Validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale

To the Editor-The artide by Colt and Shapirol on drug-induced illness as a cause for admission was of great interest to us. However, we were s u r p M at the low percentage of admissions for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), even in the 65 and older age group (only 11.6%). In our department, all the patients admitted are over the age of 75 years. Taking a retrospective sample of 77 admissions over a period of 2 months, we found 16 patients (20.8%) had been admitted for ADRs (see Table 1). In the literature quoted by the authors, Trunet et al found that 6 of the 23 patients admitted for ADRs were over the age of 75 years, a rate that relative to its age group may be higher than the 7% quoted.' The study of lves et a1 actually shows 32.5% admission for ADRs for the age group 75 years and older, much higher than the 15.9% q ~ o t e d . ~ In the study by Caranasos et al,' the highest percentage of admissions for ADRs was in the age group 70 years and over, 4.9% compared with the 2.9% quoted. In the article by Grymonpre et al,5 13% of the admissions were for ADRs, but there was no differentiation for the age group over 75 years. Even in the artide by Colt and Shapiro, it can be seen that in the age group 65 years and older, 12 of the 18 patients were over the age of 75 years.' We therefore think it is important to emphasize the fact that in those who are 75 years and older, ADR is a major cause for admission. Also, when taking into account admissions for intake of multiple drugs, we find that both together form a significant percentage (41.6%) of the admissions to our geriatric department. This is also our most rewarding area for functional improvement of our patients. In conclusion, we would once again like to emphasize the importance of ADR as a major cause for admission in the advanced age group.