A comparison of anticholinergic burden in older patients with and without cancer

Abstract

Aim: To compare anticholinergic burden (ACB) in older patients with and without cancer and evaluate the effects of ACB on geriatric syndromes. Methods: A total of 291 patients from the geriatric clinic and 301 patients from the oncology clinic were evaluated. ACB <2 was categorized as low ACB and ACB ≥2 was categorized as high ACB. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on patients from the geriatric clinic. Results: ACB scores were significantly higher in patients without cancer compared with those with cancer (p < 0.005). Number of falls and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 scores were higher and Mini-Nutritional Assessment and Barthel/Lawton activities of daily living scores were lower in geriatric patients with high ACB scores compared with those with low ACB scores (p < 0.005). Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the potential effects of ACB for rational drug use and optimum cancer management in older patients with cancer.

Prevalence and co-incidence of geriatric syndromes according to the ECOG performance status in older cancer patients

“…For example, malnutrition may be common in older cancer patients because of nausea and vomiting that may develop due to chemotherapy ( 10 ). In addition, drugs that can be used to control symptoms and side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and pain may increase the frequency of polypharmacy ( 11 ). While geriatric syndromes are multifactorial, the presence of cancer also contributes to the development of these syndromes ( 2 , 12 ).…”

Anticholinergic Burden and Increased Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Older Women

“…5,6 Anticholinergic drug load is the cumulative effect of drugs that can produce anticholinergic side effects. 7 The complications such as falls, delirium, and frequent hospitalization may often be seen due to the effect of anticholinergic drugs used. 7 In a few studies, it has been reported that exposure to anticholinergic drugs may also cause sleep disorders, which may increase side effects.…”

“…7 The complications such as falls, delirium, and frequent hospitalization may often be seen due to the effect of anticholinergic drugs used. 7 In a few studies, it has been reported that exposure to anticholinergic drugs may also cause sleep disorders, which may increase side effects. 8 However, to date, there is no study to investigate the relationship between anticholinergic drugs and EDS.…”

“…1 The Anticholinergic load of the drugs was calculated using the Anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) calculator. 7 We classified patients with a score <2 as ACB (-) and patients with a score ≥ 2 as ACB (+). 7 735 people, 71% of whom were females, with a mean age of 80.08 ± 7.38 years (65-98 years) were included.…”

“…7 We classified patients with a score <2 as ACB (-) and patients with a score ≥ 2 as ACB (+). 7 735 people, 71% of whom were females, with a mean age of 80.08 ± 7.38 years (65-98 years) were included. EDS was detected in 26.8% of the patients and 39.3% had ACB (+).…”