Biochemical Profiling of Patients with Polypharmacy in a Geriatric Clinic in Benue State

Polypharmacy in elderly patients is a recognised risk factor for drug-drug interactions, organ toxicity, and metabolic derangements, yet biochemical monitoring of this population remains limited in Nigerian geriatric care. This study undertakes a biochemical profiling of elderly patients (65 years and above) with polypharmacy, defined as concurrent use of five or more medications, attending a geriatric outpatient clinic in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 100 elderly patients with polypharmacy and 50 age-matched elderly patients on fewer than five medications. Biochemical parameters assessed included liver function tests, renal function tests, serum electrolytes, fasting blood glucose, and thyroid function. Medication types, doses, duration, and prescribing clinicians were recorded. The study applies the Beers Criteria to identify potentially inappropriate medications and evaluates their association with abnormal biochemical results. Logistic regression will identify medications most strongly associated with specific biochemical toxicities. Findings will support the development of biochemistry-guided medication review protocols for geriatric patients in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: polypharmacy, geriatric biochemistry, organ toxicity, medication review, Benue State.