• James A Feinstein, Chris Feudtner, Allison Kempe, and Lucas E Orth.
• Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research & Delivery Science (ACCORDS) (J.A.F.,A.K.), University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.E.O.), University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA. Electronic address: james.feinstein@cuanschutz.edu.
• J Pain Symptom Manage. 2023 Feb 1; 65 (2): e109e114e109-e114.

ContextChildren with severe neurological impairment and polypharmacy are exposed to anticholinergic (AC) medications that may have anticholinergic side effects, but this is understudied. Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scores measure total anticholinergic burden for a medication regimen, and scores ≥3 have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in adults.ObjectiveWe assessed the relationship between ACB scores and parent-reported anticholinergic symptoms in children.MethodsCross-sectional study of patients one to 18 years-old with ICD-defined severe neurological impairment and polypharmacy. At routine clinical visits, total ACB scores were computed for all medications. Parent-reported AC symptoms (constipation, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, or urinary problems) were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between total ACB scores ≥3 for scheduled medications and the presence of AC symptoms, adjusted for age and recent acute healthcare utilization.ResultsAmong 123 unique patients, 87% were prescribed AC medications. Common AC medication classes included: systemic antihistamines (64%), anxiolytics (53%), antidepressants (30%), H2 blockers (22%), and muscle relaxants (20%). Total ACB scores ≥3 were observed in 44% for scheduled medications and in 63% of patients for scheduled plus PRN medications. Total ACB scores ≥3 were significantly associated with an increased odds of ≥1 anticholinergic symptoms for scheduled medications (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.4, 6.7) and for scheduled plus PRN medications (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.4).ConclusionIf replicated in larger populations, the association between elevated total ACB scores and anticholinergic side effects in children should prompt clinicians to consider deprescribing potentially unneeded anticholinergic medications.Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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