Aging clinical and experimental research
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Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent with a long half-life which is used to control atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including atrial flutter and fibrillation. We describe here the case of an elderly woman (77 years of age) who was hospitalized for acute atrial fibrillation, abdominal pain, and dyspnea. ⋯ Complete recovery of liver function was documented after three weeks. Unfortunately, the patient died from a severe infectious disease, with multiple organ failure.
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The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS) and to assess its reliability and validity. ⋯ The Turkish version of the NEADLS is a reliable and valid scale and can be used in activities of daily living assessment of Turkish elderly persons.
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Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people who have cognitive impairment. The present study compared the characteristics of community-dwelling patients, with and without previous diagnosis of dementia, hospitalized because of a hip fracture. ⋯ Some differences were observed, according to the cognitive status of elderly patients suffering a hip fracture due to a fall. A high percentage of dementia patients had suffered repeated falls prior to the fall-related hip fracture.
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Few studies have investigated predictors for hospital readmission after hip fracture repair. ⋯ Subjects at high risk of readmission can be reliably assessed, since few significant variables were associated with rehospitalization. Subgroups of patients with an elevated risk of rehospitalization after hip fracture may be the target for strategies to reduce the burden of excessive hospital use and improve overall outcomes.
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Hip fracture (HF) is a major health care problem in the Western world, associated with significant morbidity, mortality and loss of function. Its incidence is expected to increase as the population ages. The authors discuss the role of a coordinated multidisciplinary team in the management of patients during hospital stay, at discharge and during rehabilitation. ⋯ Comprehensive geriatric assessment is useful in identifying frail elderly and in providing information that is essential in formulating clinical recommendations and making care plans. In each hospital, the orthogeriatric unit should represent a center of excellence for treating elderly patients with major fractures. However, when an orthogeriatric project is implemented, it is essential that detailed data about the case-mix of patients, process of care and outcomes are collected, to compare the results with historical data and to be able to participate in audit processes.