Aging clinical and experimental research
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The outcome and functional trajectory of older persons admitted to intensive care (ICU) unit remain a true question for critical care physicians and geriatricians, due to the heterogeneity of geriatric population, heterogeneity of practices and absence of guidelines. ⋯ The mortality of older people admitted to ICU is high, with a significant impact of disabilty scores, and preserved 1-year survivor independency. Other studies, including a better comprehensive geriatric assessment, seem necessary to determine a predictive "phenotype" of survival with a "satisfactory" level of autonomy.
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Fall-induced deaths of elderly people are a major problem. ⋯ Among 50 years or older Finns the number of fall-induced deaths increased considerably from the early 1970s until the late 1990s but stabilized thereafter. In the new millennium, the age-adjusted incidence of these deaths has started to decline in both sexes. Despite this we have to effectively continue the falls prevention efforts, because our elderly population will grow rapidly in the near future.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Feasibility of a machine vs free weight strength training program and its effects on physical performance in nursing home residents: a pilot study.
Resistance training holds promise for nursing home residents to prevent further disabilities, falls, and fractures. Free weight as well as machine training may offer an efficient option to improve physical performance, but the feasibility of these training regimes among elderly who require continuous institutional care is still open. ⋯ The present pilot study showed that it is feasible to conduct a strength training program in institutionalized participants. The more robust changes in motor function could serve as a basis for large randomized clinical trials.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of anti-activated factor X (anti-Xa) in patients with different degrees of chronic renal failure (CRF), treated with therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin. ⋯ Enoxaparin dose reduction according to renal function decreases the risk of overdosing and potentially the risk of bleeding. The risk of under dosing seems less predictable; therefore, anti-Xa assay may be useful in severe clinical situations that require higher anticoagulant activity.
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It has been suggested that overweight and obese individuals have an increased risk to develop vitamin D deficiency, commonly associated with poor muscle performance. The relationship among fat mass, vitamin D status, and skeletal muscle is still debated. ⋯ This study demonstrated that hypovitaminosis D is associated to impaired muscle function and its combination with overweight might lead also to muscle wasting in a cohort of post-menopausal women.