Inferior vena cava collapsibility index and trauma severity in elderly fall injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Falls are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality among older people. One of the underlying causes of falls is dehydration. Therefore, ultrasonography has become an essential tool for evaluating volume status in the emergency department. However, the effect of volume status on falls in older people has not been evaluated before. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the inferior vena cava collapsibility index and the injury severity score in older patients who presented with fall-related injuries to the emergency department. METHODS: A total of 66 patients were included in the study. The injury severity score was used as the trauma severity score, and the Edmonton Frail Scale was used as the frailty scale. Volume status was evaluated with inferior vena cava collapsibility index. The primary outcome measure was defined as the correlation between inferior vena cava collapsibility index and injury severity score. Secondary outcome measures were defined as the effect of inferior vena cava collapsibility index and injury severity score on hospitalization and mortality. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between injury severity score and inferior vena cava collapsibility index (p=0.342). Neither inferior vena cava collapsibility index nor injury severity score was an indicator of the mortality of these patients. However, injury severity score was an indicator of hospitalization. The mean Edmonton Frail Scale score was an indicator of mortality among older people who experienced falls (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Inferior vena cava collapsibility index cannot be used to predict trauma severity in older patients who have experienced falls admitted to the emergency department.

Frailty in the context of kidney transplantation.

Frailty, defined as an inappropriate response to stressful situations due to the loss of physiological reserve, was initially described in the elderly population, but is currently being identified in younger populations with chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that about 20% of patients are frail at the time of kidney transplantation (KT), and there is great interest in its potential predictive value for unfavorable outcomes. A significant body of evidence has been generated; however, several areas still remain to be further explored. The pathogenesis is poorly understood and limited to the extrapolation of findings from other populations. Most studies are observational, involving patients on the waiting list or post-KT, and there is a scarcity of data on long-term evolution and possible interventions. We reviewed studies, including those with Brazilian populations, assessing frailty in the pre- and post-KT phases, exploring pathophysiology, associated factors, diagnostic challenges, and associated outcomes, in an attempt to provide a basis for future interventions.

Association between frailty and activities of daily living disability in older adults residing in a high-altitude Peruvian Andean community: the Aunqui-Andes study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability may be higher in high-altitude Andean regions, due to chronic hypoxia, malnutrition, and physical challenges. and their association is relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and ADL disability among older adults residing in the Totos district in Peru during the year 2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Totos district (mean altitude: 3286 m above sea level), located in Ayacucho, Peru, during 2022. A complete census was employed including residents aged 60 and above. The exposure variable was frailty, defined by fulfilling 3 or more criteria of the Fried phenotype. The outcome variable was ADL disability, defined as a score below 95 on the Barthel index. Generalized linear models with a Poisson family, logarithmic link function, and robust variances were employed to estimate crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs), along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We evaluated 272 older adults with a mean age of 74 years, of whom 59.9% were female, 62.1% were cohabiting or married and 83.1% had not completed primary education. We found that 19.5% were frail, while 51.1% had ADL disability. In the adjusted regression model, we found frailty increased the prevalence of ADL disability (aPR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.44-2.16; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Frailty was associated with an increased prevalence of ADL disability. These findings could contribute to establishing government intervention plans to manage disability and frailty within the high-risk group comprising older adults living at high altitudes.

Does frailty affect barriers to physical activity in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty syndrome is prevalent among many patients experiencing intermittent claudication symptoms. Considering that components of the frailty syndrome can affect both physical and psychological functions, it is likely that barriers to physical activity are heightened in these individuals. AIM: To analyze the association between barriers to physical activity and frailty in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 216 patients with symptomatic PAD (64.8% men, 65.6±9.4 yrs.). Nine personal and 8 environmental barriers to physical activity were investigated through a questionnaire on barriers to practicing physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication. Frailty was defined according to Fried et al. (2001) criteria which included unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, slow walking speed, physical inactivity. Three or more criteria defined frail, one or 2 criteria defined pre-frail, and absence of criteria defined non-frail. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). RESULTS: Frail and pre-frail patients have more barriers than non-frail patients [frail: 11 (4); pre-frail: 10 (6); non-frail: 8 (7), p = 0.001]. Absence of a companion for physical activity, lack of knowledge and uncertainty about the benefits of physical activity, pain induced by walking and presence of obstacles that worsen leg pain were associated with frail and pre-frail status, independent of sex, age, ankle-brachial index, and total walking distance. CONCLUSION: Patients with PAD who are frail and pre-frail have more barriers to physical activity than non-frail patients. Therefore, specific interventions promoting PA are essential for these patients to improve their health outcomes.

Dietary Patterns and Geriatric Syndromes in Adults: Analysis of the 2018-19 National Health and Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND: The study of dietary patterns in older adults (OA) and their association with geriatric syndromes (GS) is scarce in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of dietary patterns with GS in the Mexican older adult population, using data from the 2018-19 National Health and Nutrition Survey. METHODS: Dietary data were collected from 3,511 adults (≥60 years of age, both sexes) using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis based on the consumption of 162 foods from 24 food groups. The GS studied were: frailty, depressive symptoms (DS), low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM); additionally, we studied inflammation (serum CRP>5 mg/L). Logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Four major dietary patterns were identified: a) "Western", b) "Prudent", c) "Soups", and d) "Traditional". The middle and higher tertiles of the "Prudent" pattern were associated with lower odds of DS (OR 0.71, p = 0.04; and OR 0.61, p = 0.008), respectively. The second tertile of the "Soups" pattern was associated with lower odds of low ASMM (OR 0.68, p = 0031) and inflammation (OR 0.58, p = 0.022). The highest tertile of the "Traditional" pattern was associated with low ASMM (OR 1.55, p = 0.008) and lower odds of inflammation (OR 0.69, p = 0.044). No association was found between the "Western" dietary pattern and GS. CONCLUSIONS: Three of four major dietary patterns were associated with GS in older Mexican adults. Further studies are needed to address strategies to improve diet quality in this age group and its association with health and functional outcomes.

Comparison of two different frailty screening scales for predicting mortality due to all causes in older inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between two frailty screening tools and 90-day all-cause mortality in geriatric inpatients. METHODS: The study included patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to the geriatrics unit of a university hospital between June 2021 and August 2022 and whose mortality status and duration of hospitalization data were obtained from the Health Ministry System. During hospitalization, the patients were screened using two different frailty scales: the Simpler Modified Fried Frailty Scale (sMFS) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Patients scoring ≥5 on the CFS and ≥3 on the sMFS were considered frail. RESULTS: A total of 84 participants with a mean age of 78.3±7.6 years were included in this study, of which 36.9% were male. Of the total, 60.7% and 89.3% were considered frail according to the CFS and sMFS, respectively, and the prevalence of all-cause mortality within 90 days was 19%. A univariate analysis using the Kaplan-Meier survival method revealed CFS scores to be statistically significantly related to 90-day all-cause mortality (p<0.001), while sMFS scores were not found to be statistically significant (p=0.849). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was identified between CFS score and all-cause mortality in multivariate analysis with Cox regression analysis [(p<0.001), hazard ratio (HR): 3.078; (95% confidence interval: 1.746-5.425)]. CONCLUSION: An evaluation of frailty in hospitalized older adults using two different scales revealed the CFS to be superior to the sMFS in predicting all-cause mortality within 90 days.

Relationship between Social Participation, Children's Support, and Social Frailty with Falls among Older Adults in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: There is limited research on social factors related to falls among older adults. This study assessed the association between falls during the past year with social participation, children's support, relationship with children, and social frailty. METHODS: Participants were 17,687 community-dwelling older adults from the 2015 Survey on Health, Well-being, and Aging (SABE) in Colombia. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, environmental barriers, psychotropic intake, vision problems, memory loss, multimorbidity, and fear of falling. RESULTS: In multivariate logistic regression analyses, being socially frail (vs. no-frail) was associated with higher odds of falls (odds ratio [OR]=1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.32). Participating in groups (OR=1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.11), helping others (OR=1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.06), or volunteering (OR=1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.17) were also associated with higher odds of falls. These findings were partly explained because most group participants reside in cities where they are more exposed to environmental barriers. In contrast, receiving help, affection, and company from children (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.93-0.97) was associated with lower fall odds than not receiving it. Moreover, having a good relationship with children was associated with lower odds of falls (OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.66-0.85) compared to an unsatisfactory relationship. CONCLUSION: Support from children and having a good relationship with them were associated with fewer falls; however, social frailty and participation in social groups were associated with more falls.

Physiological changes associated with aging: Identification of novel biomarkers for frailty syndrome in women.

This study explores the physiological changes associated with aging that lead to frailty syndrome, characterized by reduced vitality and degeneration across multiple bodily systems, increasing susceptibility to various pathologies. While established scales like the Fried Phenotype and Frailty Trait Scale (FTS) are commonly used for assessing frailty, incorporating biomarkers is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Our research examines plasma oxylipin levels in frail elderly individuals to identify novel biomarkers. Diagnostic criteria for frailty included assessments using the Fried Phenotype and FTS-5, with blood samples collected from 71 elderly participants (50 women and 21 men) with mean ages of 73.6 ± 5.9 and 76.2 ± 6.2 years, respectively. Women exhibited elevated platelet counts (p-value 0.0035). The significant differences in oxylipin concentrations associated with the Fried Phenotype were particularly noteworthy, predominantly observed in women. Specifically, in women, decreased grip strength (<15 kg) and slow gait speed (<0.8 m/s) correlated with increased levels of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 7-HDoHE (p-values 0.0404, 0.0300, 0.0033, and 0.0033, respectively). Additionally, elevated 7-HDoHE levels correlated with a BMI exceeding 28 kg/m2 (p-value 0.0123) and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores surpassing 5 points (p-value 0.0134) in women. In summary, our findings emphasize that frail older individuals, particularly women, exhibit higher levels of TxB2 and 7-HDoHE compared to their non-frail counterparts, aligning with established frailty classification and scale parameters, suggesting their potential as indicative biomarkers.

Frailty Was Associated With Atmospheric NO2 Levels: A Geospatial Approach.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has linked air pollution with frailty, yet little is known about the role of NO2 in this association. Our aim was to assess the association between frailty and NO2 air concentrations in Mexican older adults. METHODS: We used georeferenced data from the population-based Nutrition and Health Survey in Mexico (NHNS) 2021, representative of national and subnational regions, to measure a frailty index based on 31 health deficits in adults aged 50 and older. Air pollution due to NO2 concentrations was estimated from satellite images validated with data from surface-level stations. Maps were produced using Jensen's Natural break method. The association of frailty and NO2 concentrations was measured using the frailty index (multivariate fractional response logit regression) and a frailty binary variable (frailty index [FI] ≥0.36, multivariate logit regression). RESULTS: There was a positive and significant association of the frailty index with the NO2 concentrations, adjusting for age, sex, urban and rural area, years of education, socioeconomic status, living arrangement, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, and indoor pollution. For each standard deviation increase in NO2 concentrations measured 10 years before the survey, the odds of being frail were 15% higher, and the frailty index was 14.5% higher. The fraction of frailty attributable to NO2 exposure ranged from 1.8% to 23.5% according to different scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was positively associated with exposure to NO2 concentrations. Mapping frailty and its associated factors like NO2 air concentrations can contribute to the design of targeted pro-healthy aging policies.

Physical Performance and Telomere Length in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: The aging population prompts studying risk factors and markers to predict healthy aging. Telomere length is a promising candidate for assessing various age-related traits. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the association between physical performance and telomere length. METHODS: We enrolled 323 older Mexican adults from the "Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults" affiliated with the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social and assessed their physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery, dividing participants into low (≤7) and high (>7) groups. Absolute telomere length was determined by qPCR, and individuals were classified into short (≤4.22 kb) and long (>4.22 kb) groups. We calculated the mean and adjusted mean, considering sex and age, among others, with 95% CI. We estimated the effect size between physical performance and telomere length using Cohen's d for unequal group sizes and calculated the odds ratio for physical performance based on telomere length. RESULTS: Participants with low physical performance had significantly shorter telomeres (mean 4.14.44.7 kb, adjusted mean 3.54.04.5 kb, p <0.001), while those with high physical performance exhibited longer telomeres (mean 5.55.75.9 kb, adjusted mean 4.75.35.8 kb, p <0.001), with a medium-to-high telomere length effect size (d = 0.762). The odds of low physical activity increased 2.13.66.1-fold per kb of telomere attrition (adjOR 1.73.36.3, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Decreased physical function is associated with shorter telomere length. Absolute telomere length presents a promising biomarker for distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy aging, warranting further investigation.

Development and Evaluation of a Software Designed by a Nursing and Technology Team to Assess the Health Status of Adults over 65 Years of Age.

Objective: This work sought to develop the Actuasalud platform as a useful tool for nursing that permits assessing health, in term of frailty, in population over 65 years of age. Methods: For the design and development of Actuasalud, two working groups were formed: one from nursing with different profiles, to identify the scientific content and a computer science group responsible for the software programming and development. Both teams adapted the scientific content to the technology so that the tool would allow for population screening with detection of health problems and frailty states. Results: The software was developed in three large blocks that include all the dimensions of frailty: a: sociodemographic variables, b: comorbidities, and c: assessment tools of autonomy-related needs that evaluate the dimensions of frailty. At the end of the evaluation, a detailed report is displayed through bar diagram with the diagnosis of each of the dimensions assessed. The assessment in the participating elderly showed that 44.7% (n = 38) of the population was considered not frail, and 55.3%; (n = 47) as frail. Regarding associated pathologies, high blood pressure (67.1%; n = 57), osteoarthritis and/or arthritis (55.3%; n = 47), diabetes (48.2%; n = 41) and falls during the last year (35.3%; n = 30) were highlighted. Conclusion: Actuasalud is an application that allows nursing professionals to evaluate frailty and issue a quick diagnosis with ordered sequence, which helps to provide individualized care to elderly individuals according to the problems detected during the evaluation.

Development and Evaluation of a Software Designed by a Nursing and Technology Team to Assess the Health Status of Adults over 65 Years of Age / Desarrollo y evaluación de un software diseñado por un equipo de enfermería y tecnología para la valoración del estado de salud de los adultos mayores de 65 año / Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software desenvolvido por uma equipe de enfermagem e tecnologia para avaliação do estado de saúde de adultos com mais de 65 anos

Objective. This work sought to develop the Actuasalud platformas a useful tool for nursing that permits assessing health, in term of frailty, in population over 65 years of age. Methods. For the design and development of Actuasalud, two working groups were formed: one from nursing with different profiles, to identify the scientific content and a computer science group responsible for the software programming and development. Both teams adapted the scientific content to the technology so that the tool would allow for population screening with detection of health problems and frailty states. Results. The software was developed in three large blocks that include all the dimensions of frailty: a) sociodemographic variables, b) comorbidities, and c) assessment tools of autonomy-related needs that evaluate the dimensions of frailty. At the end of the evaluation, a detailed report is displayed through bar diagram with the diagnosis of each of the dimensions assessed. The assessment in the participating elderly showed that 44.7% (n = 38) of the population was considered not frail, and 55.3%; (n = 47) as frail. Regarding associated pathologies, high blood pressure (67.1%; n = 57), osteoarthritis and/or arthritis (55.3%; n = 47), diabetes (48.2%; n = 41) and falls during the last year (35.3%; n = 30) were highlighted. Conclusion.Actuasalud is an application that allows nursing professionals to evaluate frailty and issue a quick diagnosis with ordered sequence,which helps to provide individualized care to elderly individuals according to the problems detected during the evaluation.

Objetivo. Desarrollar la plataforma Actuasalud como una herramienta útil para enfermería que permita evaluar la salud, en términos de fragilidad, en población mayor de 65 años. Métodos. Para el diseño y desarrollo de Actuasalud,se constituyeron dos grupos de trabajo: uno de enfermería con diferentes perfiles para identificar el contenido científico y uno informático que se responsabilizó de la programación y desarrollo del software. Ambos equipos adaptaron el contenido científico a la tecnología de manera que la herramienta permitiese hacer un cribado poblacional con detección de problemas de salud y estados de fragilidad. Resultados. Se desarrolló el software en tres grandes bloques que incluyen todas las dimensiones de fragilidad: a) variables sociodemográficas, b) comorbilidades y c) herramientas de evaluación de necesidades relacionadas con la autonomía que evalúan las dimensiones de fragilidad. Al finalizar la evaluación, se visualiza un informe detallado mediante diagrama de barras con el diagnóstico de cada una de las dimensiones evaluadas. La evaluación en los mayores participantes mostró que el 44.7% (n = 38) de la población se consideró como no frágil, y un 55.3%; (n = 47) como frágiles. En cuanto a las patologías asociadas, destacaron hipertensión arterial (67,1 %; n = 57), artrosis y/o artritis (55.3%; n = 47), diabetes (48.2 %; n = 41) y caídas en el último año (35,3 %; n = 30). Conclusión.Actuasalud es una aplicación que permite a los profesionales de enfermería evaluar fragilidad y emitir un diagnóstico de forma ágil con secuencia ordenada que ayuda a brindar cuidados individualizados a personas mayores de acuerdo los problemas detectados en la evaluación.

Objetivo. Desenvolver a plataforma Actuasalud como uma ferramenta útil para a enfermagem que permite avaliar a saúde, em termos de fragilidade, numa população com mais de 65 anos. Métodos. Para a concepção e desenvolvimento do Actuasalud foram formados dois grupos de trabalho: um grupo de enfermagem com perfis diferentes, para identificar o conteúdo científico, e um grupo de informática que foi responsável pela programação e desenvolvimento do software. Ambas as equipas adaptaram o conteúdo científico à tecnologia para que a ferramenta permitisse o rastreio da população para detectar problemas de saúde e estados de fragilidade. Resultados. O software foi desenvolvido em três grandes blocos que incluem todas as dimensões da fragilidade: a) variáveis sociodemográficas, b) comorbidades ec) instrumentos de avaliação de necessidades relacionadas à autonomia que avaliam as dimensões da fragilidade. Ao final da avaliação é apresentado um relatório detalhado através de um diagrama de barras com o diagnóstico de cada uma das dimensões avaliadas. A avaliação nos idosos mostrou que 44.7% (n=38) da população foi considerada não frágil e 55.3%; (n=47) como frágil. Quanto às patologias associadas, destacaram-se a hipertensão arterial (67.1%; n=57), a osteoartrite e/ou artrite (55.3%; n=47), a diabetes (48.2%; n=41) e as quedas no último ano (35.3%; n=30). Conclusão. Actuasalud é um aplicativo que permite ao profissional de enfermagem avaliar a fragilidade e emitir um diagnóstico de forma ágil e com sequência ordenada que auxilia no atendimento individualizado ao idoso de acordo com os problemas detectados na avaliação.

[Frailty as a predictor of 3-year mortality in older adult patients in long-term care in Mexico]. / Fragilidad como predictor de mortalidad a 3 años en los pacientes adultos mayores en cuidados de largo plazo en México.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of our study was to evaluate the long-term association between mortality and frailty in institutionalized patients in Mexico. Worldwide, there are limited lines of research in this population of geriatric patients and this entity generates a significant impact on the quality of life and prognosis of our patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a prospective cohort study of 81 patients in long-term care who met the selection criteria. Frailty was determined using the FRAIL scale. Data on mortality were collected during the follow-up period, and diagnosis was monitored. The risk of presenting this event was determined by logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazards analysis, adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the patients was 36 months (1094 days), during which 33 subjects died (40.7%). In our population, at the beginning of the study the vast majority of frail patients had pathologies that independently generate risk of adverse events, disability (Barthel=30.9; SD 28.8), sarcopenia (n=40; 71.4%), one to 3 falls in the last year (n=17; 63%), ≥4 falls (n=4; 57.1%). Frail participants had a higher adjusted risk of mortality (HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.33-6.43; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The frailty entity is associated in the long term with mortality in institutionalized patients in Mexico. Timely treatment and approach may allow a good prognosis and quality of life.

Frailty identification and management among Brazilian healthcare professionals: a survey.

BACKGROUND: National and international guidelines on frailty assessment and management recommend frailty screening in older people. This study aimed to determine how Brazilian healthcare professionals (HCPs) identify and manage frailty in practice. METHODS: An anonymous online survey on the assessment and management of frailty was circulated virtually through HCPs across Brazil. RESULTS: Most of the respondants used non-specific criteria such as gait speed (45%), handgrip strength (37.6%), and comprehensive geriatric assessment (33.2%). The use of frailty-specific criteria was lower than 50%. The most frequently used criteria were the Frailty Index (19.1%), Frailty Phenotype (13.2%), and FRAIL (12.5%). Only 43.5% felt confident, and 40% had a plan to manage frailty. In the multivariate-adjusted models, training was the most crucial factor associated with assessing frailty, confidence, and having a management plan (p < 0.001 for all). Those with fewer years of experience were more likely to evaluate frailty (p = 0.009). Being a doctor increased the chance of using a specific tool; the opposite was true for dietitians (p = 0.03). Those who assisted more older people had a higher likelihood of having a plan (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Frailty assessment was heterogeneous among healthcare professions groups, predominantly using non-specific criteria. Training contributed to frailty assessment, use of specific criteria, confidence, and having a management plan. This data informs the need for standardized screening criteria and management plans for frailty, in association with increasing training at the national level for all the HCPs who assist older people.

Frailty and Cancer Prognosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the prognostic role of frailty in older patients diagnosed with cancer and to explore the evidence regarding its prognostic implications in cancer survivors. RECENT FINDINGS: Frailty has been consistently associated with mortality/overall survival, postoperative complications, short- and long-term postoperative mortality, length of stay, among other adverse health-related outcomes in several oncological contexts. The possible association between frailty and treatment toxicity has been less explored, however most studies suggest frailty is a predictor of treatment induced toxicity. In addition, in cancer survivors, frailty is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, mortality, altered cognitive performance and increased symptom severity. Due to its usefulness in establishing prognosis and informing treatment decision making, it is expected that frailty screening and assessment will continue to gain popularity as part of the pretreatment evaluation of older patients with cancer.

Frailty and sarcopenia in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: Assessment and risk in the liver transplant setting.

Frailty and sarcopenia are well-recognized factors related to worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, including liver transplant (LT) candidates. Implications of pre-LT functional and muscle deterioration also affect post-LT outcomes. Patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have a lower survival rate, both before and after LT. There is a need to better identify those patients with ACLF who would benefit from LT. This review aims to present the available data about frailty and sarcopenia in patients with ACLF in the LT setting. An exhaustive review of the published literature was conducted. Data regarding frailty and sarcopenia in LT candidates with ACLF are scarce and heterogeneous. Studies evaluating frailty and sarcopenia in critically ill patients outside the liver literature are also presented in this review to enrich the knowledge of this field in expansion. Frailty and sarcopenia seem to contribute to worse outcomes in LT candidates with ACLF, both before and after LT. Sarcopenia evaluation may be the most prudent approach for those very sick patients. Skeletal muscle index assessed by computed tomography is recommended to evaluate sarcopenia. The role of muscle ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis is to be determined. Frailty and sarcopenia are crucial factors to consider on a case-by-case basis in LT candidates with ACLF to improve patient outcomes.

Variables de la condición física, predictores de los niveles de fragilidad en personas adultas mayores entre 60 y 64 años de Sabaneta, Antioquia / Physical condition variables, predictors of frailty levels in older adults between 60 And 64 Years Of Age from Sabaneta, Antioquia / Variáveis de condição física, preditores dos níveis de fragilidade em idosos entre 60 e 64 anos de Idade de Sabaneta, Antioquia

Resumen Introducción: El estudio examina la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la fragilidad en personas adultas mayores, destacando la escasez de investigaciones en América Latina y la necesidad de un enfoque integral de atención de salud para abordar esta creciente preocupación epidemiológica. Propósito: El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo transversal correlacional con fase multivariada fue determinar las variables de la condición física que predicen la fragilidad en las personas adultas mayores de entre 60 y 64 años del municipio de Sabaneta, Antioquia durante el primer semestre del 2021 con 125 personas sanas. Metodología: Para las variables cualitativas, el sexo y la fragilidad se relacionan de forma estadísticamente significativa. En las variables cuantitativas, "fuerza muscular de las piernas", "fuerza muscular de los brazos derecha e izquierda", "agilidad de marcha" y "resistencia aeróbica en marcha" se asociaron de forma estadísticamente significativa con la fragilidad. Resultados: En el modelo de regresión lineal, se evidenció que la variable "agilidad de la marcha" fue la predictora de fragilidad en la persona adulta mayor. Prevalencia de fragilidad en el 85.6 % de los casos, de los cuales el 48 % presentan condiciones de prefragilidad. Variables como la fuerza de los brazos, fuerza de las piernas, agilidad de la marcha y resistencia aeróbica en la marcha fueron estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: La agilidad de la marcha es un factor predictivo de riesgo de fragilidad en la persona adulta mayor. Las personas con disminución en la agilidad de la marcha tienen un 26 % más de probabilidades de ser frágiles.

Abstract Introduction: The study examines the prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older adults, highlighting the scarcity of research in Latin America and the need for a comprehensive healthcare approach to address this growing epidemiological concern. Purpose: The aim of this cross-sectional correlational descriptive study with a multivariate phase was to determine the physical fitness variables that predict frailty in older adults aged 60-64 years. It was conducted in Sabaneta, Antioquia during the first semester of 2021 with 125 healthy individuals aged 60-64 years. Methodology: For the qualitative variables, sex and frailty were statistically significantly related. For the quantitative variables, "leg strength", "right and left arm strength", "walking agility", and "aerobic walking endurance" were significant in relation to frailty. Results: In the linear regression model, it was found that the variable "walking agility" was the predictor of frailty in older adults. Prevalence of frail conditions in 85.6% of the cases, of which 48% had pre-frail conditions. Variables such as arm strength, leg strength, walking agility, and aerobic walking endurance were statistically significant. Conclusions: Walking agility is a predictive risk factor for frailty in older adults. Individuals with decreased walking agility have a 26% higher probability of being frail.

Resumo Introdução: O estudo examina a prevalência e os fatores associados à fragilidade em idosos, destacando a escassez de pesquisas na América Latina e a necessidade de uma abordagem abrangente de cuidados de saúde para enfrentar essa preocupação epidemiológica crescente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo descritivo correlacional transversal com uma fase multivariada foi determinar as variáveis de aptidão física que predizem a fragilidade em idosos de 60 a 64 anos. Foi realizado em Sabaneta, Antioquia, durante o primeiro semestre de 2021 com 125 indivíduos saudáveis com idades entre 60 e 64 anos. Metodologia: Para as variáveis qualitativas, sexo e fragilidade estavam relacionados estatisticamente de forma significativa. Para as variáveis quantitativas, "força das pernas", "força dos braços direito e esquerdo", "agilidade ao caminhar" e "endurance aeróbico ao caminhar" foram significativas em relação à fragilidade. Resultados: No modelo de regressão linear, constatou-se que a variável "agilidade ao caminhar" foi o preditor de fragilidade em idosos. Prevalência de condições frágeis em 85.6% dos casos, dos quais 48% tinham condições pré-frágeis. Variáveis como força dos braços, força das pernas, agilidade ao caminhar e endurance aeróbico ao caminhar foram estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões: A agilidade ao caminhar é um fator de risco preditivo para fragilidade em idosos. Indivíduos com agilidade ao caminhar diminuída têm uma probabilidade 26% maior de serem frágeis.

Prevalence of Frailty Phenotypes in Older People Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Frailty may affect people living with HIV (PLHIV) prematurely. Fried's frailty phenotype, composed of 5 criteria, is one of the most used instruments for its assessment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these criteria among PLHIV classified as prefrail and frail in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study analyzed the prevalence of the Frailty Phenotype in Brazil with 670 individuals aged ≥ 50 years and undetectable viral load. RESULTS: The prevalence of prefrail and frail individuals was 50.7% and 13.6%, respectively. A low level of physical activity was the most prevalent criterion (50.9%). Except for unintentional weight loss, all other criteria were more prevalent among individuals with lower education levels. All criteria were more prevalent among individuals of lower socioeconomic status than among those of moderate or high status (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A low level of physical activity was the component that most contributed to PLHIV being considered prefrail or frail.