jueves, 30 de mayo de 2019

Polypharmacy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a gender-specific analysis | Biology of Sex Differences | Full Text

Polypharmacy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a gender-specific analysis | Biology of Sex Differences | Full Text



Biology of Sex Differences

Polypharmacy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a gender-specific analysis

Contributed equally
Biology of Sex Differences201910:27
  • Received: 25 March 2019
  • Accepted: 17 May 2019
  • Published: 

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects about three times more women than men. Due to variable MS courses, multiple therapies are necessary in clinical practice.

Objective

We aimed at conducting sex-specific analyses of MS patients regarding polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) and at identifying differences in the medication spectrum.

Methods

Clinico-demographic data were gathered from 306 patients using clinical examinations, structured patient interviews, and patient records. Statistical data analyses were performed to evaluate whether the same or different factors are associated with polypharmacy in both genders.

Results

Women (N = 218) and men (N = 88) showed similar polypharmacy rates (56.0% vs. 58.0%; p = 0.799). For both genders, higher age, severe disability degrees, comorbidities, and inpatient treatment were significantly associated with a higher polypharmacy risk. Low educational levels were predictors of polypharmacy only in women. Fampridine (p < 0.021) and antispasmodics (p < 0.010) were used more often by men, while women took more frequently thyroid medications (p < 0.001) and contraceptives (p < 0.001). The age-related increase in medication use was much stronger in women (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male and female MS patients with older age, comorbidities, higher disability degree, and inpatient treatment are at greater risk of polypharmacy. Future studies should examine the occurrence of clinically relevant drug interactions in MS patients stratified by sex.

Keywords

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Polypharmacy
  • Patient care
  • Comorbidity
  • Concomitant drugs
  • Medication management
  • Gender

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