Study, Nov./16: CYP450 enzymes (genetic variants) affect fall risk w/benzos

[[La...]]

The full title of this Dutch/American study is "CYP2C9 Genotypes Modify Benzodiazepine-Related Fall Risk: Original Results From Three Studies With Meta-Analysis".

 

It's quite fascinating to see a study that looks at a specific genetic variants and a particular side effect of taking benzodiazepines.  For those of us who are dizzy, "increased fall risk" can be translated as "having poor balance or decreased stability", which makes this study of particular interest to us. It may explain why some of us are more dizzy than others.

 

From the Results:

 

"Within benzodiazepine users, having a CYP2C9*2 or *3 allele was associated with an increased fall risk (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06; 1.72). Additionally, we observed an allele dose effect; heterozygous allele carriers had a fall risk of (HR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05; 1.61), and homozygous allele carriers of (HR = 1.91 95% CI, 1.23; 2.96)."

 

"CONCLUSIONS:  CYP2C9*2 and *3 allele variants modify benzodiazepine-related fall risk. Those using benzodiazepines and having reduced CYP2C9 enzyme activity based on their genotype are at increased fall risk. In clinical practice, genotyping might be considered for elderly patients with an indication for benzodiazepine use. However, because the exact role of CYP2C9 in benzodiazepine metabolism is still unclear, additional research is warranted."

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27889507