Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
-
To describe the adverse and unexpected events reported by staff over a 1-year period in a large, long-term care institution. ⋯ Information regarding adverse and unexpected events in the long-term care setting can be organized into databases that allow analysis of patterns and trends. The results of these analyses may be helpful in targeting limited resources to areas of greatest need within an individual institution and for comparing quality of care across different long-term care facilities.
-
Comparative Study
Serum erythropoietin levels in elderly inpatients with anemia of chronic disorders and iron deficiency anemia.
To analyze the relationship between serum erythropoietin levels and hemoglobin levels in elderly patients with anemia of chronic disorders related to cancer or acute infection when compared with anemic patients with iron deficiency. ⋯ Erythropoietin response to anemia is blunted in elderly patients with anemia of chronic disorders related to cancer or acute infection. Erythropoietin level is lower in non-anemic elderly inpatients than in healthy younger persons.
-
Comparative Study
Profile of depressive symptoms in younger and older medical inpatients with major depression.
To examine and compare the profile of cognitive symptoms, somatic symptoms, and somatic complaints in younger and older medical inpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). ⋯ Cognitive symptoms of depression can help to distinguish medical inpatients with and without MDD. In older adults, however, somatic symptoms cannot be ignored and may be more important for diagnosing MDD than previously realized. These findings will help clinicians identify patients with MDD and differentiate them from non-depressed patients with medical illness.
-
To determine the causes of hip or wrist fractures. ⋯ The nature of the fall determines the type of fracture, while bone density and factors that increase or attenuate the force of impact of the fall determine whether a fracture will occur when a faller lands on a particular bone. These findings have important implications for prevention of fractures in older women.