Fatigue after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients according to sex.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists on sex differences in post-COVID fatigue among non-hospitalized patients. Therefore, aim of the study was to evaluate the course of chronic fatigue symptoms in non-hospitalized subjects with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to sex. METHODS: Patients and staff from the University Hospital in Krakow anonymously and retrospectively completed neuropsychological questionnaire that included eight symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. The presence of these symptoms was assessed before COVID-19 and 0-4, 4-12, and >12 weeks postinfection. The inclusion criteria were as follows: age 18 or more years, >12 weeks since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and diagnosis confirmed by the RT-PCR from anasopharyngeal swab. RESULTS: We included 303 patients (79.53% women, 47.52% medical personnel) assessed retrospectively after a median of 30 (interquartile range: 23-35) weeks since the onset of symptoms. A higher prevalence of at least one chronic fatigue symptom was found in females in all time intervals after the onset of COVID-19 compared to males (p < .036). Women, compared to men, more often experienced persistent fatigue, not caused by effort and persisting after rest (for <4 weeks, odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-4.73; for 4-12 weeks, OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.06-3.61), non-restorative sleep (for <4 weeks, OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.23-3.81; for >12 weeks, OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03-3.71), and sore throat (for <4 weeks, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.03-3.78; for 4-12 weeks, OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.05-7.27). Sex differences in headache, arthralgia, and prolonged postexercise fatigue were observed only during the first 4 weeks (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.45-4.60, OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.02-8.64, and OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01-3.51, respectively). There were no differences between women and men in myalgia and self-reported lymph node enlargement. CONCLUSIONS: The course of post-COVID fatigue differs significantly between sexes in non-hospitalized individuals with COVID-19, with women more often suffering from persistent fatigue, not caused by effort and persisting after rest, non-restorative sleep, and sore throat.

Pulse Wave Velocity and Sarcopenia in Older Persons-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease share some of the pathophysiologic mechanisms. Sarcopenia is likewise an important feature of frailty and the one potentially related to cardiovascular pathology. Previously, the relationship between arterial stiffness and frailty has been established. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies where the relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and sarcopenia has been addressed. We included six cross-sectional studies that enrolled 5476 participants. Using the WebPlotDigitizer, RevMan5, and SAS 9.4, we extracted or calculated the summary statistics. We then calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) of PWV in the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants. The pooled SMD was 0.73 (95% CI 0.39−1.08, p < 0.0001, I2 = 90%) indicating higher value in the sarcopenic subjects. The three studies that presented odds ratios for sarcopenia as a function of PWV homogenously indicated a greater probability of concomitant sarcopenia with higher values of PWV. Greater stiffness of the aorta is associated with sarcopenia. It is impossible to establish the causation. However, the plausible explanation is that increased stiffness may translate into or be an intermediary phenotype of common vascular and muscle damage. On the other hand, sarcopenia, which shares some of the inflammatory mechanisms with cardiovascular disease, may wind up the age-related large arterial remodeling.

Socioeconomic Risk Factors of Poor Nutritional Status in Polish Elderly Population: The Results of PolSenior2 Study.

Poor nutritional status (PNS) threatens successful aging. Identifying potentially modifiable predictors of PNS is essential for elaborating a preventive strategy for the population at risk. To assess the prevalence of PNS in the Polish elderly population and analyze its socioeconomic correlates based on the data from the nationwide PolSenior2 project. Special emphasis was put on potentially modifiable factors among the identified PNS predictors. Nutritional status was assessed in 5698 community-dwelling older adults with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form. We evaluated the effect of age, sex, level of education, marital status, place of residence, subjective loneliness, and self-reported poverty on the nutritional status of the studied subjects. PNS was found in 25.3% of studied subjects (27.7% women and 21.9% men; p < 0.001). Female sex, older age, unmarried status (in men), subjective loneliness, and self-reported poverty were independent correlates of PNS. The two last above-mentioned predictors were identified as potentially modifiable. Based on our results, we recommend preventive interventions (e.g., performing regular screening), particularly in unmarried (men), poorly educated individuals, self-reporting poverty, complaining of loneliness, and the oldest old. PNS preventive strategies should include social support (both emotional and instrumental) to reduce the effect of poverty and subjective loneliness.

Causes of Anemia in Polish Older Population-Results from the PolSenior Study.

Vitamin B12, folate, iron deficiency (IDA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and anemia of inflammation (AI) are among the main causes of anemia in the elderly. WHO criteria of nutritional deficiencies neglect aging-related changes in absorption, metabolism, and utilization of nutrients. Age-specific criteria for the diagnosis of functional nutritional deficiency related to anemia are necessary. We examined the nationally representative sample of Polish seniors. Complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and renal parameters were assessed in 3452 (1632 women, 1820 men) participants aged above 64. Cut-off points for nutritional deficiencies were determined based on the WHO criteria (method-A), lower 2.5 percentile of the studied population (method-B), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (method-C). Method-A leads to an overestimation of the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, while method-B to their underestimation with over 50% of unexplained anemia. Based on method-C, anemia was classified as nutritional in 55.9%. In 22.3% of cases, reasons for anemia remained unexplained, the other 21.8% were related to CKD or AI. Mild cases were less common in IDA, and more common in non-deficiency anemia. Serum folate had an insignificant impact on anemia. It is necessary to adopt the age-specific criteria for nutrient deficiency in an old population.

Immune cells lacking Y chromosome show dysregulation of autosomal gene expression.

Epidemiological investigations show that mosaic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is associated with earlier mortality and morbidity from many diseases in men. LOY is the most common acquired mutation and is associated with aberrant clonal expansion of cells, yet it remains unclear whether this mosaicism exerts a direct physiological effect. We studied DNA and RNA from leukocytes in sorted- and single-cells in vivo and in vitro. DNA analyses of sorted cells showed that men diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease was primarily affected with LOY in NK cells whereas prostate cancer patients more frequently displayed LOY in CD4 + T cells and granulocytes. Moreover, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing in leukocytes allowed scoring of LOY from mRNA data and confirmed considerable variation in the rate of LOY across individuals and cell types. LOY-associated transcriptional effect (LATE) was observed in ~ 500 autosomal genes showing dysregulation in leukocytes with LOY. The fraction of LATE genes within specific cell types was substantially larger than the fraction of LATE genes shared between different subsets of leukocytes, suggesting that LOY might have pleiotropic effects. LATE genes are involved in immune functions but also encode proteins with roles in other diverse biological processes. Our findings highlight a surprisingly broad role for chromosome Y, challenging the view of it as a "genetic wasteland", and support the hypothesis that altered immune function in leukocytes could be a mechanism linking LOY to increased risk for disease.

Blood Lipids and Cognitive Performance of Aging Polish Adults: A Case-Control Study Based on the PolSenior Project.

Background: The demand for effective strategies for maintaining cognitive capableness and establishing early dementia diagnosis has been tremendous, especially in the context of population aging. However, studies on the elderly population and neurocognitive impairment had provided ambiguous results throughout, while potential blood biomarkers of cognitive decline are yet to be clearly understood. Objectives: The present study is aimed at assessing the relationship between blood lipids-especially in the context of their usefulness as biomarkers of an early cognitive decline-and cognitive functioning of aging adults. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 230 participants-(109 women, 121 men) aged 65+ years. Plasma 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol [24(S)-OHC], serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were assessed. The analyses were conducted in three groups of cognitive performance: cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild dementia, of which the subjects were divided with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: No significant differences in 24(S)-OHC plasma concentrations for different levels of cognitive performance were found. Significant differences were found in serum TC (p = 0.026) and LDL (p = 0.007) concentrations for different levels of cognitive performance. Concentrations of both parameters were highest in the MCI group and lowest in mild dementia and cognitive norm, respectively. No significant differences between serum HDL concentrations and cognitive performance were found. Conclusions: To fully assess the potential of research on blood lipids in regards to a cognitive decline, cross-sectional or epidemiological studies aimed at further exploring blood lipid roles in both the early and advanced MCI and dementia, are needed.

Prevalence of chronic pain in the elderly Polish population - results of the PolSenior study.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is the most common complaint of elderly people. In Poland, no large studies on the prevalence of chronic pain in the elderly were conducted until recently. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a part of the PolSenior project, a cross-sectional multidisciplinary study on ageing of the Polish population, and included a randomly selected group of 716 people aged 55-59 years, and 4979 people over 65 years. The survey was conducted through a standardized questionnaire. An evaluation of pain occurrence, location, intensity and coexistence of pains in relation to gender, age and use of health care was performed. RESULTS: Chronic pain affected 42.0% of respondents aged 65 years and over (48.6% of women and 35.8% of men) as compared to 35.2% of the pre-elderly. The most common pain locations were the lumbar region (51.6%) and knees (41.0%). The average number of pain sites was 3.1 ±2.3. Average intensity of pain was 6.2 points on the VAS scale in people over 65 years and 6.0 points in the pre-elderly (NS). Average pain intensity increased significantly from 5.7 points in patients reporting pain in one place to 7.2 points in those reporting six pain sites. Elderly respondents with pain compared to those without pain more frequently reported physician visits performed at least once a month (54.6% vs. 48.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Polish elderly most frequently complained of low back and lower limb pain. In respondents reporting many sites of pain, an increase in the intensity of pain was observed. Elderly patients with chronic pain often use medical care.

Clustering of geriatric deficits emerges to be an essential feature of ageing - results of a cross-sectional study in Poland.

The majority of old people suffer from various clinical conditions that affect health, functioning and quality of life. This research is a part of a cross-sectional, nationwide PolSenior Study that provides a comprehensive assessment of eight geriatric impairments and their co-occurrence in a representative sample (3471 participant aged 65-104 years, mean age 78.3 years) of the old adults living in the community in Poland. The participants were recruited randomly from all administrative regions of Poland by a three-stage, proportional, stratified-by-age group selection process. Eight geriatric conditions were assessed: falls, incontinences, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, vision and hearing impairments, malnutrition, and functional dependence. We showed that the most common deficits causing disability were vision and hearing impairments, and mood disorders, with more than two thirds of the participants presented at least one geriatric deficit. We showed that presence any of the analyzed conditions significantly increased the risk for co-occurrence of other examined weaknesses. The highest prevalence odds ratios were for functional dependence and, respectively: malnutrition (8.61, 95%CI:4.70-15.80), incontinences (8.0, 95%CI:5.93-10.70), and cognitive impairment (7.22; 95%CI:5.91-8.83). We concluded that the majority of the old people living in the community present various clinical conditions that prompt disability.

The diurnal profile of melatonin during delirium in elderly patients--preliminary results.

Delirium is an acute-onset syndrome that exacerbates patients' condition and significantly increases consequential morbidity and mortality. There is no comprehensive, cellular and tissue-level, pathophysiological theory. The melatonin hormone imbalance has been shown to be linked to circadian rhythms, sleep-wake cycle disturbances, and delirium incidence. There has been relatively little research about melatonin in delirium, and there has been no such study done in the group of elderly patients of a general medicine ward yet. The aim of our study was to compare melatonin hormone concentration in relation to the presence of delirium in elderly patients hospitalized in the general medicine ward. Blood samples were collected four times a day for two days (at 12:00, 18:00, 00:00 and 6:00), on the day when delirium was diagnosed and 72 h after the delirium resolution. Delirium was diagnosed with the Confusion Assessment Method and the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Revision. The mean age of 30 patients (73.3% women) was 86.5 ± 5.2 years. Delirium was diagnosed most often on the second and third day of hospitalization. A lot of predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium were identified. There was a significant difference in the melatonin hormone concentration measurement at 12:00 when patients had acute delirium and after its resolution [18.5 (13.8, 27.5) vs 12.9 (9.8, 17.8), p<0.01]. Different patterns of the melatonin hormone concentration were shown in analyses in the subgroups defined according to the patients' diagnosis of dementia. We found that the delirium recovery was, in fact, associated with the alteration of the daily profile of melatonin.

Reduced functionality in everyday activities of patients with self-reported heart failure hospitalization--population-based study results.

AIM: To assess daily functioning and geriatric conditions of older subjects suffering from heart failure (HF) as compared to the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: The data were collected as part of the nationwide PolSenior project (2007-2011). Of 4979 individuals (age range 65-104 years), data on self-reported HF hospitalization were available for 4795 subjects (96%). Geriatric assessment (GA) included functional status (ADL, Activities of Daily Living and IADL, Instrumental ADL scales), cognitive function, mood disorders, sensory organ impairment, falls and comorbidity. Mean age ± SD of the study population was 73.8 ± 6.5 years; 62% were female. The proportion of subjects with HF hospitalizations increased from 8% in subjects aged 65-69 years up to 13% in the age group of 85-89 years, and decreased in nonagenarians (11%). Subjects with the HF hospitalization were older, used more drugs, and were characterized by a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions, mood disorders, hearing impairment and functional limitations. In logistic regression, HF hospitalization increased the age-sex adjusted risk of disability by 40%, both in ADL and IADL. After adjustment to other clinical and geriatric conditions, HF hospitalization remained an independent predictor of disability in both ADL (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.00-1.84) and IADL (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.01-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Older people who reported HF admissions had a higher number of comorbidities and geriatric conditions: mood disorders, hearing impairment and functional limitations. Besides, in our study, HF hospitalization independently and significantly increased the risk of limitations in IADL and ADL. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of GA in patients with HF.

The assessment of cognitive impairment suspected of dementia in Polish elderly people: results of the population-based PolSenior Study.

The growing incidence of dementia in ageing societies is a major concern of health care organizations. Because of its detrimental influence on the mental and functional statuses of elderly people, it leads to increased economic burdens caused by the social and financial needs of patients with dementia and their caregivers. There has been no data concerning the prevalence of dementia in the elderly in the general Polish community so far. The main aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment suspected of dementia among the Polish elderly and the relationships between cognitive performance and age, gender, place of residence and educational status. The presented data was the result of nationwide, multicentre PolSenior Study conducted from 2007 to 2011 in the Polish elderly population. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performed by pre-trained nurses. The result of MMSE lower than 24 points was classified as cognitive impairment suspected of dementia and divided according to its severity into three stages: mild, moderate and severe dementia. The results were analysed in two ways: raw MMSE and MMSE scores after Mungas adjustment (MMSEadj), that is, corrected for age and educational level, and these were compared. To verify the suspicion of dementia an assessment was complemented by an interview of carers for the occurrence and course of memory disorders, treatment of dementia and by functional status assessment. In order to assess the prevalence of suspicion of dementia in the general Polish population, statistical analyses based on weighting were done. The suspicion of dementia on the basis of raw MMSE was made in 20.4% of respondents aged 65years and more, and after Mungas adjustment in 12.1% of older subjects. The prevalence of cognitive impairment grew with increasing age, as well as depending on the educational status of elderly respondents in both types of analyses; raw MMSE and MMSEadj. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of cognitive impairment according to gender in the general population (raw MMSE); however in analyses including MMSEadj results, the suspicion of dementia was made more often among men. Suspicion of dementia based on raw MMSE and MMSEadj results was made significantly more often among men than women at the age of 65-69years, and significantly more often among the oldest women, aged 90years and more. Suspicion of dementia was diagnosed more often in respondents living in rural communities (based on raw MMSE, but not on MMSEadj), which might be related to the differences in their educational status.

Cognitive performance and functional status are the major factors predicting survival of centenarians in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and biochemical predictors of extreme longevity would be useful in geriatric practice but have still not been clearly defined. METHODS: To identify the best nongenetic predictors of survival in centenarians, we examined 340 individuals aged 100+ years. A detailed questionnaire was completed, and comprehensive geriatric assessment and blood analyses were performed. Survival of study participants was checked annually over the period of 10 years. RESULTS: In the univariate Cox proportional hazards model, a longer survival of centenarians was correlated with a higher adjusted Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE(adj)) score (p < .000001), higher Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and adjusted Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL(adj)) scores (p < .000001 and p = .00008, respectively), and younger age at the time of testing (p = .005). Blood pressure, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein and hemoglobin concentrations were not associated with survival. Multivariate analysis including age, sex, and the MMSE(adj) and ADL scores showed that both MMSE(adj) and ADL predicted survival (HR = 0.978 per each MMSE(adj) point, 95% CI: 0.964-0.993, p = .004; HR = 0.900 per each ADL point, 95% CI: 0.842-0.962, p = .002, respectively). In multivariate analysis with the ADL score substituted by the IADL(adj) score, the only predictor of survival was MMSE(adj) (HR = 0.973 per each MMSE(adj) point, 95% CI: 0.958-0.988, p = .0006). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive and functional performances are predictors of survival in centenarians.

The prevalence of falls and their relation to visual and hearing impairments among a nation-wide cohort of older Poles.

Falls are a geriatric syndrome which affects the physical and psychological well-being of the aged. So far, in Poland there have not been any population-based data on the prevalence of falls among the elderly. The aim of this analysis was to assess the prevalence of falls, their circumstances and consequences in the Polish population aged 65 years and older in comparison to younger respondents aged 55-59 years, and the relation of falls to visual and hearing deficits. Mean age of the 4920 elderly subjects (51.6% men) was 79.4±8.7 years. Falls in the past year were reported by 10.4% of the younger and 19.1% of the older subjects. In both groups falls occurred more frequently in women (11.9% vs. 8.7%, p=0.03 in the younger and 22.7% vs. 13.2%, p<0.001 in the older group). In the group of older subjects falls occurred most often during walking (66.7% vs. 50.7% in the group of 55-59 years old), p=0.005), while the younger more often fell while practicing sports (5.48% vs. 0.8% in the group 65+, p<0.001) and risky activities (respectively: 13.7% vs. 4.9%, p=0.002). A similar percentage of younger and older fallers reported one (44.0% and 46.1% respectively) or more falls (56.1% and 53.9%; p=0.6). The percentage of recurrent fallers grew with increasing age (Cc=0.177; p<0.001). The prevalence of injurious falls was similar in the younger and older groups (45.4% and 42.8%, p=0.53). In both genders fall-related injuries were more frequent in younger elderly (65-74 years old) and in subjects 90 years old and older. In the non-standardized analysis and after adjustment for age and gender visual and hearing impairments and its degree were associated with falls but both relations lost statistical significance after adjustment for a set of explanatory variables. Despite somewhat lower estimates, falls in older Poles are no less an important factor influencing overall health than in other populations. The higher prevalence of multiple falls should draw attention of the health-care policy makers. Sensory impairment may add to the risk of falls and should be adequately taken care of, however the priority in the future fall prevention initiative should be given to stronger factors, such as age, type of activity, overall health, cognitive function and functional status.

[A 80-year-old woman with delirium after intertrochanteric fracture of femur]. / Zespól majaczeniowy u 80-letniej kobiety ze zlamaniem przezkretarzowym kosci udowej--opis przypadku.

The aim of this study is to present a case of delirium -the state occurring frequently in elderly patients. A 80-year-old woman was hospitalized in the department of internal diseases for internal medical examinations before scheduled operation of femoral osteosynthesis. In ward, she was given analgesic medicines from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), paracetamole and opioids influencing central nervous system. On the second day after modifying the painkilling treatment (single doses of paracetamole were increased and oral opioid medication was introduced) a quickly progressing (within a few hours) delirium was observed. Its occurrence was ascribed to the application of strong medicines influencing central nervous system. Treatment was modified then; the opioid medicine was replaced with NSAID, which had already been used before, applied intravenously. Subsidence of delirium clinical symptoms and cognitive functions' improvement was observed.

[Delirium in the light of the most recent guidelines]. / Majaczenie w swietle najnowszych zalecen.

The article presents the clinical picture of delirium characterized with acute, fluctuating altered levels of consciousness, inattention and cognitive function disorders. The article is comprised the most popular assessment scales for detecting (CAM - Confusion Assessment Method) and monitoring the course of delirium (DRS-R-98: Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98; DOM: Delirium-O-Meter). The scales mentioned above contain unequivocally defined rating criteria of the patient's clinical state. The article mentions scientific studies concerning predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium such as age, severity of illnesses, cognitive impairment, metabolic and electrolyte disturbances, grouped according to the recommendation grades based on scientific evidence and the opinion of experts. Categories of recommendation of possible therapeutic intervention are presented with special emphasis being put on interventions that are always beneficial, useful, successful and safe. Moreover, recommendable pharmacological treatment methods (haloperidol, new antipsychotic drugs) as well as non-pharmacological ones (comprising routine screening of cognitive functions, comprehensive medical and nursing care) are described.

Polish Centenarians Programme. Multidisciplinary studies of successful ageing: aims, methods, and preliminary results.

Studies of centenarians as a model of successful ageing may help identify various environmental, social, psychological, and genetic factors supporting longevity. The scientific aims of the programme were to assess health status and environmental determinants of ageing of Polish centenarians, and to collect biological material for studying selected aspects of longevity, including genetic factors. The social aim of the project was to bring public attention to ageing of the population, as well as living conditions of elderly individuals. The intention of the authors of this paper is to present aims, scope, methods and preliminary results of the Polish Centenarians Programme, as well as to provide potential new partners for studying various aspects of longevity and ageing with the information about available materials collected during the programme. In this study, 346 subjects aged 100+ were visited, biological material was collected from 285 subjects, and 153 lymphocyte cell lines were immortalized.

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among centenarians is low: risk factors in centenarians.

BACKGROUND: The presence of major cardiovascular risk factors was investigated in a group of centenarians. METHODS: The following risk factors: sex, smoking, overweight, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were analysed in 93 centenarians and compared with data obtained from 90 individuals age 40-60 years. RESULTS: Smoking, overweight and hypercholesterolemia were found statistically more often in a younger population, whereas hypertension was diagnosed more frequently in centenarians. No or one risk factor were found in 55.4% of centenarians and in 14.2% of younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Centenarians are characterized by a much better cardiovascular risk profile than middle-aged individuals. This indicates that longevity is related to low cardiovascular risk.

[Comprehensive geriatric assessment in hospitalized patients aged 80 years and more]. / Kompleksowa ocena geriatryczna pacjentów hospitalizowanych po 80 roku zycia.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment during hospitalization, taking into account the specificity of geriatric patients could be used both in acute and long-term care. We analyzed 63 patients aged at least 80 years, born on odd days and hospitalized at the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Hospital, Kraków. We examined patients using Geriatric Assessment Chart which consisted of Barthel Index (used to determinate motor activity), MMSE, GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale), abbreviated Tinetti Test, Waterlow Index (used to determine the risk of pressure sore development), delirium risk factors scale, and social evaluation. The data were analyzed according to sex, marital status, level of mood, and residence status (free living or institutionalized). The mean age of 47 women and 16 men was 85.0 +/- 4.34 years. Dementia was been found in 60% of examined patients. Depression (usually mild) was encountered in 55.4%. Motor activity was moderately to severely impaired in the entire group, with high level of risk of falls and development of pressure sores. Thirteen per cent of the patients have been admitted with already developed ulcers. The results suggest the need for the comprehensive geriatric assessment both in hospitalized patients and in post-hospital phase of care.

Arterial stiffness is increased in hypertensive centenarians.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between blood pressure and arterial stiffness in Polish centenarians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 59 centenarians with the mean age of 101.3 years. Peripheral blood pressure was estimated upon mean value of three measurements and arterial stiffness by pulse wave analysis (PWA). Pressure waveforms were recorded from the radial artery and the waveform data were then processed by SphygmoCor to produce the estimated aortic pressure waveform. All subjects were divided into the three subgroups: normotensives (< 140/ 90 mmHg), systolic hypertensives (ISH, SBP > or = 140 and DBP < 90 mmHg) and systolo-diastolic hypertensives (> or = 140/90 or treated). RESULTS: The mean values of peripheral BP for the entire group were: 149.5/76.8 mmHg for SBPP/DBPP and 136.1/ 77.8 mmHg for central SBPC/DBPC, respectively. The mean value of pulse pressures were: 72.7/58.4 mmHg for peripheral (PPP)/central (PPc). Arterial stiffness indices calculated from PWA were: 96.6%, 33.2% and 32.2% for peripheral (AIxP), central (AIxC) and central normalized for heart rate (AIxC75) augmentation indexes, respectively. The PPc was the lowest in the normotensive group (40.1 mmHg) when compared both with the ISH group (71.1 mmHg) and the systolo-diastolic group (58.1 mmHg). The lowest arterial stiffness indices (AIxp, AIxC75) calculated from PWA were found in the normotensive group: 85.4% and 28.5%, comparing with 96.1% and 33.7% in the ISH group and 104.8% and 32.9% for the systolo-diastolic group. CONCLUSIONS: In centenarians, similarly to younger subjects, those with hypertension present with arterial stiffness.

[Hematologic parameters in Polish centenarians]. / Charakterystyka parametrów hematologicznych krwinek czerwonych u Polskich 100-latków.

We undertook this study to characterize the haematological indices in centenarian subjects who should be an excellent group to study the mechanisms of physiological aging. This study is a part of the Polish Centenarians Program co-ordinated by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. We examined 89 subjects aged 100 to 111 (14 males and 75 females). Mean values of all haematological parameters were within the normal range in females. In males, haemoglobin level (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit (Hct) were slightly lower than WHO references (12.7 +/- 1.3 g/dl, 4.10 +/- 0.48 M/ml and 38.4 +/- 3.8%, respectively). However, anaemia was more frequent in females than in males (57.1% vs 29.1%, p < 0.05). In females with anaemia there was a tendency to decrease its severity with age. In the oldest group (aged 105-111 years) Hb and Hct had a tendency for lower values vs the youngest group (100-101 years) (10.1 +/- 1.8 g/dl vs 11.6 +/- 0.1 g/dl, p = 0.067 and 30.9 +/- 5.0% vs 35.0 +/- 0.3%, p = 0.067). Additionally, in the youngest group there were three females with severe anaemia (Hb < 9.0 g/dl) whereas in the oldest group all females with anaemia had Hb above 11.0 g/dl. In males the analysis was not undertaken because of small group of studied subjects. In conclusion, anaemia seems to be a relatively common problem in studied centenarians. Severe anaemia seems to be an eliminating factor in centenarian women.