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Alternative therapies for high-risk elderly rheumatic patients
1Rheumatology Service, Hôpital Léopold-Bellan, Paris, France.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Elderly rheumatic patients face risks like ulcers and bleeding. Careful monitoring and alternative treatments, avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for managing their conditions effectively.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elderly patients with rheumatic diseases have significant risks including peptic ulcers, renal/hepatic issues, and bleeding.
- These high-risk conditions necessitate regular monitoring in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline management strategies for high-risk elderly patients with rheumatic conditions.
- To discuss the risks and benefits of various therapeutic options, including NSAIDs, in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of common high-risk conditions in elderly rheumatic patients.
- Analysis of alternative treatment options to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Consideration of surgical interventions for osteoarthritis.
Main Results:
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally avoided but can be used cautiously in selected elderly patients.
- Prednisone combined with specific disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is a viable option for high-risk rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Analgesics offer poor efficacy, while local therapies and surgery are effective alternatives for osteoarthritis management.
Conclusions:
- Regular monitoring for peptic ulcers, renal/hepatic insufficiencies, and bleeding is essential for elderly rheumatic patients.
- Alternative therapies, including judicious use of prednisone and DMARDs, local treatments, and surgery, are recommended over NSAIDs for high-risk elderly individuals.
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