Resultados a siete años de la cirugía de reemplazo valvular aórtico en mayores de 80 años / Seven-year results of aortic valve replacement surgery in patients over 80 years of age

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y los resultados operatorios y a siete años del reemplazo valvular aórtico en una cohorte de pacientes mayores de 80 años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 75 pacientes consecutivos mayores de 80 años, intervenidos de reemplazo valvular aórtico exclusivo entre 2007 y 2019 en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente. Se estudian sus características demográficas, clínicas, ecocardiográficas, riesgo operatorio, cirugías, complicaciones y mortalidad operatoria y supervivencia alejada hasta el 15 de marzo 2021. Resultados: La edad media de la cohorte fue 83,05 ± 2,9 años (rango 80-95) y 43 pacientes eran mujeres (57,3%). La lesión valvular predominante fue la estenosis aórtica (89,3%). 10 pacientes tenían enfermedad coronaria asociada (13,3%) y 2 endocarditis activa. El riesgo de mortalidad operatoria calculado por EuroSCORE aditivo, logístico, II y STS score fue 7,58 ± 1,8; 9,88 ± 6,5%; 3,72 ± 3,5% y 4,27 ± 3,2%, respectivamente. Se utilizó prótesis biológica en 70 (92%) pacientes. Hubo 29 complicaciones operatorias y fallecieron 11 (14,7%) pacientes. El seguimiento promedio fue 7,1 años (rango 2-14), durante el cual fallecen 28 pacientes. La supervivencia a uno, tres y cinco años fue 82, 76, 66 y 48% respectivamente. Conclusiones: La cirugía de reemplazo valvular aórtico en octogenarios en nuestro medio es un procedimiento poco frecuente. La mortalidad observada fue mayor que la estimada por las escalas de riesgo. El reemplazo valvular quirúrgico es una alternativa de tratamiento de la enfermedad de la válvula aórtica en pacientes seleccionados. Se deben evaluar estrategias para mejorar los resultados.

Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and operative and 7-year results of aortic valve replacement in a cohort of patients older than 80 years. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 75 consecutive patients older than 80 years of age who underwent exclusive aortic valve replacement between 2007 and 2019 at the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic characteristics, operative risk, surgeries, complications and operative mortality and long-term survival until March 15, 2021 are studied. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 83.05 ± 2.9 years (range 80-95) and 43 patients were women (57.3%). The predominant valve lesion was aortic stenosis (89.3%). Ten patients had an associated coronary artery disease (13.3%) and 2 had active endocarditis. The risk of operative mortality calculated by EuroSCORE additive, logistic, II and STS score was 7.58 ± 1.8; 9.88 ± 6.5%; 3.72 ± 3.5% and 4.27 ± 3.2%, respectively. A biological prosthesis was used in 70 (92%) patients. There were 31 operative complications and 11 (14.7%) patients died. The mean follow-up was 7.1 years (range 2-14), during which 28 patients died. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82, 76, 66 and 48%, respectively. Conclusions: Aortic valve replacement surgery in octogenarians in our setting is a rare procedure. The observed mortality was higher than that estimated by the risk scales. Surgical valve replacement is an alternative treatment for aortic valve disease in selected patients. Strategies to improve results should be evaluated.

Influence of Activities of Daily Living on Discharge Destination of Hospitalized Older Patients / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objective：We analyzed whether activities of daily living (ADL) had an additive effect on the discharge destination of hospitalized older patients with internal medicine.Methods：Of the 691 patients hospitalized for medical illness aged 65 years or older who received physical therapy during this study period, 186 patients were included in the analysis. The main outcome was the discharge destination. Participants were categorized in the home discharge group and other institution group. The Barthel Index (BI) was used to assess the ADL at the first physical therapy session. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the influence of the BI on determining the discharge destination. The cut-off point of the BI score was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.Results：During the follow-up period, 17 participants (9.1%) could not be discharged to their homes. Logistic regression analysis showed that the BI influenced discharge destinations (odds ratio：1.54；95% confidence intervals：1.23-1.89). The cut-off point of the BI score for determining home discharge was 72.5 (sensitivity, 0.80；specificity, 0.94；area under the curve, 0.94；positive predictive value：0.99, negative predictive value：0.32).Conclusions：These findings suggest that the BI is a useful predictor for determining the potential destination of hospitalized older patients following discharge. However, the results of this study have limitations such as a low negative predictive value and a limited number of subjects.

Influence of Activities of Daily Living on Discharge Destination of Hospitalized Older Patients / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objective：We analyzed whether activities of daily living (ADL) had an additive effect on the discharge destination of hospitalized older patients with internal medicine.Methods：Of the 691 patients hospitalized for medical illness aged 65 years or older who received physical therapy during this study period, 186 patients were included in the analysis. The main outcome was the discharge destination. Participants were categorized in the home discharge group and other institution group. The Barthel Index (BI) was used to assess the ADL at the first physical therapy session. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the influence of the BI on determining the discharge destination. The cut-off point of the BI score was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.Results：During the follow-up period, 17 participants (9.1%) could not be discharged to their homes. Logistic regression analysis showed that the BI influenced discharge destinations (odds ratio：1.54；95% confidence intervals：1.23-1.89). The cut-off point of the BI score for determining home discharge was 72.5 (sensitivity, 0.80；specificity, 0.94；area under the curve, 0.94；positive predictive value：0.99, negative predictive value：0.32).Conclusions：These findings suggest that the BI is a useful predictor for determining the potential destination of hospitalized older patients following discharge. However, the results of this study have limitations such as a low negative predictive value and a limited number of subjects.

Low-level laser acupuncture reduces postoperative pain and morphine consumption in older patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Patients commonly develop postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Acupuncture-related techniques and low-level laser therapy could be beneficial for pain management for older individuals.@*OBJECTIVE@#To examine the effect of low-level laser acupuncture (LA) in reducing postoperative pain, pain-related interference in daily life, morphine consumption, and morphine-related side effects in older patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION@#A single-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients (N = 82) were recruited and randomly assigned via a computer-generated list to the LA group or a placebo group. The LA group received low-level laser therapy at Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taixi (KI3), Kunlun (BL60), Fengshi (GB31), Futu (ST32) and Neiguan (PC6) after TKA, while the placebo acupuncture group received the same treatment procedure without laser energy output.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity, and it was measured at baseline and hours 2, 6, 10, 24, 48 and 72 after TKA. The secondary outcomes, including relative pain, postoperative pain-related interference in daily life and morphine consumption, were measured at hours 24, 48 and 72 after TKA.@*RESULTS@#Generalized estimating equations revealed significant between-group differences in pain intensity (P = 0.01), and trend differences in pain intensity for the LA group starting at hours 10 to 72 (P < 0.05) and morphine consumption at hours 48 and 72 (P < 0.05). The changes in pain-related interference in daily life were significant (P < 0.05) at 72 h, with the exception of the parameters for worst pain, mood, and sleep. Nausea and vomiting side effects from morphine had significant between-group differences at hours 10 and 24 (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Low-level LA gradually reduced older patients' postoperative pain intensity and morphine consumption within the first 72 h after their TKA for osteoarthritis. Low-level LA may have benefits as an adjuvant pain management technique for clinical care.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03995446.

Manejo hospitalario de la persona mayor con disfagia / Clinical management of elderly with dysphagia

La disfagia es la alteración de la seguridad y eficacia del proceso deglutorio que dificulta el correcto paso del alimento/saliva desde la boca hacia el estómago, lo que aumenta la probabilidad de desnutrición, deshidratación y aspiración pulmonar con un consiguiente empeoramiento del pronóstico[1]. Los cambios en el acto de tragar relacionados con la edad se llaman presbifagia[6], un cuadro altamente prevalente afectando entre 13-30% de las personas mayores autovalentes, e incrementando considerablemente, en contexto de hospitalización, al 30-47% por causas adicionales[7]: mecánicas, neurológicas o iatrogénicas, que potencian las complicaciones o desestabilizan el equilibrio deglutorio. Recientemente la disfagia se considera un síndrome geriátrico[6], lo que conlleva desafíos para el equipo multidisciplinario respecto de prevenir y disminuir efectos adversos[8]. El conflicto principal, es que para el equipo hospitalario resulta un desafío detectar a personas mayores con riesgo aspirativo, por lo que no son identificados a tiempo[6­8]. El objetivo de este artículo es exponer un esquema multidisciplinario de detección de riesgo aspirativo en contexto de hospitalización de la "Unidad Especializada de Cuidado en persona Mayor" (UCAM) de Clínica Las Condes, para lo cual, primero se revisa literatura asociada a disfagia, clasificación reciente, consecuencias, métodos de evaluación recomendados y condiciones específicas, asociadas a riesgo aspirativo y segundo, se definen dos vías junto con Geriatría, Enfermería y Nutrición: 1) Se definen criterios de derivación fonoaudiológica oportunos para evaluación clínica de la deglución, y 2) Método precoz de pesquizaje y evaluación multidisciplinario de disfagia orofaríngea y riesgo aspiratorio.

Dysphagia is the alteration of the safety and efficacy of the swallowing process that prevents the correct transit of food/saliva from the mouth to the stomach, which increases malnutrition, dehydration and pulmonary aspiration and patient's bad prognosis[1]. The changes in the act of swallowing related to age are called presbyophagy[6]. A highly prevalent affect of self-worthy elderly people (between 13-30%), and increasing considerably in hospitalization context (30-47%) for additional causes[7]: mechanical, neurological or iatrogenic, which increases complications or destabilizes swallowing balance. Recently dysphagia it is considered a geriatric syndrome[6], that challenges the multidisciplinary team regarding prevention and reduction of adverse effects related to hospitalization units of elderly people[8]. One of the main tasks of the healthcare team is the early detection of elderly people with aspiration risk. The objective of this article is present a multidisciplinary protocol of EP with dysphagia in the context of hospitalization in the "Specialized care unit for the elderly" (SCUE) of Clínica Las Condes. Initially, literature associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), recent classification, consequences, recommended evaluation methods and specific conditions associated with were reviewed. Accordingly, two routes are defined with SCUE'team, Speech language pathologist, Geriatrics, Nursing and Nutrition. 1) opportune referral criteria of Speech language pathologist for clinical swallowing evaluation and 2) Early multidisciplinary screening and evaluation method of OD and aspiration risk.

Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients aged 80 years and older / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concern around the world as an epidemic or pandemic. As data on COVID-19 has grown, it has become clear that older adults have a disproportionately high rate of death from COVID-19. This study describes the early clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in patients with more than 80 years of age.@*METHODS@#Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment data from 17 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 20 and February 20, 2020 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Treatment outcomes among subgroups of patients with non-severe and severe symptoms of COVID-19 were compared.@*RESULTS@#Of the 17 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the median age was 88.0 years (interquartile range, 86.6-90.0 years; range, 80.0-100.0 years) and 12 (70.6%) were men. The age distribution of patients was not significantly different between non-severe group and severe group. All patients had chronic pre-existing conditions. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were the most common chronic conditions in both subgroups. The most common symptoms at the onset of COVID-19 were fever (n = 13; 76.5%), fatigue (n = 11; 64.7%), and cough (n = 5; 29.4%). Lymphopenia was observed in all patients, and lymphopenia was significantly more severe in the severe group than that in non-severe group (0.4 × 10/L vs 1.2 × 10/L, P = 0.014). The level of serum creatinine was higher in the severe group than in the non-severe group (99.0 μmol/L vs 62.5 μmol/L, P = 0.038). The most common features of chest computed tomography images were nodular foci in 10 (58.8%) patients and pleural thickening in 7 (41.2%) patients. All patients received antiviral therapy, while some patients also received intravenous antibiotics therapy (76.5%), Chinese medicinal preparation therapy (Lianhuaqingwen capsule, 64.7%), corticosteroids (35.3%) or immunoglobin (29.4%). Eight patients (47.1%) were transferred to the intensive care unit because of complications. Ten patients (58.8%) received intranasal oxygen, while 3 (17.6%) received non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and 4 (23.5%) received high-flow oxygen. As of June 20, 7 (41.2%) patients had been discharged and 10 (58.8% of this cohort, 77.8% of severe patients) had died.@*CONCLUSION@#The mortality of patients aged 80 years and older with severe COVID-19 symptoms was high. Lymphopenia was a characteristic laboratory result in these patients, and the severity of lymphopenia was indicative of the severity of COVID-19. However, the majority of patients with COVID-19 in this age cohort had atypical symptoms, and early diagnosis depends on prompt use of a viral nucleic acid test.

Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients aged 80 years and older / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concern around the world as an epidemic or pandemic. As data on COVID-19 has grown, it has become clear that older adults have a disproportionately high rate of death from COVID-19. This study describes the early clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in patients with more than 80 years of age.@*METHODS@#Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment data from 17 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 20 and February 20, 2020 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Treatment outcomes among subgroups of patients with non-severe and severe symptoms of COVID-19 were compared.@*RESULTS@#Of the 17 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the median age was 88.0 years (interquartile range, 86.6-90.0 years; range, 80.0-100.0 years) and 12 (70.6%) were men. The age distribution of patients was not significantly different between non-severe group and severe group. All patients had chronic pre-existing conditions. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were the most common chronic conditions in both subgroups. The most common symptoms at the onset of COVID-19 were fever (n = 13; 76.5%), fatigue (n = 11; 64.7%), and cough (n = 5; 29.4%). Lymphopenia was observed in all patients, and lymphopenia was significantly more severe in the severe group than that in non-severe group (0.4 × 10/L vs 1.2 × 10/L, P = 0.014). The level of serum creatinine was higher in the severe group than in the non-severe group (99.0 μmol/L vs 62.5 μmol/L, P = 0.038). The most common features of chest computed tomography images were nodular foci in 10 (58.8%) patients and pleural thickening in 7 (41.2%) patients. All patients received antiviral therapy, while some patients also received intravenous antibiotics therapy (76.5%), Chinese medicinal preparation therapy (Lianhuaqingwen capsule, 64.7%), corticosteroids (35.3%) or immunoglobin (29.4%). Eight patients (47.1%) were transferred to the intensive care unit because of complications. Ten patients (58.8%) received intranasal oxygen, while 3 (17.6%) received non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and 4 (23.5%) received high-flow oxygen. As of June 20, 7 (41.2%) patients had been discharged and 10 (58.8% of this cohort, 77.8% of severe patients) had died.@*CONCLUSION@#The mortality of patients aged 80 years and older with severe COVID-19 symptoms was high. Lymphopenia was a characteristic laboratory result in these patients, and the severity of lymphopenia was indicative of the severity of COVID-19. However, the majority of patients with COVID-19 in this age cohort had atypical symptoms, and early diagnosis depends on prompt use of a viral nucleic acid test.

Bacteremia por Campylobacter fetus subespecie fetus en Colombia: Reporte de un caso / Bacteremia by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus in Colombia: Case Report

Las bacteremias por microorganismos del genero Campylobacter son poco comunes en nuestro medio, debido a su baja incidencia y son escasos los reportes en la literatura. El siguiente reporte describe un caso de bacteremia por la especie Campylobacter fetus subespecie fetus, en un paciente de edad avanzada, quien presentó manifestaciones neurológicas que inicialmente desviaron el diagnóstico oportuno. Finalmente el paciente resuelve la infección tras el tratamiento antibiótico, sin complicaciones. Es de interés mencionar la presencia de este microorganismo como causante de diversas patologías en pacientes con inmunosupresión, considerándose un patógeno oportunista, del cual no está bien definida su patogénesis ni la fuente de exposición o los factores de riesgo en estos pacientes. Igualmente, es importante la vigilancia activa de este microorganismo ya que por su complicada recuperación, altas exigencias nutricionales y su crecimiento lento, dificulta su aislamiento y diagnóstico en el laboratorio de microbiología.

The bacteremias by microorganism of genera Campylobacter are uncommon in our medium, because of its low incidence and few reports in the literature. The report describe a bacteremia by Campylobacter fetus, a gram negative rod, spiral shape, in an older patient who presented initial neurogycal manifestations that shifted the timely diagnosis. Finally, the patient solves the infection after the antibiotic treatment, uncomplicated. It`s important to say that, this microorganism is the cause of different pathologies in patients with inmunosuppression considering as opportunistic pathogen. It`s pathogenesis source of exposure and risk factor in these patients has not yet been defined. Also, it is important the active surveillance in these microorganism, due to its complicated recovery, high nutritional requirements and slow growth. As described above is the reason because of its difficult isolation and diagnosis in the laboratory of microbiologic.

(De)Gendering Older Patients: exploring Views on Aging and Older Patients in Romanian General Practitioners

Purpose: Demographic changes make it necessary to improve communication with older patients and design gender sensitive health promotion. The present article aimed to explore how general practitioners see old age and what role gender may play in their representations of aging. It also looked whether the gender of the older patients played a role for how general practitioners treated them. Methods: Episodic interviews were conducted with 17 women and 17 men who worked as general practitioners in Romania. Thematic coding was used to analyze data. Results: Findings showed that general practitioners saw old age as negative no matter their gender. Older patients were perceived as difficult and mostly older women were given as negative examples to illustrate treatment non-adherence and psychological or social problems related to aging. Conclusion: Negative aging views combined with a (de)gendering of aging patients may lead to maintain negative aging stereotypes and gender inequality in old age. Implications for preventing this from happening are discussed.

Propósito: Los cambios demográficos hacen necesario mejorar la comunicación con pacientes mayores y diseñar promoción de la salud sensible al género. El presente artículo explora cómo médicos generales perciben la adultez mayor y qué rol puede jugar el género en sus representaciones sobre el envejecimiento. También examina si el género de los pacientes mayores jugó un rol en la forma en la que los médicos generales los trataron. Métodos: Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas episódicas con 17 mujeres y 17 hombres que trabajaron como médicos generales en Rumanía. Se usó codificación temática para analizar los datos. Resultados: Los hallazgos mostraron que los médicos generales ven la adultez mayor como negativa sin importar el género. Se percibió a los pacientes mayores como difíciles y se mencionó principalmente a mujeres como ejemplos negativos para ilustrar falta de adherencia al tratamiento y problemas psicológicos y sociales relacionados con el envejecimiento. Conclusión: Ejemplos de envejecimiento negativo combinados con una invisibilización del género de los pacientes puede guiar hacia el mantenimiento de estereotipos negativos sobre el envejecimiento y la desigualdad de género en la adultez mayor. Se discuten implicaciones para prevenir que esto pase.

A Case of Transverse Myelitis Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus in an Immunocompetent Older Patient

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that causes chickenpox (varicella) in children. VZV reactivation may lead to neurological complications, including transverse myelitis. However, transverse myelitis caused by VZV reactivation is rare in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we report a case of transverse myelitis caused by VZV in an immunocompetent older patient, and confirmed this case by polymerase chain reaction. A 79-year-old woman visited our service with complaints of weakness in the right lower leg, generalized vesicular eruptions, and throbbing pain in the right flank for ten days. Spine MRI showed transverse myelitis in the thoracic spine at level T4–T11. The patient was treated with acyclovir and her neurological functions improved, except for sensory impairment below level T10. For older patients, early and aggressive antiviral treatment against VZV may be necessary even though these patients are immunocompetent.

Artroplastía total de codo para el tratamiento de fracturas de húmero distal en pacientes mayores de 65 años / Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humerus fractures in patients older than 65 years old

Objetivo: Comunicar los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento de las fracturas de húmero distal con prótesis total de codo en pacientes >65 años. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en dos centros quirúrgicos. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes con fractura de húmero distal, >65 años, operados con prótesis total de Coonrad-Morrey y seguimiento >1 año. Se incluyeron 21 pacientes (20 mujeres), edad promedio: 79 años. Según la clasificación AO, 13 C3, siete C2 y una A2. Todos fueron operados sin desinserción del aparato extensor. Seguimiento promedio: 40 meses. Resultados: La flexo-extensión fue de 123-17°, arco de movilidad de 106° (80% con respecto al lado sano). Dolor según la escala analógica visual: 1 punto. El puntaje de la Clínica Mayo promedio fue 83: resultado excelente (8 pacientes), bueno (11 pacientes), regular (1 caso) y malo (1 caso). El puntaje DASH promedio fue de 24. No hubo aflojamientos en 13 pacientes. Se produjeron nueve complicaciones: dos pacientes fueron operados nuevamente por desgaste del polietileno, uno operado otra vez al mes de la cirugía para la recolocación del perno de ensamble, dos parestesias del nervio cubital, una falsa vía intraoperatoria, un hematoma de la herida que necesitó de un colgajo braquial y dos aflojamientos protésicos. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de las fracturas de húmero distal con prótesis total de codo en pacientes >65 años puede ofrecer una opción terapéutica razonable, pero las indicaciones deben limitarse a fracturas complejas donde la fijación interna puede ser precaria, en pacientes con osteoporosis y con baja demanda funcional.

Objective: To report the clinical-functional results of humeral distal fracture treatment with total elbow prosthesis in patients older than 65 years. Methods: Retrospective study performed in two surgical centers. Inclusion criteria: patients with humeral distal fractures, >65 years, operated on with Coonrad-Morrey prostheses, and with a follow-up >1 year. Twenty-one patients were included (20 women) with an average age of 79 years. According to AO classification: 13 type C3 fractures, 7 C2 and 1 A2. All patients were operated on without disinsertion of the extensor mechanism. Average follow-up: 40 months. Results: Flexion-extension: 123-17°, with a total arc of mobility of 106° (80% of the contralateral side). Pain according to visual analogue scale was 1. The Mayo Clinic score was 83 points, results were excellent (8 patients), good (11 patients), regular (one case) and bad (one case). Average DASH score was 24 points. No loosening of the implants was evidenced in 13 patients. Nine complications were reported: 2 reoperations for polyethylene wear, one early decoupling of the prosthesis, 2 ulnar nerve paresthesia, one patient presented a false intraoperative via, one hematoma that needed a local flap and 2 loosening of the prosthesis. Conclusions: Treatment of humeral distal fractures with total elbow arthroplasty in patients older than 65 years may be a good therapeutic option, but indications must be limited to patients with complex fractures, bad bone quality, with osteoporosis and low functional demands.

Control del tratamiento anticoagulante oral en población geriátrica con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa / Control of the oral anticoagulant treatment in the older population with thromboembolic venous disease

Introducción: la extensión de las indicaciones del tratamiento anticoagulante oral y el incremento en la edad de los pacientes que requieren de este tratamiento, posibilitaron cambios en su uso y control sin disminuir su eficacia, por lo que se considera una terapéutica de beneficio para el adulto mayor. Objetivos: describir el comportamiento del control del tratamiento anticoagulante oral en población geriátrica con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, analítico, en 76 pacientes (60-85 años) atendidos por consulta especializada en el Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular un en un periodo de dos años. Se evaluó el grado de control de la anticoagulación y se determinó la frecuencia de eventos hemorrágicos y otras complicaciones. Resultados: hubo buen control de la anticoagulación oral durante los dos años en pacientes mayores y menores de 60 años. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos. Se observó un mayor índice de eventos hemorrágicos menores en la muestra estudiada. Conclusiones: el control del tratamiento anticoagulante oral en el adulto mayor tiene un comportamiento similar en ambos grupos de edades estudiados, por lo que dicho tratamiento se debe utilizar en todas las indicaciones si se tiene en cuenta la relación riesgo-beneficio(AU)

Introduction: the scope of the oral anticoagulant treatment indications and the older age of patients in need of this treatment favored changes in its use and control without reducing its efficacy, so this is considered beneficial therapeutics for the elderly. Objective: to describe the behavior of the control of oral anticoagulant treatment in the elderly population with thromboembolic venous disease. Methods: a descriptive and analytical study of 76 patients (60 to 85 years) seen at the specialized service of the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in two years. The level of control of anticoagulation was evaluated, the frequency of hemorrhagic events and other complications were determined. Results: good control of the oral anticoagulant treatment was reached during the 2 year-period in younger than and over 60 years-old patients. No significant statistical difference was found when comparing the two groups. A higher index of slight hemorrhagic events was found in the study sample Conclusions: the control of the oral anticoagulant treatment in the older adult behaved similarly to that of the patient younger than 60 years, so the above mentioned treatment should be used in all the indications if the risk-benefit ratio is considered(AU)

Predictors of poor glycaemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>We assessed the predictors of poor glycaemic control among older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Malaysia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This cross-sectional study used the data of 21,336 patients aged ≥ 60 years with T2DM from the Adult Diabetes Control and Management Registry 2008-2009.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Predictors of poor glycaemic control were: age groups 60-69 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-2.33) and 70-79 years (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20-1.71); Malay (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41-1.66) and Indian (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19-1.46) ethnicities; T2DM durations of 5-10 years (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.35-1.58) and > 10 years (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.59-1.91); the use of oral antidiabetic agents only (OR 5.86, 95% CI 3.32-10.34), insulin only (OR 17.93, 95% CI 9.91-32.43), and oral antidiabetic agents and insulin (OR 29.42, 95% CI 16.47-52.53); and elevated blood pressure (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38-1.59) and triglycerides (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.51-1.73). Hypertension (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64-0.80), hypertension and dyslipidaemia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.75), pre-obesity (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.98) and obesity (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.84) were less likely to be associated with poor glycaemic control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Young-old and middle-old age groups (i.e. < 80 years), Malay and Indian ethnicities, longer T2DM duration, the use of pharmacological agents, and elevated blood pressure and lipid levels were associated with poor glycaemic control. The presence of comorbidities, pre-obesity and obesity were less likely to be associated with poor glycaemic control.</p>

Treatment therapy comparison of older patients with stroke sequela combined hip fracture in the elderly / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate therapeutic effect for older patients suffering from stroke sequela combined hip fracture and discuss the influence factors of prognosis.Methods The clinical data of 62 older patients suffering from stroke sequela combined with hip fracture were retrospectively analyzed.The therapy approach included the conservative treatment group (12 cases),the joint replacement group (18 cases) and the internal fixation group (32 cases).The data of the American association of anaesthetists (ASA) score,daily life activities ability index (Barthel life index),complications,mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale score,proximal femur trabecular bone type index (Singh index),complications after fracture (infection,recurrent stroke,bedsore,deep vein thrombosis,heart failure) were collected and analyzed.Results There was no statistical significance in terms of age,gender,ASA grade,and complications among three groups.In the conservative treatment group,the joint replacement group,and the internal fixation group,the Bart index were (52.1 ± 11.4),(74.5 ± 21.3) and (63.8 ± 15.7) respectively,and the cases of postoperative complications were 10,3 and 13.There were significant difference in terms of Bart index and complication rate among the three groups (F =2.45,P ＜ 0.05 ; x2 =9.32,P ＜ 0.05).The differences of Singh index (x2 =11.05,P ＜ 0.05) and MMSE scale score (x2 =7.40,P ＜ 0.05) were statistically significant between the conservative treatment group and the two surgical treatment groups.No significant difference were found regarding of Singh index and MMSE scale score between the two surgical treatment groups.The relationship between ASA score,complication,MMSE scale score,treatment strategies and Bart index after fracture were found (OR =5.726,7.152,0.047,1.221,and 5.312 respectively ;P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Joint replacement treatment is a preferred choice for older patients suffering from stroke sequela combined hip fracture.The prognosis is strongly influenced by the physical and mental state of patients.Comprehensive evaluation is an indispensable step to choose treatment strategies.

Oncogeriatria: uma revisão da avaliação geriátrica ampla nos pacientes com câncer: [revisão] / Geriatric oncology: an overview of comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients with cancer: [review]

Graças à melhoria global das condições de saúde e de vida, a população mundial está envelhecendo. Aproximadamente 60% da incidência de câncer ocorre em adultos de 65 anos ou mais. O câncer é um importante problema de saúde na população idosa. Oncologia geriátrica é definido pela abordagem multidimensional e multidisciplinar dos idosos portadores de câncer. A avaliação geriátrica ampla (AGA) foi desenvolvida para avaliar individualmente o estado de saúde dos pacientes idosos e é a ferramenta mais adequada para detectar os problemas funcionais nestes pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo, através de uma revisão da literatura, foi analisar o impacto da AGA em pacientes idosos com câncer. Resultados: A AGA pode detectar vários problemas sub ou não diagnosticados em pacientes com câncer. Alguns estudos sugerem que os critérios utilizados pela AGA são preditores de morbidade e mortalidade e podem influenciar as decisões do tratamento oncológico, tendo um impacto positivo no prognóstico dos pacientes com esta doença. Conclusões: Avaliação geriátrica ampla é um importante instrumento que pode ajudar a definir o prognóstico e influenciar na decisão e resultado do tratamento do idoso com câncer.

A Case of Late onset Peripheral Spondyloarthropathy / 대한류마티스학회지

The spondyloarthropathies are a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases including ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. It usually begins in young or middle aged adults, but sometimes presents with atypical symptoms in the older patients. Late onset spondyloarthropathies are characterized by severe disease, marked elevation of laboratory parameters of inflammation, oligoarthritis involving the lower limbs with edema of the extremities. We described a 66-year-old patient who presented with asymmetric polyarthritis mainly involving lower extremities with fever, marked elevation of laboratory inflammatory markers, and was successfully treated with mini-pulse corticosteroids with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Analysis of the etiology and the clinical characteristic of fever in older patients / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To analyze the etiology and the clinical characteristis of fever in older patients in Wenzhou.Methods Totolly 87 cases admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College from January 2001 to April 2004 were retrospectively analyzed;all cases displayed fever as the major clinical manifestation and met the criteria of fever well.Results The etiology of fever which was infectious disease was in 44 of the 87 cases,accounting for 50.6%,collagen-vascular diseases 4.6%,neoplasms 10.3% and miscellaneous diseases 5.7%.In 28.7% of the cases the etiology could not be found.And in the infectious disease the tuberculosis accounted for 13.6%(6/44). Ultrasonography ,X-rays,CT scan,MRI,the marrow puncture and biopsy contributed to the final diagnosis in 21.1%,16.9%,63%,0,16.7% and 57.1% of the cases,respectively.Conclusion Because the symptoms of the older patients'febrile diseases are atypical,the diagnosis is more difficult.Infectious disease still remains a major cause of the fever in the elderly.A thorough history of disease,full physical examination of the patient and routine laboratory studies,especially erythrocyte sedimentation rate,are very important in determining the etiology of febrile disease.Early and reasonable use of non-invasive imaging techniques and the essential invasive methods are helpful to diagnosis.

Perception of Rehabilitation Professionals about Characteristics of Older Patients and Aging

OBJECTIVE: This study had three objectives: 1) to investigate the rehabilitation professionals' way of thinking on physical, psychological and social characteristics of older patients: 2) to assess their actual knowledge level about aging; and, 3) to deduce and analyze the influences that cause these different kinds of perceptions and attitudes. METHOD: Total 239 rehabilitation professionals (including rehabilitation doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, psychologists, prosthetists & orthotists) responded to our questionnaire were included in this study. Self-addressed questionnaires were composed of two categories: 1) the perception of older patients compared with younger patients: and 2) the actual knowledge level about aging. RESULTS: 1) There were significant (p<0.05) differences by job classification on a speculative disposition with the physical characteristics, motive of treatment, emotional characteristics, and discharge problem of older patients. 2) There were also significant (p<0.05) differences by job classification in the actual knowledge level about aging by job classification. A higher score on the questionnaire correlated with a more optimistic view of the motive of treatment, emotional characteristic and discharge problem. CONCLUSION: Many rehabilitation professionals have a misconceptions about older patients due to insufficient knowledge on aging. Therefore we propose an objective understanding of older patients along with proper education on aging to provide an effective rehabilitation treatment.

The effects of long-term low intensity aerobic training and the cessation of training on the serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in older patients / 体力科学

The effects of long-term low intensity aerobic training and detraining on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were examined in 10 older patients suffering from hypertension and coronary heart disease. Training was carried out for 30 minutes 3-6 times a week for a mean of 17.1 months using a treadmill with the intensity level set at the blood lactate threshold (LT) .<BR>Following this training both LT and the serum HDL-c increased significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01, respectively) after 6 months while the TC/HDL-c ratio decreased singificantly (P<0.001) only after 1 month and stabilized at a steady favorable value throughout the remainder of the study. The serum TC, TG and LDL-c did not change significantly by the end of the training period. There was a significant negative correlation between the initial TC/ HDL-c level and the change in the TC/HDL-c level at 1 month after training (r=-0.71, P< 0.02) . Only 1 month after the detraining the HDL-c decreased significantly while the TC/HDL-c increased in comparison with the final training value (P<0.001, P<0.05, respectively) and then returned to the pre-training levels.<BR>In conclusion, these results suggest that long-term low intensity aerobic training could improve the profile of the serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in older patients. However, these results might depend on such factors as a low HDL-c level, a high TG level, the length of the exercise period, or the frequency per week and the age of the patient, while the cessation of such training quickly returned the profile to that of pre-training levels.

Effects of 9 months mild aerobic training on serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations in older than 65 years men and women with hypertension / 体力科学

In the present study, we instiuted a long-term mild aerobic training program for older patients with hypertension and investigated its effects on serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations. The intensity of exercise in mild aerobic training was adjusted to the lactate threshold level (LT), i, e., the level at which the blood lactate concentration began to increase nonlinearly with increasing work intensity. The training group (15 patients, 7 men and 8 women) and control group (15 patients, 7 men and 8 women) were 65-83 year-old patients with mean ages of 75.5±5.6 and 73.7±4.4 (mean±S.D), respectively, who had never exercised regularly up to that time. Treadmill training at the LT was carried out for 30min/day 3-6 times/week and continued for 9 months under the supervision of exercise physiology specialists.<BR>In the training group, LT speed significantly increased from 3.43±0.65 km/h to 3.73±0.67 km/h (9.0%) in men, and from 2.75±0.57 km/h to 3.05±0.61 km/h (11.8%) in women (both P<0.05) . HDL-c was significantly increased 9 months after training both in men (19.2%) and women (20.9%) (both P<0.05) . The TC/HDL-c ratio, an atherogenetic index, was significantly (P<0.05) decreased by training in women but not in men. The other serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles were unchanged in both men and women. In the control group, all serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles were unchanged in both men and women.<BR>The HDL-c level in the training group was higher than in the control group after 9 months in both men and women (both P<0.02) . The TC/HDL-c ratio in the training group was lower only in women (P<0.02) . There were no significant differences in other values between the training group and the control group in either men or women.<BR>These results suggest that mild aerobic training at the LT is an effective method of improving the level of serum HDL-c, the TC/HDL-c ratio and aerobic capacity in the older patients with hypertension.