Influence of foot pain on frailty symptoms in an elderly population: a case-control study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Frailty is a condition that can increase the risk of falls. In addition, foot disorders can negatively influence elderly people, thus affecting their condition of frailty. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether foot pain can influence a greater degree of frailty. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. METHODS: A sample older than 60 years (n = 52), including 26 healthy subjects and 26 foot pain patients, was recruited. Frailty disability was measured using the 5-Frailty scale and the Edmonton Frailty scale (EFS). RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the total EFS score and in most of its subscales, according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05). In addition, foot pain patients presented worse scores (higher 5-Frailty scores) than did healthy patients, regarding matched-paired subjects (lower EFS scores). With regard to the rest of the measurements, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The highest scores (P < 0.001) were for fatigue on the 5-Frailty scale and the EFS, and for the subscale of independence function in EFS. CONCLUSIONS: These elderly patients presented impairment relating to ambulation and total 5-Frailty score, which seemed to be linked to the presence of frailty syndrome and foot disorders.

Frailty significantly associated with a risk for mid-term outcomes in elderly chronic coronary syndrome patients: a prospective study

Abstract Introduction: Frailty is a condition of elderly characterized by increased vulnerability to stressful events. Frail patients are more likely to have adverse events. The purposes of this study were to define frailty in patients aged ≥ 70 years with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and to evaluate mortality and prognostic significance of frailty in these patients. Methods: We included 99 patients, ≥ 70 years old (mean age 74±5.3 years), with diagnosis of CCS. They were followed-up for up to 12 months. The frailty score was evaluated according to the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA). All patients were divided as frail or non-frail. The groups were compared for their characteristics and clinical outcomes. Results: Fifty patients were classified as frail, and 49 patients as non-frail. The 12-month Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) rate was 69.4% in frail patients and 20% in non-frail patients. Frailty increases the risk for MACE as much as 3.48 times. Two patients died in the non-frail group and 11 patients died in the frail group. Frailty increases the risk for death as much as 6.05 times. When we compared the aforementioned risk factors by multivariate analysis, higher CSHA frailty score was associated with increased MACE and death (relative risk [RR] = 22.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.33-158.19, P=0.001, for MACE; RR = 7.41, 95% CI 1.44-38.03, P=0.016, for death). Conclusion: Being a frail elderly CCS patient is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, frailty score should be evaluated for elderly CCS patients as a prognostic marker.

Association between cognitive impairment and criteria for frailty syndrome among older adults / Associação entre o comprometimento cognitivo e os critérios para a síndrome de fragilidade em idosos

Abstract The association between cognitive impairment and physical frailty has been studied in older adults. The criteria degree of frailty may be keys to associated cognitive impairment. Objective: To analyze the association between cognitive impairment and the criteria for frailty. Methods: We cross-sectionally examined data from 667 older adults (≥60 years of age) from a study entitled 'Variables associated to cognition in elderly caregivers' involving patients in an urban and rural primary healthcare center. We defined cognitive impairment based on different groups of scores on the Mini Mental State Examination, and defined frailty and prefrailty using the criteria by the Cardiovascular Health Study. We performed multinomial regression models to analyze the association between levels of frailty and cognitive impairment. Results: Similar proportions of women (54.8%) and men (45.2%) participated in the study (mean age: 71 years old). We found cognitive impairment, prefrailty and frailty in 34, 54, and 24% of the participants, respectively. Concomitant cognitive impairment and frailty was found in 13% of them. The chances of cognitive impairment increased up to 330% (Odds Ratio [OR]: 4.3; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.4‒7.7; p<0.001) among frail individuals, and 70% (OR: 1.7; 95%CI 1.0‒2.8; p=0.033) among prefrail individuals compared to robust/non-frail individuals. After controlling for age, education, place of residence and functional dependence, slowness and fatigue criteria were significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Older adults with frailty have a greater likelihood of concomitant cognitive impairment than prefrail and robust older adults. The prevalence of cognitive impairment and frailty is consistent with data reported in literature. The present findings contribute to the investigation of cognitive frailty.

Resumo A associação entre comprometimento cognitivo e fragilidade tem sida estudada em idosos e os critérios de fragilidade e níveis de fragilidade podem também apresentar influência na função cognitiva. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre comprometimento cognitivo e os critérios de fragilidade em idosos. Métodos: O estudo analisou transversalmente dados de 667 idosos (≥60 anos) do estudo 'Variables associated to cognition in elderly caregivers' conduzido com usuários da atenção primária a saúde de áreas urbanas e rurais. Comprometimento cognitivo foi definido em função dos escores no Miniexame do Estado Mental baseado na escolaridade e a fragilidade e pré-fragilidade foi operacionalizada segundo os critérios do Cardiovascular Health Study. Foram realizados modelos de regressão multinominal para analisar a associação entre níveis de fragilidade e comprometimento cognitivo. Resultados: Proporções semelhantes de mulheres (54,8%) e homens (45,2%) participaram do estudo (média de idade: 71 anos). Comprometimento cognitivo, pré-fragilidade e fragilidade foram encontrados em 34, 54 e 24% dos participantes, respectivamente. Concomitante comprometimento cognitivo e fragilidade foi evidenciado em 13%. As chances de apresentar comprometimento cognitivo aumentaram em 330% (Odds Ratio [OR]: 4.3; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 2.4‒7.7; p<0.001) entre indivíduos frágeis e 70% (OR: 1.7; IC95% 1.0‒2.8; p=0.033) entre indivíduos pré-frágeis em comparação com indivíduos robustos/não-frágeis. Após controle da idade, escolaridade, local de residência e dependência funcional, os critérios de lentidão e fadiga foram significativamente associados ao comprometimento cognitivo. Conclusão: Os idosos mais frágeis têm maior probabilidade de apresentar comprometimento cognitivo comparados a adultos idosos pré-frágeis ou robustos. A prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo e fragilidade é consistente com os dados relatados na literatura e fornece suporte para futuras investigações sobre a fragilidade cognitiva.

Triagem da sarcopenia e fragilidade em pacientes com úlceras venosas crônicas: um estudo transversal / Screening for sarcopenia and frailty in patients with chronic ulcers: a cross-sectional study

Resumo Contexto Pacientes com úlceras venosas reportam múltiplas comorbidades e são mais propensos a ser fisicamente inativos. A sarcopenia e a fragilidade aumentam a vulnerabilidade de um indivíduo para maior dependência e/ou morte. Objetivos Verificar presença da sarcopenia e fragilidade em pacientes portadores de úlceras venosas crônicas. Métodos Estudo observacional e transversal, realizado com 9 pacientes com idade média de 67,4 ± 8,42 anos e portadores de úlcera venosa nos membros inferiores classificadas no Consenso Internacional de Doenças Venosas Crônicas (CEAP) em estágio 6. Para identificação e classificação da sarcopenia, foi avaliada a força (dinamometria manual), a velocidade da marcha (teste de caminhada de 10 metros) e a massa muscular (circunferência da panturrilha). Para triagem de fragilidade, foram utilizados os critérios de Fried: perda de peso não intencional, fadiga, redução da força e da velocidade da caminhada e baixa atividade física. Resultados O fenótipo de fragilidade foi mais frequente (n = 9; 100%) em relação à sarcopenia (n = 1; 11,1%). Entre os critérios de Fried, os mais frequentes foram a exaustão (n = 9; 100%), seguida pela baixa atividade física (n = 8; 88,8%) e fraqueza muscular (n = 5; 55%). Por fim, o critério menos frequente foi a diminuição da velocidade da marcha (n = 2; 22,2%). No diagnóstico de sarcopenia, foi observada redução da força associada à redução da massa muscular (n = 1; 11,1%). Conclusões Pacientes com úlceras venosas crônicas apresentam condição de fragilidade ou pré-fragilidade, enquanto a condição de sarcopenia foi pouco frequente.

Abstract Background Patients with venous ulcers report multiple comorbidities and are more likely to be physically inactive. Sarcopenia and frailty increase vulnerability to dependence and/or death. Objectives To investigate the occurrence of sarcopenia and frailty in patients with chronic venous ulcers. Methods Observational study with cross-sectional design. Nine patients (67.4 ± 8.42 years) with lower limb venous ulcers classified as CEAP 6 according to International Consensus on Chronic Venous Diseases criteria (open and active ulcer) were evaluated. Sarcopenia was assessed and classified by assessment of strength (manual dynamometry), gait speed (10-meter walk test), and muscle mass (calf circumference). Frailty screening was based on the Fried criteria, consisting of five components: unintentional weight loss; exhaustion; weakness; slow gait speed; and low physical activity. Results Frailty was more frequent (n=9; 100%) than sarcopenia (n=1; 11,1%). The most common Fried criterion was exhaustion (n=9; 100%), followed by low physical activity (n=8; 88,8%), muscle weakness (n=5; 55%), and unintentional weight loss. Finally, the least frequent criterion was slow walking speed (n=2; 22.2%). In the subject diagnosed with sarcopenia, both weakness and reduced muscle mass were observed (n=1; 11,1%). Conclusions Patients with chronic venous ulcers exhibit frailty or pre-frailty and the components that comprise the condition of frailty in this population are exhaustion, low physical activity, and muscle weakness. Sarcopenia was identified in a small proportion of the patients.

Osteosarcopenia: del envejecimiento de la unidad óseo-muscular a la enfermedad / Osteosarcopenia: from muscle-bone unit aging to disease

Aunque la masa muscular y la ósea tienen igual origen embriológico, desarrollo y función, por lo que constituyen la unidad hueso-músculo, las enfermedades asociadas al envejecimiento de esta unidad se consideran de manera independiente. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se evidencia el efecto aditivo nocivo que genera la sarcopenia y la osteopenia/osteoporosis en la calidad de vida y la salud del adulto mayor y aparece el concepto de osteosarcopenia. Entre los adultos mayores se reporta la disminución progresiva de la masa y la fuerza musculares, y las caídas accidentales en el hogar (probables por fragilidad) que están entre las principales causas de muerte, lo que sugiere que un grupo de estos adultos mayores pudieran tener osteosarcopenia. Por ello se requiere desarrollar capacidades para su prevención. Se realiza una revisión narrativa para actualizar aspectos del envejecimiento de la unidad óseo-muscular, la importancia de la osteosarcopenia, sus criterios diagnósticos y opciones terapéuticas. Se estudiaron artículos completos, en idioma inglés y español, obtenidos de las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo Regional y Google Scholar. La infiltración grasa de la unidad músculo-hueso es el evento más importante del envejecimiento, pero no existe uniformidad en el diagnóstico de la sarcopenia. Hasta el presente un aporte proteico de calcio y vitamina D, unido a ejercicios de fuerza, son las principales opciones terapéuticas. No se dispone de fármacos que actúen al unísono sobre las dos entidades que conforman la osteosarcopenia(AU)

Muscle and bone mass have the same embryological origin, development and function constituting the bone-muscle unit. However, the diseases associated with aging of this unit are considered independently. In recent years, the additive effect of sarcopenia and osteopenia / osteoporosis on the quality of life and health of the elderly has been revealed, and thus the concept of Osteosarcopenia emerged. In older adults, reporting a progressive decrease in muscle mass and strength. Along with the above, accidental falls at home (by fragility?) are among its main causes of death, suggesting that a group of these aging people may have undiagnosed Osteosarcopenia. To develop capacities for its prevention the objective of this narrative revision are update aspects related to the aging of muscle. Bone unit and diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options for Osteosarcopenia. Exhaustive review of complete articles, in English and Spanish, downloaded manually and published between 2010 and 2019, obtained from the Pubmed, Scielo Regional and Google Scholar databases. the fatty infiltration of the muscle-bone unit It is the most important event of aging, there is no uniformity in the diagnosis of sarcopenia and adequate protein intake, calcium and D vitamin and strength exercises are principal therapeutic options. There are no drugs with on both entities(AU)

Frailty and cognitive performance in older adults living in the community: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment and frailty are important problems affecting the elderly population. Frail elderly present worse overall cognitive performance. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate general and domain-specific cognitive performance among non-frail, pre-frail, and frail elderly persons. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which 267 elderly persons living in São Carlos, SP were divided into three groups according to the frailty criteria defined by Fried et al. Cognitive performance was evaluated with a battery of cognitive tests covering domains such as memory, attention, language, and executive functioning. A multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and education was performed to evaluate the association between performance in cognitive domains and levels of frailty. Results Frailty was significantly associated with lower scores on the global cognitive test (RRR = 0.86; IC 95% 0.78-0.96; p < 0.01), word list memory (RRR = 0.92; IC 95% 0.86-0.99; p = 0.02), and figure list recognition (RRR = 0.78; IC 95% 0.62-0.99; p = 0.04). Pre-frailty was associated with lower scores on the word list memory (RRR = 0.92; IC 95% 0.86-1.00; p = 0.04) and naming test (RRR = 0.82; IC 95% 0.69-0.99; p = 0.03). Discussion Frailty syndrome can influence general cognition and specific domains such as memory and language. Prospective studies will be fundamental to evaluate the causal relation between frailty and cognition.

Elderly caregivers of the elderly: frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms / Ancianos cuidadores de ancianos: fragilidad, solidon y sintomas depresivos / Idosos cuidadores de idosos: fragilidade, solidão e sintomas depressivos

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the association between frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms of elderly caregivers. Method: a cross - sectional study carried out with 341 elderly caregivers enrolled in Family Health Units of a city in the countryside of São Paulo State. The interviews were domiciliary and included questionnaire for characterization of the caregiver, Fried's frailty phenotype, family APGAR (family functionality), Geriatric Depression Scale (depressive symptoms) and item 3 of the Herth Hope Scale (loneliness). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between depressive symptoms and solitude (independent variables), and frailty and pre-frailty (dependent variables). Results: there was an association between frailty, loneliness and depressive symptoms. Elderly caregivers had increased odds of 158% presenting pre-frailty, and 360% of frailty. Elderly caregivers with depressive symptoms had an increased chance of 242% of presenting fragility. Conclusion: elderly and lonely caregivers with depressive symptoms are more likely to be frail and pre-frail.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar la asociación entre fragilidad, soledad y síntomas depresivos de ancianos que cuidan de ancianos. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con 341 ancianos cuidadores catastrados en Unidades de Salud de la Familia de un municipio del interior paulista. Las entrevistas fueron domiciliarias e incluyeron cuestionario para caracterización del cuidador, fenotipo de fragilidad de Fried, APGAR de familia (funcionalidad familiar), Escala de Depresión Geriátrica (síntomas depresivos) y ítem 3 de la Escala de Esperanza de Herth (soledad). La regresión logística fue utilizada para analizar la asociación entre síntomas depresivos y soledad (variables independientes), y fragilidad y pre-fragilidad (variables dependientes). Resultados: hubo asociación entre fragilidad, soledad y síntomas depresivos. Los ancianos cuidadores solitarios tuvieron posibilidades aumentadas en el 158% de tener pre-fragilidad, y el 360% de fragilidad. Los ancianos cuidadores con síntomas depresivos tuvieron posibilidades aumentadas en un 242% de tener fragilidad. Conclusión: los ancianos cuidadores solitarios y que presentan síntomas depresivos tienen más probabilidades de ser frágiles y pre-frágiles.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a associação entre fragilidade, solidão e sintomas depressivos de idosos que cuidam de idosos. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 341 idosos cuidadores cadastrados em Unidades de Saúde da Família de um município do interior paulista. As entrevistas foram domiciliares e incluíram questionário para caracterização do cuidador, fenótipo de fragilidade de Fried, APGAR de família (funcionalidade familiar), Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (sintomas depressivos) e item 3 da Escala de Esperança de Herth (solidão). A regressão logística foi utilizada para analisar a associação entre sintomas depressivos e solidão (variáveis independentes), e fragilidade e pré-fragilidade (variáveis dependentes). Resultados: houve associação entre fragilidade, solidão e sintomas depressivos. Idosos cuidadores solitários tiveram chances aumentadas em 158% de apresentar pré-fragilidade, e 360% de fragilidade. Idosos cuidadores com sintomas depressivos tiveram chances aumentadas em 242% de apresentar fragilidade. Conclusão: idosos cuidadores solitários e que apresentam sintomas depressivos têm mais chances de serem frágeis e pré-frágeis.

Prevalência e transição para a fragilidade em idosos com alteração cognitiva em uma coorte de um ano / Prevalence and transition to frailty in older adults with cognitive impairment: a 1-year cohort study

Alteração cognitiva e fragilidade são frequentemente encontradas em idosos e parece haver uma relação entre elas. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência e a transição para a fragilidade nos idosos com alteração cognitiva, principalmente para a população brasileira. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e a transição entre os estados de fragilidade em um grupo de idosos com alteração cognitiva em uma coorte prospectiva de um ano. Neste estudo de coorte foram avaliados 59 idosos comunitários com alteração cognitiva (≥ 65 anos). O indivíduo frágil foi identificado por apresentar pelo menos três dos seguintes critérios: perda de peso não intencional, fraqueza da força de preensão palmar, exaustão, lentidão na marcha e baixo nível de atividade física. Quando o indivíduo apresentou um ou dois critérios, foi considerado pré-frágil; quando não apresentou nenhum critério, foi considerado não frágil. A função cognitiva foi avaliada pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental e a gravidade, pela Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. Do total de 59 idosos avaliados na linha de base, 28 (47,5%) eram frágeis, a mesma quantidade era de pré-frágeis e apenas 3 idosos eram não frágeis. Em 12 meses, verificou-se uma transição para fragilidade de 33,3%. Este estudo mostrou que a prevalência de fragilidade é alta entre os idosos com alteração cognitiva e, em um período de 12 meses, novos casos de fragilidade ocorreram entre os idosos com alteração cognitiva. Entretanto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar com melhor precisão uma relação existente entre o declínio cognitivo e a fragilidade

Cognitive impairment and frailty are often found in older people, and they appear to be related to each other. However, little is known about the prevalence and transition to frailty in older adults with cognitive impairment, especially in the Brazilian population. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and transitions between frailty states in a cohort of older adults with cognitive impairment followed prospectively for 1 year. A cohort of 59 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) with cognitive impairment was evaluated. Individuals were classified as frail by the presence of 3 or more of the following criteria: unintentional weight loss; reduced grip strength; exhaustion; slowness; and low physical activity level. Individuals meeting 1 or 2 criteria were classified as prefrail, and those meeting 0 criteria as nonfrail. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and severity, by the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Of 59 older adults evaluated at baseline, 28 (47.5%) were classified as frail, 28 (47.5%) as prefrail, and only 3 (5%) as nonfrail. Over 12 months, 33.3% of participants transitioned from prefrail to frail. The present study showed a high prevalence of frailty in older adults with cognitive impairment and, within 12 months, new cases of frailty were identified in this population. Therefore, more research is needed to further investigate the relationship between cognitive decline and frailty.

Fragilidade é um preditor independente de morte precoce em idosos ambulatoriais com doenças cardiovasculares no Estudo SARCOS / Frailty is an independen t predictor of early death in elderly outpatients with cardiovascular disease in the SARCOS Study

Introdução: A fragilidade caracteriza-se pela perda da capacidade biológica e física de responder adequadamente ao estresse orgânico devido aos danos a diversos sistemas associados ao processo de envelhecimento. Entre os indivíduos com doenças cardiovasculares, a frequência da fragilidade é três vezes maior. Métodos: SARCOS é um estudo epidemiológico de coorte para avaliar a síndrome de vulnerabilidade com hospitalização e mortalidade em idosos ambulatoriais com doença cardiovascular (DCV). A fragilidade foi diagnosticada na presença de três ou mais dos seguintes critérios: perda de peso > 5%, velocidade de marcha reduzida, fraqueza muscular pela força de preensão, exaustão e perda de energia (levantar e sentar da cadeira cinco vezes). Resultados: Dos 169 pacientes avaliados, a fragilidade ocorreu em 19,5% (n=33). A média de idade foi de 78,3 ± 7,1 anos. A taxa mortalidade aos seis meses foi de 3% (n=5), sendo que 80% (n=4) eram frágeis e 20% (n=1) pré-frágeis (p=0,007). Na análise de regressão logística, a fragilidade mostrou ser um forte preditor de morte aos seis meses, com aumento de risco de 18 vezes quando comparado aos fortes (p=0,010), enquanto que entre as DCVs, a insuficiência cardíaca apresentou aumento de risco de quatro vezes (p=0,061). No modelo de interação entre a fragilidade e as DCVs, não houve diferença significativa da fragilidade em relação ao risco de morte. Conclusão: A fragilidade é um importante fator de risco de morte precoce em idosos ambulatoriais, independente e superior às doenças cardiovasculares crônicas mais frequentes que acometem essa população. A síndrome da fragilidade não apresenta sinergia com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas em relação ao risco de morte

Introduction: Frailty is characterized by the loss of the biological and physical capacity to respond adequately to organic stress as a result of damage to various systems associated with aging. The frequency of frailty is three times higher among individuals with cardiovascular disease. Methods: SARCOS is an epidemiological cohort study to evaluate vulnerability syndrome with hospitalization and mortality in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Frailty was diagnosed when three or more of the following criteria were present: Weight loss > 5%, slow walking speed, muscle weakness by the hand-grip test, exhaustion, and loss of energy (by the five times sit-to-stand test). Results: Of the 169 patients evaluated, frailty was present in 19.5%(n = 33). The mean age was 78.3 ± 7.1 years. The mortality rate at six months was 3% (n = 5), with 80% (n = 4) being frail and 20% (n = 1) pre-frail (p = 0.007). In the logistic regression analysis, frailty was shown to be a strong predictor of death at six months, with an 18-fold increase in risk when compared to strong individuals (p = 0.010), whereas among those with CVD, the heart failure presented a 4-fold increase in risk (p = 0.061). In the interaction model between frailty and CVD, there were no significant differences in frailty in relation to the risk of death. Conclusion: Frailty is an important risk factor for early death among outpatients, independent of, and higher than the most frequent chronic cardiovascular diseases that affect this population. Frailty syndrome was not correlated with chronic cardiovascular diseases, in relation to the risk of death

Prevalence of Frailty in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture and Its Association with Numbers of Fractures

PURPOSE: To assess the association between frailty and osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and to evaluate the relationship between numbers of OVCFs and frailty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 760 subjects, including 59 patients (with OVCF) and 701 controls (without OVCF). Successful matching provided 56 patient-control pairs. We analyzed principal clinical and demographic information, which included sex, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), variable frailty phenotypes, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores. The association between frailty and OVCF was ascertained. In addition, the degrees of disability and quality of life attributable to frailty were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher in the OVCF group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Most of the frailty phenotypes, such as exhaustion, physical inactivity, slowness, and handgrip strength, were also significantly observed in the OVCF group. Within the OVCF group, the participants with frailty had significantly higher disability and lower quality of life than those in a robust state (p < 0.001 for ODI and EQ-5D). In addition, the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the patients with low BMI [odds ratio (OR)=0.704; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.543–0.913] and ≥3 fractures (OR=9.213; 95% CI, 1.529–55.501) within the OVCF group were associated with higher odds of frailty. CONCLUSION: The present study showed significant relationships between frailty and OVCF, severity of symptoms, and disability induced by OVCF. Furthermore, frailty could be a causal and/or resulting factor of OVCFs.

Pre-Frailty Increases the Risk of Adverse Events in Older Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery / Pré-Fragilidade Aumenta o Risco de Eventos Adversos em Idosos Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardiovascular

Abstract Background: Frailty is identified as a major predictor of adverse outcomes in older surgical patients. However, the outcomes in pre-frail patients after cardiovascular surgery remain unknown. Objective: To investigate the main outcomes (length of stay, mechanical ventilation time, stroke and in-hospital death) in pre-frail patients in comparison with no-frail patients after cardiovascular surgery. Methods: 221 patients over 65 years old, with established diagnosis of myocardial infarction or valve disease were enrolled. Patients were evaluated by Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) before surgery and allocated into 2 groups: no-frailty (CFS 1~3) vs. pre-frailty (CFS 4) and followed up for main outcomes. For all analysis, the statistical significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results: No differences were found in anthropometric and demographic data between groups (p > 0.05). Pre-frail patients showed a longer mechanical ventilation time (193 ± 37 vs. 29 ± 7 hours; p<0.05) than no-frail patients; similar results were observed for length of stay at the intensive care unit (5 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 1 days; p < 0.05) and total time of hospitalization (12 ± 5 vs. 9 ± 3 days; p < 0.05). In addition, the pre-frail group had a higher number of adverse events (stroke 8.3% vs. 3.9%; in-hospital death 21.5% vs. 7.8%; p < 0.05) with an increased risk for development stroke (OR: 2.139, 95% CI: 0.622-7.351, p = 0.001; HR: 2.763, 95%CI: 1.206-6.331, p = 0.0001) and in-hospital death (OR: 1.809, 95% CI: 1.286-2.546, p = 0.001; HR: 1.830, 95% CI: 1.476-2.269, p = 0.0001). Moreover, higher number of pre-frail patients required homecare services than no-frail patients (46.5% vs. 0%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with pre-frailty showed longer mechanical ventilation time and hospital stay with an increased risk for cardiovascular events compared with no-frail patients.

Resumo Fundamentos: A fragilidade é reconhecida como um importante preditor de eventos adversos em pacientes cirúrgicos idosos. Entretanto, os desfechos em pacientes com pré-fragilidade após a cirurgia cardiovascular ainda permanecem desconhecidos. Objetivos: Investigar os principais desfechos (tempo de internação, tempo de ventilação mecânica, incidência de acidente vascular cerebral e óbito intra-hospitalar) após cirurgia cardiovascular em pacientes com pré-fragilidade em comparação a pacientes sem fragilidade. Métodos: 221 pacientes acima de 65 anos de idade, com diagnóstico de infarto do miocárdio ou doença valvar foram recrutados no estudo. Os pacientes foram avaliados pela escala de fragilidade clínica (CFS, Clinical Frailty Score) antes da cirurgia e separados em 2 grupos: sem-fragilidade (CFS 1~3) vs. pré-fragilidade (CFS 4). Para todas as análises, foi considerada diferença significativa quando p < 0,05. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças nos dados antropométricos e demográficos entre os grupos. Os pacientes com pré-fragilidade apresentaram maior tempo de ventilação mecânica em comparação a pacientes sem fragilidade (193 ± 37 vs. 29 ± 7 horas; p < 0,05); resultados similares foram observados para tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva (5 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 1 days; p < 0,05) e tempo total de internação hospitalar (12 ± 5 vs. 9 ± 3 dias; p < 0,05). Além disso, os pacientes com pré-fragilidade apresentaram maior número de eventos adversos (acidente vascular cerebral-AVC 8,3% vs. 3,9%; óbito intra-hospitalar 21,5% vs. 7,8%; p<0,05) com risco aumentado para AVC (OR: 2,139, IC 95%: 0,622-7,351, p = 0,001; HR: 2,763, IC 95%: 1,206-6,331, p = 0,0001) e morte intra-hospitalar (OR: 1,809, IC 95%: 1,286-2,546, p = 0,001; HR: 1,830, IC 95%: 1,476-2,269, p = 0,0001). Além disso, um maior número de pacientes com pré-fragilidade necessitaram de fisioterapia domiciliar que pacientes sem fragilidade (46,5% vs. 0%; p< 0,05). Conclusão: Pacientes com pré-fragilidade apresentaram maior tempo de ventilação mecânica e maior tempo de internação hospitalar, com maior risco de desenvolverem eventos cardiovasculares adversos em comparação a pacientes sem fragilidade.