Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RA) may negatively impact ADL assessment in patients on a convalescent rehabilitation ward.

In the convalescent rehabilitation ward, many elderly patients undergo rehabilitation. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RA), which is a one of the acid secretion inhibitors, is frequently prescribed for the patients as a peptic ulcer prevention measure. At present, H₂RA are reported as being associated with factors that reduce cognitive function. However, little is known about the relationship H₂RA and rehabilitation outcome. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between H₂RA use and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, which determines rehabilitation outcomes for patients admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward. We retrospectively investigated FIM gain on discharge by both the administration group (H₂RA (+)) (n = 118) and non-administration group (H₂RA (-)) (n = 118). The FIM gain scores of Motor FIM total, Cognition FIM total, and Total FIM were significantly lower in H₂RA (+) than in H₂RA (-) (Motor FIM total: 8.0 [4.0-16.0] [Inter-Quartile Range] vs. 12.0 [5.0-19.2], p =0.0217, Cognition FIM total: 3.0 [1.0-6.0] vs. 5.0 [2.0-7.0], p =0.0120, Total FIM: 11.5 [4.8-20.2] vs. 17.0 [8.0-27.0], p =0.0089). The administration of H₂RA to elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation may prevent cognitive function maintenance or recovery by rehabilitation.