Withdrawing long-term diuretic treatment among elderly patients in general practice.
The aim of this study was to elaborate, implement and evaluate a strategy for discontinuation of long-term diuretic treatment in elderly patients in general practice. Thirty-three patients were enrolled for a supervised step-down and withdrawal of diuretics. After withdrawal, the patients were followed up for 6 months or until diuretic treatment was re-established. Withdrawal was successful according to the protocol in 18 cases. Diuretic withdrawal failed and the treatment was re-established in 15 cases, four of which were sudden cardiovascular events. Most withdrawal failures were identified by routine examinations through the follow-up programmes, thus they had few consequences for the patients. This demonstrates that careful follow-up is essential after diuretic withdrawal. Our findings support the view that a large proportion of elderly patients on diuretics may not need such treatment.
Straand
J
J
Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
Fugelli
P
P
Laake
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004232:Diuretics