Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RA) may negatively impact ADL assessment in patients on a convalescent rehabilitation ward

Background/aim: In the convalescent rehabilitation ward, many elderly patients undergo rehabilitation. Histamine- 2 receptor antagonists (H₂RA), which is a one of the acid secretion inhibitors, is frequently prescribed for the patients as a peptic ulcer prevention measure. At present, H₂RA are reported as being associated with factors that reduce cognitive function. However, little is known about the relationship H₂RA and rehabilitation outcome. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between H₂RA use and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, which determines rehabilitation outcomes for patients admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward. Patients and methods: We retrospectively investigated FIM gain on discharge by both the administration group (H₂RA (+)) (n = 118) and non-administration group (H₂RA (-)) (n = 118). Results: The FIM gain scores of Motor FIM total, Cognition FIM total, and Total FIM were significantly lower in H₂RA (+) than in H₂RA (-) (Motor FIM total: 8.0 [4.0-16.0] [Inter-Quartile Range] vs. 12.0 [5.0-19.2], p =0.0217, Cognition FIM total: 3.0 [1.0-6.0] vs. 5.0 [2.0-7.0], p =0.0120, Total FIM: 11.5 [4.8-20.2] vs. 17.0 [8.0-27.0], p =0.0089). Conclusion: The administration of H₂RA to elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation may prevent cognitive function maintenance or recovery by rehabilitation.