Influence of Glomerular Filtration Rate on Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Aims This study aimed to assess the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels and the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) based on three criteria: the Beers (2019 version), Chinese, and Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria. Methods This retrospective cross‐sectional study analyzed 191 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years. Using the Beers, Chinese, and STOPP criteria, we assessed the prevalence of PIMs across stratified eGFR levels. Nonparametric analyses (Mann–Whitney U test), chi‐square tests, and logistic regression analysis were employed to evaluate the association between eGFR and PIMs exposure. Results Participants were stratified into three groups based on eGFR: Group I (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), Group II (60–89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), and Group III (< 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Prevalence rates of PIMs were 72.25% by Beers criteria, 60.73% by Chinese criteria, and 28.80% by STOPP criteria, with STOPP demonstrating significantly lower PIMs detection rates than the other two criteria. Analysis by eGFR stratification revealed escalating PIMs prevalence with declining kidney function under Beers criteria: 67.35% in Group I, 74.29% in Group II, and 86.96% in Group III ( p < 0.05). Notably, Group III (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) exhibited higher proportions of patients with ≥ 2 PIMs across all criteria. By Beers criteria, 56.52% of Group III patients had ≥ 2 PIMs versus 22.45% (Group I) and 25.71% (Group II). Similar trends were observed by Chinese and STOPP criteria ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified polypharmacy and eGFR decline as independent risk factors for PIMs exposure. Conclusion The prevalence of PIMs gradually increases with the decline of eGFR in older adults, particularly when compounded by polypharmacy.