Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyRehabilitation outcome of hip fracture patients: the importance of a positive albumin gain.
Low serum albumin level is associated with poor functional outcome and predicting a greater functional decline in the elderly. The aim of this study is to determine the interrelation between change of serum albumin level during rehabilitation period and functional outcome in hip fracture patients. We studied 433 consecutive elderly hip fracture patients admitted for rehabilitation. ⋯ The results suggest that patients with albumin gain have better admission and discharge FIM scores. Albumin gain emerged as a significant predictor for higher discharge FIM scores. We conclude that greater attention and efforts should be made regarding the dietary intervention and protein supplementation, in order to improve the rehabilitation outcome.
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The mechanisms and outcome of trauma in hospitalized elderly patients were studied. The data of Al-Ain Hospital Trauma Registry were prospectively collected over a period of 3 years (2003-2006). All elderly trauma-patients above 60 years who were admitted to surgical ward or who died on arrival were studied. ⋯ Overall mortality was 6% (7 patients), of whom 5 were pedestrians hit by cars. We concluded that low-energy trauma from falls was the most common cause of injury in the elderly. Mortality was high mainly from pedestrian injuries.