Geriatrics & gerontology international
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Apr 2013
Comparative StudyLaparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in octogenarians: a follow-up study.
The elderly population is the fastest growing demographic in developed countries. It is thus imperative to assess common medical procedures in this age group. Inguinal hernia repair is a commonly carried out operation in the USA with two methods of repair existing - laparoscopic and open. Although the advantages of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the general population have been shown, its role in the elderly has yet to be elucidated. ⋯ In octogenarians, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair confers a significantly shorter duration of pain and recovery time as compared with open inguinal hernia repair, with no increase in complications. For elderly patients, laparoscopy is a viable alternative to open repair.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Apr 2013
Use of a laboratory only score system to define trajectories and outcomes of older people admitted to the acute hospital as medical emergencies.
Increasing numbers of older people are admitted to hospital as medical emergencies. They are a heterogeneous population with uncertain trajectories and outcomes. Our aim was to retrospectively characterize subgroups of older inpatients based on their acuity trajectories. ⋯ In older acute medical inpatients, the outcome seemed more driven by specific diagnoses (such as sepsis and renal failure) and comorbidity, than by age. Using the MARS score to retrospectively categorize older inpatients might help to understand their heterogeneity and promote the design of appropriate care pathways.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Jan 2013
Meta AnalysisTai chi and reduction of depressive symptoms for older adults: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
The aim of the present article was to systematically review the effectiveness of tai chi for reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. Electronic databases were searched through January 2011. Reference lists of systematic reviews and identified studies from the search strategy were also screened. ⋯ The pooled standard mean difference for these studies was -0.27 (95% CI -0.52 to -0.02, P=0.03). Tai chi appeared to have a significant impact on reducing depressive symptoms compared with the waiting list control groups. Further research is recommended with larger sample sizes, more clarity on trial design and the intervention, longer-term follow up, and concomitant economic evaluations.
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Geriatr Gerontol Int · Jan 2013
Synergistic impact of low serum albumin on intensive care unit admission and high blood urea nitrogen during intensive care unit stay on post-intensive care unit mortality in critically ill elderly patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
To identify intensive care unit (ICU) risk factors for post-ICU 6-month (PI6M) mortality in critically ill elderly patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). ⋯ Low serum albumin level on ICU admission and high BUN level during ICU stay are two independent risk factors, especially their combination, of PI6M mortality in critically ill elderly patients requiring MV. Furthermore, patients with a reduction in high BUN have a better PI6M survival.