Use of diuretics and opportunities for withdrawal in a Dutch nursing home population.

BACKGROUND

Diuretics are frequently used by elderly patients and overprescription has been suggested. However, the present withdrawal patterns of these medications in clinical practice elderly patients are unclear.

METHODS

Retrospective medical record analysis of all 584 patients aged 75 years or older admitted to a 240-bed nursing home facility in the years 1990-1994. One-year follow-up by record review and collection of updated information from nursing home physicians.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty patients (37.7%) used diuretics, and use increased with age (p < 0.05). Reported indications for prescription were heart failure (n = 77), hypertension (n = 38), ankle edema without heart failure (n = 21), or not reported (n = 84). Diuretics were withdrawn in 82 of 220 patients (37.3%), but a doubtful actual indication for diuretic use was found in 72 of the remaining 138 patients (52.2%). After withdrawal, the probability of remaining free from diuretics for at least one year was 0.47. There were no reports of life-threatening or fatal incidents after withdrawal. Mortality rates for the patients whose diuretics were withdrawn did not differ from patients continuing on diuretics.

CONCLUSIONS

Withdrawal of diuretics was frequently performed and often successful. In addition, doubtful indications for diuretics were found in half of the patients continuing on these medications, suggesting additional opportunities for diuretic withdrawal.