Use of evidence-based medicine for acute coronary syndromes in the elderly and very elderly: insights from the Sibrafiban vs aspirin to Yield Maximum Protection from ischemic Heart events postacute cOroNary sYndromes trials.
BACKGROUND
Evidence-based medications (EBM) are underused in older patients despite potentially larger absolute benefits. Little is known about factors influencing prescribing in the elderly with acute coronary syndromes.


METHODS
Among the 15,904 patients from the Sibrafiban vs aspirin to Yield Maximum Protection from ischemic Heart events postacute cOroNary sYndromes (SYMPHONY) and second SYMPHONY trials, we examined the rates of use of EBM according to age (< 75 or > or = 75 years, and 3 subgroups of 5 year increments among patients > or = 75 years).


RESULTS
Ninety-day mortality increased with age (< 75 years, 1.3%; > or = 75 to < 80 years, 4.4%; > or = 80 to < 85 years, 6.0%; > or = 85 years, 9.6%). Compared with subjects < 75 years (n = 14,043), acute EBM use was lower among patients > or = 75 years (n = 1794): aspirin (83% vs 85%), heparin (73% vs 78%), and beta-blockers (70% vs 76%). Similarly, discharge use of beta-blockers (69% vs 76%) and statins (28% vs 40%) was lower, although this was not the case for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (44% vs 41%). These patterns persisted among eligible patients. Beyond the age of 75 years, EBM use was not further influenced by age except for statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, which were used less frequently in those > or = 85 years. Among patients aged > or = 75 years, prediction for use of each EBM in multivariable modeling was modest (C indices, approximately 0.7); except for statins, increasing age did not predict lower EBM use.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite higher mortality risk, EBM use was lower among older patients even considering eligibility. Among those aged > or = 75 years, age was no longer the major factor predicting EBM use. The modest C indices suggest other factors are associated with prescribing, underscoring the need for treatment algorithms and quality assurance measures in older patients.
Wong
Cheuk-Kit
CK
Cardiology, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Newby
L Kristin
LK
Bhapker
Manju V
MV
Aylward
Phil E
PE
Pfisterer
Matthias
M
Alexander
Karen P
KP
Armstrong
Paul W
PW
Hochman
Judith S
JS
Van de Werf
Frans
F
Califf
Robert M
RM
White
Harvey D
HD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010091:Oximes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D010091:Oximes; D010880:Piperidines; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin; C100917:sibrafiban