Polypharmacy and adverse outcomes after hip fracture surgery

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the effects of polypharmacy and specific drug classes on readmissions and mortality after hip surgery. METHODS: We analyzed data on 272 consecutive hip fracture patients (72.1% females; age 82 ± 9 years) who underwent acute hip replacement. We collected detailed data on the pharmacological treatment upon admission and discharge. Patients were followed up over a period of 6 months after discharge using the Swedish National Hospital Discharge Register and the Swedish National Cause of Death Register. RESULTS: After 6 months, 86 patients (31.6%) were readmitted, while 36 patients (13.2%) died. The total number of medications upon discharge was predictive of rehospitalization (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.030) but not predictive of mortality. The use of antiosteoporotic agents (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.06-3.26, p = 0.03), SSRIs (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.06-3.42, p = 0.03), and eye drops (OR 4.12, 95%CI 1.89-8.97, p = 0.0004) were predictive of rehospitalization. Treatment with vitamin K antagonists (OR 4.29, 95%CI 1.19-15.39, p = 0.026), thiazides (OR 4.10, 95%CI 1.30-12.91, p = 0.016), and tramadol (OR 2.84, 95%CI 1.17-6.90, p = 0.021) predicted readmissions due to a new fall/trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The total number of medications, use of antiosteoporotic agents, SSRIs, and eye drops predicted rehospitalization after hip fracture surgery, while use of vitamin K antagonists, thiazides, and tramadol was associated with readmissions due to a traumatic fall. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hip fractures and polypharmacy in the elderly. Stimulus Project for the Elderly 2009-2011 (Reg no 2009-11-26). Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.