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Revista Colombiana de Reumatología
Print version ISSN 0121-8123
Abstract
ALVAREZ-CIENFUEGOS, Antonio et al. Use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants in patients who attend a Rheumatology clinic. Rev.Colomb.Reumatol. [online]. 2021, vol.28, n.3, pp.197-202. Epub Jan 19, 2022. ISSN 0121-8123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcreu.2020.10.006.
Introduction:
During the last decades, benzodiazepines (BZD) and antidepressants (ADP) have been among the most prescribed therapies in all developed countries. They have side effects, and BZD carry a risk of abuse and dependence disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BZD and ADP among patients who attend a Rheumatology clinic, as well as the indication for these drugs.
Methods:
The study included patients who were referred for the first time to the Rheumatology clinic. Demographical data, reason for referral, and final diagnosis were recorded. The indication for ADP and/or BZD was recorded, as well as the duration of treatment. Sample size was estimated for a 0.05% alpha risk. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to study the relationships with the demographical or clinical characteristics.
Results:
A total of 350 patients were included (women 77.1%, men 22.9%). Most of them (73.4%) had been referred for musculoskeletal pain. More than a third (36.6%) of patients were on BZD and/or ADP. The most frequent reasons for their prescription were anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The final diagnosis in the clinic was a non-inflammatory condition in 82%, and an inflammatory one in 18%. In the univariate analyses, the use of BZD/ADP was associated with female gender (p<.001), unemployment (p<.001) and non-inflammatory final diagnosis (p < .001). In the multivariate analyses, the use of BZD and/or ADP was associated with female sex (p = .002 [OR 3.4, 95% CI; 1.6-7.4]), and a non-inflammatory final diagnosis, specifically fibromyalgia (p = .007 [OR 16.1, 95% CI; 2.2-120.7]).
Conclusion:
Use of BZD and ADP is high and associated with non-inflammatory disease.
Keywords : Antidepressants; Benzodiazepines; Rheumatology; Prevalence.