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This study assessed the prevalence and factors influencing the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults with lower-limb loss, revealing a significant association with phantom limb pain, history of upper gastrointestinal issues, and higher medication count, highlighting the need for careful consideration of post-amputation medication management to mitigate potential adverse effects.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and explore factors related to, prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among older adults with lower-limb loss (LLL).
This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset collected through an interdisciplinary limb loss clinic between September 2013 and November 2022. Self-report medication lists were reviewed during in-clinic face-to-face interviews and compared to the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria corresponding to the patient’s evaluation year.
Of 82 participants (72.9 ± 6.6 years-old; 78.0 % male), n = 41 (50.0 %) reported using one or more PIM. PIM prescription was significantly associated with presence of phantom limb pain, history of upper gastrointestinal issues, and a greater number of medications.
Polypharmacy and PIM use are common among older adults with LLL. Greater attention should be paid to medications post-amputation, especially pain management medications, to minimize potential adverse side-effects.
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