Acute kidney injury in nonagenarians: clinical characteristics and mortality / Injúria renal aguda em nonagenários: características clínicas e mortalidade

Abstract Introduction: Nonagenarians constitute a rising percentage of inpatients, with acute kidney injury (AKI) being frequent in this population. Thus, it is important to analyze the clinical characteristics of this demographic and their impact on mortality. Methods: Retrospective study of nonagenarian patients with AKI at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2022. Only the latest hospital admission was considered, and patients with incomplete data were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to define risk factors for mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 150 patients were included, with a median age of 93.0 years (91.2-95.0), and males accounting for 42.7% of the sample. Sepsis was the most common cause of AKI (53.3%), followed by dehydration/hypovolemia (17.7%), and heart failure (17.7%). ICU admission occurred in 39.3% of patients, mechanical ventilation in 14.7%, vasopressors use in 22.7% and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in 6.7%. Death occurred in 56.7% of patients. Dehydration/hypovolemia as an etiology of AKI was associated with a lower risk of mortality (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.020). KDIGO stage 3 (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.17-8.47, p = 0.023), ICU admission (OR 12.27; 95% CI 3.03-49.74, p < 0.001), and oliguria (OR 5.77; 95% CI 1.98-16.85, p = 0.001) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: AKI nonagenarians had a high mortality rate, with AKI KDIGO stage 3, oliguria, and ICU admission being associated with death.

Resumo Introdução: Nonagenários constituem um percentual de pacientes internados em ascensão, sendo a injúria renal aguda (IRA) frequente nesses pacientes. Sendo assim, é importante analisar as características clínicas dessa população e seu impacto na mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes nonagenários com IRA entre 2013 e 2022 em um hospital terciário. Apenas o último internamento foi considerado e pacientes com dados incompletos foram excluídos. Uma análise por regressão logística foi realizada para definir fatores de risco para mortalidade. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 150 pacientes com mediana de idade 93,0 anos (91,2-95,0) e sexo masculino em 42,7%. Sepse foi a causa mais comum de IRA (53,3%), seguida de desidratação/hipovolemia (17,7%) e insuficiência cardíaca (17,7%). Admissão na UTI ocorreu em 39,3% dos pacientes, ventilação mecânica em 14,7%, uso de vasopressores em 22,7% e realização de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) em 6,7%. Óbito ocorreu em 56,7% dos pacientes. Desidratação/hipovolemia como etiologia da IRA foi associado a menor risco de mortalidade (OR 0,18; IC 95% 0,04-0,77, p = 0,020). Estágio KDIGO 3 (OR 3,15; IC 95% 1,17-8,47, p = 0,023), admissão na UTI (OR 12,27; IC 95% 3,03-49,74, p < 0,001) e oligúria (OR 5,77; IC 95% 1,98-16,85, p = 0,001) foram associados à mortalidade. Conclusão: Nonagenários com IRA apresentaram alta mortalidade e IRA KDIGO 3, oligúria e admissão na UTI foram associadas ao óbito.

Evaluation of the Surgical Treatment of Patients over 90 Years Old with Hip Fractures and Their Morbidity and Mortality.

Objective: Hip fractures in older adults have the highest impact on the patient's health. These injuries result in many complications, reducing functional capability, quality of life, and life expectancy. This study aimed to provide more epidemiological data on the outcomes of these fractures in nonagenarians from a large city treated at a tertiary hospital. Methods: This study consisted of medical record reviews and interviews. Results: In this study, 76 patients underwent 82 surgeries. The mean age of the patients was 92.5 years. Ninety percent of the subjects were female. The patients spent 10.4 days in hospital. Surgery occurred on average 2.3 days after hospitalization. Regarding fractures, 46 were trochanteric (56%), and 34 affected the femoral neck (41.5%). Forty-one surgeries used the short proximal femoral nail (50%), and 18 were partial hip replacements (22%). During hospitalization, 46 patients (55%) had no complications, excluding episodes of delirium, and seven patients (9%) died. Forty-two subjects completed the one-year postoperative follow-up period, with 56% alive and 44% dead. Conclusions: Treating hip fractures in older patients is challenging. Our goal must focus on helping these subjects receive the quickest and least aggressive treatment possible and start mobilization early. We hope the data presented in this study can lead to a better understanding of the characteristics of our nonagenarian population with hip fractures and seek the best possible treatment for them.

Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients 90 Years or Older with Moderate to Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases Ambulation at Discharge and Is Safe: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Single Center in Santiago, Chile.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization predicts that the global population aged 60 years and older will double by 2050, leading to a significant rise in the public health impact of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Existing stroke guidelines do not specify an upper age limit for the administration of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), although some suggest a relative exclusion criterion in patients aged ≥80 in the 3-4.5-h window. Many physicians avoid treating these patients with IVT, argumenting high risk and little benefit. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of IVT treatment in patients with non-minor AIS aged ≥90, admitted to our institution. The primary efficacy endpoint was the ability to walk at discharge (mRS 0-3), and the primary safety endpoints were death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhagic transformation (sIHT) at discharge. METHODS: Patients with AIS aged ≥90 admitted to our center from January 2003 to December 2022 were included. They were selected if had an NIHSS ≥5, were previously ambulatory (prestroke mRS score 3 or less), and arrived within 6 h from symptom onset. Those treated or not with IVT were compared with univariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 93.2 (2.4) years, and 51 (73.9%) were female. The admission mRS and NIHSS were 1 (IQR 0-2) and 14 (IQR 7-22), respectively. Thrombolyzed patients had a shorter time from symptom onset to door and lower glycemia on admission. IVT was associated with a higher proportion of patients achieving mRS 0-3 at discharge (p = 0.03) and at 90 days (p = 0.04). There were no differences between groups in the risk of death (p = 0.55) or sIHT (p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: In this small sample, ambulatory patients aged ≥90 with moderate or severe AIS treated with IVT had increased odds of being able to walk independently at discharge than those not treated, without safety concerns.

Evaluation of the Surgical Treatment of Patients over 90 Years Old with Hip Fractures and Their Morbidity and Mortality / Avaliação do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes acima de 90 anos com fraturas de quadril e sua morbimortalidade

Abstract Objective: Hip fractures in older adults have the highest impact on the patient's health. These injuries result in many complications, reducing functional capability, quality of life, and life expectancy. This study aimed to provide more epidemiological data on the outcomes of these fractures in nonagenarians from a large city treated at a tertiary hospital. Methods: This study consisted of medical record reviews and interviews. Results: In this study, 76 patients underwent 82 surgeries. The mean age of the patients was 92.5 years. Ninety percent of the subjects were female. The patients spent 10.4 days in hospital. Surgery occurred on average 2.3 days after hospitalization. Regarding fractures, 46 were trochanteric (56%), and 34 affected the femoral neck (41.5%). Forty-one surgeries used the short proximal femoral nail (50%), and 18 were partial hip replacements (22%). During hospitalization, 46 patients (55%) had no complications, excluding episodes of delirium, and seven patients (9%) died. Forty-two subjects completed the one-year postoperative follow-up period, with 56% alive and 44% dead. Conclusions: Treating hip fractures in older patients is challenging. Our goal must focus on helping these subjects receive the quickest and least aggressive treatment possible and start mobilization early. We hope the data presented in this study can lead to a better understanding of the characteristics of our nonagenarian population with hip fractures and seek the best possible treatment for them.

Resumo Objetivo: As fraturas de quadril em idosos são as que mais impactam na saúde do paciente e estão associadas a muitas complicações, levando a redução da capacidade funcional, da qualidade de vida e da expectativa de vida. O nosso trabalho visa trazer mais dados epidemiológicos sobre os desfechos dessas fraturas em nonagenários em uma grande cidade atendidos em um hospital terciário. Métodos: O trabalho foi realizado através de revisão de prontuários e entrevistas. Resultados: Foram realizadas 82 cirurgias em 76 pacientes nesse período. A média de idade foi de 92,5 anos, 90% eram mulheres e ficaram 10,4 dias internados. A cirurgia foi realizada em média 2,3 dias após a internação. Do total, 46 fraturas foram trocantéricas (56%) e 34 do colo do fêmur (41,5%). Foram realizadas 41 cirurgias com a técnica da haste cefalomedular curta (50%) e 18 artroplastias parcial de quadril (22%). Durante a internação, 46 pacientes (55%) não apresentaram complicações, excluindo episódios de delirium, e 7 pacientes (9% dos casos) evoluíram para óbito. 42 pacientes já fecharam 1 ano após cirurgia: 56% estão vivos e 44% evoluíram para óbito. Conclusões: O tratamento de fraturas de quadril em pacientes idosos é desafiador. O nosso objetivo deve estar focado em ajudar esses idosos a receber um tratamento rápido e menos agressivo possível e a mobilizar precocemente. Esperamos que, com os dados apresentados nesse trabalho, possamos entender melhor acerca das características da nossa população nonagenária vítimas de fratura de quadril e buscar o melhor tratamento possível para esses pacientes.

Do nonagenarians have more complications and unplanned readmissions than octogenarians following primary THA? A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The performance of total hip arthroplasty in elderly patients, especially nonagenarians, is challenging due to higher patient frailty and medical comorbidities. We compared 90-day postoperative complications and unplanned readmissions between nonagenarians and octogenarians undergoing elective THA. METHODS: One hundred and eleven patients undergoing elective, unilateral THA were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-four patients were nonagenarians (Group A), and 67 patients were octogenarians (Group B). Demographic data included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ASA score and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Frailty was defined according to the Rockwood Frailty Index. All patients underwent a thorough preoperative assessment through a specific institutional clinical pathway created for this matter. Postoperative adverse events were grouped into major or minor. A regression model was used to evaluate independent risk factors for the development of complications. RESULTS: There were no differences in the ASA score (65.9% vs. 53.7% ASA III-IV), prevalence of frailty (1% vs. 9%) and comorbidities between both groups (p > .05). The CCI was higher in nonagenarians (p = 0.007). Nonagenarians had more in-hospital complications, although most were minor (p = 0.002), none of which resulted in mortality. Ninety-day unplanned readmissions were similar between groups, with 4 (9.1%) and 6 (9%) in groups A and B, respectively (p = 1). Although age was a factor associated with the development of postoperative complications in the univariate regression model (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.31 to 11.11, p = 0.014), it lost significance after performing the multivariate analysis (OR 2.48, 95% CI 0.78 to 7.90, p = 0.125). CONCLUSION: The age of 90 years old was not a barrier to perform elective THA safely. Nonagenarians had higher in-hospital minor complications when compared to the younger cohort. However, age over 90 years was not an independent risk factor for unplanned readmissions or mortality. Multimodal protocols of perioperative care are paramount for improving outcomes after THA in very old patients.

Resistance Training With Partial Blood Flow Restriction in a 99-Year-Old Individual: A Case Report.

In aging populations for which the use of high loads is contraindicated, low load resistance training associated with blood flow restriction (RT-BFR) is an alternative strategy to induce muscle mass gains. This study investigates the effects of RT-BFR on muscle mass, muscle function, and quality of life of a 99-year-old patient with knee osteoarthritis and advanced muscle mass deterioration. Training protocol consisted of 24 sessions of a unilateral free-weight knee extension exercise associated with partial blood flow restriction through a manometer cuff set at 50% of complete vascular occlusion pressure. We evaluated: cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness (MT) of the vastus lateralis muscle by ultrasound; function through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; and quality of life (QoL) by the WHOQOL-bref, WHOQOL-OLD and WOMAC questionnaires. All tests were performed prior to the training period (Pre) and after the 12th (Mid) and 24th (Post) sessions. Changes were considered significant if higher than 2 times the measurement's coefficient of variation (CV). After 24 sessions, there was an increase of 12% in CSA and 8% in MT. Questionnaires scores and TUG values worsened from Pre to Mid and returned in Post. We consider RT-BFR a viable and effective strategy to promote muscle mass gains in nonagenarians and delay the decline in functionality and QoL associated with aging.

Incidence, predictors and prognosis of acute kidney injury in nonagenarians: an in-hospital cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Given the aging of the population, nephrologists are ever more frequently assisting nonagenarians with acute kidney injury (AKI). The management of these patients presents unique characteristics, including bioethical dilemmas, such as the utilization of renal replacement therapy (RRT) at this extreme age. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital. Over a 10-year period, 832 nonagenarians were hospitalized for two or more days. A random sample of 461 patients was obtained; 25 subjects were excluded due to lack of essential data. AKI was defined and staged according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 436 patients, mean age 93.5 ± 3.3 years, 74.3% female; 76.4% required intensive care unit (ICU). The incidence of AKI was 45%. Length of hospital stay, ICU admission, vasopressors, and mechanical ventilation (MV) were independent predictors of AKI. Overall in-hospital mortality was 43.1%. Mortality was higher in the AKI compared to the no AKI group (66.8% vs. 23.8%, p < 0.001). Only 13 patients underwent RRT; all were critically ill, requiring vasopressors and 76.9% in MV. Mortality for this RRT group was 100% but not significantly higher than that observed in 26 non-RRT controls (96.1%, p = 1.0) obtained by proportional random sampling, matched by variables related to illness severity. In multivariable analysis, age, Charlson's score, vasopressors, MV, and AKI - but not RRT - were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is common in hospitalized nonagenarians and carries a grave prognosis, especially in those who are critically iil. The use of RRT was not able to change the fatal prognosis of this subgroup of patients. Our data may help guide informed decisions about the utility of RRT in this scenario.

Fractura de cadera en el paciente mayor de 90 años: nuestro nuevo desafío / Hip fracture in the extremely elderly: our new dilemma

INTRODUCCIÓN: El envejecimiento mundial de la población ha resultado en un aumento de las fracturas de cadera y sobre todo en pacientes cada vez más añosos. El objetivo es buscar la mortalidad al año y factores asociados en nuestra realidad nacional. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de fichas clínicas e imagenología de pacientes mayores de 90 años operados por fractura de cadera en la capital de nuestro país. Se presentan dos grupos según su sistema previsional, pacientes pertenecientes al sistema de salud público (SSPu) y pertenecientes a un sistema de salud privado (SSPr). Se realiza análisis estadístico univariado y multivariado con test de Chi2, Mann-Whitney y regresión logística. RESULTADOS: 129 pacientes mayores de 90 años operados por fractura de cadera (85 pertenecientes al SSPu y 44 en el SSPr), cumplieron con criterios de inclusión y exclusión en un período de 2 años. El promedio de edad general fue de 93,2 años (SD 2,9) sin diferencia entre grupos. El tiempo preoperatorio fue significativamente menor en el SSPr con mediana de 1 día (0­7) y de 6 días (1­40) para el SSPu (p < 0,001). La mortalidad general al año fue de 30,2% siendo de 38,8% para el SSPu y de 13,6% para el SSPr con diferencia significativa (p = 0,003). No se encontró asociación estadística en la mortalidad al año con las variables edad, género ni tipo de fractura. Se encontró asociación entre la mortalidad al año y menor tiempo preoperatorio (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado de mortalidad el único factor protector fue pertenecer al SSPr (p = 0,010). DISCUSIÓN: La mortalidad general de nuestros pacientes es similar a lo encontrado en la literatura internacional, siendo el menor tiempo preoperatorio y pertenecer al sistema de salud privado factores asociados a menor mortalidad al año, donde ese último es el único factor asociado en el estudio multivariable. Este estudio aporta a la contingencia nacional en describir cómo se comporta nuestra población tanto en el sistema de salud privado como en el público. Es necesario estudiar el efecto en la mortalidad de otros factores asociados que no fueron evaluados en el presente trabajo.

INTRODUCTION: The aging of world population has resulted in an increase of hip fractures and especially in extremely elderly patients. The objective is to describe 1-year mortality in these patients in our national reality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study of clinical records and imaging of patients over 90 years old who were operated for hip fracture in the capital of our country, belonging one group to private care health system (SSPr) and the other group to the public health system (SSPu). Statistical analysis was performed to type of implant and mortality. RESULTS: 129 patients over 90 years old were operated for hip fracture (85 in the SSPu and 44 in the SSPr) in a period of 2 years. The average age was of 93.2 years (SD 2.9) without statistical difference between groups. Preoperative time was significantly lower in SSPr group with mean of 1 day (0­7) for the SSPr and 6 days (1­40) for the SSPu (p < 0,001). The overall 1-year mortality was 30.2%; 38.8% in the SSPu and 13.6%%, which was statistically relevant (p = 0,003). No association was found between 1-year mortality and age, sex or fracture type. Statistical association was found between preoperative time and 1-year mortality where patients who have lower preoperative time have lower 1-year mortality (p < 0,001). Association was found between lower 1-year mortality and belonging to SSPr. This last association was the only one with statistical relevance in the multivariable analysis (p = 0,010) DISCUSSION: Surgery for hip fractures in extremely elderly patients is an increasing reality in our country. The overall mortality of our patients is similar to that published in the international literature, where belonging to private care health system and having a low preoperative time is associated with a lower 1-year mortality in our study. This study contributes to the national contingency in the sense of how our population develops in the private sphere as well as in the public care. It is necessary to study the effect on mortality of other associated factors that were not evaluated in the present study.

Clinical outcome in nonagenarians undergoing transcatheter valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Nonagenarians are mostly denied from different therapeutic strategies due to high preoperative risk. We present the results of nonagenarians with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Our retrospective analysis include baseline and procedural data along with clinical outcome. Clinical follow-up was performed in all patients after TAVR. RESULTS: Out of 689 patients, 33 nonagenarians with a mean age of 90.9±1.4years suffering from severe AS and elevated comorbidity index (logistic EuroSCORE of 16.3±9.6%, STS score 11.1±9.9%) underwent TAVR between September 2009 and July 2016 using self-expanding prosthesis. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography reported a mean aortic valve area (AVA) of 0.64±0.12cm2 with a mean pressure gradient of 56.1±16.1mmHg. Five (16.2%) patients had postprocedural moderate/severe aortic regurgitation. One patient died intraoperally due to ventricular perforation during predilatation, while two patients died within the first 30days, one due to cardiogenic shock and the other due to pneumonia. No patient experienced a myocardial infarction or a stroke, while ten (30.3%) required permanent pacemaker placement. At follow-up (mean 20.3 months, range 1-78 months), all cause and cardiovascular mortality was 24.2% and 15.1%, respectively. Two patients presented heart failure and 12 (40%) had exertional dyspnea. By echo, mean valve area was 1.72±0.12cm2 and mean gradient 11.2±1.4mmHg. Two patients (16.7%) presented moderate aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: Our case series demonstrate that even with elevated comorbidity index, clinical endpoints and valve-associated results are relatively favorable in nonagenarians treated with TAVR.

Neuropsychological Test Performance in Cognitively Normal Spanish-speaking Nonagenarians with Little Education.

To find associations of age, sex, and education with neuropsychological test performance in cognitively normal Spanish-speaking Costa Rican nonagenarians with little education; to provide norms; and to compare their performance with similar Puerto Ricans. For 95 Costa Ricans (90-102 years old, 0-6 years of education), multiple regression assessed associations with demographics of performance on six neuropsychological tests. Analyses of covariance compared them with 23 Puerto Ricans (90-99 years old). Younger age and being female-but not education-were associated with better performance on some neuropsychological tests, in particular episodic memory. The Puerto Ricans performed better on learning and memory tasks. In cognitively intact Spanish-speaking nonagenarians with little or no education, education did not affect test performance. Additional studies of the effect of education on cognitive performance are warranted in other samples with extremely low education or old age. National differences in performance highlight the importance of group-specific norms.