F. Altay, Özgün Çiçek, Ecem Demirkan, I. Taşkaldıran, Y. Bozkuş, Ö. Turhan İyidir, A. Nar, Neslihan Başçıl Tütüncü
{"title":"EVALUATION OF PROGNOSIS AND RISK FACTORS OF DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER IN A GERIATRIC POPULATION","authors":"F. Altay, Özgün Çiçek, Ecem Demirkan, I. Taşkaldıran, Y. Bozkuş, Ö. Turhan İyidir, A. Nar, Neslihan Başçıl Tütüncü","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.337","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.337","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological features of differentiated thyroid cancer and to evaluate treatment outcomes in older adults. Materials and Methods: Data from 1077 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were noted. These patients were divided into two groups, aged < 65 years and aged ≥ 65 years, and the clinicopathological features of each were compared. Results: Of the 1077 patients, 913 (85%) were under 65 years of age and the remaining 164 (15%) were aged ≥ 65 years. Of those aged < 65 years, 652 (71.4%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma and 261 (28.6%) had follicular thyroid carcinoma. Of the patients aged ≥ 65 years, 116 (70.7%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma and 48 (29.3%) had follicular thyroid carcinoma. The primary tumour size was significantly larger and the incidences of vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were significantly higher in patients aged ≥ 65 years than in the younger patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.002, respectively). There was no noteworthy difference between the two groups in terms of the number of tumours, tumour bilaterality, multifocality, and extravascular invasion (p=0.860, p=0.590, p=0.404, and p=0.110, respectively). Conclusion: Primary tumour size was significantly larger and the incidences of vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were significantly higher in patients aged ≥ 65 years. Older patients with differentiated thyroid cancer have worse pathologic features at the time of diagnosis therefore need more aggressive treatment such as more frequent and higher doses of radioiodine treatment. Keywords: Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Adenocarcinoma, Follicular; Neoplasm Metastasis; Geriatrics..","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48141263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EFFECT OF BALLOON KYPHOPLASTY TREATMENT FOR OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL FRACTURE ON SPINAL BALANCE","authors":"Engin YÜCEL, Yener AKYUVA","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.344","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.344","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures and spinal degeneration are common consequences of aging, and co-occurrence of these two pathologies can impair spinal balance leading to development of further deformities. The most common treatment measure for osteoporotic vertebral fractures is percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty which can potentially improve spinal balance along the sagittal and coronal planes. However, there is limited evidence in support of this issue to date. Materials and Methods: This study included 49 patients (27 males, 22 females) who were diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year postoperatively using three-dimensional thoracolumbar computed tomography scans. The lumbar lordosis and sacral slope angle were used to assess the sagittal plane, while coronal plane assessment was carried out using Cobb’s angle. The angle values before and after treatment were compared statistically. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 72.16 years (range: 61–94 years), and 28.6% and 71.4% of the patients exhibited thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures, respectively. Moreover, 19 patients exhibited spontaneous or minor traumatic vertebral fractures, and 16 patients diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis exhibited a significant improvement in Cobb’s angle after treatment. The comparison of pre-and postoperative mean sacral slope and lumbar lordosis angles showed an increase in both values and these differences, although not statistically significant, in agreement with previous literature. Conclusion: Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty has become an increasingly popular treatment measure for osteoporotic vertebral fracture due to its ability to effectively correct spinal imbalance in patients. Keywords: Kyphoplasty; Osteoporosis; Spinal Fractures; Postural Balance.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136170340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of the Stay at Home—Take a Step project for sedentary elderly persons in the Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Nurhan ÖZPANCAR ŞOLPAN, Aylin YALÇIN IRMAK","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.348","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: During the Covid-19 pandemic, a program was developed to encourage older adults, the population likeliest to become sedentary due to stay-at-home policies, to remain active. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of the average number of steps taken daily on quality of life and stress levels. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study selected 69 participants aged 65 and over (mean 69.39 ± 4.61)—35 in the intervention group and 34 in a control group—and their sociodemographic data were collected. The stay-at-home step program was applied to the intervention group. Quality of life, stress level, and body mass index were assessed pre- and post-test, and their daily step counts were recorded. Results: A significant correlation was found between number of steps and the quality of life scores in the intervention group (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in favor of the intervention group in the mean number of steps in weeks 4 and 8 of the intervention (p<0.05). The mean number steps 2024.71±605.18 in intervention, 1946.63±511.37 in control group. Conclusion: The study found that the Stay at Home—Take a Step program was effective in increasing the number of steps taken daily by elderly participants who were inactive during the Covid-19 pandemic and initiated an improvement in their quality of life. Healthcare professionals who play a central role in supporting the elderly can be advised to use the program to promote healthy aging and physical activity. Keywords: Aged; Physical Activity; Exercise; Quality of Life.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136170336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Prevalence Study of Cervical Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis","authors":"Mehmet Mustafa Erdogan, Sinan Seyhan","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.345","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of cervical diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis using computed tomography scans of the cervical vertebra. Materials and Methods: This study was performed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System of our hospital. Computed tomography images of 1744 patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into age groups by decade. The characteristics of the cervical osteophytes and intervertebral bridging were recorded. Cervical diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis was diagnosed based on the criteria described by Resnick and Niwayama. Results: The mean age of the study group was 48 years. The prevalence rate of cervical diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis was 6.3% (6.4% in males and 6.2% in females). The difference between genders was not statistically significant (p=0.908). The prevalence rates significantly increased as age increased. The prevalence rate of cervical osteophytes was 36.5% (33.9% in males and 40.6% in females). The most frequently affected level was C5-6 (16.9%), and the vertebra was C6 (30.6%). Osteophytes were localised in the midline with a rate of 75.5% and was most frequently found in the 70–79 age group (81.2%). Conclusion:In our study, we detected the prevalence rates of cervical diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and cervical osteophytes, which were 6.3% and 36.5%, respectively. In comparison, the most frequently affected vertebra and intervertebral levels were, respectively, C6 (30.6%) and C5-6 (16.9%), and cervical osteophytes was most often formed in the midline (75.5%). Keywords: Geriatrics; Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal; Prevalence; Cervical Vertebrae; Osteophyte.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42727197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Geriatric Gynecologic Oncology Patients After Major Open Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study","authors":"A. Postaci, B. Ersak","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.338","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This investigation’s purpose was to determine the incidence of acute kidney injury, the associated risk factors, and the 90-day outcomes and kidney function of geriatric patients who underwent major open abdominal gynecologic oncologic surgery. Materials and Method: This retrospective cohort study involved patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent major open abdominal gynecologic oncologic surgery. Results: The postoperative incidence of acute kidney injury in gynecologic oncologic surgical procedures was 22.1%, with a transient nature observed in 72% of patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4 %. Kidney function on the 90th day after acute kidney injury development revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate regressed by over 25% in 6 patients (24%). Acute kidney injury development was associated with surgical time, intraoperative bleeding volume, bowel procedures, the presence of ascites, intraoperative hypotension, vasopressor use, postoperative diuretic use, postoperative hypoalbuminemia, prolonged post-anesthesia care unit, and hospital stay (p < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the risk factors for acute kidney injury revealed that surgery duration was a significant one (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative acute kidney injury is an important postoperative complication associated with the development or progression of chronic kidney disease. This leads to a prolonged stay in the post-anesthesia care unit and in the hospital. Although acute kidney injury is frequently transient in geriatric patients following major open abdominal gynecologic oncologic surgery, developing preventive measures, encouraging team collaboration, and monitoring serum creatinine concentration in the early postoperative period are critical in complex surgical procedures. Keywords: Postoperative Complications; Acute Kidney Injury; Geriatrics.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43406882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Akgün, E. Karacaglar, S. Akpulat, H. Müderrisoğlu
{"title":"Relationship Between Different Nutritional Scores in Elderly Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit","authors":"A. Akgün, E. Karacaglar, S. Akpulat, H. Müderrisoğlu","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.343","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.343","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The relationship between heart failure and malnutrition is significant. The most commonly used nutritional indices are theprognostic nutritional index, controlling nutritional status, and albumin–bilirubin grade. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of nutritional status in elderly acute decompensated heart failure patients and the relationship between the prognostic nutritional index, controlling nutritional status, and albumin–bilirubin grade nutritional indices to detect 12-month and 3-month rehospitalization rates, mortality, and length of stay in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit. Our study is the first to evaluate the controlling nutritional status and albumin–bilirubin grade in our study cohort in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 1162 patients hospitalized in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 123 patients were included. Results: We found a statistically significant difference between the prognostic nutritional index, albumin–bilirubin grade and controlling nutritional status scores and mortality. However, the most statistically significant relationship was found in the prognostic nutritional index score. We found that as the nutritional scores worsened, the length of hospital stay was prolonged. The albumin–bilirubin grade score in the short term and controlling nutritional status score in the long term were not statistically significant to show rehospitalization. Conclusion: Prognostic nutritional index is an independent predictor of mortality, short- and long-term rehospitalizations, and length of stay in elderly patients with acute decompensated heartfailure. Its predictive power was better than the albumin–bilirubin grade and controlling nutritional status scores evaluated in our study. Keywords: Heart Failure; Malnutrition; Aged; Coronary Care Unit; Nutritional Status.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41745969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Çiçekçioğlu, A. Balun, K. Özbek, Orhan Karayiğit, M. Yi̇ği̇tbaşi, H. Kundi, Zehra Güven Çetin, M. Çetin
{"title":"Association of dual antiplatelet therapy with adverse outcomes in octogenarian patients without atrial fibrillation who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention","authors":"H. Çiçekçioğlu, A. Balun, K. Özbek, Orhan Karayiğit, M. Yi̇ği̇tbaşi, H. Kundi, Zehra Güven Çetin, M. Çetin","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.340","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.340","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Dual antiplatelet therapy is routinely recommended to prevent stent restenosis and reduce ischemic complications after percutaneous coronary intervention. Octogenarians have a higher ischemic burden than younger patients on moreover they have a higher risk of bleeding. Therefore, we intended to analyze and compare the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel and the potent P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor in octogenarians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention without atrial fibrillation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed records from three local research hospitals. In our study, 226 patients aged 80 years or older undergoing had coronary intervention for both acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease were included after the exclusion criteria had been applied between January 2019 and April 2021. Results: The median dual antiplatelet therapy duration was similar between two groups. 84.3% of patients in the clopidogrel group and 56.7% of patients in the ticagrelor group had no bleeding at one year follow-up, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The minor bleeding rate was significantly higher among patients receiving ticagrelor (21.7%) compared to those receiving clopidogrel (7.2%; p=0.02). Also, the rate of major bleeding was significantly higher in patients receiving ticagrelor (20.0%) than in patients receiving clopidogrel (7.8%; p<0.010). Rates of all-cause death and ischemic endpoints were similar in both treatment groups at one year follow-up. Conclusions: Clopidogrel and ticagrelor were similar in terms of all-cause mortality and ischemic events with increased rates of all types of bleeding in patients treated with ticagrelor. Keywords: Octogenarians; Ticagrelor; Clopidogrel; Hemorrhage; Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy; Aged.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48812515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal and Associated Factors: A Population-Based Descriptive Study","authors":"Sevinç Sütlü, B. Çatak","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.347","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.347","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Since the declaration of coronavirus disease as a pandemic, the focus was shifted to developing a vaccine for combatting the pandemic. However, it is believed that the most significant obstacle to community immunity against COVID-19 is vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Therefore, we aimed to identify the proportion of COVID-19 vaccine refusal and associated factors in a population aged 55 years and over in the central district of Burdur Province. Materials and Methods: In order to increase the rate of Covid 19 vaccination, the Ministry of Health has issued a declaration on the establishment of “vaccine persuasion teams.” Accordingly, health personnel were assigned to call the people who were not vaccinated, to learn their opinions about the vaccine, to inform them about the vaccine and to persuade them to get vaccinated. According to the records, there were 1303 unvaccinated people aged 55 years and over as of June 2021 at survey site, namely Burdur Province-Turkey. A total of 349 people could not be contacted and 146 people hesitated to get vaccinated. Dependent variables were vaccine acceptance or strict refusal. Results: We found that vaccine refusal was 1.75 (CI= 1.148-2.664) times higher among those with more than eight years of education and 2.37 (CI= 1.341-4.178) times higher among those obtaining vaccine information from sources other than their family physicians. Conclusion: Overall, we discovered that the vaccine acceptance level was quite high among our participants. Relevant bodies may engage in community-based works to ensure public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Keywords: Aged; COVID-19 Vaccine; Persuasive Communication; Vaccination Refusal.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42474241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Associates of cognitive functions in aged Turkish adults: Insights from a psychiatry outpatient clinic","authors":"H. Kocakaya, Hayriye Mihrimah Öztürk","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.341","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.341","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive function and its influential factors in elderly adults in Turkey. Materials and Methods: 127 patients aged over 65 years referred to a psychiatry outpatient clinic for the first time were included to cross-sectional and descriptive study. Patients were assessed by Carlson Comorbidity index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test, Geriatric Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Nottingham Health Profile and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.7±4.2 years and 55.1% (n=70) of the participants were female. The primary diagnosis was Generalized Anxiety Disorder in 48.8% and Major depressive disorder in 51.2% of the patients. In multivariate analysis, age (OR:0.759, 95% CI:0.630-0.914, p=0.004), income <3800 TL (OR:14.72, 95% CI:1.78-121.51, p=0.013), medication usage (OR:0.171, 95% CI:0.035-0.845, p=0.030) and Geriatric Depression Scale score (OR:0.876, 95% CI:0.785-0.977, p=0.017) remained as independent predictors of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test score. Conclusion: In Turkish adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Major depressive disorder who admit to a psychiatry outpatient clinic for the first time, various parameters including age, education, income, leisure activity, medication usage, depression, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale score and Nottingham Health Profile score are linked with cognitive impairment. However, only age, income, medication usage and depression independently associate with cognitive impairment in this highly specific patient population. Keywords: Cognitive Dysfunction; Geriatric Psychiatry; Depression; Quality of Life.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47961406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Arun, İffet Zeynep Yildiz, Emin Taşkıran, S. Şahin, E. Ertuna
{"title":"Factors affecting drug interactions and their clinical importance in geriatric outpatients","authors":"M. Arun, İffet Zeynep Yildiz, Emin Taşkıran, S. Şahin, E. Ertuna","doi":"10.29400/tjgeri.2023.336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29400/tjgeri.2023.336","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Polypharmacy can lead to drug-drug interactions. The aim of this study was to determine the possible factors affecting the prevalence and clinical importance, and interrater reliability of clinical significance of drug interactions in geriatric outpatients. Materials and Method: Potential drug-drug interactions in 228 patients treated in an outpatient geriatric clinic were evaluated in this cross-sectional, retrospective study. The potential significance of the interactions was reviewed separately by a geriatrician and a clinical pharmacist. Results: A total of 1342 drugs were prescribed (median 6 [2-14], per patient). Mean age of the patients was 78±0.5 (65-96). Polypharmacy was present in 64.0% of the patients. A weak positive correlation was found between patient age and the number of drugs used (Rs =.205; p=.002). No drug interaction was detected in 18.0% of the patients. In the prescriptions of the remaining 187 patients 760 category C, 70 category D, and 18 category X interactions (Lexicomp®) were detected. A strong positive correlation was found between the number of drugs per patient and the number of drug interactions (Rs =.734; p<.001). There was a strong correlation between the number of interactions and the presence of polypharmacy (rpb=.702, p<.001). The measure of agreement between the clinicians was more pronounced for category D and X interactions (Cohen’s k=.714 and 1, p<.001). Conclusion: Advanced age, a higher frequency of concomitant use of drugs, and polypharmacy are factors that require clinicians to be aware of drug-drug interactions. Clinical pharmacists can work with geriatricians in outpatient clinics to prevent drug interactions. Keywords: Drug Interactions; Polypharmacy; Health Services for the Aged; Pharmacist.","PeriodicalId":51196,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Geriatrics-Turk Geriatri Dergisi","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43392424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}