Comparative Evaluation of Predictive Ability of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Components Including Frailty on Long-Term Mortality.

Background: This study aims to compare the predictive value of all comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) parameters with the predictive value of frailty assessment (with Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) and Fried Frailty Index (FFI)) for long-term mortality, in older adults.Methods: A total of 967 patients were included, consecutively. At the first admission, age, gender, comorbidities, number of drugs, and laboratory values of the patients were recorded. Each patient underwent CGA which consisted of anthropometric measurements, functional, cognitive, mood, nutritional, gait, fall, sleep duration, and frailty assessment. Fifty-seven months after the first admission, CGA parameters were analyzed to determine their predictive abilities on long-term mortality due to all causes, comparatively.Results: The median age was 73 years (range 65-94 years). The median follow-up time was 39.9 months (range 0.5-57.3 months). Serum albumin level, FFI, EFS, instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) score, and walking time were the best predictors of mortality. There was no significant difference between these parameters in predicting mortality.Conclusion: FFI and EFS have similar predictive value for mortality. In busy clinical practice, a new index based on IADL, walking time, and serum albumin level may be an alternative of frailty assessment for predicting mortality.

Association of physical frailty with cognitive function and mood in older adults without dementia and depression

Background/aim: Physical frailty is thought to be related with a decline in cognitive function, mood, and social activities, especially in patients with depression and dementia. It is not clear whether or not physical frailty is associated with an impairment in cognitive function and mood in patients without dementia and depression. In this study, we evaluated the association of physical frailty with cognitive function and mood in geriatric patients without dementia and depression. Material and methods: In this study, 612 patients aged 65 years and over were evaluated. Physical frailty was assessed by using Fried criteria. Furthermore, comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed to each patient. Results: Median age of the patients was 72 years (min-max: 65­93), 58% were female, and 6.5% were frail. Clock drawing (p < 0.001), MMSE (p < 0.001), and Yesevage geriatric depression scale (p: 0.010) test results were worse in frail patients compared to pre-frail and robust ones. Age (p: 0.009), being university graduate (p: 0.031), three words recall test (p: 0.014), activities of daily living (ADL) (p: 0.006), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (p < 0.001), and MNA-SF (p: 0.001) scores were determined to be independent related factors of frailty. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that cognitive function and mood might be associated with physical frailty in patients without dementia and depression.

Does Preoperative Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Frailty Predict Postoperative Complications?

BACKGROUND: The influence of preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment and frailty on postoperative morbidity, mortality, delirium were examined. METHODS: A total of 108 patients were evaluated. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), the Mini-Nutrition Assessment test (MNA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were performed. Fried Criteria were used to assess physical frailty. We used the Physiological and Operative Severity Scores for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity score (POSSUM), the American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to determine the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Assessment Test for Delirium (4AT) was applied for detection of delirium. RESULTS: The median age was 71 years (min-max: 65-84). IADL (p = 0.032), MNA (p = 0.01), MMSE scores (p = 0.026) were found to be significantly lower in patients with morbidity. POSSUM physiology score (p = 0.005), operative score (p = 0.015) and CCI (p = 0.029) were significantly higher in the patients with morbidity. Patients developed morbidity were found to be more frail (p < 0.001). The patients with delirium were found to have lower IADL (p = 0.049) and MMSE scores (p = 0.004), higher POSSUM physiology score (p = 0.005) and all of them were frail. It was found that frailty (OR = 23.695 95% CI: 6.912-81.231 p < 0.001), POSSUM operative score (OR:1.118 95% CI: 1.021-1.224 p = 0.016) and preoperative systolic blood pressure (OR:0.937%95 CI: 0.879-0.999 p = 0.048) were independently related factors for postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: In our study, CGA and frailty in preoperative period were found to be indicators for postoperative morbidity and delirium.

Masked hypertension is associated with end organ damage in geriatric age: Geriatric MASked Hypertension and End organ damage (G-MASH-End organ Study).

Purpose: It is a question whether masked hypertension (MH) leads to end-organ damage in the geriatric age group. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between MH and end-organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and proteinuria in geriatric population.Materials and methods: One hundred and two patients who were admitted to the outpatient clinic were included in the study. These patients were also included in the GMASH-Cog study in 2016, which examined the relationship between MH and cognitive function. All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure measurement procedures. Cardiac functions of all patients were determined by echocardiography. Spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was measured in all patients.Results: Forty four of 102 patients (43%) were diagnosed with MH. ACR was 9.61 mg/gr in the MH group and 7.12 mg/gr in the normal group (p = .021). In addition, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was found to be higher in the MH group than in the normal group. Mean LVMI scores were 107.76 ± 16.37 in patients with MH and 100.39 ± 19.32 in the normotensive group (p = .046).Conclusion: MH is associated with end-organ damage in geriatric patients. Urinary albumin excretion and LVH which are the parameters of end-organ damage were significantly higher in MH patients. MH may cause end-organ damage and should not be overlooked in geriatric patients.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio in different etiological causes of thyrotoxicosis

Background/aim: The most common causes of thyrotoxicosis include Graves' disease (GD), toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG), toxic adenoma (TA), and subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (SAT). In our study, we aimed to see whether neutrophil­to­lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet­to­lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of these diseases. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the hospital records of the Endocrinology Clinic of our hospital between 2016 and 2019. We included data from 66 GD, 37 TA, and 35 SAT patients. We compared the data with those of 35 healthy subjects as controls. Results: NLR, MLR, and PLR were found to be higher in the SAT group when compared to other groups. The post hoc analysis of comparison of NLR, MLR, and PLR in each group showed that NLR and PLR were significantly different in the SAT group when compared to the GD, TA, and controls groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001 for NLR respectively and P < 0.001 for PLR in all groups). MPV levels were different between groups (P = 0.007). However, the intergroup analysis (Tukey's test) failed to show a statistically significant difference for any of the groups. In patients with SAT, PLR and NLR were significantly higher than in the GD, TA, and control groups. MLR was also higher in SAT when compared to other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: High PLR and NLR may be helpful to differentiate SAT from GD and TA, the other common causes of thyrotoxicosis.

Is frailty a prognostic factor for critically ill elderly patients?

AIM: The study aimed to investigate the effects of frailty on clinical outcomes of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: In this prospective study, 122 patients (59 frail, 37 pre-frail and 26 robust) were included. A frailty index (FI) derived from comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters was used for the evaluation. The FI score of ≤0.25 was considered as robust, 0.25-0.40 as pre-frail and >0.40 as frail. The prognostic effects of FI were investigated and FI and APACHE II and SOFA scores, the prognostic scores using in ICU, were compared. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 71 years old and 50.8 % were male. ICU mortality rate and median length of stay (LOS) were 51.6 % and 8 days (min-max: 1-148), respectively. ICU mortality was higher (69.2, 56.8 and 40.7 %, respectively, p = 0.040) and median overall survival was lower in frail group compared to pre-frail and robust subjects (23, 31 and 140 days, p = 0.013, respectively). Long term mortality over 3 and 6 months in frail patients were 80.8 and 84.6 %, respectively and significantly higher than others. Multivariate analysis showed that LOS in ICU (HR 1.067, 95 % CI 1.021-1.114), SOFA score (HR 1.272, 95 % CI 1.096-1.476) and FI (HR 39.019, 95 % CI 1.235-1232.537) were the independent correlates for ICU mortality (p = 0.004, p = 0.002 and 0.038, respectively). There was a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between APACHE II and FI scores (r = 0.190, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: FI may be used as a predictor for the evaluation of elderly patients' clinical outcomes in ICUs.

Which parameters affect long-term mortality in older adults: is comprehensive geriatric assessment a predictor of mortality?

BACKGROUND: Determining predictors of mortality among older adults might help identify high-risk patients and enable timely intervention. AIMS: The aim of the study was to identify which variables predict geriatric outpatient mortality, using routine geriatric assessment tools. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 1141 patients who were admitted to the geriatric medicine outpatient clinic between 2001 and 2004. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed by an interdisciplinary geriatric team. Mortality rate was determined in 2015. The parameters predicting survival were examined. RESULTS: Median age of the patients (415 male, 726 female) was 71.7 years (53-95 years). Mean survival time was 12.2 years (95 % CI; 12-12.4 years). In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.16, 95 % CI: 1.09-1.23, p < 0.001), smoking (OR: 2.51, 95 % CI: 1.18-5.35, p = 0.017) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.20, 95 % CI: 1.05-4.64, p = 0.038) were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. MNA-SF scores (OR: 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71-1.00, p = 0.050) and free T3 levels (OR: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.00, p = 0.052) had borderline significance. DISCUSSION: The present study showed that the risk conferred by metabolic syndrome is beyond its individual components. Our findings confirm previous studies on the prognostic role of nutritional status, as reflected by MNA-SF. Serum fT3, a simple laboratory test, may also be used in geriatric outpatient clinics to identify individuals at risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study demonstrated the need for addressing modifiable risk factors such as smoking, metabolic syndrome, and undernutrition in older adults.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing according to the STOPP/START criteria for older adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the prevalence and possible predictors of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potentially prescription omissions (PPOs) according to the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria in geriatric patients. METHODS: A total of 374 patients (140 male, 234 female) aged ≥65 years were included. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data including age, gender, current diagnoses/medications, comorbid diseases and medical problems were noted. RESULTS: There were 154 (41.2 %) patients with at least one PIM. Most common PIMs were proton pump inhibitors for peptic ulcer disease (9.6 %), calcium-channel blockers (6.4 %) and anticholinergic/antispasmodic drugs (5.9 %) in chronic constipation. There were 274 (73.3 %) patients with at least one PPO. Most common PPOs were calcium-vitamin D supplement in osteoporosis (OP) (39.6 %), statin (22.5 %) and antiplatelet therapies (16.0 %) in diabetes mellitus (DM) with cardiovascular risk factors. PIM was independently associated with female gender (OR = 2.21, p = 0.003), number of medications (OR = 1.35, p < 0.001), Katz scores of daily life activities (OR = 0.87, p = 0.013) and OP (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001). PPO was independently associated with age (OR = 1.06, p = 0.009), Geriatric Depression Scale score (OR = 1.20, p = 0.007), DM (OR = 6.50, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 5.29, p = 0.010), number of medications (OR = 0.88, p = 0.019), and incontinence (OR = 0.39, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of PIMs and PPOs were found in geriatric patients. Number of medications, female gender, and dependency were associated with PIM. Age, higher scores of Geriatric Depression Scale, DM, and COPD were related with PPOs.

Phase angle assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis and its predictive value for malnutrition risk in hospitalized geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Phase angle (PhA) value determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an indicator of cell membrane damage and body cell mass. Recent studies have shown that low PhA value is associated with increased nutritional risk in various group of patients. However, there have been only a few studies performed globally assessing the relationship between nutritional risk and PhA in hospitalized geriatric patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the predictive value of the PhA for malnutrition risk in hospitalized geriatric patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two hospitalized geriatric patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Comprehensive geriatric assessment tests and BIA measurements were performed within the first 48 h after admission. Nutritional risk state of the patients was determined with NRS-2002. Phase angle values of the patients with malnutrition risk were compared with the patients that did not have the same risk. The independent variables for predicting malnutrition risk were determined. SPSS version 15 was utilized for the statistical analyzes. RESULTS: The patients with malnutrition risk had significantly lower phase angle values than the patients without malnutrition risk (p = 0.003). ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum PhA cut-off point for malnutrition risk was 4.7° with 79.6 % sensitivity, 64.6 % specificity, 73.9 % positive predictive value, and 73.9 % negative predictive value. BMI, prealbumin, PhA, and Mini Mental State Examination Test scores were the independent variables for predicting malnutrition risk. CONCLUSIONS: PhA can be a useful, independent indicator for predicting malnutrition risk in hospitalized geriatric patients.

The association between thyroid volume, L-thyroxine therapy and hepatocyte growth factor levels among patients with euthyroid and hypothyroid goitrous and non-goitrous Hashimoto's thyroiditis versus healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common etiology of hypothyroidism in regions where iodine deficiency is not a concern. To date, many clinical investigations have been conducted to elucidate its pathogenesis. Several growth factors have been shown to have a role in its development. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the aforementioned molecules. We aimed to demonstrate whether HGF is responsible for HT and goiter development. Also, we aimed to test the hypothesis that levo-thyroxine sodium therapy will suppress HGF levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one premenopausal women who were admitted to our outpatient clinic between November 2010 and September 2011 were enrolled. Three groups were determined according to their thyroid function tests (TFTs) as euthyroid Hashimoto's, control and subclinical hypothyroid Hashimoto's groups. Basal TFTs, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-tg), thyroid ultrasonography (USG) and HGF were studied and recorded. Subclinical hypothyroid HT patients received levo-thyroxine sodium replacement therapy, and were re-assessed for the same laboratory and radiologic features after a median 3.5 month follow-up. RESULTS: Basal HGF levels were not different between groups. In the subclinical hypothyroidism group, HGF levels (752.75 ± 144.91 pg/ml vs. 719.37 ± 128.05 pg/ml; p = 0.496) and thyroid volumes (12.51 ± 3.67 cc vs. 12.18 ± 4.26 cc; p = 0.7) before and after treatment did not change significantly. No correlations were found between HGF and other parameters. HGF levels were similar between subjects with nodular goiter and normal thyroid structure. CONCLUSIONS: HGF was not shown to be associated with HT and goiter development. In addition, levo-thyroxine sodium replacement therapy did not alter serum HGF levels significantly.

Assessment of the Appropriateness of Prescriptions in a Geriatric Outpatient Clinic

Objectives: Appropriateness of the geriatric outpatients' medications needs special attention due to risks of falls, fractures, depression, hospital admissions and mortality. This study aimed to identify current practice on medication usage by using the 2nd version of "Screening Tool of Older People's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions" and "Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment" criteria and affecting factors for the Turkish population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2015 and May 2016 at a university research and training hospital's geriatric outpatient clinic. Patients aged ≥65 years and had ≥5 different prescribed medications (considered as polypharmacy) were recruited. The main outcome measure was the frequency of inappropriate medications identified by clinical pharmacist in the outpatient clinic according to the 2nd version of the criterion sets. Results: A total of 700 patients (440 female) were included in this study. According to the results, 316 patients (45.1%) with at least one potentially inappropriate medication and 668 patients (98.3%) with at least one potential prescription omission were detected. Potentially inappropriate medications were associated with the number of medications used per patient [odds ratio (OR): 1.20 p<0.001], living alone (OR: 4.12 p=0.02), and having congestive heart failure (OR: 2.41 p<0.001). Twenty-two (27.5%) out of 80 criteria and 4 (11.8%) out of 34 criteria did not apply to the study population. Conclusion: Detecting inappropriate medications to maintain treatment effectiveness is necessary to provide the optimum therapy. Despite the awareness of polypharmacy in outpatient clinics it is still one of the important causes of inappropriate prescription followed by vaccination rate. Therefore, with the contribution of clinical pharmacist using these available criteria is important, moreover modification of these criteria according to the local needs to be considered to achieve better outcomes.

Masked Hypertension is Associated With Cognitive Decline in Geriatric Age-Geriatric MASked Hypertension and Cognition (G-MASH-cog) Study.

Background: Masked hypertension is described as high ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) where office blood pressure measurements are normal. Effect of hypertension on cognitive functions is well known. However, the effect of masked hypertension on cognitive functions is unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between masked hypertension and cognitive functions. Methods: One hundred-two normotensive patients admitted to the Geriatric Medicine outpatient clinic were included. Exclusion criteria were hypertension, dementia, major depression, and usage of antihypertensive medication. All patients underwent ABPM procedures and average daytime blood pressure, mean blood pressure at night and the 24-hour average blood pressure measurements were recorded. Comprehensive geriatric assessment tests and neuropsychological tests were administered. The diagnosis of masked hypertension was based on the definitions in the 2013 guideline of the European Society of Cardiology. Results: Forty-four patients (43%) were diagnosed with masked hypertension. Patients with masked hypertension had significantly lower scores on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test, Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Test (QMCI), and Categorical Fluency Test than the normotensive patients (p = .011; p = .046; and p = .004; respectively). Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale test score was lower in masked hypertension, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study may indicate that geriatric patients with masked hypertension, compared to normotensive patients have decreased cognitive functions. Masked hypertension should be kept in mind while assessing older adults. When masked hypertension is detected, cognitive assessment is essential to diagnose possible cognitive dysfunction at early stage.

Association of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-Derived Phase Angle and Sarcopenia in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an important problem for older adults, leading to morbidity and mortality; therefore, early detection with a precise method is essential. We aimed to investigate the role of bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle as a determinant of sarcopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross section of 263 community-dwelling and hospitalized older adults (>65 years) were assessed in terms of sarcopenia with bioelectrical indices and anthropometric measurements. Sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic groups were compared, and significant determinants of sarcopenia were further analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Forty patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The following were significant correlates of sarcopenia: female sex, low weight/height, low body mass index, decreased muscle strength, low calf circumference, low skeletal muscle mass/index, high impedance at 50 kHz, a history of hypertension, worse nutrition status, and low phase angle. Diagnostic parameters with well-known association were omitted, and sex, height, weight, body mass index, creatinine, nutrition status, phase angle, impedance at 50 kHz, and hypertension category were included in regression analysis. The following were independent associated factors with sarcopenia: phase angle (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.40-0.87, P = .008), body mass index (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.93, P = .001) impedance at 50 kHz (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.006-1.015, P < .001), and height (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, P = .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the optimal phase angle cutoff value to detect sarcopenia was ≤4.55º. CONCLUSIONS: Bioelectrical phase angle can be useful for diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Validation of the Turkish Version of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to validate the Turkish version of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Q mci-TR) screen. METHODS: In total, 100 patients aged ≥65 years referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic with memory loss were included. The Q mci was compared to the Turkish versions of the standardized Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). RESULTS: The Q mci-TR had higher accuracy than the MoCA in discriminating subjective memory complaints (SMCs) from cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] or dementia), of borderline significance after adjusting for age and education ( P = .06). The Q mci-TR also had higher accuracy than the MoCA in differentiating MCI from SMC, which became nonsignificant after adjustment ( P = .15). A similar pattern was shown for distinguishing MCI from dementia. Test reliability for the Q mci-TR was strong. CONCLUSION: The Q mci-TR is a reliable and useful screening tool for discriminating MCI from SMC and dementia in a Turkish population.

Hypovitaminosis D is an independent associated factor of overactive bladder in older adults.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Urinary incontinence and vitamin D deficiency are common problems encountered in geriatric population. We aimed to investigate if there is a relationship between these conditions. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Among 2281 patients who were admitted to our geriatric medicine outpatient clinic spanning the last three years, 705 patients with known vitamin D status, urinary incontinence and subtype, and calcium plus vitamin D therapy data were included in statistical analysis. Patients who are using calcium plus vitamin D therapy were excluded. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 72.3±6.4years and 62.8% were female. Plasma vitamin D level (OR: 0.968, 95%CI: 0.943-0.993, p=0.013), MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) score (OR: 0.944, 95%CI: 0.902-0.989, p=0.014), and serum ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) level (OR: 0.995, 95%CI: 0.992-0.998, p=0.001) were found to be inversely correlated factors, and serum calcium level (OR: 1.772, 95%CI: 1.008-2.888, p=0.022) was found to be a positively correlated factor of overactive bladder. Considering the different clinical subtypes of urinary incontinence, only urgency incontinence was associated with lower plasma vitamin D level (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are independent associated factors for overactive bladder in older adults. This is explicable by effects of vitamin D on muscle growth and function.

Survival After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Older Adults With Neurologic Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a common procedure performed to provide a route for enteral feeding. We aimed to examine the survival after PEG in older adults with neurologic disease and to demonstrate the factors associated with mortality. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 500 patients who underwent PEG placement between 2005 and 2015 at a university hospital. The data included age, sex, follow-up duration, comorbidities, medications, indications for PEG, complications, and laboratory results. Related risk factors and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Median age was 77 years. Median survival time after PEG placement was 13.9 months. The 30-day, 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality rates were 11.3%, 28.3%, 46.8%, 56.3 %, 63.0%, and 67.8%, respectively. Stroke was independently correlated with mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-3.19; P < .001). Overall survival time after PEG placement was shorter in patients with stroke than without stroke (11.4 vs 27.1 months, P = .014). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, preprocedural neutrophil percentage (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17, P = .015) and late complications (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.80-46.90; P = .008) were independent risk factors for mortality in the stroke subgroup. Prophylactic antibiotic usage (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29; P < .001) and hyperlipidemia (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00; P = .048) were independently and inversely correlated with mortality in stroke patients. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients had higher mortality rates than other neurological indications for PEG. In stroke patients with PEG, neutrophil percentage was independently correlated with mortality, while hyperlipidemia and preprocedural antibiotic usage were independently related with survival.

Nutritional issues in dementia patients.

Dementia is an inevitable disease of aging, leading not only to diminished cognitive ability but also behavioral changes, malnutrition, pressure sores, and infections. Acknowledging common problems and their solutions is essential for any health service worker who deals with demented geriatric patients.

Estimating radiation therapy toxicity and tolerability with comprehensive assessment parameters in geriatric cancer patients.

Cancer prevalance and incidence is increasing with aging of populations and age is a critical factor in decision-making for anti-cancer treatment. However it is believed that chronological age is not enough to guide management in elderly cancer patients. Multidisciplinary evaluation and comprehensive geriatric assessment has gained importance regarding the treatment selection especially for definitive anti-cancer therapy recently. We here aimed to analyse the effect of the comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters on radiotherapy toxicity and tolerability in a series of geriatric cancer patients in Turkey.

Mini nutritional assessment test long and short form are valid screening tools in Turkish older adults.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a pitfall in older adults despite its high prevalence and serious consequences. There are various screening tests however, none of them have been validated for our country. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that MNA (long form of MNA) and MNA-SF (short form of MNA) are applicable to screen malnutrition in Turkish geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-six patients aged 65 years and over who were admitted to our geriatric medicine outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study. Four groups of data (anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, three-day diet record and geriatric assessment scales) were recorded. Long and short forms of MNA test were performed. Two different geriatricians interpreted the patients' nutritional status with the aid of aforementioned data. Patients were divided into three groups which were patients with malnutrition, with malnutrition risk and well-nourished. Concordance between the two geriatricians' clinical assessment was analyzed by kappa statistics. Excellent concordance was found, therefore the first specialist's decisions were accepted as gold-standard. A third physician performed the long and short forms of MNA test. The concordance between the first clinician's assessment and MNA test results were compared subsequently. RESULTS: MNA and MNA-SF results were compared with first clinician's decision of malnutrition and kappa coefficients were 0.68 and 0.66, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that MNA was 92% sensitive and 86% specific, whereas MNA-SF was 94% sensitive and 81% specific. CONCLUSION: MNA and MNA-SF are suitable for malnutrition screening in Turkish older adults.

Validation of Katz index of independence in activities of daily living in Turkish older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living Scale (Katz ADL) is a widely used tool to assess the level of independency in older adults. The objective of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the six item Katz ADL in geriatric patients aged 65 years and older. METHODS: The participants were recruited in a geriatric medicine outpatient clinic (n=211). The Katz ADL was translated to Turkish and it was administered with the Barthel index (BI) and SF-36 physical functioning subscale (SF-36 PF) which are already validated in Turkish. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency, interrater and test-retest analysis. Construct validity was assessed by Spearman correlations between the Katz ADL and other functional status indices. RESULTS: The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α=0.838). The test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were excellent (ICC 0.999 [0.999-1.000 95% CI]). Regarding the convergent validity strong associations between Katz ADL, BI and SF-36 PF were demonstrated (rs=0.988, p<0.001 and rs=0.674, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Validating an instrument, which has originally been developed in a different culture, is a complex but neccessary task. It provides an opportunity for comparison of information across different cultures. To our knowledge, this is the only study to demonstrate reliability and validity of the Katz ADL-six item version in the geriatric population living in Turkey. Turkish version of the Katz ADL is a valid and reliable scale to detect the disability status in the basic activities of daily living in older adults.