The association between renal impairment and polypharmacy among older Palestinian patients: a multi-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the association between renal impairment and polypharmacy among older Palestinian patients visiting primary healthcare centers and to examine potentially inappropriate medications among older patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among PHC clinic attendees aged 65 and older. We used medical records and an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. Participants with eGFR less than 60mls/min/1.73 m2 were categorized as renal impaired; we then calculated the prevalence of renal impairment and used Poisson multivariable regression model with robust variance to identify associated factors. Beer's criteria and literature reviews were used to evaluate renal impairment patients' medication and to determine the frequency of PIPs.

Results: The study included 421 participants (224 female, 197 male), and 66.3% were between the ages of 65 and 75. The prevalence of renal impairment was 30.2% (95%CI: 25.8-34.6%). Polypharmacy [aPR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.7-4.3], stroke [aPR = 2.6, 95%CI: 1.1-2.3], females [aPR = 1.7, 95%CI: 1.2-2.5], and older patients over the age of 80 [aPR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.6-3.5] were the main factors associated with renal impairment. RAAS (54.3%), metformin (39.3%), and sulfonylurea (20.4%) were the most frequently reported PIP in renal impairment patients.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a relationship between polypharmacy and renal impairment. Some people with renal impairment receive drugs that those with kidney illness should avoid or use with caution. It is important to prescribe only necessary medication, choose non-nephrotoxic alternatives, and frequently monitor renal function.

Keywords: Elderly; Impaired renal function; Polypharmacy; Primary healthcare clinics.