The association between Norton scale gain and functional outcome among older hip fracture patients.

AIM: This study examines interrelations between gains of Norton Scale Score (NSS) and functional outcome measured by Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) among older hip fracture patients. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: We examined 227 patients consecutively hospitalized in a geriatric postacute rehabilitation ward. The data were collected during 2012-2017. Data were analysed using Student's t test, chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression. RESULTS: Patients with positive NSS gains demonstrated statistically significant higher total FIM, motor FIM and total FIM gain scores at hospital discharge, compared with patients showing no NSS gains or negative NSS. Multiple regression analysis indicated that positive NSS gains were independently predictive for higher total FIM and motor FIM scores at hospital discharge and higher motor FIM gains at discharge. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that positive NSS gains are associated with higher FIM scores at hospital discharge and may assist in predicting the functional outcome of hospitalized older hip fracture patients.

An Information Theory Approach for the Analysis of Individual and Combined Evaluation Parameters of Multiple Age-Related Diseases.

In view of the frequent presence of several aging-related diseases in geriatric patients, there is a need to develop analytical methodologies that would be able to perform diagnostic evaluation of several diseases at once by individual or combined evaluation parameters and select the most informative parameters or parameter combinations. So far there have been no established formal methods to enable such capabilities. We develop a new formal method for the evaluation of multiple age-related diseases by calculating the informative values (normalized mutual information) of particular parameters or parameter combinations on particular diseases, and then combine the ranks of informative values to provide an overall estimation (or correlation) on several diseases at once. Using this methodology, we evaluate a geriatric cohort, with several common age-related diseases, including cognitive and physical impairments (dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD and ischemic heart disease), utilizing a set of evaluation parameters (such as demographic data and blood biomarkers) routinely available in geriatric clinical practice. This method permitted us to establish the most informative parameters and parameter combinations for several diseases at once. Combinations of evaluation parameters were shown to be more informative than individual parameters. This method, with additional clinical data, may help establish the most informative parameters and parameter combinations for the diagnostic evaluation of multiple age-related diseases and enhance specific assessment for older multi-morbid patients and treatments against old-age multimorbidity.

Functional Outcome of Elderly Hip Fracture Patients Is Not Affected By Prefracture Dementia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine whether a diagnosis of prefracture dementia (PFD) affects functional outcome at discharge from a geriatric rehabilitation setting. DESIGN: A total of 211 consecutive elderly hip fracture patients were evaluated retrospectively. We used the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and analyzed data by t test, χ(2) test, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients with PFD were older (P = 0.001), presented with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.001) and lower prefracture function (P < 0.001). Total-FIM and motor-FIM scores at admission and discharge, as well as FIM gain scores at discharge, were lower among patients with PFD, compared with nonprefracture dementia (NPFD) patients (P < 0.001). The FIM daily gains (efficiency) (P < 0.001) and Montebello relative functional scores (P < 0.001) were also lower in PFD, compared with patients with NPFD. However, linear regression analysis showed that PFD did not predict total, motor, or FIM gain at discharge (ß = -0.11, P = 0.115; ß = -0.06, P = 0.412; ß = -0.099, P = 0.329, respectively). Upon discharge, patients with PFD achieved lower FIM scores yet maintained similar motor-FIM gains compared with patients with NPFD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results supports the inclusion of patients with PFD in postfracture rehabilitation programs.

The application of information theory for the estimation of old-age multimorbidity.

Elderly patients are commonly characterized by the presence of several chronic aging-related diseases at once, or old-age "multimorbidity," with critical implications for diagnosis and therapy. However, at the present there is no agreed or formal method to diagnose or even define "multimorbidity." There is also no formal quantitative method to evaluate the effects of individual or combined diagnostic parameters and therapeutic interventions on multimorbidity. The present work outlines a methodology to provide such a measurement and definition, using information theoretical measure of normalized mutual information. A cohort of geriatric patients, suffering from several age-related diseases (multimorbidity), including ischemic heart disease, COPD, and dementia, were evaluated by a variety of diagnostic parameters, including static as well as dynamic biochemical, functional-behavioral, immunological, and hematological parameters. Multimorbidity was formally coded and measured as a composite of several chronic age-related diseases. The normalized mutual information allowed establishing the exact informative value of particular parameters and their combinations about the multimorbidity value. With the currently intensifying attempts to reduce aging-related multimorbidity by therapeutic interventions into its underlying aging processes, the proposed method may outline a valuable direction toward the formal indication and evidence-based evaluation of effectiveness of such interventions.

Impact of the Holocaust on the Rehabilitation Outcome of Older Patients Sustaining a Hip Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Holocaust survivors report a much higher prevalence of osteoporosis and fracture in the hip joint compared to those who were not Holocaust survivors. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether being a Holocaust survivor could affect the functional outcome of hip fracture in patients 64 years of age and older undergoing rehabilitation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study compromising 140 consecutive hip fracture patients was conducted in a geriatric and rehabilitation department of a university-affiliated hospital. Being a Holocaust survivor was based on registry data. Functional outcome was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)TM at admission and discharge from the rehabilitation ward. Data were analyzed by t-test, chi-square test, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Total and motor FIM scores at admission (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively) and total and motor FIM gain scores at discharge (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004 respectively) were significantly higher in non-Holocaust survivors compared with Holocaust survivors. A linear regression analysis showed that being a Holocaust survivor was predictive of lower total FIM scores at discharge (ß = -0.17, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture in Holocaust survivors showed lower total, motor FIM and gain scores at discharge compared to non-Holocaust survivor patients. These results suggest that being a Holocaust survivor could adversely affect the rehabilitation outcome following fracture of the hip and internal fixation.

Low Borderline Levels of Serum Vitamin B12 May Predict Cognitive Decline in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients.

BACKGROUND: The progression from cognitive impairment to dementia is a multifactorial process that involves genetic and environmental factors. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be an important factor in the progress from cognitive decline to dementia. OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between borderline low level of vitamin B12 (≤ 350 pg/ml) and cognitive decline among a group of elderly hip fracture patients. METHODS: This retrospective chart review study was conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation ward of a university-affiliated referral hospital. It comprised 91 elderly hip fracture patients. Cognition was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) tool. Fasting serum vitamin B12 levels were measured within 24 hours after admission to the rehabilitation ward. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the patients had vitamin B12 levels ≤ 350 pg/ml. In a multiple linear regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding variables, serum vitamin B12 levels ≤ 350 pg/ml were linked to a higher risk of developing cognitive decline (ß coefficient = -0.28, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, serum vitamin B12 levels ≤ 350 pg/ml, were independently associated with lower MMSE scores in elderly hip fracture patients. Serum vitamin B12 may assist in identifying patients in the early stages of cognitive decline. This study joins others that have reported on the association of low normal range vitamin B12 blood levels and conditions like dementia, falls, fractures and frailty. We suggest a reexamination of what is currently considered as the normal range of vitamin B12 in the elderly.

The impact of refeeding on blood fatty acids and amino acid profiles in elderly patients: a metabolomic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Refeeding of elderly frail patients after food deprivation is commonly associated with a high mortality rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of refeeding on metabolite fluctuation of blood carnitine fatty acids (15 compounds) and free amino acids (14 compounds). METHODS: Metabolite fluctuation was followed up in an exploratory, cohort, and noninterventional study in elderly and frail patients (84.5 ± 5 years) after a long period of food deprivation. Patients in the study group were refed by enteral nutrition (EN) and were followed up during 7 days for blood metabolites (n = 27). Patients in the control group (n = 26) had been fed by EN for more than 3 months. Refeeding was initiated with 10 kcal/kg/d and gradual increases of 200 kcal/d for 3 days afterwards. Blood metabolites were assayed in a sample of 25 µL. RESULTS: On food deprivation, the concentrations of all even monocarboxylic carnitine fatty acids were much higher in the study group than in the EN control group (P < .01). Upon refeeding, a remarkable decrease in all carnitine fatty acids was observed. In addition, significant daily fluctuations were observed for most metabolites in the study group of the refed patients as compared with the EN control group (P < .01). The highest fluctuations were observed following refeeding in the 7 patients who later died. CONCLUSION: A significant metabolic instability is observed on refeeding even with a slow refeeding schedule of 10 kcal/kg/d. Measurement of metabolomics parameters may be used for the evaluation of malnutrition, refeeding status, and optimization of the enteral formula.

Phenytoin blood concentrations in hospitalized geriatric patients: oral versus nasogastric feeding tube administration.

Many medications administered to frail geriatric patients are not in a liquid form, but are crushed and dissolved in water before their administration through a nasogastric tube (NGT). Some medications are enteric coated and others are extended release. Only sparse information is available on their pharmacokinetics when administered through NGT. The aim of our study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin administered through an NGT and to compare these with the pharmacokinetics of a group of patients receiving the drug orally. Twenty patients were studied in a stable clinical condition, from the long-term care ward of the Geriatric Medical Center Shmuel Harofeh. They were consistently treated with phenytoin for the prevention of seizure disorders. Patients in group 1 (n = 12) had oropharyngeal dysphagia and received feeding and medications by NGT. Group 2 (n = 8), included age-matched orally fed patients from the same department, who received phenytoin orally. Blood samples for phenytoin concentration were taken at baseline, time 0, and at 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 hours postdrug administration; phenytoin was measured using the AxSYM assay. The mean daily dose was not statistically different between the 2 groups: 291 +/- 28 (200-300) mg/d and 300 +/- 53 (200-400) mg/d, in the NGT, and the orally fed group, respectively, in one dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters of phenytoin were not significantly different between the 2 groups; trough concentrations, 1.9 +/- 1.7 (0.5-4.9) versus 2.2 +/- 1.8 (1.0-6.5) microg/mL; Cmax, 6.6 +/- 3.4 (2.5-9.1) versus 7.3 +/- 6.7 (2.7-8.4) microg/mL; tmax, 5.1 +/- 3.1 (3.1-8.2) versus 4.6 +/- 2.7 (2.3-8.4) hours; area under the curve, 52.2 +/- 40.1 (41.1-61.2) versus 62.3 +/- 84.7 (30.2-77.2) microg/h/mL, in the NGT fed versus the oral fed, respectively. Phenytoin pharmacokinetic parameters are not significantly different between patients receiving the drug through NGT as compared with those who received it orally, but the implication of the low concentrations measured should be evaluated carefully.

Serum trace elements in elderly frail patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Microelements have an important role in many vital enzymatic functions. Their optimal intake and serum concentration are not properly defined. For nursing home residents, this issue is further complicated by the high prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to measure microelement concentrations in 3 groups of elderly subjects that differ in their feeding methods and functional state. Forty-six frail elderly patients, in stable clinical condition, 15 on naso-gastric tube (NGT) feeding, 15 orally fed (OF), from skilled nursing departments were recruited to this study. As controls, we studied a group of 16 elderly independent ambulatory patients. A battery of 16 microelements was examined using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The OF frail elderly patients had significantly lower levels of chromium as compared to the NGT fed and the control group. Both frail elderly groups had lower levels of zinc and copper as compared to the controls. In contrast, in the nursing groups, we found higher levels of aluminum, boron, barium, bromine and nickel. Elderly, in particular frail and disabled subjects, are vulnerable to insufficiency or overload of microelements. There is a need to evaluate the actual requirements for each microelement for this population.

QT interval disturbances in hospitalized elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The QT interval reflects the total duration of ventricular myocardial repolarization. Its prolongation is associated with increased risk of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or torsade de pointes, which can be fatal. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of both prolonged and short QT interval in patients admitted to an acute geriatric ward. METHODS: This retrospective study included the records over 6 months of all patients hospitalized in an acute geriatric ward. Excluded were patients with pacemaker, bundle branch block and slow or rapid atrial fibrillation. The standard 12 lead electrocardiogram of each patient was used for the QT interval evaluation. RESULTS: We screened the files of 422 patients. QTc prolongation based on the mean of 12 ECG leads was detected in 115 patients (27%). Based on lead L2 only, QTc was prolonged in 136 (32%). Associated factors with QT prolongation were congestive heart failure and use of hypnotics. Short QTwas found in 30 patients (7.1%) in lead L2 and in 19 (4.5%) by the mean 12 leads. Short QT was related to a higher heart rate, chronic atrial fibrillation and schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study detected QT segment disturbances in a considerable number of elderly patients admitted acutely to hospital. Further studies should confirm these results and clinicians should consider a close QT interval follow-up in predisposed patients.

Mortality after nasogastric tube feeding initiation in long-term care elderly with oropharyngeal dysphagia--the contribution of refeeding syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The refeeding syndrome (RS) is an underappreciated but clinically important entity characterized by acute electrolyte abnormalities, mainly hypophosphatemia, fluid retention and dysfunction of various organs and systems, which can result in significant morbidity and occasionally death. OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of death cases and death causes following nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding initiation in frail elderly with particular reference to RS. METHODS: Forty patients with feeding problems for at least 72 h before restarting of alimentation by NGT were included. Excluded were those in any critical clinical situation. Clinical parameters and nutritional assessment were recorded before and after refeeding. Blood samples were taken before, daily for the first 3 days and 1 week after refeeding initiation. RESULTS: During the 1st week of refeeding, 9 patients (22.5%) died and within 1 month 10 more, summing to 47.5%. Most deaths were due to infectious causes [15 out of 19, (79%)]; some were due to no obvious reason [4 out of 19, (21%)]. Significant electrolyte changes were observed in the 2-3 days following refeeding. Significant were the decreases in phosphorus and elevations in potassium and lymphocytes (day 7). We found no correlations between the severity of decreases in levels of phosphorus and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality after NGT feeding initiation was high, mainly due to infectious complications. However, in a considerable number of patients hypophosphatemia was noted, suggesting that RS could be a contributory factor of mortality. Since this is a treatable condition, more attention should be paid to detecting and coping with this problem.

Renal effects of low dose aspirin in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is commonly used by elderly patients. In previous studies we found transient changes in renal function induced by low doses of aspirin. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanisms of these effects. METHODS: The study group included 106 long-term care stable geriatric inpatients. Diet and drugs were kept stable. The study lasted 5 weeks; during the first 2 weeks 100 mg aspirin was administered once a day. Clinical and laboratory follow-up was performed at baseline and weekly for the next 3 weeks. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated by creatinine clearance measured in 24 hour urine and serum creatinine, and by the Cockcroft-Gault formula (C-G) equation. Uric acid clearance was determined from serum concentrations and 24 hour excretion of uric acid. Patients with serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl were not included. RESULTS: After 2 weeks on low dose aspirin, measured creatinine and uric acid clearances decreased significantly compared with the initial values in 70% and 62% of the patients, respectively, with mean decreases of 19% and 17%, respectively (P< 0.001). Blood urea nitrogen increased by 17% while serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations increased by 4% (P < 0.05 for all). The C-G values decreased by 3% (P< 0.05). After withdrawal of aspirin all parameters improved. However, 67% of the patients remained with some impairment in their measured Ccr, compared to baseline. Patients who reacted adversely to low dose aspirin had significantly better pre-study renal function (Ccr), lower hemoglobin and lower levels of serum albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term low dose aspirin affected renal tubular creatinine and uric acid transport in the elderly, which may result in a prolonged or permanent deterioration of the renal function. It is suggested that renal functions be monitored even with the use of low dose aspirin in elderly patients.

Attitudes of relatives and nursing staff toward tuboenteral feeding in severely demented patients.

Elderly patients with advanced dementia present a challenge with respect to efficient nutrition and hydration because of oropharyngeal dysphagia and lack of patient cooperation. For increasing numbers of patients, long-term tuboenteral feeding (TEF) is an alternative for providing food and fluids, with the hope of reducing the risk of aspiration. The purpose of this study is to learn about the opinions and the attitudes of relatives and nursing staff regarding patients on TEF for at least one year. The study included all the demented patients on TEF in four skilled nursing facilities and four nursing wards. Researchers retrieved clinical data from patients' medical records and prepared a questionnaire to survey the opinions of relatives and staff members. The study included 111 patients: 89 on nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding and 22 on percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding. The clinical condition of both groups was satisfactory, as reflected by albumin, hemoglobin, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Relatives of the demented patients as well as the staff members were ambivalent toward TEF. Although most of them called it an essential procedure for delivering food and fluids for life support, about the same number expressed concerns that TEF prolonged a life of suffering. Nevertheless, most relatives and staff members were resistant to the idea of withholding TEF. The data show that TEF does provide efficient nutrition and hydration to patients with advanced dementia, and it is used in accordance with the will of the relatives. Any change in the present approach regarding TEF in these patients should be preceded by discussions with their relatives.

Early and late effects of low-dose aspirin on renal function in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Although low-dose aspirin is used by many elderly patients, monitoring of renal function is currently not recommended. We recently reported transient retention of uric acid and creatinine caused by aspirin in doses of 75 to 325 mg/d. We therefore evaluated the renal effects of aspirin (100 mg/d), including post-treatment effects. METHODS: We studied 83 stable geriatric patients in long-term care (aged 56 to 98 years) who were treated with low-dose aspirin (100 mg/d) for 2 weeks and 40 control patients. Other medications and diet were kept constant. Biochemical monitoring including blood samples and 24-hour urinary collections for creatinine and uric acid at baseline and weekly for a total of 5 weeks. RESULTS: After 2 weeks on aspirin, urinary excretion of creatinine decreased in 60 (72%) and excretion of uric acid decreased in 54 (65%) of the 83 patients, and their mean clearances decreased; during the same period, serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels increased (P <0.05 for all). Deterioration from baseline levels was significantly greater (and more prevalent) in the aspirin-treated group than in the 40 control patients (P = 0.001 to 0.09). After withdrawal of aspirin these parameters improved. However, 3 weeks after stopping aspirin, 48% (35 of the 73 in whom this measurement was available) had a persistent decline in creatinine clearance from baseline, as compared with only 8% (3/36) controls (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Short-term low-dose aspirin treatment may affect renal function in elderly patients. These effects persist 3 weeks after cessation of the drug in some of these patients.