ABSTRACT
Older people have a high incidence of adverse outcomes after urgent care presentation. Identifying high-risk older patients early is key to targeting interventions at those patients most likely to benefit. This study used the Frailsafe three-point screening questions amongst older Emergency Department (ED) attendees. Consecutive unplanned ED attendances in patients aged ≥75 were assessed for Frailsafe status. The primary outcome was mortality at 180 days. A Frailsafe screen was completed in 356 patients, of whom 194/356 (54.5%) were Frailsafe positive. The mean age was 85.8 for Frailsafe screen positive and 82.2 for Frailsafe screen negative patients (p < 0.001). A positive Frailsafe screen was a predictor of death within 180 days of presentation to the ED and remained so after adjustment (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.45-7.19, p = 0.004). A positive Frailsafe screen was an independent predictor of a new care home admission at 180 days (AOR = 8.95, 95% CI 2.01-39.83, p = 0.004). A positive Frailsafe screen was also predictive of a number of secondary outcomes, such as length of stay of >28 days (AOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.41-8.31, p = 0.007) and re-attendance within 30 days of discharge after admission (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.27-5.88, p = 0.01). Frailsafe screen results independently predict a range of outcomes amongst older ED attendees.
ABSTRACT
The risk of developing a movement disorder increases with age. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD), is probably the most well known. However, essential tremor is the most common movement disorder affecting older people. Although many sufferers can have very disabling symptoms it can be a very mild illness in some. Patients present with a symmetrical tremor of the upper limbs in 95% of cases. The tremor is less evident at rest, unlike the tremor of IPD, and there will be no rigidity or bradykinesia. Essential tremor is a mainly clinical diagnosis. A watchful waiting period may be tried. DaTSCAN can be helpful as the results will be normal in patients with essential tremor and abnormal in those with IPD. Vascular parkinsonism accounts for 4.4-12% of all cases of parkinsonism, although it is likely that many cases remain undiagnosed. The features are usually bilateral and symmetrical and often affect the lower more than the upper limbs. A history of previous stroke is common, as are the presence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Drug-induced parkinsonism is the second most common cause of parkinsonism behind IPD. All patients thought to have a diagnosis of possible IPD should be referred to secondary care. It would also be prudent to refer any patients whose diagnosis is unclear and where advice would be helpful on future management.
