Geriatric Assessment Scale for Optimal Management of Gastric Cancer in Older Adults Who Underwent Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Stomach cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer worldwide, especially in the population over 65 years. The survival rate of the elderly is lower in comparison with young people, and they are underrepresented in clinical trials and research in general. The evaluation of Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment (MGA) would be key for assessing the prognosis of these patients and therefore having a more informed decision-making process when considering one of the most vulnerable populations. METHODS: A search was performed in the OVID, Embase, and PubBMed databases. There was no restriction on publication time, language, or study design. Eligible studies were those that included geriatric patients with a diagnosis of nonmetastatic stomach cancer who receive oncospecific and surgical management, used Multidimensional/Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (MGA), and which outcomes included at least overall survival, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Four studies were included, and the MGA battery was not implemented, but rather easily measurable scales such as nutritional status, functional status, cognitive and behavioral disorders, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Some authors proposed that the assessment of overall survival is not explicit among the included studies; patients with gastric cancer and mild, moderate, severe, and total dependence had higher mortality than independent patients (39% [HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.09-1.7], 68% [95% CI: 1.46-1.93], 187% [HR 2.87 95% CI: 2.47-3.34], and 234% [95% CI: 2.81-3.97]), respectively. The Zhou study showed an association between sarcopenia, assessed by imaging studies, and a longer hospital stay in days (16 [9] vs. 13 [6], p 0.004). The study by Pujara found that polypharmacy (OR 2.36 CI: 1.08-5.17) and weight loss greater than 10% in the past 6 months were associated with greater postoperative morbidity at 90 days (OR 2.36 CI: 1.08-5.17, OR 11.21 CI: 2.16-58.24). CONCLUSION: MGA was not broadly implemented. Geriatric assessment dependency appears to be a prognostic marker of survival in patients with gastric cancer. Sarcopenia appears to be an important prognostic marker for short- and long-term outcomes. Higher quality studies in this specific population are required to support the systematic use of this assessment for the choice of appropriate therapy according to the patient.

Fracturas de fémur distal en población geriátrica: Evaluación de estadía hospitalaria y morbimortalidad / Distal femoral fractures in the elderly: assessment of length of stay and morbimortality

INTRODUCCION Las fracturas de fémur distal (FFD) son un problema importante de salud pública. Con el envejecimiento de la población, se espera un incremento de esta lesión en los próximos años. Objetivo Describir las complicaciones y la mortalidad de las FFD en un grupo de pacientes geriátricos. MATERIALES Y METODOS Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 60 años operados por FFD, todos tratados en un mismo centro, entre 2011 y 2015, con al menos 1 año de seguimiento. Se excluyeron pacientes con ficha incompleta. Se analizaron los datos demográficos y radiológicos, las complicaciones locales y sistémicas, la estadía hospitalaria y la mortalidad. RESULTADOS En total, 16 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de selección; tenían una mediana de edad de 73 (rango: 61 a 93) años, y 14 (87,5%) eran mujeres. La clasificación de la Asociación para el Estudio de la Fijación Interna (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen, AO, en alemán) de las fracturas fue: A ­12 (75%); B ­ 2 (12,5%); y C ­ 2 (12,5%). No hubo casos de fractura expuesta. Un total de 9 (56,3%) pacientes fueron operados con placa condilar dinámica, 4 (25%), con placa bloqueada, y 3 (19%), con clavo retrógrado. La mediana de latencia quirúrgica fue de 10 (rango: 3 a 27) días, con una mediana de hospitalización de 14 (rango: 5 a 47) días. Complicaciones fueran presentadas por 6 (37,5%) pacientes: 2 (12,5%) casos de tromboembolismo pulmonar y 4 (25%) casos que requirieron reintervención (2 fallos de osteosíntesis, 1 artrofibrosis y 1 no unión aséptica). No hubo complicaciones infecciosas. La mortalidad a 12 meses fue de 0%. CONCLUSIONES Los pacientes con FFD en esta cohorte geriátrica presentaron una larga estadía hospitalaria, con una alta tasa de complicaciones, que incluye un 25% de reintervenciones. Pese a esto, la mortalidad a 12 meses fue de 0%

INTRODUCTION Distal femoral fractures (DFF) are a relevant problem for public health worldwide. As the population ages, an increase in the rate of these lesions is expected in the next few years. Objective To describe the complications and mortality from DFF in geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive and retrospective study with patients aged 60 years or older who underwent surgery due to DFF. All subjects received treatment in the same trauma center from 2011 to 2015 and underwent a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. We analyzed demographics, radiological findings, local and systemic complications, length of stay, and mortality rates. RESULTS In total, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria; their median age was of 72 (range: 61 to 93) years, and 14 subjects (87,5%) were female. The classification of the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen, AO, in German) was as follows: A ­ 12 patients (75%); B ­ 2 patients (12.5%); and C ­ 2 patients (12.5%). There were no open fractures. The devices used in the operations included dynamic condylar screw (DCS) plates (9 subjects; 56%), distal femur locking compression plates (LCPs) (4 subjects; 25%), and retrograde distal femoral nails (DFNs) (3 subjects; 19%). The median time until surgery was of 10 (range: 3 to 27) days, with a median length of stay of 14 (range: 5 to 47) days. Complications were presented by 6 (37.5%) patients: 2 (12.5%) cases of pulmonary thromboembolism and 4 (25%) cases which required reintervention (2 due to hardware failure, 1 because of arthrofibrosis, and 1 due to aseptic nonunion); there were no cases of infection. The mortality rate at 12 months was of 0%. CONCLUSION The patients with DFF in this geriatric cohort presented a long length of stay, with a high rate of complications, including a rate of 25% of reintervention. Nevertheless, the 1-year mortality rate was of 0%

An update on the study of synovial fluid in the geriatric patient.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of synovial fluid (SF) in geriatric patients differ from those in younger patients. In Mexico, epidemiologic data on the incidence of different rheumatic diseases in geriatric patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the physical characteristics of geriatric SF and the prevalence of crystals in knee and other joint aspirates from patients with previously diagnosed joint disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with a baseline of 517 SF samples between 2011 and 2023. White blood cell count was performed by Neubauer chamber and crystals were identified by polarized light microscopy. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and prevalence was reported as a percentage. RESULTS: The mean age of the adults was 73.5±5.0 years, 54.4% were women and 45.6% were men. The mean SF volume was 6.3±9.5mL in older adults and 15.3±24.9mL in those younger than 65 years. The mean viscosity in older adults was 9.5±4.5mm and the mean leukocyte count was 7352±16,402leukocytes/mm3. Seventy percent of the older adults' SFs were referred to the laboratory for osteoarthritis (OA), with lower proportions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (14.6%) and gout (5.1%). Of the crystals observed in the geriatric population, 14.6% corresponded to monosodium urate crystals (CUM) and 18.9% to calcium pyrophosphate crystals (CPP). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of LS in older adults were smaller volume, increased viscosity, and non-inflammatory. The main diagnoses were OA, RA, and gout. The crystal content of the SF of the geriatric population corresponded mainly to CPP.

Nivel de conocimientos sobre lesiones premalignas bucales en pacientes geriátricos

Fundamento: El nivel de conocimiento sobre lesiones premalignas en la población geriátrica es un factor significativo que incide en la prevención, evitando la progresión a un cáncer bucal. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimiento de los pacientes geriátricos sobre las lesiones premalignas bucales. Metodología: Entre septiembre de 2019 y junio de 2021 se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en el Consultorio Médico de la Familia # 12 del municipio Cabaiguán, provincia Sancti Spíritus. La población estuvo constituida por 158 pacientes geriátricos y mediante un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple la muestra quedó conformada por 80. Se aplicaron métodos del nivel teórico, empírico, estadístico y matemático. Las variables utilizadas fueron edad, sexo, escolaridad, nivel de conocimiento sobre factores de riesgo y signos clínicos, conocimientos sobre el autoexamen bucal y la conducta a seguir. Resultados: Se constató que el nivel de conocimientos sobre factores de riesgo fue regular y sobre signos clínicos y forma y frecuencia del autoexamen bucal fue mal. La mayoría de la muestra en estudio conocía donde acudir y afirmó haber recibido información al respecto. Conclusiones: En su mayoría el nivel de conocimientos sobre lesiones premalignas se observó entre regular y mal con un descenso significativo del nivel de conocimientos en los pacientes de edades más avanzadas.

Background: The knowledge level about premalignant lesions in the geriatric population is a significant factor that influences on prevention, avoiding progression into mouth neoplasms. Objective: To diagnose the knowledge level in geriatric patients about buccal premalignant lesions. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted between September 2019 and June 2021 at the Family Medical Office # 12 of Cabaiguán municipality, Sancti Spíritus province. The population was constituted by 158 geriatric patients and by means of a simple random probabilistic sampling, the sample was made up by 80. Theoretical, empirical, statistical and mathematical methods were applied. The used variables were age, sex, schooling, risk factors and clinical signs knowledge, knowledge of buccal self-examination and conduct to be followed. Results: The knowledge level about risk factors was found to be regular and on clinical signs and form and frequency of buccal self-examination was bad. The majority of the sample under study knew where to go and affirmed that they had received information about it. Conclusions: Mostly the knowledge level of premalignant lesions was observed to be regular to bad with a significant decrease in the knowledge level in more elderly patients.

Benefits of Teledermatology for Geriatric Patients: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Teledermatology is a health care tool that has been increasingly used around the world, mostly because dermatology has an emphasis on visual diagnosis. Many studies have shown that access to specialized care improves using teledermatology, which provides accurate diagnosis and reduces the time taken for treatment, with high patient satisfaction. As the population around the world grows old, there will be even more demand for dermatologists in years to come. It is essential to know which are the most prevalent skin conditions in the primary care population and if they can be addressed through teledermatology. OBJECTIVE: Our main goal was to evaluate the proportion of lesions in individuals aged 60 years and older that could be managed using teledermatology in conjunction with primary care physicians. Second, we aimed to assess the most frequent skin lesions, the most common treatments provided to patients, and the distribution and causes of referrals made by the teledermatologists. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from July 2017 to July 2018 in São Paulo, Brazil. We included 6633 individuals aged 60 years and older who presented with 12,770 skin lesions. Teledermatologists had three options to refer patients: (1) to undergo biopsy directly, (2) to an in-person dermatologist visit, and (3) back to the primary care physician with the most probable diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Teledermatology managed 66.66% (8408/12614) of dermatoses with the primary care physician without the need for an in-presence visit; 27.10% (3419/12614) were referred to dermatologists, and 6.24% (787/12614) directly to biopsy. The most frequent diseases were seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigo, onychomycosis, melanocytic nevus, benign neoplasms, actinic keratosis, epidermoid cyst, xerosis, leucoderma, and wart, with significant differences between sexes. Malignant tumors increased with age and were the leading cause for biopsies, while infectious skin conditions and pigmentary disorders decreased. Emollient was the most frequent treatment prescribed, in 31.88% (909/2856) of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Teledermatology helped to treat 67% of the dermatoses of older individuals, addressing cases of minor complexity quickly and conveniently together with the primary care physician, thus optimizing dermatological appointments for the most severe, surgical, or complex diseases. Teledermatology does not aim to replace a face-to-face visit with the dermatologist; however, it might help to democratize dermatological treatment access for patients and decrease health care expenses.

Enfermedades bucales y factores de riesgo en la población geriátrica perteneciente a un consultorio médico / Oral diseases and risk factors in the geriatric population of a family doctor's office

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, desde noviembre de 2016 hasta abril de 2017, de los 166 adultos mayores pertenecientes al consultorio médico No 20 del Policlínico Carlos Juan Finlay del municipio de Santiago de Cuba, para evaluar la presencia de enfermedades bucodentales y los factores de riesgo. Para la recolección de la información se utilizó la encuesta de salud bucal de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la historia de salud bucal familiar. Los hábitos nocivos como la deficiente higiene bucal y la dieta cariogénica, además de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, fueron los factores de riesgo más comunes en esta población, en quienes la disfunción masticatoria y la caries dental constituyeron los problemas principales

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 166 elderly belonging to the family doctor office No 20 of Carlos J Finlay Polyclinic in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from November, 2016 to April, 2017, to evaluate the presence of oral-dental diseases and risk factors. The survey of oral health from the World Health Organization and the medical record of family oral health were used for gathering the information. Harmful habits as poor oral hygiene and a cariogenic diet, besides non communicable chronic diseases, were the most common risk factors in this population, for whom masticatory dysfuntion and dental decay constituted the main problems

La atención al Adulto mayor: un reto para la medicina contemporánea / Senior Adult Care: A Challenge For Contemporary Medicine

Introducción: en Cuba, como parte del Programa de Atención al Adulto Mayor, la atención comunitaria desarrolla acciones encaminadas a la atención integral al anciano, con el fin de mantenerlos activos en el seno de la comunidad e integrarlos a esta. Para ello es imprescindible concebir esta etapa de la vida como un período de desarrollo y crecimiento, rico en experiencias y conocimientos, lo que se revertiría en acciones preventivas que contribuyan a que los ancianos lleven una vida más plena, sintiéndose útiles y satisfechos a pesar de su avanzada edad, con una percepción positiva de la vejez, responsabilidad que debe asumir el personal de la salud de su comunidad por mantener una estrecha relación con ellos. Objetivos: caracterizar a la población geriátrica y, posteriormente, trabajar con ella en un proyecto comunitario. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en el Consultorio 6 del Policlínico Pedro Díaz Coello durante los meses enero-febrero de 2013. Se integraron al estudio todos los pacientes mayores de 60 años, escogiéndose la muestra de forma aleatoria simple, teniendo en cuenta los criterios de exclusión. Para la caracterización se revisaron las historias clínicas individuales, se aplicó la Escala de Depresión Yesavage y el test para determinar deterioro cognitivo en el anciano, Mini Mental. Resultados: predominaron los viejos jóvenes, funcionales con un mayor por ciento en el sexo femenino y sin deterioro cognitivo; la depresión estaba presente en la mayoría de ellos. Conclusiones: predominaron los viejos jóvenes, funcionales y sin deterioro cognitivo, con un mayor por ciento en el sexo femenino, la depresión estuvo presente en la mayoría de ellos(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba, as part of the Care Program for the Elderly, community care develops actions to provide comprehensive care to the elderly, in order to keep them active within the community and integrate them in it. This requires designing this stage of life as a period of development and growth, rich in experience and knowledge, which would be reversed in preventive actions that help the elderly lead a fuller life, feeling useful and satisfied despite their advanced age, with a positive perception of old age. This responsibility must assume by the health personnel in their community by maintaining a close relationship with them. Objectives: Characterize the geriatric population and then work with it in a community project. Methods: An observational, descriptive study was carried out at Doctor's Office 6 in Pedro Diaz Coello Polyclinic from January to February 2013. All patients older than 60 years joined the study. The sample was chosen at simple random, taking into account the exclusion criteria. Individual medical histories were reviewed to characterize the subjects in this study. Yesavage Depression Scale was applied as well as tests to determine cognitive impairment in the elderly. Results: Old youth predominated, with greater functional percent in women without cognitive impairment; depression was present in most of them. Conclusions: Old youth predominated, functional and without cognitive impairment, with a higher percent in women, depression was present in most of them(AU)

Enfermedad renal crónica en el adulto mayor / Chronic renal disease in elder people

Fundamento: la insuficiencia renal crónica se define como el daño estructural o funcional del riñón, evidenciado por marcadores de daño (orina, sangre o imágenes) por un período igual o mayor a tres meses. Entre el 8 al 10 % de la población general adulta tiene algún daño renal. Objetivos: conocer la incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad renal crónica en el adulto mayor, en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de tipo, longitudinal, descriptivo, retrospectivo. La muestra la constituyó 274 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, color de la piel, peso, antecedentes patológicos personales, las causas de ingreso, los factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica, hábitos tóxicos y valor de la creatinina. Para organizar los indicadores obtenidos se aplicó el método estadístico descriptivo, analizando la información mediante tablas de distribución de frecuencia, gráficos y las medidas de resumen como la media y la moda para las variables cuantitativas, y los números absolutos y el porcentaje para las variables cualitativa. Resultados: alta prevalencia hospitalaria de la enfermedad renal crónica en el adulto mayor, más frecuente en el sexo femenino y la raza blanca, coexisten muchos factores de riesgo, predominando hipertensión arterial, cardiopatías, diabetes mellitus, edad y hábito de fumar. Los factores de progresión más frecuentes encontrados fueron hipertensión arterial descompensada, hipoperfusión renal y sepsis. Conclusiones: existe una alta prevalencia hospitalaria de la enfermedad renal crónica en el adulto mayor, con un subdiagnóstico de la misma.

Founding principle: chronic renal insufficiency is defined as the kidney structural or functional damage, evidenced by markers of damage (urine, blood or images) for a period of three months or more. Between 8 and 10 % of the general adult population has some renal damage. Objective: to know the incidence and prevalence of the chronic renal disease in elder people, in the Teaching Clinic Surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández. Methods: a retrospective descriptive longitudinal study was carried out. The sample was formed by 274 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The used variables were: age, sex, skin color, weight, personal pathological antecedents, entering cause, chronic renal disease´s progression factors, toxic habits and creatinine value. For organizing the obtained indicators we applied the descriptive statistic method, analyzing the information through frequency distribution tables, graphics resuming measures as average and mode for the quantitative variables, and absolute numbers and percentage for the qualitative variables. Results: high nosocomial prevalence of the chronic renal disease in elder people, more frequent in the female sex and white people; coexistence of many risk factors, predominating arterial hypertension, cardiopathies, diabetes mellitus, age and smoking. The most frequently found progression factors were de decompensated arterial hypertension, renal hypoperfusion and sepsis. Conclusions:there is high nosocomial prevalence of the chronic renal disease in elder people.