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. 2024 Apr;15(2):539-543.
doi: 10.1007/s41999-023-00918-3. Epub 2024 Jan 12.

Chronic benzodiazepine usage among older people: prevalence, indications, and treatment modifications in patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit

C Corral-Tuesta  1 , A Rodríguez Díaz-Pavón  2 , B Montero-Errasquín  2 , C G Álvarez-Pinheiro  2 , V Lavilla-Gracia  2 , A J Cruz-Jentoft  2
Affiliations

Chronic benzodiazepine usage among older people: prevalence, indications, and treatment modifications in patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit

C Corral-Tuesta et al. Eur Geriatr Med. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and indications of benzodiazepines (BZD) usage among patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit and assess changes in prescriptions.

Methods: BZD indications were documented reviewing clinical records, with appropriateness assessed based on the STOPP-START criteria. Changes in BZD prescriptions were recorded at discharge and 3 months later.

Results: Among the 366 patients included (mean age: 92.8 years, 68% females), 91 (24.9%) were on BZD upon admission, being inappropriate in 93.4%. At discharge, BZD discontinuation was observed in 40.7% and dose reduction initiated in 57.4%. Among patients discharged without prescriptions, 10.8% resumed their use at 3 months. Of those discharged with BZD tapering, 74.1% were still on them 3 months later.

Conclusions: The majority of patients employing BZD lacked a medical indication. Admission to a geriatric ward resulted in successful discontinuation or dose reduction for most patients but was not maintained in the outpatient setting.

Keywords: Acute geriatric unit; Deprescription; STOPP-START; Benzodiazepines.

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