An analysis of the interactions between individual comorbidities and their treatments - implications for guidelines and polypharmacy

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>With aging there is an increase in frailty and chronic disease leading to a potential increase in medication use. Most clinical trials have excluded old, frail individuals and have failed to take into account the effects of outcome interaction.<h4>Methods and results</h4>In this article we provide a mathematical model demonstrating that comorbidities, including old age, interact with therapies, reducing their effectiveness.<h4>Conclusion</h4>These findings question the validity of single disease guidelines in old persons or in persons with multiple chronic diseases.