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Citation
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Chen PJ, Yu NW, Tsai HJ, Hwang CW, Chiu YW, Tsay WI, Hsu J, Chang CM. Int. J. Geriatr. Psychiatry 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs treatment and risk of burn injury in elders.
METHODS: We designed a nested case-control study. All subjects were aged 65 and older and enrolled in the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan, 2003-2012. 813 cases were identified with burn injury for the first time in their inpatient claims, and they were individually matched to 4879 controls based on age, gender, and index year. Benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs usage (doses, duration, half-life) and the other covariates including comorbidities, health care utilization, and psychotropic medications used in the 365 days before index events were examined.
RESULTS: A significant increased risk of burn injury hospitalization in elders was observed among current Z-drugs users compared with non-users (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.23-2.07). BZDs at high (AOR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.12-2.94) and medium dosage (AOR =1.53, 95%CI =1.15-2.04) and Z-drugs at medium dosage (AOR =1.60, 95%CI =1.20-2.12) were all significantly increased the burn-related injury requiring hospitalization. Polypharmacy of anxiolytic and hypnotic BZDs, long and short acting BZDs, and more than one BZD with or without Z-drugs also increased the risk.
CONCLUSIONS: BZDs and Z-drugs prescriptions in elders may be associated with increased risk of burn injury hospitalization. When prescribing BZDs and Z-drugs, clinicians should exercise caution with the elderly to minimize risks.
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Language: en |