ADRs commonly occur in geriatric patients receiving multiple therapeutic regimens. According to the present literature, little attention has been given to ADRs in the elderly, and particularly to allergic reactions.
The main purpose of this study is to provide data on possible inappropriate prescriptions in the elderly in relation to allergic reactions and to identify a list of drugs that are likely inducers of allergic reactions.
The researchers retrospectively evaluated ADRs in patients referring to the Immunoallergy Unit of Hospital Policlinico on the basis of Beers criteria. Hypersensitivity among adverse reactions was extracted and a comparison between different age groups was assessed.
The total sample size included 823 patients. 30.6% of HDR were diagnosed out of total patients with ADRs. Data about drug intake, comorbidities, and clinical presentation were collected, aiming to identify possible risk factors. An assessment of drugs most commonly involved was assessed.
The study concluded through its findings that the HDR represents 5–10% of all ADRs, while in our study population the prevalence was about 30%. This suggests the need to develop strategies to minimize the incidence of drug allergy in the elderly, as well as to reduce the phenomenon of inappropriate prescriptions.
Reference: https://clinicalmolecularallergy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12948-018-0083-x
