The ICOPE-WHO and the IVCF-20: a critical view of the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care / O ICOPE-OMS e o IVCF-20: observações críticas sobre o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa para a Atenção Primária à Saúde

O rápido envelhecimento populacional impulsiona iniciativas com o objetivo de otimizar a saúde da população idosa em todo o mundo. Recentemente, no Brasil, foi publicado pelo Conselho Nacional dos Secretários de Saúde (CONASS) o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa, que propõe a adoção combinada e em larga escala da ferramenta de triagem do ICOPE da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e do instrumento Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional-20 (IVCF-20) para definir linhas de cuidado à pessoa idosa. Embora iniciativas dessa natureza sejam prementes, os instrumentos propostos ainda não têm validação adequada na população brasileira, e a sua utilização com o objetivo de balizar diretrizes em saúde em todo o território nacional parece precipitada e arriscada. Diante disso, propõe-se um debate amplo e urgente entre os especialistas da área, com o objetivo de planejar políticas de saúde pública eficazes e seguras para a população idosa brasileira. (AU)

Rapid population aging is driving initiatives aimed at optimizing the health of older populations worldwide. In Brazil, the National Council of State Secretaries of Health (CONASS) recently published the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care, which proposes the combined, large-scale adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) ICOPE screening tool and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) instrument to define care pathways for older people. Although there is a pressing need for initiatives of this nature, the proposed instruments have not yet been adequately validated in the Brazilian population, and their use for the purpose of establishing countrywide health guidelines appears hasty and risky. Therefore, we propose a broad, urgent debate among experts in the field with the aim of planning effective and safe public health policies for the Brazilian older population. (AU)

The effect of different levothyroxine administration regimens on thyroid hormone levels: a systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aimed to compare the effect of alternative levothyroxine administration regimens on thyroid hormone levels and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among adults with hypothyroidism. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, OpenGrey, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP from inception to May/2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed the risk of bias with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. We analyzed TSH levels by pairwise and network meta-analyses (NMA). The FT4 levels and PROs were qualitatively assessed. RESULTS: We included 14 RCTs (906 participants) comparing different regimens, as bedtime vs. before breakfast. A total of 12 RCTs were at high risk of bias. Seven RCTs were included in the TSH meta-analysis, where the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were as follows: bedtime vs before breakfast (4 RCTs) 0.69 (-1.67-3.04), I2 = 92%, very low certainty evidence; weekly dose vs before breakfast (2 RCTs) 1.68 (0.94-2.41), I2 = 0%, low certainty evidence; and at breakfast vs before breakfast (1 RCT) 0.65 (-1.11-2.41), very low certainty evidence. The NMA showed no evidence of differences in TSH level with different regimens. CONCLUSION: The evidence is insufficient to determine the most effective levothyroxine administration regimen for hypothyroidism. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO - CRD42021279375.

The sensitivity and specificity of the WHO's ICOPE screening tool, and the prevalence of loss of intrinsic capacity in older adults: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has developed the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program, a public health strategy to maintain older adults' functional abilities and promote healthier aging. The approach comprises a 5-step pathway. Step 1 is the screening for impairment in functions, and Step 2 is an in-depth evaluation to confirm the presence and severity of functional impairment. These initial two steps are crucial to determine the subsequent plan of care (Step 3) and follow-up (Step 4). The fifth step encompasses actions to support families and caregivers and to engage communities. This review gathers data from the literature on the prevalence of positive screenings regarding intrinsic capacity detected by the program's first-step screening tool, and on currently available results regarding the instrument's sensitivity and specificity. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Electronic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and SciElo databases, the medRxiv platform, and recent human aging scientific events, looking for research analyzing the ICOPE screening instrument. Studies reporting data on the prevalence of positive screenings for loss of intrinsic capacity using the proposed screening tool and/or findings on the instrument's sensitivity and specificity were included. A total of 7 publications with participants aged 50 years or more were selected. The prevalence of at least one impairment in intrinsic capacity detected by the instrument varied among the studies from 17.1 % to 94.3 %. Sensitivity ranged from 26.4 % to 100 % and specificity from 22 % to 96 %, depending on the setting and the assessed domain. CONCLUSION: Currently available data are heterogeneous, and different results were found among the studies due to diverse settings and methodologies. The evidence on the ICOPE screening tool's performance in different populations is still scarce and reinforces the need for further research worldwide.

Proposição do mnemônico DELIRIUM+ para otimização do ensino e assistência clínica relacionadas ao delirium / DELIRIUM+ as a mnemonic device to optimize delirium-related teaching and clinical care

Delirium, a common neurocognitive disorder among hospitalized older adults, depends on an interrelationship between precipitating and predisposing factors. Adequate prevention, detection, and management are directly related to knowledge of these factors. Due to a lack of education, delirium is underdiagnosed and the time taken to identify and react to the condition is suboptimal. Based on an open review of the literature, the main precipitating factors were compiled into the acronym DELIRIUM, in Portuguese. A second acronym MAIS (meaning 'plus') was compiled from important behaviors for preventing and treating delirium. Thus, the mnemonic device DELIRUM+ stands for: Discomfort, Electrolytes/metabolism, Locale/environment, Infections, urinary/fecal Retention; and acute clinical complIcations; Uremia; Medications + (Mobility, Assistant/companion, Interactions, and Sleep/psychotropic substances]. This mnemonic device can encourage teaching and care aimed at the prevention, detection, and management of delirium. Ideally, the clinical impact of this mnemonic device should be tested in research to validate its implementation. (AU)

Delirium é um distúrbio neurocognitivo frequente entre idosos hospitalizados e depende da interrelação entre fatores precipitantes e predisponentes. Sua adequada prevenção, detecção e seu manejo estão diretamente relacionados ao conhecimento desses fatores. Devido à baixa disseminação de ensino nessa área, o delirium é subdiagnosticado e o tempo de identificação e instituição de condutas é subótimo. A partir de revisão aberta da literatura, os principais fatores precipitantes foram listados e compilados em categorias nominadas, em português, com as letras que compõem a palavra DELIRIUM. O símbolo de mais (+) foi acrescido para destacar condutas que deveriam ser mais bem observadas para a prevenção e o manejo do delirium, utilizando-se as letras que compõem a palavra MAIS. Resultados: Apresenta-se proposição do mnemônico DELIRIUM+: D or; E letrólitos/Metabólico; L ocal/ambiente; I nfecções/invasões; R etenção urinária/fecal; I ntercorrência clínica aguda; U remia; M edicamentos; + [M obilidade; A companhante; I nteração; S ono]. A proposição desse mnemônico tem potencial para favorecer o ensino e a assistência voltados à prevenção, à detecção e ao manejo do delirium. Idealmente, o real impacto clínico desse mnemônico deverá ser testado em delineamento de pesquisa para validar sua implementação. (AU)

Evaluation of Bedtime vs. Morning Levothyroxine Intake to Control Hypothyroidism in Older Patients: A Pragmatic Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Drug scheduling in older adults can be a challenge, especially considering polypharmacy, physical dependency, and possible drug interactions. Properly testing alternative treatment regimens could therefore help to overcome treatment barriers. Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition in older adults, however, studies evaluating L-thyroxine treatment effectiveness in this specific age group are still lacking. Most studies testing an evening administration of levothyroxine were mainly composed of younger adults. Therefore, this trial is aimed to assess if evening levothyroxine (LT4) administration can effectively control hypothyroidism in older patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted between June 2018 and March 2020 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, a teaching hospital in Brazil, to compare the efficacy of morning and evening administration of LT4 for hypothyroidism control in older patients. The study protocol is published elsewhere. A total of 201 participants, ≥60 years old, with primary hypothyroidism treated with LT4 for at least 6 months and on stable doses for at least 3 months were included. Participants were randomly assigned to a starting group of morning LT4 intake (60 min before breakfast) or bedtime LT4 intake (60 min after the last meal). After ≥12 weeks of follow-up, a crossover between strategies was performed. The primary outcome was the change in serum thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone; TSH) levels after 12 weeks of each LT4 administration regimen. Results: A total of 201 participants with mean age of 72.4 ± 7.2 years were included, out of which 84.1% were women; baseline characteristics and frequency of controlled hypothyroidism were similar between groups. Mean baseline TSH was 3.43 ± 0.25 mUI/L. In total, 118 participants attended three meetings, allowing 135 comparisons by crossover analytic strategy. Mean TSH levels after follow-up were 2.95 ± 2.86 in the morning group and 3.64 ± 2.86 in the bedtime group, p = 0.107. Discussion: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone levels and frequency of controlled hypothyroidism were similar during the follow-up period regardless of the treatment regimen (morning or bedtime).

Type 2 Deiodinase Thr92Ala Polymorphism Is Not Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Type 2 Deiodinase (DIO2) converts thyroxine (T4) into the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Thr92Ala DIO2 polymorphism has been associated with reduced conversion of T4 into T3 and central nervous system hypothyroidism. However, how Thr92Ala DIO2 polymorphism affects cognitive function is still unclear. Objective: To assess the association between Thr92Ala DIO2 polymorphism and cognitive performance in older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University-based tertiary hospital in Brazil. Patients: > 65-year-old with no limiting clinical disease. Interventions: All participants answered a standard questionnaire before undergoing thyroid function laboratory evaluation and genotyping of the Thr92Ala DIO2 polymorphism. Main Outcomes: Cognitive impairment measured by the Word List Memory task from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Battery (CERAD-NB) and the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB). Results: A hundred individuals were included. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar among DIO2 genotypes (all p > 0.05). No differences were found in the Word List Memory, recall, or recognition tests of the CERAD-NB assuming a recessive model for the Ala/Ala vs. Thr/Ala-Thr/Thr genotypes. Results of Clock Drawing Test, Animal Fluency Test, Mini-Mental State Exam, and Figure Memory Test of the BCSB were similar between groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Thr92Ala DIO2 polymorphism is not associated with relevant cognitive impairment in older adults.

Recommendations for the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines / Recomendações para o desenvolvimento de Diretrizes de Prática Clínica

Clinical practice guidelines are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care, are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options, and ensure that the best available clinical knowledge is used to provide effective and quality care. They can reduce inappropriate care and variability in clinical practice and can support the translation of new research knowledge into clinical practice. Recommendations from clinical practice guidelines can support health professionals by facilitating the decision-making process, empowering them to make more informed health care choices, clarifying which interventions should be priorities based on a favorable tradeoff, and discouraging the use of those that have proven ineffective, dangerous, or wasteful. This review aims to summarize the key components of high-quality and trustworthy guidelines. Articles were retrieved from various libraries, databases, and search engines using free-text term searches adapted for different databases, and selected according to author discretion. Clinical practice guidelines in geriatrics can have a major impact on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, health care, and the management of diseases and conditions, but they should only be implemented when they have high-quality, rigorous, and unbiased methodologies that consider older adult priorities and provide valid recommendations.

As diretrizes de prática clínica são declarações que incluem recomendações destinadas a otimizar o atendimento ao paciente, informadas por uma revisão sistemática de evidências e uma avaliação dos benefícios e malefícios de opções alternativas de atendimento, garantindo que o melhor conhecimento clínico disponível seja usado para fornecer atendimento eficaz e de qualidade. Elas contribuem reduzindo os cuidados inadequados e a variabilidade na prática clínica e podem apoiar a tradução de novos conhecimentos de pesquisa. As recomendações dessas diretrizes podem apoiar os profissionais de saúde, facilitando o processo de tomada de decisão, capacitando-os a fazer escolhas de cuidados de saúde mais informadas, esclarecendo quais intervenções devem ser prioritárias com base em um trade-off favorável e desencorajando o uso daquelas comprovadamente ineficazes, perigosas ou que consistam em desperdício. Esta revisão visa resumir os principais componentes de diretrizes confiáveis e de alta qualidade. Os artigos foram recuperados de várias bibliotecas, bancos de dados e mecanismos de busca por meio de buscas de termos de texto livre adaptados para diferentes bancos de dados e selecionados de acordo com o critério do autor. As diretrizes de prática clínica em geriatria podem ter grande impacto na prevenção, diagnóstico, tratamento, reabilitação, assistência à saúde e manejo de doenças e condições, mas só devem ser implementadas quando tiverem metodologias de alta qualidade, rigorosas e imparciais, que considerem as prioridades da pessoa idosa e forneçam recomendações válidas.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients with Dementia Associated with Increased Psychological Distress in Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The social isolation imposed by COVID-19 pandemic can have a major impact on the mental health of dementia patients and their caregivers. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the neurological decline of patients with dementia and the caregivers' burden during the pandemic. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study. Caregivers of dementia patients following in the outpatient clinic were included. A structured telephone interview composed of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Beck Depression (BDI) and Anxiety (BAI) Inventories to address cognitive, behavioral, and functional changes associated with social distancing during the Sars-Cov-2 outbreak. Patients were divided in two groups according to caregivers' report: with perceived Altered Cognition (AC) and Stable Cognition (SC). RESULTS: A total of 58 patients (median age: 57 years [21-87], 58.6%females) and caregivers (median age: 76.5 years [55-89], 79.3%females) were included. Cognitive decline was shown by most patients (53.4%), as well as behavioral symptoms (48.3%), especially apathy/depression (24.1%), and functional decline (34.5%). The AC group (n = 31) presented increased behavioral (67.7%versus 25.9%, p = 0.002) and functional (61.3%versus 3.7%, p < 0.001) changes when compared to the SC group. In the AC group, ZBI, BDI, NPI-Q caregiver distress, and NPI-Q patient's severity of symptoms scores were worse than the SC group (p < 0.005 for all). CONCLUSION: Patients' neuropsychiatric worsening and caregiver burden were frequent during the pandemic. Worsening of cognition was associated with increased caregivers' psychological distress.

Prevalência de fibrilação atrial, indicação de anticoagulação oral e fatores associados em idosos brasileiros / Prevalence of atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulation prescription and associated factors in Brazilian older adults

INTRODUÇÃO: A fibrilação atrial aumenta o risco de eventos cerebrovasculares em cinco vezes. A anticoagulação reduz a incidência e a gravidade desses eventos, entretanto muitos pacientes deixam de receber tromboprofilaxia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de fibrilação atrial em pacientes idosos acompanhados em um hospital universitário e identificar o percentual desses pacientes com prescrição de anticoagulantes. Os objetivos secundários foram identificar as opções terapêuticas, as justificativas para não indicar o uso e os fatores associados à ineficácia e/ou ausência de tratamento. METODOLOGIA: Em estudo transversal, uma amostra consecutiva de 1.630 pacientes do Hospital de Clínicas O de Porto Alegre foi rastreada entre abril e junho de 2017. Fibrilação atrial foi identificada em 220 (13,50%) indivíduos, dos quais 145 foram avaliados com base na revisão de prontuários e questionário telefônico. A associação entre as variáveis e os desfechos foi analisada por meio do Teste U de Mann-Whitney e do teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de fibrilação atrial foi de 13,50%. Em 77,93%, havia i-r anticoagulante prescrito. Em 76,11% dos anticoagulados, a opção foi varfarina. Houve tendência de não prescrição para idosos com histórico de sangramento (risco relativo ­ RR = 2,32; índice de confiança de 95% - IC95% 0,95 - 5,64; p = 0,06) e quedas (RR = 2,02; IC95% 0,82 - 5,03; p = 0,08). Houve associação significativa entre maior grau de limitação funcional e maior índice de tratamento no alvo terapêutico (razão de prevalência ­ RP = 022; IC95% 0,06 - 0,87; p = 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de fibrilação atrial foi de 13,5% e, em 77,93% dos casos, havia prescrição de anticoagulante. Houve associação entre incapacidade funcional e melhor índice de anticoagulação no alvo terapêutico.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation increases five times the risk of stroke. Anticoagulation reduces the incidence of cerebrovascular events. However, many patients do not receive thromboprophylaxis. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the older patients at a Brazilian university hospital and the proportion of anticoagulation prescription. Secondary objectives were to identify the therapeutic options, the main reasons for non-prescription and the factors associated with ineffectiveness or lack of treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of 1,630 outpatients selected at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre between April and June of 2017. Atrial fibrillation was identified in 220 (13.50%) individuals. t Medical records from 145 patients were accessed, followed by a telephone interview. The association between variables and " outcomes was checked using the Mann-Whitney's U Test and a chi-squared test. RESULTS: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 13.50%. Anticoagulation therapy was prescribed in 77.93% of cases. In 76.11% of patients, warfarin was the chosen drug. < There was a tendency towards no prescription in patients with previous bleeding (RR = 2.32; 95%CI 0.95 - 5.64; p = 0.06) and falls (RR = 2.02; 95%CI 0.82 - 5.03; p = 0.08). We found an association between reduced functional capacity (Barthel's Activities of Daily Living Score < 80) and higher rate of anticoagulation in therapeutic target (RR = 0.22; 95%CI 0.06 - 0.87; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in this population was 13.50% and in 77.93% of cases anticoagulant were prescribed. Functional impairment was associated with a higher rate of anticoagulation in therapeutic target.

Evaluation of evening versus morning levothyroxine intake in elderly (MONIALE).

BACKGROUND: The aging population is associated with increased multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Older adults are at a higher risk of adverse events and reduced therapeutic response. This phenomenon is partially explained by drug interactions and treatment adherence. Most randomized clinical trials have found no significant differences between morning and evening levothyroxine (LT4) administration in young adults, but there is little evidence regarding alternative LT4 regimens in older populations. Thus, the MONIALE trial aims to test an alternative schedule for LT4 administration in older adults. METHODS/DESIGN: This randomized crossover clinical trial will include participants aged 60 years or older with primary hypothyroidism. The trial groups will consist of morning LT4 intake (60 min before breakfast) or evening LT4 intake (60 min after supper). The primary outcome will be variation in serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels after 24 weeks of the LT4 protocol. The secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of drugs that potentially interact with LT4 and hypothyroidism control according to interaction status. The sample size was calculated to detect a minimum mean difference of 1 mUI/L in serum TSH level between the groups with 80% power and a 5% probability of type I error, resulting in 91 patients per group. The project was approved by the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Ethics Committee. DISCUSSION: Considering the aging population, the increased prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, as well as potential drug interactions and treatment adherence difficulties, an alternative LT4 protocol could be useful for hypothyroidism treatment in the elderly. Prior studies comparing alternative LT4 administration protocols have mainly included young adult populations and have not addressed potential drug interactions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03614988. Registered 30 July 2018.

Effects of Physical Exercise Programs on Sarcopenia Management, Dynapenia, and Physical Performance in the Elderly: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition in the elderly population, imposing a significant impact over their functional ability as well as their quality of life. Furthermore, it is associated with greater incidence of major geriatric outcomes, as reduced mobility, falls, loss of independence, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality. Physical Exercise Programs directed to improve muscle mass and its function may be key to reduce sarcopenia consequences. However, a significant heterogeneity is found in clinical trials, especially as a consequence of different exercise protocols applied to research subjects. OBJECTIVES: To access the effects of physical exercise programs compared to no exercise interventions to improve sarcopenia components and its determinants in sarcopenic elder individuals. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in the Pubmed database to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) which tested the effects of physical exercise programs to manage sarcopenia components in sarcopenic elder individuals. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies' eligibility according to specified inclusion criteria in a four-step strategy. Data regarding population characteristics, muscle mass, muscle quality, muscle strength, and muscle function were extracted from each one of the included studies. Assessment of quality and individual studies risk of bias were assessed through Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool®. Assuming theoretical expected heterogeneity among studies, especially regarding different physical exercise programs and different outcome measurements, authors decided to be conservative and present study results in descriptive tables. RESULTS: Search strategy retrieved 298 papers on PubMed database. Three more were identified through manual search, being 301 studies revised for inclusion. 278 were excluded during title/abstract review. After further evaluation of 23 full-texts, 5 RCTs were included. All 5 trials tested the efficacy of isolated exercise programs to improve sarcopenia components in the elderly compared to no physical intervention. Resistance training was the main intervention component in all included trials compared to inactive control groups (health education mainly). Physical training improved muscle strength, muscle quality, and muscle function compared to inactive control groups. Considering muscle mass, no differences were demonstrated. Data meta-analysis was not possible to be performed due to high heterogeneity among trials and small number of studies for each outcome comparison. CONCLUSION: Heterogeneity among trials and small number of RCTs limited robust conclusions and data meta-analysis. However, resistance training protocols can improve muscle strength and physical performance in elders previously diagnosed with sarcopenia, although its effect size and clinical impact are barely relevant.

Consenso brasileiro de fragilidade em idosos: conceitos, epidemiologia e instrumentos de avaliação / Brazilian consensus on frailty in older people: concepts, epidemiology and evaluation instruments

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi descrever as definições conceitual e operacional da síndrome de fragilidade recomendadas pelo Consenso Brasileiro de Fragilidade em Idosos. Em 2015, uma força-tarefa composta de especialistas brasileiros em envelhecimento humano conduziu uma revisão bibliográfica sobre fragilidade em idosos no Brasil e estabeleceu um consenso acerca dos principais achados por meio de reuniões periódicas. No total, 72 artigos foram incluídos para análise, entre os quais, uma revisão sistemática, duas discussões conceituais, duas descrições metodológicas, quatro estudos longitudinais focando mortalidade e piora do perfil de fragilidade, oito estudos de adaptação transcultural e 55 estudos transversais ou de prevalência. Quarenta e cinco estudos (62,5%) utilizaram a escala de fragilidade do Cardiovascular Health Study (EFCHS), dos quais sete (15,2%) usaram pontos de corte não ajustados para a amostra e 17 (36,9%) modificaram pelo menos um dos cinco itens que compõem o instrumento. A prevalência de fragilidade variou entre 6,7 e 74,1%. Quando utilizada a EFCHS, a ampla variação de prevalência ­ de 8 a 49,3% ­ dependeu dos pontos de corte empregados para classificar as alterações na velocidade de marcha e na força de preensão palmar, bem como do cenário de investigação. Os estudos foram baseados em quatro grandes modelos conceituais de fragilidade. A fragilidade em idosos representa um estado de vulnerabilidade fisiológica e não deve ser confundida com incapacidades ou multimorbidades. Na população brasileira, a prevalência de fragilidade ainda não está adequadamente estimada, e os pontos de corte dos itens que compõem as escalas de fragilidade devem ser adaptados aos parâmetros dessa população.

The aim of the present study was to describe the conceptual and operational definitions of the frailty syndrome recommended by the Brazilian Consensus on Frailty in Older People. In 2015, a task force consisting of Brazilian specialists on human aging conducted a bibliographical review on frailty among older people in Brazil and established a consensus on the main findings through periodic meetings. A total of 72 articles were included in the analysis, comprising one systematic review, two conceptual discussions, two methodological descriptions, four longitudinal studies focusing on mortality and worsening of the frailty profile, eight cross-cultural adaptation studies, and 55 cross-sectional or prevalence studies. Forty-five studies (62.5%) used the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty scale, of which seven (15.2%) used unadjusted cut-off points for their samples and 17 (36.9%) modified at least one of the five items of the instrument. The prevalence of frailty varied between 6.7 and 74.1%. When the CHS frailty scale was used, the wide range of prevalence ­ from 8 to 49.3% ­ depended on the cut-off points used to classify changes in gait speed and handgrip strength, as well as the research setting. The studies were based on four major conceptual models of frailty. Frailty in older people represents a state of physiological vulnerability and should not be confused with disabilities or multi-morbidities. In the Brazilian population, the prevalence of frailty has not yet been adequately estimated, and the cut-off points of the items of the frailty scales should be adapted to the parameters of this population.