title: [Adverse drug reactions in elderly people : First data from the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE)].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few data exist on adverse drug reactions (ADR) in elderly people. In this group, pharmacotherapy represents a challenge with regard to comorbidities, drug interactions and compliance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to highlight the characteristics of ADR in elderly patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In addition to a literature review we present the first data from the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE). Between 2011 and 2015 a total of 9537 subjects aged 40-79 years were randomly included in this population-based, age and sex standardized investigation in the inhabitants of Leipzig, Germany and special emphasis was placed on allergies including questions with regard to ADR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 9537 subjects, data on allergies were available from 8979 subjects. Female gender, comorbidities and the use of multiple drugs were significantly associated with an increased risk of ADR. Women also reported ADR significantly more frequently than men. Of the subjects 22% reported suffering from some form of ADR as a result of medications, while in 2.3% this reaction had occurred within the previous 12 months. Less than 15% of LIFE patients with ADR were in possession of a document giving details of the ADR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The occurrence of ADR significantly contributes to morbidity in elderly patients. For prevention of ADR knowledge of patient-related factors, underlying diseases, drug characteristics and drug interactions are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland. regina.treudler@uniklinik-leipzig.de.|Leipziger Interdisziplinäres Centrum für Allergologie (LICA) - Comprehensive Allergy Centre, Leipzig, Deutschland. regina.treudler@uniklinik-leipzig.de.|Leipziger Forschungszentrum für Zivilisationserkrankungen (LIFE), Leipzig, Deutschland. regina.treudler@uniklinik-leipzig.de.|Universität Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 23, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland. regina.treudler@uniklinik-leipzig.de.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Treudler
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland.|Leipziger Interdisziplinäres Centrum für Allergologie (LICA) - Comprehensive Allergy Centre, Leipzig, Deutschland.|Leipziger Forschungszentrum für Zivilisationserkrankungen (LIFE), Leipzig, Deutschland.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Walther
authors.affiliation: Leipziger Forschungszentrum für Zivilisationserkrankungen (LIFE), Leipzig, Deutschland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ahnert
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland.|Leipziger Interdisziplinäres Centrum für Allergologie (LICA) - Comprehensive Allergy Centre, Leipzig, Deutschland.|Leipziger Forschungszentrum für Zivilisationserkrankungen (LIFE), Leipzig, Deutschland.
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019338:Polypharmacy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution
keywords: Drug allergy; Geriatrics; Morbidity; Pharmacotherapy; Polypharmacy