A U-shaped Association Between Blood Pressure and Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Elderly

Objectives

Higher or lower blood pressure may relate to cognitive impairment, whereas the relationship between blood pressure and cognitive impairment among the elderly is not well-studied. The study objective was to determine whether blood pressure is associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly, and, if so, to accurately describe the association.

Hypotension in Nursing Home Residents on Antihypertensive Treatment: Is it Associated with Mortality?

ObjectiveTo assess whether low systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) due to antihypertensive medications might be related to mortality among nursing home (NH) residents.DesignObservational, longitudinal.SettingNursing home.ParticipantsAge ≥60 years, receiving antihypertensive medications.MeasurementsDemographic characteristics, mobility status, number of chronic diseases and drugs, nutritional status, and antihypertensive medications were noted. At the first visit, we recorded blood pressure (BP) measurements of last 1 year, which were measured regularly at 2-week intervals and considered their mean values. SBP and DBP thresholds were analyzed for mortality by ROC analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine factors related to mortality.ResultsThe sample included 253 residents with a mean age of 75.7 ± 8.7 years, and 66% were male. Residents were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 14.3 ± 5.2 months (median: 15) for short-term mortality and 31.6 ± 14.3 months (median: 40) for long-term mortality. The prevalence of low SBP (≤110 mm Hg) and low DBP (≤65 mm Hg) was 34.8% and 15.8%, respectively. In follow-up, the short-term mortality rate was 21.7% (n = 55) and the long-term mortality rate was 42.2% (n = 107). Low SBP (≤110 mm Hg) was related to mortality in short- and long-term follow-ups [short-term follow-up: hazard ratio (HR) 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-8.6, P = .01; long-term follow-up: HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0, P = .02], adjusted for age, mobility status, nutritional state, and total number of diseases and drugs. Low DBP (≤65 mm Hg) was related to mortality in short- and long-term follow-ups [short-term follow-up: HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.8, P = .02, long-term follow-up: HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2, P = .001], adjusted for age, mobility status, nutritional state, and total number of diseases and drugs.Conclusions and ImplicationsSystolic hypotension was found in more than one-third of the NH residents receiving antihypertensive treatment. Low SBP and DBP were significant factors associated with mortality. Particular attention should be paid to prevent low SBP and DBP in NH residents on antihypertensive treatment.     

Cognitive Decline After Entering a Nursing Home: A 22-Year Follow-Up Study of Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Elderly People

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to compare cognitive decline of elderly people after entering an institution with that of elders living in the community with similar clinical conditions.DesignThe Personnes Agées QUID (PAQUID) cohort is a prospective population-based study which included, at baseline, 3777 community-dwelling people aged 65 years and older. Participants were followed-up for 22 years. Among those who were nondemented and living at home at baseline, 2 groups were compared: participants who entered a nursing home during study follow-up (n = 558) and those who remained living at home (n = 3117). Cognitive decline was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Benton visual retention test, and verbal fluency Isaacs Set Test.ResultsAfter controlling for numerous potential confounders, including baseline MMSE and instrumental activities of daily living scores, incident dementia, depressive symptoms, and chronic diseases, nursing home placement was significantly associated with a lower score on MMSE between the last visit before and after institutionalization (difference of 2.8 points, P < .0001) and greater further cognitive decline after institutionalization (difference of 0.7 point per year, P < .0001). Similar results were found for the Benton memory test. In a second series of analysis in which the persons who became demented over the study follow-up were excluded, the results remained unchanged.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that institutionalized elderly people present a greater cognitive decline than persons remaining in the community. The reasons of that decline remain unclear and may be related to physical and psychological effects of institutionalization in elderly people.     

Regional White Matter Lesions Predict Falls in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

ObjectivesPreventive strategy for falls in demented elderly is a clinical challenge. From early-stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), patients show impaired balance and gait. The purpose of this study is to determine whether regional white matter lesions (WMLs) can predict balance/gait disturbance and falls in elderly with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or AD.DesignCross-sectional.SettingsHospital out-patient clinic.ParticipantsOne hundred sixty-three patients diagnosed with aMCI or AD were classified into groups having experienced falls (n = 63) or not (n = 100) in the previous year.MeasurementsCognition, depression, behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia, medication, and balance/gait function were evaluated. Regional WMLs were visually analyzed as periventricular hyperintensity in frontal caps, bands, and occipital caps, and as deep white matter hyperintensity in frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, basal ganglia, thalamus, and brain stem. Brain atrophy was linearly measured.ResultsThe fallers had a greater volume of WMLs and their posture/gait performance tended to be worse than nonfallers. Several WMLs in particular brain regions were closely associated with balance and gait impairment. Besides polypharmacy, periventricular hyperintensity in frontal caps and occipital WMLs were strong predictors for falls, even after potential risk factors for falls were considered.ConclusionsRegional white matter burden, independent of cognitive decline, correlates with balance/gait disturbance and predicts falls in elderly with aMCI and AD. Careful insight into regional WMLs on brain magnetic resonance may greatly help to diagnose demented elderly with a higher risk of falls.     

Functional and Nutritional State in Elderly Men With Compensated Hypogonadism

ObjectivesThere are few data investigating the relationship between compensated hypogonadism and functional and nutritional status of elderly individuals. Impairment of functional and nutritional status of elderly men with compensated hypogonadism needs to be investigated. In this study, we tried to evaluate the association of functional and nutritional status with testosterone and LH levels in elderly with compensated hypogonadism.DesignA cross-sectional study was performed.SettingA total of 1124 patients older than 70 years were screened.ParticipantsA total of 250 patients (patient group) with compensated hypogonadism and 250 subjects (control group) with normal hormone levels were allocated in the study.MeasurementsAll parameters were compared in patient and control groups. The correlations between hormone levels and activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were evaluated.ResultsADL, IADL, MMSE, and MNA scores were significantly lower in the patient group. Testosterone and LH levels were correlated with ADL (R = 0.221 and R = ?0.262), IADL (R = 0.210 and R = ?0.277), MMSE (R = 0.331 and R = ?0.341), MNA (R = 0.211 and R = ?0.297), and GDS (R = ?0.214 and R = ?0.211) in the patient group independently from age and body mass index.ConclusionsOur study showed that geriatric men with compensated hypogonadism had worse functionality, cognitive function, nutritional status, and mood compared with healthy controls.     

Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities Among Older People With Hypertension

ObjectivesVisit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) variability is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Our aim was to assess the association between visit-to-visit BP variability and progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH).DesignPost-hoc analysis in the magnetic resonance imaging substudy of the randomized controlled trial prevention of dementia by intensive vascular care.Setting and participantsCommunity-dwelling people age 70–78 years with hypertension.MethodsParticipants had 3 to 5 twice yearly BP measurements and 2 magnetic resonance imaging scans at 3 and 6 years follow-up. We used linear regression adjusted for age, sex, WMH at scan 1, (change in) total brain volume, and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsAmong the 122 participants, there was a modest association between visit-to-visit systolic BP variability and WMH progression [beta = 0.03 mL/y per point increase in variability, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00–0.05, P = .058]. Additional adjustment for slope in systolic BP reduced the associated P value to .043. Visit-to-visit diastolic BP variability was not associated with WMH progression (beta = 0.01 mL/y, 95% CI ?0.02 to 0.03, P = .68). Visit-to-visit pulse pressure variability was associated with WMH progression (beta 0.03 mL/y, 95% CI 0.01–0.05, P < .01).ConclusionsHigher visit-to-visit systolic BP and pulse pressure variability is associated with more progression of WMH among people age 70–78 years with hypertension.ImplicationsInterventions to reduce visit-to-visit BP variability may be most effective in people with low WMH burden.     

Pulse wave velocity is associated with 1-year cognitive decline in the elderly older than 80 years: the PARTAGE study

ObjectivesStudies have shown the importance of vascular risk factors in the pathogenesis and evolution of cognitive disorders and dementia especially among the very elderly. The aim of the present longitudinal 1-year cohort analysis was to evaluate the influence of arterial stiffness on cognitive decline in institutionalized subjects older than 80 years.DesignLongitudinal study.SettingNursing homes in France and Italy.ParticipantsA total of 873 subjects (79% women), aged 87 ± 5 years were included in this longitudinal analysis from the PARTAGE cohort.MeasurementsAll completed the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) on the 2 visits over 1 year and underwent a measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of aortic stiffness. Clinical and 3-day self-measurements of blood pressure (BP) and activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated at baseline visit.ResultsAccording to PWV tertiles and after adjustment for baseline MMSE, mean BP (MBP), age, education level, and ADL, Δ MMSE was –1.42 ± 3.60 in the first tertile, –1.78 ± 4.08 in the second tertile, and –2.20 ± 3.98 in the third tertile (P < .03). Similar analyses with self-measured MBP failed to show any association between BP on MMSE decline.ConclusionThis 1-year longitudinal study in institutionalized patients older than 80 years shows that the higher the aortic stiffness, the more pronounced the decline in cognitive function. These results point out the interest of measuring PWV, a simple noninvasive and validated method for arterial stiffness assessment, to detect high-risk patients for cognitive decline.     

Mean arterial pressure is better at predicting future metabolic syndrome in the normotensive elderly: A prospective cohort study in Taiwan

ObjectiveTo compare four different blood pressure (BP) measurements—systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP)—in predicting future metabolic syndrome (MetS) among the normotensive elderly population, and to estimate the optimal cutoff value of the best single measurement for clinical practice.MethodsA total of 2782 non-medicated participants aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled in a standard health examination program in Taiwan from January 2004 to December 2013. Two thirds of the participants were randomly designated as the training group (n = 1855) and the other one third as the validation group (n = 927). The mean follow-up time was 3.60 years for both the training and validation groups. MAP and PP were calculated from SBP and DBP.ResultsSBP, DBP, and MAP were associated with future MetS, whereas PP was not. MAP had the largest hazard ratio in Cox regression (men 1.342 [95% CI 1.158–1.555] and women 1.348 [95% CI 1.185–1.534] in the training group; men 1.640 [95% CI 1.317–2.041] and women 1.485 [95% CI 1.230–1.794] in the validation group) and the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (men 0.598 ± 0.021 and women 0.602 ± 0.021 in the training group). Multivariable Cox regression further indicated that a higher MAP level was independently associated with the future occurrence of MetS. Participants with MAP above the cutoff value (84.0 mm Hg for men, 83.3 mm Hg for women) had a higher cumulative incidence of MetS than did their counterparts after four years' follow-up in both the training and validation groups. The results derived from the training data could be replicated in the validation data, indicating that the results were generalizable across distinct samples.ConclusionsMAP is more accurate than SBP, DBP, and PP in predicting future MetS among the normotensive geriatric population. Calculation of MAP is recommended when dealing with normotensive patients aged ≥ 60 years in clinical practice.     

Occult Nighttime Hypertension in Daytime Normotensive Older Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

ObjectivesTo assess nighttime blood pressure (BP), the dipping phenomenon and the relationships between nighttime BP, and polysomnography parameters in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have been identified by their primary care physician as being normotensive during the daytime.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUniversity hospital-based geriatric sleep center.ParticipantsDaytime normotensive, community-dwelling older adults, consecutively referred by their primary care physicians for suspicion of OSA.MeasurementsOvernight polysomnography and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM). Daytime hypertension defined as systolic BP ≥135 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥85 mm Hg. Nighttime hypertension defined as systolic BP ≥120 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥70 mm Hg. Dipper pattern characterized by nighttime fall of mean BP ≥10%.ResultsForty-five participants (30 OSA; 15 non-OSA) completed the study (76.9 ± 6.2 years old). ABPM indicated clinically significant nighttime systolic (132.5 ± 16.0) and diastolic (72.6 ± 9.4) hypertension in patients with OSA previously classified as daytime normotensives and found only a mild degree of nighttime systolic hypertension (123.7 ± 16.1) in patients without OSA (P = .105). A significant nondipping phenomenon was found in patients with OSA (–0.5 ± 7.4 vs 5.4 ± 6.4; P = .016). Nighttime mean BP (r = 0.301; P = .049) and dipping status (r = –0.478; P = .001) were correlated with apnea-hypopnea index. A significant correlation was found between systolic BP (r = 0.321; P = .035), diastolic BP (r = 0.373; P = .013), mean BP (r = 0.359; P = .018), and hypoxia (sleep time spend with SaO2 <90%).ConclusionDaytime normotensive older adults with OSA are at high risk for having occult nighttime hypertension. Thus, 24-hour ABPM may be appropriate for older patients with OSA whose clinical blood pressure does not display any daytime elevation.     

Evaluating the potential of Special Olympics fitness models as a health intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities (ID) have high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors; yet, few behavioral health interventions are designed and implemented for people with ID.ObjectiveThis study examined Special Olympics Inc. (SOI) fitness models as a potential intervention to reduce CVD risk in people with ID.MethodsData from SOI fitness models implemented in 2016–2018 were assessed. Special Olympics Programs received funding, resources, and technical assistance from SOI to conduct fitness models centered on inclusive physical activity and goal setting. Weight, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at baseline and 4–12 weeks into the model. Multi-level multivariable quintile linear regression assessed change.Results383 participants with ID (athletes) and 281 partners without ID met inclusion criteria. Mean weight loss among athletes was 0.67 kg and 132 (31.9%) lost ≥ 1 kg. Blood pressure decreased in SBP quintile 4 (−7.52 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.8, −4.0), SBP quintile 5 (−9.52 mm Hg, 95% CI: 13.5, −5.6), and DBP quintile 5 (−7.49 mm Hg, 95% CI: 13.1, −1.9). Partners had similar results. Strongest effects were in a ‘high-risk’ group that was in the quintile 4 or 5 in all baseline measures.ConclusionIn fitness models developed to improve fitness for people with ID, there was a reduction in weight and blood pressure. SOI fitness models show promise and potential as a health intervention. This work enables further examination of indicators for successful implementation and evaluation of health.     

Subjective Cognitive Decline,Cognitive Reserve Indicators,and the Incidence of Dementia

ObjectiveBoth cognitive reserve and subjective cognitive decline are closely related to the risk of dementia. We investigated whether cognitive reserve can modify the risk of dementia developing from subjective cognitive decline.DesignLongitudinal population-based study.Setting and ParticipantsThe prospective study analyzed data from 2099 participants aged 65 or over from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study–Wales (CFAS-Wales).MethodsDementia was ascertained through the comprehensive judgment symptoms of geriatric mental state automated geriatric examination for computer assisted taxonomy (GMS-AGECAT). Subjective cognitive decline was evaluated by 2 questions in the baseline interview. Cognitive reserve indicators were derived from 3 previously identified factors: early life education, mid-life occupational complexity, and late-life cognitive activities. We used logistic regression models to estimate dementia risk in relation to subjective cognitive decline and indicators of cognitive reserve. The interaction between subjective cognitive decline and cognitive reserve were evaluated by additive and multiplicative scales.ResultsBaseline subjective cognitive decline and low cognitive reserve significantly increased the risk of dementia, after 2 years of follow-up. There was an additive interaction between subjective cognitive decline and cognitive reserve [the relative excess risk due to interaction = −0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.89 to −0.36, P for additive interaction <0.001]. There was no multiplicative interaction between subjective cognitive decline and cognitive reserve indicator (P = .138). Statistically significant association between subjective cognitive decline and dementia was found only in the low-level and medium-level cognitive reserve group (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.50–9.55 and OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.09–12.2, respectively), but not in the high-level groups.Conclusion and ImplicationsCognitive reserve attenuated subjective cognitive decline associated risk of developing dementia. This finding suggests the need for greater emphasis on detecting prodromal dementia when older patients having lower cognitive reserve present with subjective cognitive decline.     

Cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent versus trivalent influenza vaccine for elderly population in China

BackgroundInfluenza-associated excess death occurred most in the elderly. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) versus trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) for prevention of influenza infection among elderly population in China.MethodsA decision-analytic model was developed to compare 1-year clinical and economic outcomes of three influenza vaccination options (no vaccination, TIV, and QIV) in a hypothetical cohort of Chinese elderly aged 69 years. Outcome measures included cost, influenza infection rate, influenza-related mortality rate, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) loss, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) from societal perspective. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the uncertainty of model inputs.ResultsBase-case results showed no vaccination was dominated (more costly at higher QALY loss) by TIV and QIV. QIV was more costly (USD56.29 versus USD54.28) with lower influenza infection rate (0.608 versus 0.623), mortality rate (0.00199 versus 0.00204), and QALY loss (0.01213 versus 0.01243) than TIV. QIV was cost-effective compared to TIV with ICER of 6,700 USD/QALY below the willingness-to-pay threshold (29,580 USD/QALY). One-way sensitivity analysis found the cost-effectiveness of QIV was subject to the relative risk of vaccine effectiveness of QIV versus TIV, and TIV would be cost-effective if the relative risk was below 1.05. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, the probabilities of QIV, TIV, and no vaccination to be cost-effective were 86.3%, 13.7%, and 0%, respectively.ConclusionQIV appears to be a cost-effective option compared to TIV and no influenza vaccination for elderly population in China.     

Gender differences in the longitudinal associations of depressive symptoms and leisure-time physical activity with cognitive decline in ≥ 57 year-old Taiwanese

ObjectiveThis study investigates the role of gender in the associations of long-term depressive symptoms and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with the risk of cognitive decline in elderly Taiwanese.MethodWe analyzed 3679 subjects (age ≥ 57) in the 2003 and 2007 datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging, of which data were collected via face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. We excluded proxy respondents. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined the associations of long-term depressive symptoms (increased symptoms: CES-D10 scores from < 10 to ≥ 10; decreased symptoms: from ≥ 10 to < 10) and LTPA (frequency, duration, and intensity) with cognitive decline (a decrease of two or more SPMSQ scores).ResultsWomen had significant higher percentages of cognitive impairment, compared to men, at the baseline (5.9 vs. 1.5%; χ² = 51.24, p < 0.001) and end-point (10.8 vs. 5.2%;χ² = 39.5, p < 0.001). Men with long-term depressive symptoms had 5.28 greater odds of cognitive decline (OR = 5.28, 95%CI = 2.84–9.82, p < 0.001) and men with increased depressive symptoms had 2.09 greater odds (2.09, 1.24–3.51, p = 0.006). No such association was observed in women. Men with consistently high LTPA had 65% (0.35, 0.19–0.65, p = 0.001) and women with increased LTPA had 43% (0.57, 0.34–0.93, p = 0.024) reduction in odds of developing cognitive decline.ConclusionWe found gender differences in the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. Long-term LTPA may loosen the association between long-term depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. These findings are useful in the identification of vulnerable elderly in the Taiwanese population and public health interventions should focus on assisting their cognitive aging.     

Cognitive Function Improvements Mediate Exercise Intervention Effects on Physical Performance in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults

ObjectivesAn individualized, multicomponent exercise program is effective to reverse the functional and cognitive decline that frequently occur during acute care hospitalization in older patients. The aim was to determine whether improvements in cognition mediate improvements in physical function in acutely hospitalized older patients.DesignA single-center, single-blind randomized clinical trial.Setting and ParticipantsAcute care for elderly (ACE) unit in a tertiary public hospital in Navarre (Spain). Hospitalized patients were randomly assigned to an exercise intervention (n = 185) or usual-care group (n = 185). The intervention consisted of a multicomponent exercise-training program performed during 5 to 7 consecutive days (2 sessions/day). The usual-care group received habitual hospital care, which included physical rehabilitation when needed.MeasuresThe main endpoints were changes in cognitive function assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination test and verbal fluency ability, and changes in physical performance by the Short Physical Performance Battery from baseline to discharge. Mediation regression models were generated using ordinary least squares with the PROCESS version 3.2 to determine links between exercise-induced improvements.ResultsMediation regression model analysis indicated a significant and direct beneficial effect of physical exercise on physical function (β = 2.14; P < .0001), and a significant indirect effect of global cognitive function on the direct effect (indirect effect = 0.26; 0.10 to 0.49). Verbal fluency ability also had an indirect effect (0.32; 0.16 to 0.53) on the positive effect of exercise-training on physical function.Conclusions and ImplicationsCognitive function enhancements mediate physical function improvements in acutely hospitalized older adults after an individualized, multicomponent exercise-training program.ClinicalTrials.gov registration (NCT02300896)     

上海市社区老年高血压患者血压水平影响因素的多水平分析

目的 应用多水平分析模型分析社区老年高血压患者血压水平的影响因素.方法 通过多阶段随机抽样,抽取上海市23个社区的927例老年高血压患者作为研究对象,采用两水平线性多层模型分别分析社区老年高血压患者收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP)的影响因素.结果 研究对象的平均血压水平为SBP(139.2±11.7)mm Hg、DBP(85.6±8.6)mm Hg(I mm Hg=0.133 kPa).在社区水平上,辖区高血压患者/站点医师数(医患比)"高"的社区较医患比"低"的社区患者的SBP低3.86 mm Hg、DBP低2.51 mm Hg.在个体水平上,年龄、性别、超重/肥胖是血压升高的危险因素;规律服药、限盐、疾病管理自我效能的提高可降低血压,特别是在控制其他影响因素后仅限盐1项就可降低SBP 2.44 mm Hg、DBP 2.03 mm Hg.结论 多水平分析模型可以灵活有效地处理具有层次结构的数据,社区因素和个体因素对老年高血压患者的血压水平均有影响.     

Antihypertensive Deprescribing in Older Adult Veterans at End of Life Admitted to Veteran Affairs Nursing Homes

ObjectivesGeriatric palliative care approaches support deprescribing of antihypertensives in older nursing home (NH) residents with limited life expectancy and/or advanced dementia (LLE/AD) who are intensely treated for hypertension (HTN), but information on real-world deprescribing patterns in this population is limited. We examined the incidence and factors associated with antihypertensive deprescribing.DesignNational, retrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsOlder Veterans with LLE/AD and HTN admitted to VA NHs in fiscal years 2009-2015 with potential overtreatment of HTN at admission, defined as receiving at least 1 antihypertensive class of medications and mean daily systolic blood pressure (SBP) <120 mm Hg.MeasuresDeprescribing was defined as subsequent dose reduction or discontinuation of an antihypertensive for ≥7 days. Competing risk models assessed cumulative incidence and factors associated with deprescribing.ResultsWithin our sample (n = 10,574), cumulative incidence of deprescribing at 30 days was 41%. Veterans with the greatest level of overtreatment (ie, multiple antihypertensives and SBP <100 mm Hg) had an increased likelihood (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.59, 1.93) of deprescribing vs those with the lowest level of overtreatment (ie, one antihypertensive and SBP ≥100 to <120 mm Hg). Several markers of poor prognosis (ie, recent weight loss, poor appetite, dehydration, dependence for activities of daily living, pain) and later admission year were associated with increased likelihood of deprescribing, whereas cardiovascular risk factors (ie, diabetes, congestive heart failure, obesity), shortness of breath, and admission source from another NH or home/assisted living setting (vs acute hospital) were associated with decreased likelihood.Conclusions and ImplicationsReal-world deprescribing patterns of antihypertensives among NH residents with HTN and LLE/AD appear to reflect variation in recommendations for HTN treatment intensity and individualization of patient care in a population with potential overtreatment. Factors facilitating deprescribing included treatment intensity and markers of poor prognosis. Comparative effectiveness and safety studies are needed to guide clinical decisions around deprescribing and HTN management.     

Determinants and Consequences of Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet in African-American and White Adults with High Blood Pressure: Results from the ENCORE Trial

BackgroundAlthough the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is an accepted nonpharmacologic treatment for hypertension, little is known about what patient characteristics affect dietary adherence and what level of adherence is needed to reduce blood pressure (BP).ObjectiveOur aim was to determine what factors predict dietary adherence and the extent to which dietary adherence is necessary to produce clinically meaningful BP reductions.DesignAncillary study of the ENCORE (Exercise and Nutrition Interventions for Cardiovascular Health) trial—a 16-week randomized clinical trial of diet and exercise.Participants/settingParticipants included 144 sedentary, overweight, or obese adults (body mass index 25 to 39.9) with high BP (systolic 130 to 159 mm Hg and/or diastolic 85 to 99 mm Hg).InterventionPatients were randomized to one of three groups: DASH diet alone, DASH diet plus weight management, and Usual Diet Controls.Main outcomes measuresOur primary outcomes were a composite index of adherence to the DASH diet and clinic BP.Statistical analyses performedGeneral linear models were used to compare treatment groups on post-treatment adherence to the DASH diet. Linear regression was used to examine potential predictors of post-treatment DASH adherence. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relation of adherence to the DASH diet and BP.ResultsParticipants in the DASH diet plus weight management (16.1 systolic BP [SBP]; 95% CI 13.0 to 19.2 mm Hg and 9.9 diastolic BP [DBP]; 95% CI 8.1 to 11.6 mm Hg) and DASH diet alone (11.2 SBP; 95% CI 8.1 to 14.3 mm Hg and 7.5 DBP; 95% CI 5.8 to 9.3 mm Hg) groups showed significant reductions in BP in comparison with Usual Diet Controls participants (3.4 SBP; 95% CI 0.4 to 6.4 mm Hg and DBP 3.8; 95% CI 2.2 to 5.5 mm Hg). Greater post-treatment consumption of DASH foods was noted in both the DASH diet alone (mean=6.20; 95% CI 5.83 to 6.57) and DASH diet plus weight management groups (mean=6.23; 95% CI 5.88 to 6.59) compared with Usual Diet Controls (mean=3.66; 95% CI 3.30 to 4.01; P<0.0001), and greater adherence to the DASH diet was associated with larger reductions in clinic SBP and DBP (P≤0.01). Only ethnicity predicted dietary adherence, with African Americans less adherent to the DASH diet compared with whites (4.68; 95% CI 4.34 to 5.03 vs 5.83; 95% CI 5.50 to 6.11; P<0.001).ConclusionsGreater adherence to the DASH diet was associated with larger BP reductions independent of weight loss. African Americans were less likely to be adherent to the DASH dietary eating plan compared with whites, suggesting that culturally sensitive dietary strategies might be needed to improve adherence to the DASH diet.     

Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundA quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) includes two A strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and two B lineages (B/Victoria, B/Yamagata). The presence of both B lineages eliminate potential B lineage mismatch of trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) with the circulating strain.MethodsElectronic database searches of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCRCT), Scopus and Web of Science were conducted for articles published until June 30, 2015 inclusive. Articles were limited to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults using inactivated intramuscular vaccine and published in English language only. Summary estimates of immunogenicity (by seroprotection and seroconversion rates) and adverse events outcomes were compared between QIV and TIV, using a risk ratio (RR). Studies were pooled using inverse variance weights with a random effect model and the I² statistic was used to estimate heterogeneity.ResultsA total of five RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. For immunogenicity outcomes, QIV had similar efficacy for the three common strains; A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and the B lineage included in the TIV. QIV also showed superior efficacy for the B lineage not included in the TIV; pooled seroprotection RR of 1.14 (95%CI: 1.03–1.25, p = 0.008) and seroconversion RR of 1.78 (95%CI: 1.24–2.55, p = 0.002) for B/Victoria, and pooled seroprotection RR of 1.12 (95%CI: 1.02–1.22, p = 0.01) and seroconversion RR of 2.11 (95%CI: 1.51–2.95, p < 0.001) for B/Yamagata, respectively. No significant differences were found between QIV and TIV for aggregated local and systemic adverse events within 7 days post-vaccination. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events reported for either QIV or TIV. Compared to TIV, injection-site pain was more common for QIV, with a pooled RR of 1.18 (95%CI: 1.03–1.35, p = 0.02).ConclusionIn adults, inactivated QIV was as immunogenic as seasonal TIV, with equivalent efficacy against the shared three strains included in TIV, and a superior immunogenicity against the non-TIV B lineage.     

Effect of short-term administration of cinnamon on blood pressure in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the effect of short-term administration of cinnamon on blood pressure regulation in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by performing a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.MethodsMedical literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effect of cinnamon on blood pressure was systematically searched; three original articles published between January 2000 and September 2012 were identified from the MEDLINE database and a hand search of the reference lists of the articles obtained through MEDLINE. The search terms included cinnamon or blood pressure or systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or diabetes. A random effects model was used to calculate weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe pooled estimate of the effect of cinnamon intake on SBP and DBP demonstrated that the use of cinnamon significantly decreased SBP and DBP by 5.39 mm Hg (95% CI, –6.89 to –3.89) and 2.6 mm Hg (95% CI, –4.53 to –0.66) respectively.ConclusionConsumption of cinnamon (short term) is associated with a notable reduction in SBP and DBP. Although cinnamon shows hopeful effects on BP-lowering potential, it would be premature to recommend cinnamon for BP control because of the limited number of studies available. Thus, undoubtedly a long-term, adequately powered RCT involving a larger number of patients is needed to appraise the clinical potential of cinnamon on BP control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.