Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Mar 2012
Mortality in patients with hip fracture aged over 90 years: a report from a progressively aging island.
In our aging society, hip fractures are common in elderly patients, especially those aged above 90 years. Improving mortality rates after this injury is an important part of medical management for the elderly. This study assessed mortality rates after hip fracture in patients aged ≥90 years and examined factors that contribute to mortality. ⋯ Acceptable outcomes of hip fracture surgery can be achieved in very old patients. In addition, postoperative ambulatory level may be a predictor of mortality.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Mar 2012
Outcome and quality of life of elderly critically ill patients: an Italian prospective observational study.
The demand of critical care admissions to intensive care unit (ICU) is projected to rise in the next decade. The aim of this study was to evaluate short and long-term mortality and quality of life (QoL) of elderly patients (80 years and older) admitted to two ICUs for medical conditions, abdominal surgery (planned and unplanned) and orthopedic surgery for hip fractures, over a 6-year period. Three months and one year after ICU discharge, patients or family members were contacted by telephone to obtain follow-up information using the EuroQoL questionnaire. ⋯ QoL measures revealed that, one year after ICU discharge, medical and orthopedic patients had significantly more severe problems vis-à-vis mobility, self-care and activity than abdominal surgical patients and control population. Type of admission was the independent risk factor associated with ICU and long-term mortality, whereas age 90 year and older was associated with long-term mortality. Orthopedic surgery for hip fractures seems to influence QoL similar to medical diseases.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effectiveness of an integrated pain management program for older persons and staff in nursing homes.
This study examined the effects of an 8-week integrated pain management program (IPMP) on enhancing the knowledge and attitude toward pain management among staff; and improving the pain, quality of life, physical and psychosocial functions, and use of non-drug therapies for the elderly in nursing homes. Nursing home staff (N=147) and residents (N=535) were recruited from ten nursing homes. Nursing homes were randomly assigned into an experimental group (N=296) with IPMP or control group (N=239) without IPMP. ⋯ Group differences were also found in psychological well-being, including happiness, loneliness, life satisfaction and depression (p<0.05), and the use of non-drug methods (p<0.05). These results suggested that IPMP is beneficial for staff, and is effective in reducing geriatric pain and negative impacts. Management support and staff involvement in the program are important for its long-term continuation.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Mar 2012
Pain and cognitive dysfunction are the risk factors of delirium in elderly hip fracture Chinese patients.
To observe the incidence of delirium in elderly hip fracture patients and search for the potential risk factors. ⋯ Pain intensity and cognitive impairment after hip fracture were found as the risk factors for development of delirium in elder Chinese patients. Prevention and management of delirium needs pain management pre- and post-operatively.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Jan 2012
Assessment of dietary intake and nutritional status (MNA) in Polish free-living elderly people from rural environments.
The proportion of elderly people in the global population is rapidly increasing. Their nutritional status indicates many deficiencies that are risky to health. The aim of this paper was to assess the nutrition and nutritional status in elderly individuals above 60 years old living in their family houses in rural areas. ⋯ The group with nutritional risk had more pronounced nutritional deficiencies. Despite a too low energy value of foods among individuals with correct nutrition, their anthropometric parameters paradoxically showed the presence of excessive fatty tissue. The most frequent diseases existed in examined group were coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.