Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Centenarians versus Other Age Groups Over 75 Years with Hip Fractures.

Objective: The primary objective was to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of centenarians with fragility hip fracture and compare them to other age groups. The secondary objective was to determine the variables associated with length of stay, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Materials and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry. We included patients ≥75 years admitted for fragility hip fractures in 86 Spanish hospitals between 2017 and 2019, dividing the sample into four age groups. The variables studied were baseline characteristics, type of fracture, management, length of stay, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Results: We included 25,938 patients (2888 were 75-79 years old; 14,762 octogenarians; 8,035 nonagenarians and 253 centenarians). Of the centenarians, 83% were women, 33% had severe dementia, 9% had severe dependency and 36% lived in residential care homes. Six out of ten had intertrochanteric fracture. Length of hospital stay was 8.6 days; in-hospital mortality was 10.3% and 30-day mortality 20.9%. Older age groups had more women, severe functional dependency, severe dementia, intertrochanteric fracture, living in care facilities and being discharged to nursing care. They had less frequent early mobilization, osteoporosis treatment and discharge to rehabilitation units. In-hospital and 30-day mortality were higher with increasing age. In centenarians, time to surgery >48 hours was independently associated with length of stay (correlation coefficient 3.99 [95% CI: 2.35-5.64; p<0.001]) and anaesthetic risk, based on an ASA score of V, was related to 30-day mortality (ASA score II [OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.70; p=0.009] and ASA score III [OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.96; p=0.039]). Conclusion: Centenarians had different clinical characteristics, management and outcomes. Although centenarians had worse outcomes, nearly 4 out of 5 centenarians were alive one month after surgery.

[Usefulness of the g8 questionnaire in predicting frailty in elderly patients with metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer.] / Utilidad de cuestionario G8 en la predicción de fragilidad en pacientes ancianos con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente a castración.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the capacityof the G8 questionnaire for the detection of frailty inpatients over 75 years of age with metastatic or castrationresistant prostate cancer and the relationshipof the results of this questionnaire with clinical variables,laboratory data, quality of life, functional statusand comorbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients over the ageof 75 with metastatic or castration-resistant prostatecancer were evaluated using the G8 questionnaire.Those with a G8 15 were subjected to comprehensivegeriatric assessment in order to evaluate the abilityof this questionnaire to predict frailty. We studiedthe relationship between G8 score and functionalstatus (ECOG), comorbidity (Charlson index), qualityof life (FACT-P and EQ5D 3L questionnaires), diseasecharacteristics and common analytical variables. RESULTS: 64 patients were included in the study,of whom 26 scored 15 in the G8 questionnaireand were referred to geriatrics. 89% (23/26) of thepatients with a G8 score pre-fragile and 7 fragile) and only 11% (3/26) wereconsidered robust. The multivariate model showsthat the Charlson index and the EQ5D 3L score areindependent predictors of frailty. The Charlson index(OR=1.68, p=0.022) increases the probability thatthe patient has a G8 score the EQ5D-3L score (OR-0.64, p-0.021) decreases thatprobability. Both quantitative variables were recodedinto binary variables from the most predictivepoint obtained from the ROC curves and included ina model: patients with Charlson index ≥4 (OR=3.17,p=0.047) and those with EQ5D- 3L score (OR=3.35, p=0.037) increased the likelihood of obtaininga G8 scoreconditions (neither Charlson ≥4 nor EQ5D-3L score 15. However, the presence of the two conditions increasesthe probability to 71.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The score obtained in the G8questionnaire is a good predictor of frailty in elderlypatients with advanced prostate cancer. Comorbidity,as measured by Charlson's index, and quality of life,as measured by the EQ5D-3L questionnaire, are independentpredictors of frailty (score on the G8 questionnairebelow 15).

OBJETIVO: Valorar la capacidad delcuestionario G8 para la detección de fragilidad enpacientes mayores de 75 años con cáncer de próstatametastásico o resistente a castración y la relación de losresultados de este cuestionario con variables clínicas,datos de laboratorio, calidad de vida, estado funcionaly comorbilidad.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó a pacientes ≥ 75años con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente acastración mediante el cuestionario G8. Aquellos conuna puntuación menor de 15 fueron sometidos a valoracióngeriátrica integral. Se evaluó la capacidad dedicho cuestionario para predecir fragilidad y se relacionaronlos hallazgos con el estado funcional (ECOG),comorbilidad (índice de Charlson), calidad de vida(cuestionarios FACT-P y EQ5D 3L), características de laenfermedad y variables analíticas habituales. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 64 pacientes,de los cuales 26 obtuvieron una puntuación inferior a 15 en el cuestionario G8 y fueron remitidosal servicio de geriatría. El 89% (23/26) de los pacientescon una puntuación en el G8 por debajo de 15 presentabandatos de fragilidad (11 prefrágiles y 7 frágiles) ysolo el 11% (3/26) fueron considerados robustos. Elmodelo multivariado muestra, que de manera independiente,el índice de Charlson (OR=1,68, p=0,022)aumenta la probabilidad de que el paciente tenga unapuntuación en el cuestionario G8 por debajo de 15 y lapuntuación en el EQ5D-3L (OR=0,64, p=0,021) disminuyadicha probabilidad. Ambas variables cuantitativasse recodificaron en variables de tipo binario a partir delpunto más predictivo obtenido de las curvas ROC y seincluyeron en un modelo en el cual se objetivó, que pacientescon índice de Charlson ≥4 (OR= 3,17, p=0,047)y aquellos con puntuación en el cuestionario EQ5D-3Lde presentar una puntuación en el cuestionario G8Los pacientes que no presentan ninguna de estas condiciones(ni Charlson ≥4 ni EQ5D-3L score un 19% de probabilidad de presentar una puntuaciónen el cuestionario G8 condiciones aumenta la probabilidad hasta el 71,5%. CONCLUSIONES: La puntuación obtenida en elcuestionario G8 es un buen predictor de fragilidad enpacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado con edad≥ 75 años. La comorbilidad, medida por el índice deCharlson, y la calidad de vida, medida por el cuestionarioEQ5D-3L, son predictores independientes de fragilidad,entendida como la obtención de una puntuaciónen el cuestionario G8 por debajo de 15.

Prehabilitation and perioperative geriatric care in patients aged over 80 years with colorectal cancer: Results of a cross-speciality geriatrics program.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a perioperative cross-speciality geriatrics program for patients aged >80 years with colorectal cancer (CRC), aimed to detect and manage frailty and to understand its influence on clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged >80 years with CRC and proposed for surgery were included from October 2018 to March 2020. Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) were performed. Patients were classified according to the estimated physiological reserve, from fit, frail patients and even the disabled: CGA-1, CGA-2, CGA-3, and CGA-4. Individualised treatment was adapted to each patient's situation. Patients who underwent surgery were followed up by a geriatrician. The presence of complications, length of stay, hospital readmissions at 30 days, and short- and long-term mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. The mean age was 84.5 ± 4.5 years. 55.4% patients were classified as CGA-1, 24.3% as CGA-2, 16.2% as CGA-3, and 4.1% as CGA-4. No CGA-4 patient was operated on. Frail (CGA-2 and CGA-3) patients had higher medical complications (50% vs 21.2%, p < 0.05) and delirium (30% vs 9.1%, p < 0.05) than fit patients (CGA-1). They also had higher rates of surgical complications (20% vs 15.2%), longer hospital stay (10 ± 6.2 vs 8.4 ± 4.2 days), 30-day readmissions (15% vs 6.3%), and mortality at six (10% vs 3%) and twelve months (20% vs 6.1%), although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: CGA and prehabilitation can classify patients according to their frailty status, support clinicians in decision-making to achieve tailored treatment, and detect clinical conditions for intervention in multiple domains of health in the perioperative period.

Improving hip fracture care in Spain: evolution of quality indicators in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry.

This study was carried out to analyze the evolution of the quality indicators in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry, after disseminating a series of recommendations based on available clinical practice guidelines to the participating hospitals. Six of the seven proposed quality indicators showed a significant improvement. PURPOSE: The Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) arises from the need to know the process and improve the quality of care. Our goal was to analyze the changes in the RNFC's quality indicators after an intervention based on disseminating specific recommendations among the participating hospitals, following available clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: Study comparing before and after performing an intervention in hospitals participating in the RNFC. Data from the hospitals that registered cases in 2017, and that kept registering cases in 2019. Seven quality indicators were chosen, and a standard to be achieved for each indicator was proposed. The intervention consisted in the dissemination of 25 recommendations with practical measures to improve each quality indicator, based on available clinical practice guidelines, by drafting and publishing a scientific paper and sending it via email and printed cards. Fulfilment of each quality indicator was measured after carrying out the intervention. RESULTS: Forty-three hospitals registered 2674 cases between January and May, 2017, and 8037 during 2019. The quality indicators chosen and the degree of compliance were (all with p<0.05): (1) surgery ≤48 h increased from 38.9 to 45.8%; (2) patients mobilised on the first postoperative day increased from 58.9 to 70.3%; (3) patients with anti-osteoporotic medication at discharge increased from 34.5 to 49.8%; (4) patients with calcium supplements at discharge increased from 48.7 to 62.8%; (5) patients with vitamin D supplements at discharge increased from 71.5 to 84.7%; (6) patients developing a grade >2 pressure ulcer during admission decreased from 6.5 to 5.0%; (7) patients able to move on their own at 1 month fell from 58.8 to 56.4%. More than 48% of hospitals improved the proposed indicators. CONCLUSION: Establishing quality indicators and standards and intervening through the dissemination of specific recommendations to improve these indicators achieved an improvement in hospital performance results on a national level.

Development and Validation of an Early Mortality Risk Score for Older Patients Treated with Chemotherapy for Cancer.

Background: Estimation of life expectancy in older patients is relevant to select the best treatment strategy. We aimed to develop and validate a score to predict early mortality in older patients with cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 749 patients over 70 years starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included. A prechemotherapy assessment that included sociodemographic variables, tumor/treatment variables, and geriatric assessment variables was performed. Association between these factors and early death was examined using multivariable logistic regression. Score points were assigned to each risk factor. External validation was performed on an independent cohort. Results: In the training cohort, the independent predictors of 6-month mortality were metastatic stage (OR 4.8, 95% CI [2.4-9.6]), ECOG-PS 2 (OR 2.3, 95% CI [1.1-5.2]), ADL ≤ 5 (OR 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-3.5]), serum albumin levels ≤ 3.5 g/dL (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.7-6.6]), BMI < 23 kg/m2 (OR 2.5, 95% CI [1.3-4.9]), and hemoglobin levels < 11 g/dL (OR 2.4, 95% CI (1.2-4.7)). With these results, we built a prognostic score. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.84), and in the validation set, it was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67-0.79). Conclusions: This simple and highly accurate tool can help physicians making decisions in elderly patients with cancer who are planned to initiate chemotherapy treatment.

Hip fractures in Spain: are we on the right track? Statistically significant differences in hip fracture management between Autonomous Communities in Spain.

Although medicine is currently protocol-based, there are still differences in the management of the hip fracture in Spain, especially regarding surgical delay, type of anesthesia, early mobilization, and discharge destinations. This data will be of great value to assist stakeholders in formulating health policies. PURPOSE: Analysis of demographic, clinical, surgical, and functional data of the Spanish National Hip Fracture National Registry (RNFC), during admission and at 1-month follow-up, by Autonomous Communities (ACs). METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in the framework of a RNFC cohort, from January 2017 to May 2018, including 15 ACs from Spain, with 1 month of follow-up. Sociodemographic, clinical, surgical, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 13,839 patients were analyzed. There were significant differences (p <0.001) in median surgical delay and percentage of patients operated in less than 48 h. Mean surgical delay was 70.75 h, with a 12-h difference between the Communities of Madrid (71.22) and Catalonia (59.65). Only 43% of patients had less than 48-h delay. Overall, most patients received regional anesthesia (91.9%); however, there was a significant difference between ACs (p = 0.0001). There were also differences in inpatient stay, early mobilization, discharge destination, and mortality (p <0.001). Mortality 30 days after surgery was 7.8%, and highest in the Basque Country (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The registry showed homogeneity among ACs regarding sociodemographic variables, fracture type, surgical treatment, ASA risk, and co-management with a geriatrician or an integrated internist. There were significant differences in hip fracture management between ACs in Spain, especially regarding surgical delay, type of anesthesia, early mobilization, and discharge destinations.

[The efficiency of «Cross-speciality Geriatrics¼ in the co-management of patients older than 80 years admitted to the General Surgery Service. Economic results]. / Eficiencia del apoyo de Geriatría Transversal en el manejo de pacientes mayores de 80 años ingresados en el Servicio de Cirugía General. Resultados en la liberación de estancias y el coste asociado.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficiency of «Cross-speciality Geriatrics¼ program in patients older than 80 years admitted to the Colorectal Pathology Unit of a General Surgery Department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A «before-after¼ study was conducted. The initial period (usual treatment for General Surgery) included patients admitted from 1st January to 31st August 2018, and the subsequent period (with support from geriatrics) from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Two types of patients were studied: Type 1, who were admitted to the Emergency Department, and Type 2, programmed admissions for colorectal cancer intervention. The Geriatrics intervention consisted of daily monitoring in the ward, collaboration in clinical management, and discharge planning. Furthermore, in Type 2 patients, a previous visit was made in the clinic, which included the detection and approach of frailty and pre-habilitation for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included, of whom 53 were treated by General Surgery and 122 with the co-management of geriatrics. The mean age was 84.9 years (SD 4.8). In the period with the Cross-speciality Geriatrics program, the mean stay was reduced by 10.6 days (39%), and 8.5 days (44%) in types 1 and 2, respectively (P < .01). This led to a decrease in bed occupancy (3.3 beds/day) and a cost reduction (1,215,970 € / year). CONCLUSIONS: The support of Cross-speciality Geriatrics in patients older than 80 years admitted to General Surgery is an efficient care model. These data support its implementation in hospitals where this care line has not yet been developed.

Factors affecting exercise program adherence in patients with acute hip fracture and impact on one-year survival.

OBJECTIVE: To study the adherence of an Early Inpatient Exercise Program in patients with acute hip fracture, identify variables associated with its performance, and its association to one-year survival. METHODS: Observational longitudinal study of a cohort of 509 patients, admitted consecutively with a hip fracture in La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Data included sociodemographic variables, pre-fracture physical functioning, cognitive impairment, comorbidities, measure of exercise adherence (pre-surgery exercise, post-surgery exercise, and rehabilitation sessions) and vital status at follow-up. One year after the fracture, either patients or relatives were contacted by telephone to ascertain their vital status. Data were analyzed using logistic regressions and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Three quarters of patients (76.0%) were able to comply with the Early Inpatient Exercise Program. Factors associated with adherence were: living at home (Odds Ratio (OR)=3.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.03, 5.64), absence of pre-fracture disability (OR=3.78; 95% CI: 2.21, 6.47), absence of pre-fracture cognitive impairment (OR=2.36; 95% CI: 1.36, 4.07) and comorbidities (OR=1.66; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.67). Early Inpatient Exercise Program adherence was associated with one-year survival (HR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.49). CONCLUSIONS: The adherence with an Early Inpatient Exercise Program is high and is associated with 1-year survival. It is important to make a stronger effort to encourage participation in Early Inpatient Exercise Program in the 24% currently non-compliant, and in those with cognitive and physical impairments.

[Cross-speciality geriatrics: A health-care challenge for the 21st century]. / Geriatría transversal. Un reto asistencial para el siglo xxi.

Increasing numbers of older persons are being treated by specialties other than Geriatric Medicine. Specialists turn to Geriatric Teams when they need to accurately stratify their patients' risk and prognosis, predict the potential impact of their, often, invasive interventions, optimise their clinical status, and contribute to discharge planning. Oncology and Haematology, Cardiology, General Surgery, and other surgical departments are examples where such collaborative working is already established, to a varying extent. The use of the term "Cross-speciality Geriatrics" is suggested when geriatric care is provided in clinical areas traditionally outside the reach of Geriatric Teams. The core principles of Geriatric Medicine (comprehensive geriatric assessment, patient-centred multidisciplinary targeted interventions, and input at point-of-care) are adapted to the specifics of each specialty and applied to frail older patients in order to deliver a holistic assessment/treatment, better patient/carer experience, and improved clinical outcomes. Using Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment methodology and Frailty scoring in such patients provides invaluable prognostic information, helps in decision making, and enables personalised treatment strategies. There is evidence that such an approach improves the efficiency of health care systems and patient outcomes. This article includes a review of these concepts, describes existing models of care, presents the most commonly used clinical tools, and offers examples of excellence in this new era of geriatric care. In an ever ageing population it is likely that teams will be asked to provide Cross-specialty Geriatrics across different Health Care systems. The fundamentals for its implementation are in place, but further evidence is required to guide future development and consolidation, making it one of the most important challenges for Geriatrics in the coming years.

First proposal of quality indicators and standards and recommendations to improve the healthcare in the Spanish National Registry of Hip Fracture.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (or Registro Nacional de Fractura de Cadera, RNFC) is a database of hip fracture patients admitted to Spanish hospitals. Its goals include assessment and continuous improvement of the care process. OBJECTIVES: To (1) establish a series of indicators, (2) evaluate their initial fulfillment, (3) propose quality standards, (4) suggest recommendations to facilitate standards compliance, and (5) monitor the indicators. METHOD: The indicators fulfilled the criteria of (1) evaluating the process or outcome, (2) being clinically relevant for patients, (3) being modifiable through changes in healthcare practice, and (4) being considered important by the RNFC participants. The first quartile obtained by the group of hospitals in each of the respective variables was proposed as the standard. The Indicators Advisory Committee (IAC) elaborated a list of recommendations for each indicator, based on the available evidence. RESULTS: Seven indicators were chosen. These indicators (its baseline compliance vs. the standard to be reached, respectively) were: the proportion of patients receiving surgery within 48h (44% vs. 63%), mobilized the first postoperative day (56% vs. 86%), with antiosteoporotic medication at discharge (32% vs. 61%), with calcium supplements at discharge (46% vs. 77%), with vitamin D supplements at discharge (67% vs. 92%), who developed pressure ulcers during hospitalization (7.2% vs. 2.1%) and with independent mobility at 30 days (58% vs. 70%). The IAC has established 25 recommendations for improving care. CONCLUSION: The indicators and standards chosen are presented, as well as the list of recommendations. This process completes the first step to improve quality of care. The results will be evaluated 6 months after implementing the recommendations.

Analysis of an electronic medication reconciliation and information at discharge programme for frail elderly patients.

Background During care transitions, discrepancies and medication errors often occur, putting patients at risk, especially older patients with polypharmacy. Objective To assess the results of a medication reconciliation and information programme for discharge of geriatric patients conducted through hospital information systems. Setting A 1300-bed university hospital in Madrid, Spain. Method A prospective observational study. Geriatricians selected candidates for medication reconciliation at discharge, and sent an electronic inter-consultation request to the pharmacy department. Pharmacists reviewed the medication list, comparing it with electronic prescriptions, medication previously prescribed by primary care physicians and other medical records, and resolved any discrepancies. An individualized and tailored drug information at discharge sheet was sent to geriatricians and made available to primary care physicians. Main outcome measure The number and type of discrepancies, the number, type and severity of errors, and the main pharmacological groups involved. Results Medication reconciliation was performed for 118 patients with a mean age of 87 years (SD 5.9), involving a total of 2054 medications, or 17.4 per patient. Discrepancies were found in 723 (35 %) drugs, 105 of which were considered medication errors (15 %); 66 patients (56 %) had at least one error. This gave 0.9 reconciliation errors per patient reviewed and 1.6 per patient with errors. Of the 105 errors, 14 (13 %) were considered serious. The most frequent errors were incomplete prescriptions (40 %) and omissions (35 %). Conclusion An electronic medication reconciliation programme helps pharmacists detect serious medication errors in frail elderly patients and provides complete and up-to-date written information to prevent additional errors at home.

[Hip fracture guidelines. A comparison of the main recommendations]. / Guías clínicas de fractura de cadera. Comparación de sus principales recomendaciones.

Hip fracture is the most severe complication of osteoporosis, and despite being a frequent health problem, there is a wide variability in both the health care provided to these patients and the results achieved after their treatment. Clinical guidelines are a tool that helps to reduce this variability. The authors of this review try to give a panoramic and comparative view of the key recommendations proposed by the main guidelines for the hospital care of hip fracture patients. Recommendations on the care in the acute phase are reviewed, particularly the initial hospital management, use of tools, preventive measures to avoid medical complications, surgery related aspects, treatment of usual clinical problems, and shared orthopaedic and geriatric care. Circulating and putting into practice the main recommendations will help to improve the health care provided to these patients and obtain better outcomes.

[The acute orthogeriatric unit. Assessment of its effect on the clinical course of patients with hip fractures and an estimate of its financial impact]. / La unidad de ortogeriatría de agudos. Evaluación de su efecto en el curso clínico de los pacientes con fractura de cadera y estimación de su impacto económico.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the management of hip fracture patients in an acute orthogeriatric unit shared between the departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Geriatrics compared with the usual hospital care, and to analyse financial differences in both systems of care. METHOD: Prospective quasy-experimental randomized intervention study in 506 patients admitted to a terciary hospital with an osteoporotic hip fracture. The usual model of care was the admission to the orthopedic ward with a request to Geriatrics (RC) and the study model consisted of the admission to an orthogeriatric unit (OGU) for the shared co-management between orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians. This model included the appointment of one spokesperson from each department, the specialist geriatric nurse management, early geriatric assessment, shared daily clinical care, weekly joint ward round and coordinated planning of the surgery schedule, the start of the ambulation and the time and setting of patient discharge. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty five consecutive patients admitted to the OGU and 251 patients managed simultaneously by the RC model were included. Except for a mean age slightly lower in the OGU group, there were no differences neither in the baseline patients characteristics nor in the surgical rates between the two groups. Among the OGU patients group it was more frequent to receive rehabilitation in the acute setting, to be able to walk at discharge and to be referred to a geriatric rehabilitation unit (all with P < .05). The OGU patients received geriatric assessment and were operated on earlier than the RC patients (P < .001). The length of stay in the acute ward was 34% shorter in the OGU patients (mean 12.48 ± 5 vs 18.9 ± 8.6 days, P < .001) (median 12 [9-14] vs 17 [13-23] days, P < .001). The whole hospital length of stay, including the days spent in the geriatric rehabilitation units, was 11% shorter in the OGU patients (mean 21.16 ± 14.7 vs 23.9 ± 13.8 days, P < 0.05) (median 14 [10-31] vs 20 [14-30] days, P < .001). The OGU saved 1,207 € to 1,633 € per patient when estimated by the costs for process model, and 3,741 € when estimated by the costs for stay model. CONCLUSIONS: The OGU is a hospital setting that provides an improvement in the patients functional outcome and a reduction in the hospital length of stay. Therefore it saves health care resources. These findings show the OGU as an advisable setting for the acute care of hip fracture patients.