Comprehensive Geriatric Care in Older Adults: Walking Ability after an Acute Fracture.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive Geriatric Care (CGC) is a specific multimodal treatment for older patients. In the current study, we aimed to investigate walking performance after CGC in medically ill patients versus those with fractures. METHODS: The timed up and go test (TuG), a 5-grade scale assessment (1 = no walking impairment to 5 = no walking ability at all) for evaluating individual walking ability was performed in all patients who underwent CGC prior to and after treatment. Factors associated with improvement in walking ability were analyzed in the subgroup of patients with fractures. RESULTS: Out of 1263 hospitalized patients, 1099 underwent CGC (median age: 83.1 years (IQR 79.0-87.8 years); 64.1% were female). Patients with fractures (n = 300) were older than those without (n = 799), (median 85.6 versus 82.4 years, p = 0.001). Improvement in TuG after CGC was found in 54.2% of the fracture patients compared to just 45.9% of those without fractures. In fracture group patients, TuG improved from median 5 on admission to median 3 on discharge (p = 0.001). In fracture patients, improvement in walking ability was associated with higher Barthel index values on admission (median 45 (IQR: 35-55) versus 35 (IQR: 20-50): p = 0.001) and Tinetti assessment scores (median 9 (IQR: 4-14.25) versus 5 (IQR: 0-13); p = 0.001) and was negatively associated with the diagnosis of dementia (21.4% versus 31.5%; p = 0.058). CONCLUSION: CGC improved walking ability in more than half of all patients examined. Older patients in particular might benefit from undergoing the procedure after an acute fracture. A better initial functional status favors a positive result following the treatment.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Enhanced the Decade-Long Trend of the Decreasing Utilization of Antibiotics.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: A decline in antibiotic (AB) prescriptions was reported during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, we investigated AB utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from a large database in Germany. METHODS: AB prescriptions in the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) were analyzed for each year between 2011 and 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to assess developments in relation to age group, sex, and antibacterial substances. Infection incidence rates were also investigated. RESULTS: In total, 1,165,642 patients received antibiotic prescriptions during the entire study period (mean age: 51.8; SD: 18.4 years; 55.3% females). AB prescriptions started to decline in 2015 (505 patients per practice), and this development persisted until 2021 (2020: 300 patients per practice and 2021: 266 patients per practice). The sharpest drop was observed in 2020 and occurred in both women and men (27.4% and 30.1%). In the youngest age group (≤30), the decrease was -56%, while in the age group >70, it was -38%. The number of patients with prescriptions for fluoroquinolones dropped the most, falling from 117 in 2015 to 35 in 2021 (-70%), followed by macrolides (-56%) and tetracyclines (-56%). In 2021, 46% fewer patients were diagnosed with acute lower respiratory infections, 19% fewer with chronic lower respiratory diseases, and just 10% fewer with diseases of the urinary system. CONCLUSION: AB prescriptions decreased more in the first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic than infectious diseases did. While the factor of older age influenced this trend negatively, it remained unaffected by the factor of sex and the selected antibacterial substance.

Microembolizations in the Arterial Cerebral Circulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using the Cryoballoon Technique-Protocol and Methodology of a Prospective Observational Study.

There is considerable uncertainty regarding the impact of microembolic signals (MESs) on neuropsychological abilities in patients receiving pulmonary vein isolation and beyond using the cryoballoon technique. We conducted the largest prospective observational study on this topic, providing insights into the gradual unmasking of procedure-related MESs and their impacts on neuropsychological outcomes. MESs were continuously detected periprocedurally using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Neuropsychological status was evaluated comprehensively using the CERAD Plus test battery, which consists of 11 neuropsychological subtests. Patients with atrial fibrillation were included in the study with an equal distribution (50:50) of paroxysmal or persistent presentations. Of 167 consecutive eligible patients, 100 were included within the study enrollment period from February 2021 to August 2022. The study, including the documentation of all follow-up visits, ended in November 2022. This paper focuses on describing the study protocol and methodology and presenting the baseline data.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Hormonal Therapy on the Postoperative Course for Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) preceding robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) may be beneficial in high-risk cases to facilitate surgical resection. Yet, its improvement in local tumor control is not obvious. Its benefit regarding overall cancer survival is also not evident, and it may worsen sexual and hormonal functions. This study explores the effect of NHT on the perioperative course after RARP. METHODS: In this study, 500 patients from a tertiary referral center who underwent RARP by a specialized surgeon were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into two groups: the NHT (n = 55, 11%) group, which included patients who received NHT (median: 1 month prior to RARP), and the standard non-NHT (NNHT) group (n = 445, 89%). Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed. Postoperative results, complications, and readmission rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: NHT patients were heterogeneous from the rest regarding cancer parameters such as PSA (25 vs. 7.8 ng/mL) and tumor risk stratification, and they were more comorbid (p = 0.006 for the ASA score). They also received fewer nerve-sparing procedures (14.5% vs. 80.4%), while the operation time was similar. Positive surgical margins (PSM) (21.8% vs. 5.4%) and positive lymph nodes (PLN) (56.4% vs. 12.7%) were significantly higher in the NHT group compared to the non-NHT (NNHT) group. Hospital stay was equal, whereas catheter days were 3 days longer in the NHT group. NHT patients also suffered more minor vesicourethral-anastomosis-related complications. Major complications (p = 0.825) and readmissions (p = 0.070) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving NHT before RARP did not experience more major complications or readmissions within 90 days after surgery. Patients with unfavorable, high-risk tumors may benefit from NHT since it facilitates surgical resection. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to measure the advantages and disadvantages of NHT.

Prostate Volume Influence on Postoperative Outcomes for Patients Undergoing RARP: A Monocentric Serial Analysis of 500 Cases.

Elevated prostate volume is considered to negatively influence postoperative outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We aim to investigate the influence of prostate volume on readmissions and complications after RARP. METHODS: A total of 500 consecutive patients who underwent RARP between April 2019 and August 2022 were included. Patients were dichotomized into two groups using a prostate volume cut-off of 50 mL (small and normal prostate (SNP) n = 314, 62.8%; large prostate n = 186, 37.2%). Demographic, baseline, and perioperative data were analyzed. The postoperative complications and readmission rates within 90 days after RARP were compared between groups. A univariate linear analysis was performed to investigate the association between prostate volume and other relevant outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with larger prostates had a higher IPSS score, and therefore, more relevant LUTS at the baseline. They had higher ASA scores (p = 0.015). They also had more catheter days (mean 6.6 days for SNP vs. 7.5 days for LP) (p = 0.041). All oncological outcomes were similar between the groups. Although statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.062), a trend for minor complications in patients with larger prostates, n = 37/186 (19.8%) for the LP group vs. n = 37/314 (11.7%) in the SNP group, was observed. Namely, acute urinary retention and secondary anastomosis insufficiency. Major complications with an SNP (4.4%) and LP (3.7%) (p = 0.708) and readmissions with an SNP (6.25%) and LP (4.2%) (p = 0.814) were infrequent and distributed equally between the groups. In univariate analysis, prostate volume could solely predict a longer console time (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A higher prostate volume appears to have minimal influence on the perioperative course after RARP. It can prolong catheter days and increase the incidence of minor complications such as acute urinary retention. However, it might predict minor changes in operating time. Yet, prostate volume has less influence on major complications, readmissions, or oncological results.

Comprehensive Geriatric Care in Older Hospitalized Patients with Depressive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Depressive symptoms (DS) may interfere with comprehensive geriatric care (CGC), the specific multimodal treatment for older patients. In view of this, the aim of the current study was to investigate the extent to which DS occur in older hospitalized patients scheduled for CGC and to analyze the associated factors. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether DS are relevant with respect to outcomes after CGC. METHODS: For this retrospective study, all patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by reviewing case files. The main inclusion criterion was the completion of CGC within the defined period (May 2018 and May 2019) in the geriatrics department of the Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen (Germany). The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to asses DS in older adults scheduled for CGC (0-5, no evidence of DS; 6-15 points, DS). Scores for functional assessments (Timed Up and Go test (TuG), Barthel Index, and Tinetti Gait and Balance test) were compared prior to versus after CGC. Factors associated with the presence of DS were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 1263 patients available for inclusion in this study, 1092 were selected for the analysis (median age: 83.1 years (IQR 79.1-87.7 years); 64.1% were female). DS (GDS > 5) were found in 302 patients (27.7%). The proportion of female patients was higher in the subgroup of patients with DS (85.5% versus 76.3%, p = 0.024). Lower rates of patients diagnosed with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease were detected in the subgroup of patients without DS (8.0% versus 14.9%, p = 0.001). Higher rates of dizziness were observed in patients with DS than in those without (9.9% versus 6.2%, p = 0.037). After CGC, TuG scores improved from a median of 4 to 3 (p < 0.001) and Barthel Index scores improved from a median of 45 to 55 (p < 0.001) after CGC in both patients with and without DS. In patients with DS, the Tinetti score improved from a median of 10 (IQR: 4.75-14.25) prior to CGC to 14 (IQR 8-19) after CGC (p < 0.001). In patients without DS, the Tinetti score improved from a median of 12 (IQR: 6-7) prior to CGC to 15 (IQR 2-20) after CGC (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DS were detected in 27.7% of the patients selected for CGC. Although patients with DS had a poorer baseline status, we detected no difference in the degree of improvement in both groups, indicating that the performance of CGC is unaffected by the presence of DS prior to the procedure.

Safety and Performance of the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Detection Algorithm INSIGHTTM in Pacemaker Patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of the S-ICD is limited by its inability to provide backup pacing. Combined use of the S-ICD with a pacemaker may be a good choice in certain situations, yet current experience concerning the compatibility is limited. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of the S-ICD in patients with a pacemaker. METHODS: A total of 74 consecutive patients with a bipolar pacemaker were prospectively enrolled. First, surface rhythm strips were recorded in all possible pacemaker stimulation modes, to screen for T-wave oversensing (TWOS). Second, a S-ICD functional dummy was placed epicutaneously on the patient in the typical implant position. The same standardized pacing protocol was used as mentioned above, and every stimulation mode was recorded via S-ECG in all vectors. RESULTS: In 16 patients (21.6%), programmed stimulation would have led to VT/VF detection. Triggered episodes were due to counting of the pacing spike(s), QRS complex, premature ventricular contractions, and/or additional TWOS. Three cases triggered in the bipolar stimulation mode. Oversensing was associated with lung emphysema and a reduced QRS amplitude in the S-ECG. CONCLUSION: The combination of an S-ICD and a pacemaker may lead to inadequate shock delivery due to oversensing, even under programmed bipolar stimulation. Oversensing cannot be sufficiently predicted by the screening tool in pacemaker patients. Testing with an epicutaneous S-ICD dummy in all vectors and stimulation settings is recommended in patients with pre-existing pacemakers.

Electroencephalography Findings in Older Adults Undergoing Geriatric Treatment: A Surrogate for the Outcome?

Background: Comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) is a multidisciplinary approach developed to meet the needs of older patients. Electroencephalography (EEG) provides valuable information for monitoring the cerebral function. As a surrogate, EEG findings may help to estimate the course of diseases as well as the treatment outcomes. Objectives: Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate EEG findings in older patients receiving CGC. Methods: Patients with an initial EEG in a geriatric unit between May 2019 and April 2020 and treated using the CGC approach were analyzed. EEG abnormalities were defined as generalized (diffuse) background slowing and/or intermittent/persistent focal slowing and/or epileptiform discharges. Assessment results for the Barthel index (BI), Tinetti Balance and Gait test (TBGT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were analyzed in relation to the presence of EEG abnormalities. Results: The study included 398 patients (mean age: 83.0 ± 6.57 years, 69.3% were female). Abnormal EEG patterns were found in 94 (23.6%) patients. Patients with EEG abnormalities had a mean age of 83.4 years versus a mean of 82.8 years in those without (p = 0.451). Based on all calculated scores, the majority of the patients improved after CGC, with a tendency to higher-grade improvements in those without EEG abnormalities (BI: 86.2% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.024; TUG: 53.3% vs. 31.9%, p < 0.001); for TBGT, only a gradual difference was detected (TBGT: 79.9% vs. 71.3%, p = 0.088). The presence of EEG abnormalities was associated with the parameters dementia (36.2% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.010), known epilepsy/seizure (19.1% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001), structural brain lesion (47.9% vs. 19.7%, p < 0.001), and delirium (9.6% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.030) during hospitalization. Conclusions: We found EEG abnormalities in almost a quarter of the patients treated in the geriatric unit. In older patients, the presence of EEG abnormalities is associated with lower improvements after CGC.