The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Oct 2009
Burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Medicare beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. COPD increases health care resource utilization and spending and adversely affects quality of life. Data from the clinical and economic outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with COPD who reside in long-term care (LTC) facilities are limited. ⋯ This study found that the utilization of health care resources and economic burden of LTC residents with COPD were primarily due to LTC, pharmacy, and inpatient costs.
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Oct 2009
ReviewA review of heart failure management in the elderly population.
In the United States, the incidence of heart failure (HF) in the elderly population (age, > or =65 years) approached 10 per 1000 population in 2006, and HF was a common reason for hospitalization. Many clinical features and the management of HF differ in elderly patients compared with their younger counterparts due to changes in physiology and the presence of comorbidities. ⋯ HF therapy that has published mortality and morbidity benefits in nonelderly patient populations has been associated with benefits in elderly patients. Elderly patients may have variable pharmacologic responses to these agents and may be susceptible to adverse events and drug-drug interactions due to concurrent treatments for comorbidities. Close monitoring of elderly patients undergoing HF treatment is essential to ensure optimal outcomes.