Polypharmacy and adverse outcomes after hip fracture surgery

We aimed to explore the effects of polypharmacy and specific drug classes on readmissions and mortality after hip surgery.

We analyzed data on 272 consecutive hip fracture patients (72.1% females; age 82 ± 9 years) who underwent acute hip replacement. We collected detailed data on the pharmacological treatment upon admission and discharge. Patients were followed up over a period of 6 months after discharge using the Swedish National Hospital Discharge Register and the Swedish National Cause of Death Register.

After 6 months, 86 patients (31.6%) were readmitted, while 36 patients (13.2%) died. The total number of medications upon discharge was predictive of rehospitalization (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.030) but not predictive of mortality. The use of antiosteoporotic agents (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.06-3.26, p = 0.03), SSRIs (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.06-3.42, p = 0.03), and eye drops (OR 4.12, 95%CI 1.89-8.97, p = 0.0004) were predictive of rehospitalization. Treatment with vitamin K antagonists (OR 4.29, 95%CI 1.19-15.39, p = 0.026), thiazides (OR 4.10, 95%CI 1.30-12.91, p = 0.016), and tramadol (OR 2.84, 95%CI 1.17-6.90, p = 0.021) predicted readmissions due to a new fall/trauma.

The total number of medications, use of antiosteoporotic agents, SSRIs, and eye drops predicted rehospitalization after hip fracture surgery, while use of vitamin K antagonists, thiazides, and tramadol was associated with readmissions due to a traumatic fall.

Hip fractures and polypharmacy in the elderly. Stimulus Project for the Elderly 2009-2011 (Reg no 2009-11-26). Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.