The MATRIX study: evaluating the data in older adults.

The MATRIX study consisted of a large population of older adults. In addition to those over the age of 65, this study included 131 patients > or =85 years old. Even though these adults were community-based, many of them had similar medical histories, comorbidities, use of multiple medications and urinary incontinence histories as those residing in long-term care settings. This study found OXY-TDS to be effective in improving quality of life in these older adults. In addition, there was a low incidence of adverse events, particularly anticholinergic events. Overall, this study supports the use of OXY-TDS in older adults-those residing in community and nursing facility settings. The next article in this series will present other results of the MATRIX study, including the changes in nocturia and pad use, as well as the effect of OXY-TDS in participants with prostate problems.