Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Comparative Study
Hypokalemia and potassium excretion in stroke patients.
To determine (1) the prevalence of hypokalemia (plasma potassium < or = 3.4 mmol/L) in a group of stroke patients in comparison with age- and sex-matched groups of patients having sustained a myocardial infarction or having mild hypertension and (2) the association between plasma potassium concentration and stroke outcome. ⋯ Hypokalemia post stroke is common and may be associated with a poor outcome.
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To describe family perceptions of care at the end of life. ⋯ Bereaved family members are generally satisfied with life-sustaining treatment decisions. Their primary concerns are failures in communication and pain control. Discussions that focus on specific treatment decisions may not satisfy the real needs of dying patients and their families.
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The objective of this study was to determine the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) with stroke recurrence and mortality and with the causes of death in ischemic stroke patients aged 75 years and older. ⋯ Recent MI and AF are independent negative prognostic factors in older patients with stroke. Although the relative risk estimates attributable to AF are of the same magnitude in older as in middle-aged stroke patients, the much higher prevalence of AF in the older patients emphasizes its absolute impact on the mortality and recurrence after the first ischemic stroke in the age group 75 years and older. The treatment of coexisting cardiac disease also has the potential to prevent deaths and recurrent stroke events in older persons.
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To investigate the prevalence of beta-blocker use in older persons with prior myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery disease (CAD) without contraindications to beta-blockers in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice. ⋯ There is marked underutilization of beta-blockers in treating older patients with prior MI or CAD in an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Validation of multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis in detecting changes in fluid balance of geriatric patients.
Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (MFBIA) is a quick, simple, and inexpensive method to assess body fluid compartments. This study aimed at determining the validity of MFBIA in detecting clinically relevant changes of fluid balance in geriatric patients. ⋯ The sensitivity of a single impedance measurement in detecting dehydration and overhydration was low. However, responsiveness of serial measurements to intra-individual changes in fluid balance was good. Therefore, this noninvasive technique may be used in clinical practice to improve monitoring fluid balance in geriatric patients, especially when daily weighing is difficult.