Aging clinical and experimental research
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Various studies are underway to identify protective variables for the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that if indeed the vitamin D levels would be protective in the European population, as recently proposed, the correlation would become more robust when the countries had passed the infection peak as on May 12 2020, compared to April 8 2020, when the majority had not. Comparative analysis of data from the mentioned stages indicated a significant increase in negative correlation of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 cases per million population in later stage (r(20): -0.5504; R2 = 0.3029; p value: 0.0119 vs r(20): -0.4435; R2 = 0.1967; p value: 0.0501), whereas the correlation with deaths per million population became insignificant (r(20): -0.3935; R2 = 0.1549; p value: 0.0860 vs r(20): -0.4378; R2 = 0.1917; p value: 0.0535). Considering divergence of vitamin D levels from the mean in subgroups, e.g. children, women, aged, dedicated exploratory studies with carefully chosen matched target groups is advisable.
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OFRA is a large health insurance fund-driven program which aims to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older people living in rural areas. The programme offered specific mobility and falls prevention classes and bone density measurement by a DXA scan free of charge to more than 10,000 people, and was promoted by staff of the health insurance fund either by a visit at home, or a phone call, or a visit at home and a subsequent phone call. The aim of this study was to analyse the uptake of an exercise class and the use of a DXA scan after advice. ⋯ A direct motivational approach in older people by a health insurance fund is feasible and results in relevant participation and utilization rates in exercise classes and DXA scans.
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The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on containing SARS-CoV-2 infection and identifying treatment strategies. While controlling this communicable disease is of utmost importance, the long-term effect on individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCD) is significant. Although certain NCDs appear to increase the severity of COVID-19 and mortality risk, SARS-CoV-2 infection in survivors with NCDs may also affect the progression of their pre-existing clinical conditions. ⋯ We may have opportunities to learn from this unprecedented crisis on how to leverage healthcare technologies and improve procedures to optimize healthcare service provision. This article discusses how the COVID-19 outbreak and related infection control measures could hit the most frail individuals, worsening the condition of NCD patients, while further jeopardizing the sustainability of the healthcare systems. We suggest ways to define an integrated strategy that could involve both public institutional entities and the private sector to safeguard frail individuals and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
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To assess the outcome of augmentation techniques, i.e., percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), vertebral body stenting (VBS) and fixation techniques in the management of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs). ⋯ BKP showed better clinical and radiological outcomes compared with CM and PVP. BKP revealed as effective as VBS in VBH restoration with less material-related complications.
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Although pre-operative, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment has been used widely, its impact on the health status of older adults has not been fully examined. ⋯ Clinicians are encouraged to pay attention to depression and frailty, and its interaction to improve the health status of surgical elderly patients.