Frailty and Polypharmacy in Older Patients: Critical Issues for Otolaryngologists

AbstractPurpose of ReviewFrailty and polypharmacy are conditions commonly encountered in older otolaryngology patients and impact their symptoms as well as treatment decision-making.Recent FindingsA number of frailty assessment tools are available and in active use. Retrospective studies of large cohorts of patients identify a close correlation between measures of frailty and outcomes. Prospective assessment to inform decision-making remains challenging in clinical practice. The definition of “too many” medications, often termed polypharmacy, remains controversial. Management can be considered a form of “personalized medicine,” as each patient has different goals and tolerance for unintended medication effect. The impact of medications on balance function is well recognized, howe ver, reports on the role of medications on upper aerodigestive tract symptoms have been less salient or non-existent. It is the author’s opinion this impact represents an opportunity for more extensive study.SummaryOtolaryngologists who manage older adults need to be cognizant of the current knowledge regarding frailty and polypharmacy as these conditions often dramatically impact decision-making in the management of patients with otolaryngologic disorders. Additional studies are needed to address the role of medications on upper aerodigestive tract physiology.

Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 21, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research