ArticleBMC geriatrics2026
Factors influencing the anticholinergic burden of medical prescriptions for older patients hospitalized for delirium.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundDelirium is a frequent cause of admission to the emergency department (ED) for older patients. Iatrogenic morbidity, particularly the hidden anticholinergic effects of many treatments, plays a significant role. The clinical impact of AB reduction on early rehospitalization remains unclear. However, reducing the anticholinergic burden (AB) of medical prescriptions (MP) could be beneficial for patients.
objectiveThis study primarily aimed to investigate whether reducing AB during hospitalization influences early rehospitalization rates (within 30 days) in older patients admitted for delirium. As a secondary objective, we sought to identify factors associated with AB reduction during hospitalization.
methodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tours University Hospital (TUH). We included 160 patients aged 75 years and older hospitalized via the ED for delirium. Patients were divided into two groups based on AB variation at discharge: decreased AB or stable/increased AB. The Anticholinergic Impregnation Coefficient (AIC) was used to measure AB. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess associations between AB reduction and clinical outcomes.
resultsOf the 160 patients, 51 (31.9%) had a decreased AB at discharge, while 109 (68.1%) had a stable or increased AB. Early rehospitalization occurred in 20 (12.5%) patients, with a lower rate in the decreased AB group (3.9% vs. 16.5%). However, AB reduction did not significantly influence early rehospitalization risk in multivariable analysis. Medication reconciliation at admission was significantly associated with AB reduction (p < 0.05).(ORa = 0.21 [0.08–0.52]).
conclusionsWhile reducing AB did not significantly alter early rehospitalization rates, this study highlights the critical role of medication reconciliation at admission in optimizing medication management for older patients with delirium. Future research should explore comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategies to reduce rehospitalizations in this vulnerable population.
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