Preventing Functional Urinary Incontinence in Hip-Fractured Older Adults Through Patient Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an educational intervention would reduce the incidence of functional urinary incontinence (UI) in older adults with a fall-related hip fracture. The project was conducted as a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 109 patients that had been admitted to six hospitals in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) for acute treatment of hip fracture, previously continent and without cognitive impairment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). Intervention (on EG): urinary habit training (Nursing Interventions Classifications taxonomy) was performed during hospital stay (second to fourth postoperative day), with a telephonic reinforcement 10 days after discharge. The CG received routine care. Primary outcome measure: incidence of UI. Follow-up: telephone assessment 3 and 6 months after discharge (blinded evaluation). The incidence of UI at 6 months was 49% (CG) versus 25.5% (EG) (relative risk = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [0.3, 0.9]; number necessary to treat = 4). The mean of UI episodes was 0.54 (EG) versus 1.8 (CG), p = .007. The educational intervention prevents the development of UI and decreases the number of episodes in case of appearance, in a statistically significant way.

Recovery of activities of daily living among older people one year after hip fracture.

This article aims to determine the functional recovery of older people, who were previously independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) and without cognitive impairment, in the year following a fall-related hip fracture. A cohort study was carried out among patients admitted to University General Hospital of Albacete (Spain). Consecutive sampling was performed. Variables included demographic, habitual residence, type of hip fracture, mental status (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire [SPMSQ] Pfeiffer), and independence in ADLs (according to the Barthel Index [BI]) prior to the fall and after the fracture. For 205 patients, 1 year after surgery, the mean BI score was 78.09 (SD = 25.13); (vs. 90.02 before the hip fracture), 59% showed urinary continence (vs. 79%), and 65% walked without assistance (vs. 82%). Regarding predictors of recovery, results indicate that patients who are older, who suffer complications after hospital discharge, or who reside in nursing homes experience poorer recovery in ADLs. Only 47.9% of the patients regained prior levels of autonomy 1 year after surgery.

Características de la fractura de cadera y posterior recuperación en pacientes mayores de 65 años con historia de caídas recurrentes / Characteristics of hip fracture and functional recovery in elderly people with a history of recurrent falling

Introducción. Las caídas recurrentes ocurren entre el 14,8 y 19% de la población anciana y se relacionan con mayor riesgo de tener fractura. Es poco conocida la influencia que los antecedentes de caídas recurrentes puedan tener sobre la recuperación tras una fractura de cadera. Material y método. Cohorte de pacientes mayores de 65 años ingresados en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete por fractura de cadera secundaria a caída, durante 1 año. Se consideró caída recurrente la presencia de 2 o más caídas en los 6 meses previos a la fractura. Se recogieron al ingreso variables sociodemográficas, circunstancias de la caída, número de caídas en los 6 meses previos, tipo de fractura y reparación, comorbilidad, situación cognitiva al ingreso (test Pfeiffer), tratamiento farmacológico e independencia para actividades de la vida diaria (Índice de Barthel–IB). Una submuestra de pacientes con IB previo a fractura ≥60 y Pfeiffer al ingreso ≤4 fueron seguidos a los 3, 6 y 12 meses. Resultados. De los 335 pacientes ingresados, se recogieron datos en 279, de los cuales un 19,4% habían sufrido previamente 2 o más caídas. Comparados con los que no tenían antecedentes de caídas recurrentes, presentan peor estado mental al ingreso, mayor media de patologías asociadas, menor porcentaje de independencia para vestirse y para transferencias cama-sillón, de manera estadísticamente significativa. En los 201 pacientes con seguimiento, el deterioro del IB al año respecto al previo a la fractura fue mayor en pacientes con caídas recurrentes (-20,8±31,54 vs -10,73±20,21; p=0,04) focalizándose más en la independencia para comer (76% vs 91,9%; p<0,05), asearse (72% vs 91,9%; p<0,01), continencia fecal (60% vs 78,7%; p<0,05) y deambular en domicilio (80% vs 93,3%; p<0,05). Conclusiones. En pacientes sin deterioro funcional moderado o severo previo a la fractura y cognitivamente estables, la recuperación de la independencia tras fractura de cadera es significativamente menor en el grupo de caídas recurrentes(AU)

Recurrent falls affect between 14.8% and 19% of the elderly population, and are associated with an increased risk of fracture. We know little about the influence the history of recurrent falls may have on recovery after hip fracture. Methods. Cohort study. The patients included were, over 65 years admitted during a 1 year period to the General University Hospital of Albacete with a hip fracture due to a fall. Recurrent falls were defined as a history of two or more falls within the 6 months prior to the fracture. Variables: demographic data, circumstances of fall, number of falls in the previous 6 months, type of fracture and its repair, comorbidity and drug treatment, cognitive status at admission (Pfeiffer test) and independence for activities of daily living (Barthel Index - BI) were collected. A subsample of patients with pre-fracture BI≥60 and Pfeiffer at admission≤4 was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results. A total of 335 patients were admitted. Data were collected on 279 of them, 19.4% of whom had previously suffered two or more falls. The recurrent fallers had a worse mental status on admission, a higher number of associated diseases, a lower percentage of independence in dressing and in bed-chair transferring than patients without history of recurrent falls, all statistically significant. In the 201 patients followed up, the impairment on the BI after 12 months compared to the BI previous to fracture was higher in recurrent fallers (-20.8±31.54 vs -10.73±20.21, P=.04), focusing more on independence in eating (76% vs 91.9%, P<.05), grooming (72% vs 91,9%, P<.01), faecal continence (60% vs 78.7%, p<.05) and walking indoors (80% vs 93.3%, P<.05). Conclusions. The recovery of independence after hip fracture is significantly lower in the group of recurrent fallers in patients without moderate or severe functional impairment previous to fracture and cognitively stable(AU)

[Characteristics of hip fracture and functional recovery in elderly people with a history of recurrent falling]. / Características de la fractura de cadera y posterior recuperación en pacientes mayores de 65 años con historia de caídas recurrentes.

UNLABELLED: Recurrent falls affect between 14.8% and 19% of the elderly population, and are associated with an increased risk of fracture. We know little about the influence the history of recurrent falls may have on recovery after hip fracture. METHODS: Cohort study. The patients included were, over 65 years admitted during a 1 year period to the General University Hospital of Albacete with a hip fracture due to a fall. Recurrent falls were defined as a history of two or more falls within the 6 months prior to the fracture. VARIABLES: demographic data, circumstances of fall, number of falls in the previous 6 months, type of fracture and its repair, comorbidity and drug treatment, cognitive status at admission (Pfeiffer test) and independence for activities of daily living (Barthel Index - BI) were collected. A subsample of patients with pre-fracture BI ≥ 60 and Pfeiffer at admission ≤ 4 was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients were admitted. Data were collected on 279 of them, 19.4% of whom had previously suffered two or more falls. The recurrent fallers had a worse mental status on admission, a higher number of associated diseases, a lower percentage of independence in dressing and in bed-chair transferring than patients without history of recurrent falls, all statistically significant. In the 201 patients followed up, the impairment on the BI after 12 months compared to the BI previous to fracture was higher in recurrent fallers (-20.8 ± 31.54 vs -10.73 ± 20.21, P=.04), focusing more on independence in eating (76% vs 91.9%, P<.05), grooming (72% vs 91,9%, P<.01), faecal continence (60% vs 78.7%, p<.05) and walking indoors (80% vs 93.3%, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of independence after hip fracture is significantly lower in the group of recurrent fallers in patients without moderate or severe functional impairment previous to fracture and cognitively stable.

Analysis of hip-fracture falls in the elderly

Objetivos. Identificar circunstancias en que se producen caídas que comportan fractura de cadera en mayores de 65 años y factores de riesgo presentes en el momento de la caída. Método. Estudio observacional analítico. Pacientes mayores de 65 años, ingresados en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete por fractura de cadera secundaria a caída. Duracion recogida de datos 1 año. Variables: sociodemográficas, circunstancias de caída, características de fractura, caídas en 6 meses anteriores, enfermedades presentes, tratamiento farmacológico habitual y estado mental, recogidas de historia clínica y entrevista. Análisis estadístico descriptivo, comparación de medias (t de Student) y comparación de proporciones (χ2), según sus condiciones de aplicación; odds ratio con intervalos de confianza del 95%; regresión logística binaria múltiple. Resultados. Total, 312 pacientes. Media de edad, 81,68 años (65-99), 232 mujeres (74,3%). Estaban institucionalizados 35 (11,2%), 212 sin antecedentes de caídas (68%) ni alteración del estado mental (196; 62,8%). Las caídas se produjeron en el domicilio (189; 63,2%), y sólo en un 14% (41), por la noche. El modo de producirse está relacionado mayoritariamente con factores extrínsecos (tropezar, 31,5%; resbalar, 24,1%; n=257). En un 96% (n=300) existían enfermedades previas (media, 2,32), las más frecuentes, hipertensión arterial (177 casos; 59%) y diabetes (72; 24%). Los fármacos más utilizados fueron los inhibidores de agregación plaquetaria (31,9%; 82 casos), distintos antihipertensivos, diuréticos (30,4%; 78), hipoglucemiantes orales (16%; 41), ansiolíticos (14,4%; 37) y antidepresivos (13,6%; 35). La autonomía previa para deambulación en la calle aparece como factor protector para caídas en interiores. Conclusiones. En nuestro estudio las fracturas de cadera secundarias a caídas se han producido mayoritariamente en personas de edad avanzada, sin antecedentes de caídas en los 6 meses previos, en el domicilio familiar, en horario de mayor actividad y por factores extrínsecos (AU)

Aims. To identify the circumstances associated with falls resulting in hip fracture in the elderly, and risk factors for this kind of fall. Method. A 12 month observational study of patients over 65 years, admitted for hip fracture resulting from a fall to the General University Hospital of Albacete. Variables: demographic data, circumstances of fall, type of fracture, previous falls, associated diseases, regular drug treatment and mental status, collected from medical records and interviews. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, which included, comparison of means (t test), comparison of proportions (χ2), odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and logistic regression models. Results. A total of 312 patients were included with a mean age 81.68 years (range, 65-99), of which 74.3% (232) were women. Only 35 patients (11,2%) lived in an institution, 212 (68%) had not had a fall during previous six months, and 116 patients (37.2%) had cognitive impairment. Falls occurred indoors (189 patients, 63.2%), with only 14% (41) during the night. Most of falls were related to extrinsic factors (31.5% tripping, slipping 24.1%; n=257). Patients had previous diseases in a 96% (300) of cases, with the most common being hypertension (177 patients, 59%) and diabetes (72, 24%). Drugs most frequently taken were anti-platelets (82, 31.9%), antihypertensives, diuretics (78, 30.4%), oral hypoglycaemic agents (41, 16%), anxiolytics (37, 14.4%) and antidepressants (35, 13.6%). The prior independence for walking on the street appears as a protective factor to fall indoors. Conclusions. In this sample, falls resulting in hip fracture occurred commonly in elderly people without previous falls, while at home, at a time of increased activity, and by extrinsic factors (AU)

[Analysis of hip-fracture falls in the elderly]. / Análisis de las caídas que producen fractura de cadera en ancianos.

AIMS: To identify the circumstances associated with falls resulting in hip fracture in the elderly, and risk factors for this kind of fall. METHOD: A 12 month observational study of patients over 65 years, admitted for hip fracture resulting from a fall to the General University Hospital of Albacete. VARIABLES: demographic data, circumstances of fall, type of fracture, previous falls, associated diseases, regular drug treatment and mental status, collected from medical records and interviews. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, which included, comparison of means (t test), comparison of proportions (χ(2)), odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients were included with a mean age 81.68 years (range, 65-99), of which 74.3% (232) were women. Only 35 patients (11,2%) lived in an institution, 212 (68%) had not had a fall during previous six months, and 116 patients (37.2%) had cognitive impairment. Falls occurred indoors (189 patients, 63.2%), with only 14% (41) during the night. Most of falls were related to extrinsic factors (31.5% tripping, slipping 24.1%; n=257). Patients had previous diseases in a 96% (300) of cases, with the most common being hypertension (177 patients, 59%) and diabetes (72, 24%). Drugs most frequently taken were anti-platelets (82, 31.9%), antihypertensives, diuretics (78, 30.4%), oral hypoglycaemic agents (41, 16%), anxiolytics (37, 14.4%) and antidepressants (35, 13.6%). The prior independence for walking on the street appears as a protective factor to fall indoors. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, falls resulting in hip fracture occurred commonly in elderly people without previous falls, while at home, at a time of increased activity, and by extrinsic factors.

[Independence in activities of daily living 6 months after surgery in previously independent elderly patients with hip fracture caused by a fall]. / Independencia para actividades de la vida diaria en ancianos previamente autónomos intervenidos por fractura de cadera secundaria a una caída tras 6 meses de evolución.

OBJECTIVE: To measure recovery of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) 6 months after surgery in elderly patients (previously independent and without cognitive impairment) with hip fracture caused by a fall. METHOD: We performed a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of patients who were previously independent for ADL, or had mild dependence, and who showed no cognitive impairment. Consecutive sampling was performed. The variables studied were age, sex, habitual residence, type of hip fracture, mental status (SPMSQ Pfeiffer), and independence in ADL (according to Barthel Index [BI]) prior to the fall and 6 months after the fall. RESULTS: The study included 207 patients. There was a predominance of female sex (74.4%) and pertrochanteric fractures (45.9%). The mean age was 80.17 years old (SD = 6.95), and 7.7% were institutionalized. Six months after surgery, the mean BI score was 73.37 (SD = 26.76) (versus 90.05 before the fall), 16.8% showed urinary incontinence (versus 5.9%), 59.2% walked without assistance (versus 82.4%) and 24.6% climbed stairs unaided (versus 50.7%). The ability to walk down the street was regained in 64.6% (versus 82.1% before the fall). Recovery of autonomy for ADL was statistically significantly lower in patients unable to walk outdoors, who were institutionalized or who had mild cognitive impairment before the fall. CONCLUSIONS: Only 33.6% of patients regained prior levels of autonomy 6 months after surgery.