Association between self-reported visual symptoms (suggesting cataract) and self-reported fall-related injury among adults aged ≥ 65 years from five low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Cataracts may increase risk for falls but studies on this topic from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are scarce. Therefore, we examined the cross-sectional association between self-reported visual symptoms (suggesting cataract) and self-reported injurious falls in nationally representative samples of adults aged ≥ 65 years from five LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, and Russia). METHODS: Data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analysed. Self-reported information on past 12-month fall-related injury and cataract based on symptoms were collected. Multivariable logistic regression and meta-analyses were conducted to assess associations. RESULTS: Data on 13,101 people aged ≥ 65 years were analysed [mean (SD) age 72.5 (11.3) years; 45.2% males]. The overall prevalence of self-reported fall-related injury and visual symptoms (suggesting cataract) were 4.9% and 29.4%, respectively. There was a positive association between self-reported visual symptoms (suggesting cataract) and fall-related injury (i.e., OR > 1) in all five countries but statistical significance was reached in three: China (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.08-2.35), India (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.15-3.35), and Russia (OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 2.06-6.24). The pooled OR including all five countries based on a meta-analysis was OR = 1.88 (95% CI = 1.32-2.68). CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported visual symptoms (suggesting cataract) were associated with higher odds for self-reported injurious falls among older adults in LMICs. Expanding availability of cataract surgery in LMICs may also have the additional benefit of reducing falls among older people.

The prevalence and co-existence of geriatric syndromes in older patients with dementia compared to those without dementia.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare frequency and coexistence of geriatric syndromes in older patients with dementia to those without dementia. METHODS: 1392 patients admitted to geriatric outpatient clinics were evaluated. Evaluations for eleven geriatric syndromes including polypharmacy, malnutrition, fraility, sarcopenia, dysphagia, urinary incontinence, fear of falling, falls, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and orthostatic hypotension (OH) were carried out in consultation with the patient and the caregiver. Two groups with and without dementia were matched according to age and gender using the propensity score matching method. RESULTS: A total of 738 patients, 369 with dementia and 369 without dementia were included, of whom 70.1% were female and the mean age was 80.5 ± 6.8. Polypharmacy, malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, dysphagia, fear of falling, and excessive daytime sleepiness were significantly higher in patients with dementia (p < 0.05). There was no difference between OH, urinary incontinence and insomnia between groups (p > 0.05). The co-existence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and ≥ 5 geriatric syndromes in the same patient was 4.3%, 10.2%, 11.8%, 16.8%, 13.4% and 43.7% in non-dementia patients, respectively; 2.4%, 7.2%, 9.6%, 8.3%, 10.4% and 62.1% in those with dementia, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence and co-existence of geriatric syndromes is common in patients with dementia. These geriatric syndromes should be examined by clinicians and healthcare professionals who work with the demented population, so that more successful management of dementia patients may be achieved.

Prevalence and co-incidence of geriatric syndromes according to the ECOG performance status in older cancer patients.

Background: Geriatric syndromes may be more common in older cancer patients than in those without cancer. Geriatric syndromes can cause poor clinical outcomes. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) is often used as a clinically reported functional status score in oncology practice. Methods: Our study was designed as a cross-sectional study and included 218 older cancer patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and relationship of geriatric syndromes according to the ECOG-PS in older cancer patients. Results: The mean age of 218 participants was 73.0 ± 5.6 years, with 47.7% being women and 52.3% men in our study. ECOG-PS 0, 1, and 2 groups contained 51, 39, and 10% of the patients, respectively. The mean number of geriatric syndromes in the ECOG 0, 1, and 2 groups was 2.3 ± 2.2, 4.3 ± 2.4, and 5.7 ± 2.1, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, it was determined that dynapenia was 2.9 times, probable sarcopenia was 3.5 times, frailty was 4.2 times, depression was 2.6 times, malnutrition was 3.3 times, insomnia 2 was.2 times, falls was 2.5 times, and the risk of falling (TUG) was 2.4 times more likely in those with ECOG-PS 1 compared to those with ECOG-PS 0. In addition, it was found that dynapenia was 6 times, probable sarcopenia was 6.8 times, frailty was 10.8 times, depression was 3.3 times, malnutrition was 6.3 times, the risk of falling (Tinnetti Balance) was 28 times, and the risk of falling (TUG) was 13.6 times more likely in those with ECOG-PS 2 compared to those with ECOG-PS 0. Conclusion: Our study found that the prevalence of geriatric syndromes increased as the ECOG-PS increased. Geriatric syndromes and their co-incidence were common in older cancer patients, even in normal performance status. Oncologists should incorporate geriatric syndromes into the decision-making process of cancer treatment to maximize the impact on clinical outcomes in older patients with cancer.

Predictive Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Rehospitalization with a Focus on Frail Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that has physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and environmental components and is characterized by a decrease in physiological reserves. Frailty is associated with several adverse health outcomes such as an increase in rehospitalization rates, falls, delirium, incontinence, dependency on daily living activities, morbidity, and mortality. Older adults may become frailer with each hospitalization; thus, it is beneficial to develop and implement preventive strategies. The present review aims to highlight the epidemiological importance of frailty in rehospitalization and to compile predictive strategies and related interventions to prevent hospitalizations. Firstly, it is important to identify pre-frail and frail older adults using an instrument with high validity and reliability, which can be a practically applicable screening tool. Comprehensive geriatric assessment-based care is an important strategy known to reduce morbidity, mortality, and rehospitalization in older adults and aims to meet the needs of frail patients with a multidisciplinary approach and intervention that includes physiological, psychological, and social domains. Moreover, effective multimorbidity management, physical activity, nutritional support, preventing cognitive frailty, avoiding polypharmacy and anticholinergic drug burden, immunization, social support, and reducing the caregiver burden are other recommended predictive strategies to prevent post-discharge rehospitalization in frail older adults.

The risk of malnutrition and its clinical implications in older patients with cancer.

AIM: Malnutrition is a common geriatric syndrome with multiple negative outcomes including mortality. However, there is a scarcity of literature that focuses on the relationship between malnutrition risk and its clinical implications on geriatric syndromes and mortality among cancer patients. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical importance of malnutrition risk in geriatric oncology practice. METHOD: 180 patients with cancer who were ≥ 65 years were included in the study. All patients were questioned in terms of geriatric syndromes, including polypharmacy, frailty, probable sarcopenia, fall risk, dynapenia, depression, cognitive impairment, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Mini Nutritional Assessment scores > 23.5 and 17-23.5 were categorized as well-nourished and malnutrition risk, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients (mean age 73.0 ± 5.6 years, female: 50%), the prevalence of malnutrition risk was 28.9%. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, education, marital status, body mass index, and comorbidities except for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p > 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index; polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-6.81), reduced calf circumference (OR: 3.72; 95% CI, 1.22-11.38), fall risk (OR: 2.72; 95% CI, 1.03-7.23), depression (OR: 6.24; 95% CI, 2.75-14.18), insomnia (OR: 4.89; 95% CI, 2.16-11.05), and frailty (OR: 2.44; 95% CI, 1.75-3.40) were associated with malnutrition risk compared to well-nourished patients (p < 0.05). Median survival in patients with malnutrition risk was 21.3 months (range 14.1-28.4 95% CI) and median survival in patients who were defined as well nourished was not reached (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The risk of malnutrition was associated with a higher risk for all-cause mortality in older patients with cancer, and was associated with many geriatric syndromes, including polypharmacy, fall risk, frailty, insomnia, and depression.

Frequency and Clinical Impact of Anticholinergic Burden in older patients: Comparing older patients with and without chronic kidney disease.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the frequency and impact of anticholinergic burden in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compare the results to older adults without CKD. METHOD: Age- and sex-matched older adults (age ≥60) were selected from a total cohort of 1557 subjects, and grouped as CKD (n = 589) and Non-CKD (n = 589). Groups were compared for the frequency, type of anticholinergic agents, and their effects on comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters. The anticholinergic burden was assessed using the anticholinergic burden (ACB) scale. An ACB of ≥2 was categorized as high anticholinergic burden. RESULTS: The mean age of the partients was 81±6, and 66% were female. More patients in the CKD group experienced a high anticholinergic burden (45%, versus 38%, p = 0.015). Patients with CKD were more likely to receive beta blocker (25% versus 19%, p = 0.018), diuretic (19% versus 6%, p<0.001), while those who did not have CKD were more likely to be treated with dopaminergic agents (8% versus 12%, p = 0.039). A high anticholinergic burden was associated with sarcopenia (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.10-2.38, p = 0.015), geriatric depression scale (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.02-2.20, p = 0.037), and polypharmacy (OR 4.05, 95% CI 2.38-6.90, p<0.001), after adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities in the CKD group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Older patients with CKD are more likely to be exposed to drugs with anticholinergic effects, but have less clinical implications than those without CKD. A high anticholinergic burden is associated with polypharmacy, depression and sarcopenia in CKD.

The prevalence and clinical significance of loss of appetite in older patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: To determine predictors of loss of appetite among older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Demographic and clinical data, and scores of comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters of patients who were ≥ 60 years old and have CKD according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were reviewed. Loss of appetite was defined as a score of ≤ 28 in The Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of loss of appetite. RESULTS: Of the 398 patients included, 288 (72%) were female, and the mean age was 80 ± 7. Loss of appetite was present in 233 (59%) of patients. The frequency appeared to significantly increase with a decline in eGFR to < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Older age, female sex, the presence of frailty, and higher scores of Insomnia Severity Index and geriatric depression scale-15 were associated with a higher risk of loss of appetite, while longer time on education, higher levels of hemoglobin, eGFR, and serum potassium, and higher scores of handgrip strength, Tinetti gait and balance test, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and Mini-Nutritional risk Assessment (MNA) were associated with a lower risk (p < 0.05). Associations between insomnia severity and geriatric depression remained significant after adjustment for all parameters including the MNA score. CONCLUSION: Loss of appetite is quite common in older adults with CKD and may be a sign of poor health status in older people with CKD. There is a close relationship between loss of appetite and insomnia or depressive mood.

Prevalence and co-incidence of geriatric syndromes according to glomerular filtration rate in older patients.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric syndromes are complex clinical manifestations and significant causes of mortality and morbidity. This study was aimed to determine the frequency and co-incidence of geriatric syndromes in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Older patients were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study. All patients were questioned in terms of geriatric syndromes including dementia, polypharmacy, malnutrition, frailty, probable sarcopenia, urinary incontinence, falls, fear of falling, depression, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Geriatric syndromes were evaluated according to Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Of the 1320 patients included, the mean age was 79.6 ± 7.8 and 929 (70%) were female. GFR groups ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2, and < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 comprised of 55%, 38%, and 7% patients, respectively. The rate of ≥ 3 syndromes in the same person was 66.4% in the group with GFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. After age and sex adjusted; it was observed that frailty was 2.5 times, probable sarcopenia 2.4 times, and malnutrition 2.7 times more in those with GFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared to those with GFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). Dementia 1.4, frailty 1.55, polypharmacy 2.0, and urinary incontinence were 1.6 times more common in those with a GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Each of the geriatric syndromes and their co-incidence are high in older CKD patients. Geriatricians and nephrologists should be aware of geriatric syndromes in older CKD patients, and they should cooperate for the management of these patients.

Associations between nutritional factors and excessive daytime sleepiness in older patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is prevalent in not only older adults, but also patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is associated with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to determine associations between EDS and nutritional status and serum nutrient levels in older patients with CKD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 367 patients (aged ≥ 65 years) with CKD (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or > 30 mg/day of albuminuria for > 3 months). EDS was recorded using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (a score of ≥ 11). Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool (a score of < 17). RESULTS: The mean age was 81 ± 7 years, and 248 (67%) were female. EDS was seen in 99 (26.9%) patients. Those with EDS had significantly lower MNA scores and more frequent malnutrition than those without EDS (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, number of drugs, and number of urinations at night, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index the relationship between malnutrition and EDS persisted (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.38-4.83, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between the presence of EDS and serum levels or deficiencies of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EDS is associated with malnutrition in older patients with CKD. Therefore, EDS and nutritional status should be evaluated together in clinical practice. However, future studies are needed to determine the direction of the association between malnutrition and EDS and to evaluate if dietary intervention can improve EDS.

The clinical implications and importance of anemia in older women.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate associations between anemia with geriatric syndromes and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) parameters in older women. METHODS: 886 older outpatient women were included. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration below 12 g/dL. patients were divided into two groups as anemic and non-anemic. The relationships between anemia and CGA parameters/geriatric syndromes were determined. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 76.00 ± 8.91. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 15.35%. There was a significant difference between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, body mass index, the number of drugs used, and the presence of chronic renal failure (p < 0.05). After adjustment for these covariates, anemia was associated with Timed Up and Go test (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.18), muscle strength (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99), dynapenia (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.06-3.47), Mini Nutritional Assessment scores (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.94), poor nutritional status (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.10-3.48), Fried scores (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.24-1.68), frailty (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.42-4.69), falls (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.10-2.92) and polypharmacy (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.38-3.86). CONCLUSION: In the present study anemia was associated with frailty, polypharmacy, poor nutritional status, falls, and decreased muscle strength. Therefore, anemia may be a sign of poor health status in older women. When anemia is detected in an older woman, CGA should be strongly considered if not routinely performed.

Associations Between Recently Diagnosed Conditions and Hospitalization due to COVID-19 in Patients Aged 50 Years and Older-A SHARE-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have been carried out with a large sample size on the relationship between chronic conditions and hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and there is no research examining recently diagnosed conditions. Our purpose was to evaluate this association in a large sample including the older population from Europe and Israel. METHOD: Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe COVID-19 Survey, a representative survey of individuals aged 50 or older residing in 27 European countries and Israel, were retrieved. Associations between recently diagnosed chronic conditions (ie, conditions detected over the last 3 years) (exposure) and hospitalization due to COVID-19 (outcome) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 51 514 participants on average 71.0 (SD = 9.2) years old were included. Participants with multimorbidity (ie, 2 or more recently diagnosed conditions) had significantly higher odds for COVID-19 hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.91 [95% CI = 2.14-7.12]). Independent conditions such as lung disease (AOR = 16.94 [95% CI = 9.27-30.95]), heart disease (AOR = 3.29 [95% CI = 1.50-7.21]), or cancer (AOR = 3.45 [95% CI = 1.26-9.48]) showed particularly high odds for hospitalization due to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: People with recently diagnosed diseases, and in particular those having lung disease, heart disease, or cancer, were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19.

The Prevalence and Indications of Intravenous Rehydration Therapy in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review.

(1) Objective: We performed a systematic review to explore the prevalence of intravenous (IV) rehydration therapy in hospital settings, and we assessed it by patient groups and populations. (2) Methods: A systematic review of major databases and grey literature was undertaken from inception to 28 March 2022. Studies reporting prevalence of IV rehydration therapy in a hospital setting were identified. The data were synthesised in a narrative approach. (3) Results: Overall, 29 papers met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients ranged from 4.5% (hospitalised with diarrhoea and dehydration) to 100% (admitted to the emergency department with mild to moderate dehydration caused by viral gastroenteritis), and in adults this ranged from 1.5% (had single substance ingestion of modafinil) to 100% (hospitalised with hypercalcemia). The most common indication for IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients was dehydration due to fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract. Other causes included malnutrition, neuromuscular disease, bronchiolitis, and influenza. In adults, indications for IV rehydration therapy were much more diverse: fever, diarrhoea, drug intoxication, hypercalcemia, cancer, and postural tachycardia syndrome; (4) Conclusions: This systematic review showed that IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients is often used to treat dehydration and diarrhoea, while in adults it has a broader spectrum of use. While IV rehydration therapy is important in correcting fluid problems and electrolyte status, the maintenance fluid prescribing practices vary considerably, and guidelines are scarce.

A comparison of anticholinergic burden in older patients with and without cancer.

Aim: To compare anticholinergic burden (ACB) in older patients with and without cancer and evaluate the effects of ACB on geriatric syndromes. Methods: A total of 291 patients from the geriatric clinic and 301 patients from the oncology clinic were evaluated. ACB <2 was categorized as low ACB and ACB ≥2 was categorized as high ACB. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on patients from the geriatric clinic. Results: ACB scores were significantly higher in patients without cancer compared with those with cancer (p < 0.005). Number of falls and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 scores were higher and Mini-Nutritional Assessment and Barthel/Lawton activities of daily living scores were lower in geriatric patients with high ACB scores compared with those with low ACB scores (p < 0.005). Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the potential effects of ACB for rational drug use and optimum cancer management in older patients with cancer.

Lay abstract The elderly population is increasing rapidly worldwide, and most cancer patients are over the age of 65. In this age group, preexisting medical conditions other than cancer lead to the use of multiple drugs, which is defined as polypharmacy. Additionally, the anticholinergic burden (ACB) of the drugs affects cancer treatment in the elderly. This study investigated the frequency of polypharmacy and ACB in elderly patients with and without cancer and their relationship with geriatric syndromes such as depression, falls, nutritional and cognitive impairments. We found that ACB was higher in older patients without cancer than those with cancer and is related to increased falls, depressive symptoms, and impaired nutritional and functional status in older patients. Given the prevalence of cancer among older adults, it is crucial to understand the potential effects of the ACB for rational drug use and optimum cancer management in older patients with cancer.

Physical multimorbidity and incident urinary incontinence among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years: findings from a prospective analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

BACKGROUND: There are no prospective studies on the association between multimorbidity and urinary incontinence (UI), while mediators in this association are unknown. Thus, we aimed to (i) investigate the longitudinal association between multimorbidity and UI in a large sample of Irish adults aged ≥50 years and (ii) investigate to what extent physical activity, polypharmacy, cognitive function, sleep problems, handgrip strength and disability mediate the association. METHODS: Data on 5,946 adults aged ≥50 years old from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging were analysed. The baseline survey was conducted between 2009 and 2011 and follow-up after 2 years was conducted. Information on self-reported occurrence of UI in the past 12 months and lifetime diagnosis of 14 chronic conditions were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to having no chronic conditions at baseline, having three (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-2.48) and four or more (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.32-2.60), chronic conditions were significantly associated with incident UI. Mediation analysis showed that polypharmacy, sleep problems and disability explained 22.7, 17.8 and 14.7% of the association between multimorbidity (i.e. two or more chronic conditions) and incident UI, respectively. CONCLUSION: A greater number of chronic conditions at baseline were associated with a higher risk for incident UI at 2-year follow-up among adults aged ≥50 years in Ireland. Considering the effects of different medications on UI and improving sleep quality and disability among people aged ≥50 years with multimorbidity may reduce the incidence of UI.

Comparative Evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) affects 5-20% of the population. Our study investigates the presence of OH in diabetic nephropathy (DNP) patients and the factors affecting OH in comparison with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (NDCKD) patients. METHOD: Patients presented to the nephrology clinic, and those who consented were included in the study. DNP was defined by kidney biopsy and/or clinical criteria. NDCKD patients of the same sex, age, and eGFR were matched to DNP patients. Demographic parameters and medications were obtained from the records. OH was determined by Mayo clinic criteria. The same researcher used an electronic device to measure blood pressure (BP). All samples were taken and analyzed the same day for biochemical and hematologic parameters and albuminuria. RESULTS: 112 (51 F, 61 M, mean age: 62.56 ± 9.35 years) DNP and 94 (40 F, 54 M, mean age: 62.23 ± 10.08 years) NDCKD patients were included. There was no significant difference between DNP and NDCKD groups in terms of OH prevalence (70.5 vs. 61.7%, p = 0.181). Male patients had significantly higher OH prevalence than female patients (74.7 vs. 60.0%, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in change in systolic BP between the groups (24.00 [10.00-32.00] mm Hg vs. 24.00 [13.75-30.25] mm Hg, p = 0.797), but the change in diastolic BP was significantly higher in the DNP group (8.00 [2.00-13.00] mm Hg vs. 6.00 [2.00-9.00] mm Hg, p = 0.025). In the DNP group, patients with OH had significantly higher uric acid levels than those without OH (7.18 ± 1.55 vs. 6.36 ± 1.65 mg/dL, p = 0.017). And, 73.7% of patients on calcium channel blockers developed OH (p = 0.015), and OH developed in 80.6% of 36 patients on alpha-blockers (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: OH prevalence is very high in CKD, and etiology of CKD does not have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of OH, despite a difference that could be meaningful clinically. Therefore, patients with CKD are checked for OH, with or without concurrent diabetes mellitus. Evaluation of postural BP changes should be a part of nephrology practice.

Ejaculation Disorders in Male Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence.

PURPOSE: Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) and erectile dysfunction after cancer treatment are clinically important complications, but their exact prevalence by various kinds of cancer site and type of treatment is unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the available evidence and provide pooled estimates for prevalence of EjD and erectile dysfunction in relation to all cancer sites and identify characteristics associated with EjD in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case-control studies. We searched 4 electronic databases (Medline®, CINAHL, PsychInfo and Embase®) until July 22, 2020. All retrospective or prospective studies reporting the prevalence of EjD in male patients with cancer were included in this review. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted calculating prevalence proportions with 95% confidence intervals. Prevalence proportions were calculated for the incidences of EjD by cancer site and type of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 64 studies (a total of 10,057 participants) were included for analysis. The most common cancer sites were bladder, colon, testis and rectum. The prevalence rates of EjD after surgical intervention ranged from 14.5% (95% CI 2.2-56.3) in colon cancer to 53.0% (95% CI 23.3-80.7) in bladder cancer. The prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction ranged from 6.8% (95% CI 0.8-39.1) in bladder cancer to 68.7% (95% CI 55.2-79.6) in cancer of the rectum. CONCLUSIONS: In a large study-level meta-analysis, we looked at a high prevalence of EjD and erectile dysfunction at various cancer sites and across different treatment types. Prospective studies of EjD and erectile dysfunction after various kinds of cancer treatments are warranted.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is Associated With Malnutrition, Dysphagia, and Vitamin D Deficiency in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: Both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and nutritional deficiencies are common and can cause similar negative consequences, such as falls, and cognitive impairment in older adults, but there is no study investigating the relationship between the two. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between malnutrition/micronutrient deficiency and EDS in patients with and without dementia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 800 outpatients (243 of whom had dementia), aged ≥65 years, were included. METHODS: All patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores >23.5, 17-23.5, or <17 were categorized as well-nourished, malnutrition risk, and malnutrition, respectively. Eating Assessment Tool score of ≥3 was accepted as dysphagia. Serum vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate deficiencies were also evaluated. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥11 points indicated EDS. RESULTS: The mean age was 79.1±7.5 years. The prevalence of EDS was 22.75%. In patients with dementia, those with EDS had significantly lower MNA scores and more frequent dysphagia (P < .05). In patients without dementia, those with EDS have lower MNA scores than those without EDS; malnutrition, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency were higher (P < .05). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender, living status, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular events, polypharmacy, dementia, and insomnia, the association between EDS and malnutrition [odds ratio (OR) 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-2.20], dysphagia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.33-2.88), and vitamin D deficiency (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.12-3.55) persisted. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There is a significant relationship between EDS and malnutrition risk, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency in older adults. Therefore, when examining an older patient with EDS, dysphagia, malnutrition, and vitamin D levels should be evaluated, or EDS should be investigated in an older patient with malnutrition, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency. Thus, it will be possible to manage all these conditions more effectively.

The evaluation of relationship between polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden scales.

OBJECTIVE: Polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden are the indicators for the evaluation of the quality of pharmacotherapy in older adults. The aim of this study was to consider which anticholinergic burden scales are more related with polypharmacy among older patients. METHODS: Four hundred and twenty older adults were evaluated retrospectively in this cross-sectional study. The patient's demographic data, comorbidities, the drugs, and number of drugs were recorded. Anticholinergic burden scales were calculated by a tool named anticholinergic burden calculator. RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 73.08±8.71. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 32.14%. The highest relationship with polypharmacy was observed for drug burden index (DBI) (odds ratio 10.87, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that polypharmacy and DBI scores were more related than other anticholinergic burden scales in older adults.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in male survivors of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male survivors of cancer across cancer types has not been systematically analysed. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of ED in all types of cancer and identify characteristics associated with ED in survivors of cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) of cross-sectional studies. METHOD: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched, targeting reports published from inception to 1 February 2020. All retrospective or prospective studies reporting prevalence of ED in male patients with cancer and using a validated tool for detection of ED were included. A random-effects MA model was used to pool prevalence of ED as absolute estimates at three different stages, that is, 'healthy', 'at diagnosis', and 'after treatment'. A univariate MA regression including the three-level group variable as the only independent variable was used to assess the difference in ED prevalence across the three groups. Further MAs were conducted for studies involving patients at diagnosis and after treatment, and statistical inferences were made with setting for multiple testing controlling for a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05. RESULTS: In total, 1301 studies were assessed for inclusion. Of these, 141 were potentially eligible and subsequently scrutinised in full text. Finally, 43 studies were included with a total of 13 148 participants. Overall, pooled data of the included studies showed an ED prevalence of 40.72% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 31.80 to 50.29) in patients with cancer, with prevalences of 28.60% (95% CI = 12.10 to 53.83) at time of diagnosis and 42.70% (95% CI = 32.97 to 53.03) after treatment, with significant difference between these two stages and across cancer locations, controlling for an FDR <0.05. CONCLUSION: Erectile dysfunction was particularly high in male survivors of cancer and was associated with cancer treatment, cancer site, and age.