Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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To study laxative use among older persons and the association of laxative intake with hypoalbuminemia. ⋯ Laxatives are used by large numbers of older persons, and the investigation on unknown adverse effects is important. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the association of laxative use with hypoalbuminemia found in this study and to assess the mechanisms of this association.
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To describe the adverse and unexpected events reported by staff over a 1-year period in a large, long-term care institution. ⋯ Information regarding adverse and unexpected events in the long-term care setting can be organized into databases that allow analysis of patterns and trends. The results of these analyses may be helpful in targeting limited resources to areas of greatest need within an individual institution and for comparing quality of care across different long-term care facilities.