacy vs. No polypharmacy (<5 medications) was evaluated on All-cause mortality in older adults with CKD (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15-1.39). Polypharmacy was associated with a 27% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.27) and a 39% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.39) among older adults with chronic kidney disease.
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