The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2007
ReviewPharmacologic prevention of aspiration pneumonia: a systematic review.
Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Several approaches, including bed positioning, dietary changes, and oral hygiene, have been proposed to prevent aspiration pneumonia, yet few data are available on the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions in reducing the rate of aspiration. ⋯ Limited information is available on benefits and risks to guide an evidence-based approach to the pharmacologic prevention of aspiration pneumonia. Considering the high incidence of aspiration pneumonia in older adults, large randomized clinical trials on the effectiveness of pharmacologic interventions are warranted.
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Polypharmacy is a significant problem among older adults. Patient-related characteristics and beliefs have not been the focus of prior research in this area, which has primarily evaluated the effects of patients' health status and health care system factors. ⋯ We found a very high prevalence of unnecessary drug use in this older veteran outpatient population. Race, income, and polypharmacy, as well as health-related beliefs, were central factors associated with unnecessary drug use.