First 24 Hours Reveal Massive Medication Burden in Elderly CKD

This single-center prospective study quantifies the scale of polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing, and renal-risk drug exposure discoverable by a clinical pharmacist within 24 hours of admitting older patients with chronic kidney disease.

📅 Journal publication: Sep 4, 2026 · Last updated: Oct 5, 2026

chronic kidney diseasepolypharmacypotentially inappropriate medicationsdrug-drug interactionsrenal-risk drugsdeprescribingproton pump inhibitorsEU(7)-PIMmedication reconciliationgeriatricsclinical pharmacistobservational study Geriatrics / Geriatric Pharmacy

Also in Clinical Practice, Nephrology

Background Information

Early hospital admission is key for optimizing elderly CKD pharmacotherapy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in elderly populations, increasing risks linked to polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use, necessitating optimized pharmacotherapy. In this study, 89% of elderly patients with CKD had potentially inappropriate medications and 82% had renal-risk drugs, highlighting pharmacotherapy issues at admission. Early pharmacist intervention upon admission can greatly reduce risks of adverse events through identification and resolution of medication-related problems in elderly CKD patients. Optimize pharmacotherapy in elderly CKD patients within 24 hours of admission to reduce adverse event risks.

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Authors: Mulej A, Marinović I, Matković I, Vrca VB, Torić L, Kasumović D, Crnogorac M, Horvatić I, Samardžić I

Citation: Mulej A, Marinović I, Matković I, et al. The First 24 Hours of Hospital Admission: Early Opportunity for Pharmacotherapy Optimization in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland). 2026;14(6). doi:10.3390/pharmacy14060130

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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