Too many, too few, or too unsafe? Impact of inappropriate prescribing on mortality, and hospitalization in a cohort of community-dwelling oldest old.

Older patients are particularly vulnerable to adverse drug events. This study examined the prevalence of appropriate prescribing in community-dwelling adults age 80 and older. Consistent with prior research, this study found that inappropriate prescribing was common. The authors also determined that underuse had a higher association with mortality and hospitalization than misuse.