Quality of Life in Older Patients after a Heart Failure Hospitalization: Results from the SENECOR Study.

Background: Information about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in heart failure (HF) in older adults is scarce. Methods: We aimed to describe the HRQoL of the SENECOR study cohort, a single-center, randomized trial comparing the effects of multidisciplinary intervention by a geriatrician and a cardiologist (intervention group) to that of a cardiologist alone (control group) in older patients with a recent HF hospitalization. Results: HRQoL was assessed by the short version of the disease-specific Kansas Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) in 141 patients at baseline and was impaired (KCCQ-12 < 75) in almost half of the cohort. Women comprised 50% of the population, the mean age was 82.2 years, and two-thirds of patients had preserved ejection fraction. Comorbidities were highly prevalent. Patients with impaired HRQoL had a worse NYHA functional class, a lower NT-proBNP, a lower Barthel index, and a higher Clinical Frailty Scale. One-year all-cause mortality was 22.7%, significantly lower in the group with good-to-excellent HRQoL (14.5% vs. 30.6%; hazard ratio 0.28; 95% confidence interval 0.10−0.78; p = 0.014). In the group with better HRQoL, all-cause hospitalization was lower, and there was a trend towards lower HF hospitalization. Conclusions: The KCCQ-12 questionnaire can provide inexpensive prognostic information even in older patients with HF. (Funded by grant Primitivo de la Vega, Fundación MAPFRE. ClinicalTrials number, NCT03555318).

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Multidisciplinary Intervention by a Geriatrician and a Cardiologist to Usual Care after a Heart Failure Hospitalization in Older Patients: The SENECOR Study.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of older patients after a heart failure (HF) hospitalization is poor. METHODS: In this randomized trial, we consecutively assigned 150 patients 75 years old or older with a recent heart failure hospitalization to follow-up by a cardiologist (control) or follow-up by a cardiologist and a geriatrician (intervention). The primary outcome was all-cause hospitalization at a one-year follow-up. RESULTS: All-cause hospitalization occurred in 47 of 75 patients (62.7%) in the intervention group and in 58 of 75 patients (77.3%) in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 0.99; p = 0.046). The number of patients with at least one HF hospitalization was similar in both groups (34.7% in the intervention group vs. 40% in the control group, p = 0.5). There were a total of 236 hospitalizations during the study period. The main reasons for hospitalization were heart failure (38.1%) and infection (14.8%). Mortality was 24.7%. Heart failure was the leading cause of mortality (54.1% of all deaths), without differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A follow-up by a cardiologist and geriatrician in older patients after an HF hospitalization was superior to a cardiologist's follow-up in reducing all-cause hospitalization in older patients. (Funded by Beca Primitivo de la Vega, Fundación MAPFRE. CLINICALTRIALS: gov number, NCT03555318).

Plasmatic PCSK9 Levels Are Associated with Very Fast Progression of Asymptomatic Degenerative Aortic Stenosis.

The aim of this work was to study the association of potential biomarkers with fast aortic stenosis (AS) progression. Patients with moderate-to-severe AS were classified as very fast progressors (VFP) if exhibited an annualized change in peak velocity (aΔVmax) ≥0.45m/s/year and/or in aortic valve area (aΔAVA) ≥-0.2cm2/year. Respective cut-off values of ≥0.3m/s/year and ≥-0.1cm2/year defined fast progressors (FP), whereas the remaining patients were non-fast progressors (non-FP). Baseline markers of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac overload were determined. Two hundred and nine patients (97 non-FP, 38 FP, and 74 VFP) were included. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with VFP (OR 1.014 [95%CI 1.005-1.024], for every 10 ng/mL), as were active smoking (OR 3.48) and body mass index (BMI, OR 1.09), with an AUC of 0.704 for the model. PCSK9 levels, active smoking, and BMI were associated with very fast AS progression in our series, suggesting that inflammation and calcification participate in disease progression.

[Clinical application of the "Stop walking while talking test". Relationship with geriatric assessment parameters and other tests of balance and gait]. / Aplicación clínica del test «Detenerse al andar mientras se habla¼ (Stop walking while talking test). Relación con parámetros funcionales y otras pruebas de marcha y equilibrio.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the Stop Walking While Talking (SWWT) test and some parameters of the geriatric assessment, as well as other tests of balance and gait. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study conducted on 108 patients (62% women), with a mean age of 80.5±8.4 years. Twenty-three of them were living at home, 24 in a nursing home, and 61 in an intermediate care unit. A record was made of the Barthel index, Mini-Mental State Examination of Folstein (MMSE), comorbidity (Charlson index), the presence of previous falls, and fear of falling. Timed Up and Go (TUG), Tinetti test, and Stop Walking While Talking (SWWT) test, were performed on all the patients. Based on the results of the SWWT test patients were divided in two groups: "stoppers" and "non-stoppers". All patients were able to walk (with or without walking aids). RESULTS: The stoppers group of patients had a mean age 82.2±8.7; Barthel index 64.6±20.7; MMSE 21.6±5.1; Charlson index 1.8±1.7, and the non-stoppers 78.5±7.6 (P=.024), 86.0±18.1 (P<.001), 24.3±4.0 (P=.004), and 1.3±1.6 (P=.130), respectively. Of the 58 stoppers patients, 39 (67.2%) had a previous fall, and 19 (32.8%) had not (P=.002); 43 (74.1%) had fear of falling, and 15 (25.9%) had not (P<0.009). Of the 63 patients with TUG>20seconds, 52 (82.5%) were stoppers and 11 (17.5%) non-stoppers. Of the 31 with TUG between 10-20seconds, 5 (16.1%) were stoppers and 26 (83.9%) non-stoppers. Of the 14 with TUG<10 seconds, 1 (7.1%) were stoppers, and 13 (92.9%) non-stoppers (P<0.0001). The score of Tinetti test in the stoppers group was 15.4±5.2, and in non-stoppers 23.9±4.6 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Those in the stopper group were significantly older, were more dependent in activities of daily living, had greater cognitive impairment, more previous falls, had greater fear of falling, lower scores on the Tinetti test, and longer times in the TUG.

Effects on hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic parameters after a stellate ganglion block in 15 healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The sympathetic nervous system has an important role in generating pain. Various pathomechanisms are involved that respond well to the application of local anesthetics (LA), for example to the stellate ganglion block (SGB). OBJECTIVES: We wanted to know more about the effects of SGB on cardiovascular parameters. METHODS: We included 15 healthy volunteers; another 15 healthy volunteers as a control group (sham injection of LA). In order to produce a more precise SGB, we employed only a small volume of LA (3mL), a LA with a lower permeability (procaine 1%), and a modified injection technique. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR), and echocardiographic parameters were recorded before and after SGB. We also investigated whether there are side differences (left and right SBG). RESULTS: At baseline all parameters were within the normal range. After performing right and left SGB DBP significantly increased (on the right side from 68.73±8.61 to 73.53±11.10, p=0.015; on the left side from 70.66±13.01 to 77.93±10.40, p=0.003). In the control group no increase in DBP was observed. No side-specific differences were found, except a significant reduction in the maximum velocity of myocardial contraction during the systole with left-sided SGB. CONCLUSIONS: Even with our methods we could not prevent the simultaneous occurrence of a partial parasympatholytic effect. For this reason, the SGB has only minor hemodynamic effects, which is desirable as it enhances the safety of the SGB.

Clinical value of ankle-brachial index in asymptomatic aortic stenosis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to assess the prevalence and clinical value of the pathological ankle-brachial index (ABI) in asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) patients. METHODS: This prospective study included 203 asymptomatic AS patients, with a mean follow up of 18 ± 10.6 months. Six-minute walk tests (6MWT) and ABI measurements were performed when patients were included in the study. Study events were defined as death, hospital admission due to related symptoms, or a need for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients (95 females, 103 males; mean age 74.6 ± 9.5 years) completed the study. An abnormal ABI was found in 35.8%. Mean (± SD) values were: peak velocity Vmax 4.1 ± 0.8 m/s; maximum/mean gradient 70.5 ± 25.1/43.3 ± 16.3 mmHg; aortic valve area 0.8 ± 0.7 cm2; indexed aortic valve area 0.4 ± 0.1 cm2/m2. A pathological ABI was associated with diabetes (p = 0.01), previous peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.04) and previous stroke (p = 0.04). In multivariate analyses, diabetes was an independent factor related to pathological ABI (relative risk 1.71, 95% CI 1.22-2.19). Patients with a pathological ABI walked less in the 6MWT (263.9 m versus 328.3; p = 0.002), but did not present a worse prognosis at follow up (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Among asymptomatic AS patients, 35.8% had an abnormal ABI and this was related to previous diabetes. These patients walked less in the 6MWT but did not have a worse prognosis at follow up.

Effect of correction of anemia on echocardiographic and clinical parameters in patients with aortic stenosis involving a three-cuspid aortic valve and normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of anemia (defined as hemoglobin concentration of <12 g/dl in women and 13 g/dl in men) on prognosis and to study the effect of recovery from anemia on echocardiographic and clinical parameters in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). This was a prospective study in 315 patients with moderate or severe AS. Patients with anemia received oral iron (ferrous sulfate with mucoproteose, 160 mg iron/day) and erythropoietin, if needed, or intravenous iron, if necessary. The following tests were performed before and after normalization of hemoglobin values: echocardiogram, 6-minute walk test, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide, and measures of depression, cognitive impairment, and dependence. Patient mean age was 74 years (SD 9). Mean follow-up was 25 months (SD 8). Anemia prevalence in the overall group was 22% (n = 70). Patients who are anemic had a higher rate of complications at follow-up (mortality, hospital admission, or need for valve procedure; 80% vs 62%, p = 0.009). In total, 89% of patients recovered from anemia, with a mean time to recovery of 4.6 weeks (SD 1.4). Improvements were observed on echocardiographic parameters of peak velocity (4.1 to 3.7 m/s, p = 0.02) and mean gradient (44 to 35 mm Hg, p = 0.02). Performance on the 6-minute walk test improved from 235 to 303 m (p <0.001). Median N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide value decreased from 612 to 189 pg/dl (p <0.001). In conclusion, patients with AS and anemia have a worse prognosis than those without anemia. Resolution of anemia is associated with improvements in echocardiographic parameters and functional status, suggesting that treatment of iron deficiency is a relevant option in the management of patients with AS, particularly in nonoperable cases.

Prognostic value of NT-proBNP and an adapted monin score in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to assess the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis and to validate an adapted Monin score using natriuretic peptide levels in our setting. METHODS: Prospective study of 237 patients with degenerative asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis. NT-proBNP was determined in all patients, who were then followed up clinically. The adapted Monin score was defined as follows: (peak velocity [m/s]×2)+(logn NT-proBNP×1.5)(+1.5 if woman). A clinical event was defined as surgery, hospital admission due to angina, heart failure or syncope, or death. RESULTS: A total of 51% were women, and the mean age was 74 years. Mean (SD) echocardiographic values were as follows: peak velocity 4.14 (0.87) m/s; mean gradient, 43.2 (16.0) mmHg; aortic valve area, 0.87 (0.72) cm(2), and aortic valve area index, 0.49 (0.14) cm(2)/m(2). The median NT-pro-BNP value was 490.0 [198.0-1312.0] pg/mL. There were 153 events during follow-up (median 18 months). The optimum NT-proBNP cut-point was 515 pg/mL, giving event-free survival rates at 1 and 2 years of 93% and 57%, respectively, in patients with NT-proBNP <515 pg/mL compared with 50% and 31% in those with NT-proBNP >515 pg/mL. Patients were divided into quartiles based on the Monin score. Event-free survival at 1 and 2 years was 87% and 79% in the first quartile, compared with 45% and 28% in the fourth quartile, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP determination provides prognostic information in patients with asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis. The adapted Monin score is useful in our setting and allows a more precise prognosis than does the use of NT-proBNP alone.

Prescripción de benzodiacepinas en el anciano en diferentes niveles asistenciales: características y factores relacionados / Benzodiazepine prescription in the elderly in different health care levels: Characteristics and related factors

Objetivos. Conocer la prevalencia de uso y los factores relacionados con la prescripción de benzodiacepinas (BZD) en ancianos en la comunidad, hospital de agudos (HA) y una unidad de convalecencia geriátrica (UCO). Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 334 pacientes ingresados en una UCO que procedían de un HA. Se realizó una valoración geriátrica integral que incluía situación funcional y cognitiva previa a la hospitalización, al ingreso y al alta de UCO (índice de Barthel, índice de Lawton y Mini-Mental de Folstein), así como la comorbilidad (índice de Charlson), polifarmacia y situación social. Se compararon las proporciones de prescripción de esta muestra a lo largo de diferentes niveles asistenciales y se valoraron los factores relacionados con dicha prescripción mediante el test de la chi al cuadrado. Resultados. La prevalencia de uso de BZD en la comunidad fue del 23,6%, siendo el sexo femenino y la polifarmacia factores relacionados con la prescripción. Durante el ingreso en HA esta proporción aumentó al 38,6% y tras la estancia en UCO descendió al 21,9%. Los factores asociados con la prescripción de BZD en el HA fueron el sexo femenino, la polifarmacia y el diagnóstico relacionado con un problema osteoarticular-fractura, y en la UCO el sexo femenino y la polifarmacia. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de uso de BZD fue alta entre la población anciana en todos los niveles asistenciales (domicilio, HA y UCO) y uno de los factores asociados significativamente a su prescripción fue la polifarmacia. Dicha prescripción se vio incrementada durante la hospitalización en unidades de agudos por procesos médicos y/o quirúrgicos (AU)

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine (BZD) prescription and the factors related to prescribing them in the elderly in the community, in an acute general hospital (AH) and in a convalescence geriatric unit (CGU). Material and methods. Retrospective study of 334 CGU inpatients discharged from an AH. A comprehensive geriatric assessment included functional and cognitive evaluation before hospitalization, at admission and at discharge from CGU (Barthel index, Lawton index and Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination), as well as comorbidity (Charlson index), polypharmacy and social situation. The percentage of benzodiazepine prescriptions at the different healthcare levels was compared and their related factors were evaluated (Chi-squared test). Results. The prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions in the community was 23.6%, and being female and polypharmacy were related factors to prescribing at this level. During AH admission, this proportion increased up to 38.6%, and after CGU admission decreased to 21.,9%. Factors related to prescription in AH were, being female, polypharmacy and osteoarticular-fracture related diagnosis, and in CGU, being female and polypharmacy. Conclusions. The prevalence of benzodiazepine prescribing was high among elderly people at every healthcare level (community, AH and CGU), and polypharmacy was one of the significant factors associated with prescribing. This prescribing was increased during AH admission due to a medical or surgical process (AU)

Valor pronóstico de la NT-proBNP y adaptación de la puntuación de Monin en pacientes con estenosis aórtica asintomática / Prognostic value of NT-proBNP and an adapted monin score in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis

Introducción y objetivos. Los objetivos del estudio son valorar el papel de la NT-proBNP en la valoración pronóstica de los pacientes asintomáticos con estenosis aórtica moderada-grave y validar una adaptación de la puntuación de Monin a nuestra población. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de 237 pacientes con estenosis aórtica degenerativa moderada-grave asintomática. Se determinó la NT-proBNP y se realizó un seguimiento clínico a todos los pacientes. Se calculó una adaptación de la puntuación de Monin como: (velocidad máxima [m/s] × 2) + (logn NT-proBNP × 1,5) (+ 1,5 si mujer). Se definió evento clínico como necesidad de cirugía valvular, ingreso hospitalario o muerte. Resultados. El 51% eran mujeres, con una media de edad de 74 años. Datos ecocardiográficos: velocidad máxima, 4,14 ± 0,87 m/s; gradiente medio, 43,2 ± 16,0 mmHg; área valvular aórtica, 0,87 ± 0,72 cm2; índice de área valvular aórtica, 0,49 ± 0,14 cm2/m2. La mediana de NT-proBNP fue 490,0 [198,0-1.312,0] pg/ml. Durante el seguimiento (mediana, 18 meses) 153 pacientes sufrieron eventos. El punto óptimo de corte de NT-proBNP fue 515 pg/ml, y se observaron supervivencias libres de eventos a 1 y 2 años del 93 y el 57% de los pacientes con NT-proBNP < 515 pg/ml frente al 50 y el 31% cuando la NT-proBNP era > 515 pg/ml. Se dividió a los pacientes en cuartiles de la puntuación de Monin. Las supervivencias libres de eventos a 1 y 2 años fueron del 87 y el 79% en el primer cuartil, frente al 45 y el 28% en el cuarto cuartil. Conclusiones. La NT-proBNP ofrece información pronóstica de pacientes asintomáticos con estenosis aórtica moderada-grave. La puntuación descrita por Monin es adaptable a nuestra población y mejora el valor pronóstico de la NT-proBNP sola (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Our objective was to assess the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis and to validate an adapted Monin score using natriuretic peptide levels in our setting. Methods. Prospective study of 237 patients with degenerative asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis. NT-proBNP was determined in all patients, who were then followed up clinically. The adapted Monin score was defined as follows: (peak velocity [m/s]×2)+(logn NT-proBNP×1.5)(+1.5 if woman). A clinical event was defined as surgery, hospital admission due to angina, heart failure or syncope, or death. Results. A total of 51% were women, and the mean age was 74 years. Mean (SD) echocardiographic values were as follows: peak velocity 4.14 (0.87) m/s; mean gradient, 43.2 (16.0) mmHg; aortic valve area, 0.87 (0.72) cm2, and aortic valve area index, 0.49 (0.14) cm2/m2. The median NT-pro-BNP value was 490.0 [198.0-1312.0] pg/mL. There were 153 events during follow-up (median 18 months). The optimum NT-proBNP cut-point was 515 pg/mL, giving event-free survival rates at 1 and 2 years of 93% and 57%, respectively, in patients with NT-proBNP <515 pg/mL compared with 50% and 31% in those with NT-proBNP >515 pg/mL. Patients were divided into quartiles based on the Monin score. Event-free survival at 1 and 2 years was 87% and 79% in the first quartile, compared with 45% and 28% in the fourth quartile, respectively. Conclusions. NT-proBNP determination provides prognostic information in patients with asymptomatic moderate/severe aortic stenosis. The adapted Monin score is useful in our setting and allows a more precise prognosis than does the use of NT-proBNP alone (AU)

[Benzodiazepine prescription in the elderly in different health care levels: characteristics and related factors]. / Prescripción de benzodiacepinas en el anciano en diferentes niveles asistenciales: características y factores relacionados.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine (BZD) prescription and the factors related to prescribing them in the elderly in the community, in an acute general hospital (AH) and in a convalescence geriatric unit (CGU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 334 CGU inpatients discharged from an AH. A comprehensive geriatric assessment included functional and cognitive evaluation before hospitalization, at admission and at discharge from CGU (Barthel index, Lawton index and Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination), as well as comorbidity (Charlson index), polypharmacy and social situation. The percentage of benzodiazepine prescriptions at the different healthcare levels was compared and their related factors were evaluated (Chi-squared test). RESULTS: The prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions in the community was 23.6%, and being female and polypharmacy were related factors to prescribing at this level. During AH admission, this proportion increased up to 38.6%, and after CGU admission decreased to 21.,9%. Factors related to prescription in AH were, being female, polypharmacy and osteoarticular-fracture related diagnosis, and in CGU, being female and polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of benzodiazepine prescribing was high among elderly people at every healthcare level (community, AH and CGU), and polypharmacy was one of the significant factors associated with prescribing. This prescribing was increased during AH admission due to a medical or surgical process.

Evolución de la incidencia de caídas en un centro hospitalario de media y larga estancia / Changes in the incidence of falls in an intermediate and long-term care center

IntroducciónEl objetivo de este estudio es analizar características de caídas en los ancianos institucionalizados durante 2 períodos de estudio.Material y métodosRegistro prospectivo de caídas en un centro sociosanitario. Las variables recogidas fueron: edad, sexo, índice de Barthel, diagnósticos principales, fármacos en el momento de la caída, lugar, turno en el que aconteció, iluminación, características del suelo, uso de ayudas técnicas y/o sujeción, calzado y actividad al caer. En el primer período de estudio de dos años (período A) había 332 camas (convalecencia, larga estancia, paliativos, psicogeriatría y residencia asistida). En el segundo período, también de dos años (período B), las unidades de cuidados paliativos y de convalecencia fueron trasladadas a otro centro (quedando 255 camas).ResultadosPeríodo A: 647 caídas en 227 pacientes; número total de pacientes ingresados: 1.387 (incidencia acumulada de caídas del 46,6%). Período B: 539 caídas en 191 pacientes; número total de pacientes ingresados: 908 (incidencia acumulada de caídas del 59,3%). Diferencias significativas entre períodos: edad (79,8±10,6 frente a 81,3±10,2) (p<0,02); porcentaje de mujeres (el 55,2 frente al 66,4%) (p<0,001); diagnóstico neurológico (el 26,7 frente al 36,1%) (p<0,001); fármacos: antidepresivos (el 12,6 frente al 16,4%) y neurolépticos (el 10,3 frente al 15,2%) (p<0,001); caída en la habitación (el 39,7 frente al 41,6%) (p<0,001); transferencias (el 41,3 frente al 30,8%) (p<0,001), y uso de ayuda técnica (el 65,8 frente al 40,5%) (p<0,001).Conclusionesa) la incidencia de caídas se incrementó en el segundo período del estudio; b) en el período A predominaron factores de riesgo relacionados con la actividad rehabilitadora (transferencias o uso de ayudas técnicas)...(AU)

IntroductionThe characteristics of falls in older patients admitted to an institution in 2 different periods.Material and methodsWe performed a prospective study of falls among inpatients admitted to an intermediate and long-term care center. Age, sex, Barthel index, main diagnoses, medication at the time of the fall, place, the shift when the fall occurred, lighting, characteristics of the floor, the use of walking aids and/or restraints, the kind of shoes worn, and activity at the moment of the fall were registered. During the first 2-year study period (period A), there were 332 beds (intermediate care and rehabilitation unit, long-term care unit, palliative care unit, psychogeriatric unit and assisted residential home). During the second 2-year period (period B), the palliative and intermediate care units were moved to another center (255 beds remaining).ResultsPeriod A: there were 647 falls in 227 patients; the total number of patients admitted was 1387 (accumulated incidence of falls: 46.6%). Period B: there were 539 falls in 191 patients; the total number of patients admitted was 908 (accumulated incidence of falls: 59.3%). Significant differences between the two periods were found in age (79.8±10.6 versus 81.3 10.2) (p<0.02), the percentage of women (55.2% versus 66.4%) (p<0.001), neurological diagnoses (26.7% versus 36.1%) (p< 0.001), antidepressants (12.6% versus 16.4%), neuroleptics (10.3% versus 15.2%) (p<0.001), falls in the bedroom (39.7% versus 41.6%) (p<0.001), falls when moving from bed to chair (41.3% versus 30.8%) (p<0.001), and the use of walking aids (65.8% versus 40.5%) (p<0.001).Conclusionsa) the incidence of falls increased in the second period of the study; b) in period A, risk factors for falls related to rehabilitation (moving from bed to chair, use of walking aids) were more frequent...(AU)

[Changes in the incidence of falls in an intermediate and long-term care center]. / Evolución de la incidencia de caídas en un centro hospitalario de media y larga estancia.

INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of falls in older patients admitted to an institution in 2 different periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of falls among inpatients admitted to an intermediate and long-term care center. Age, sex, Barthel index, main diagnoses, medication at the time of the fall, place, the shift when the fall occurred, lighting, characteristics of the floor, the use of walking aids and/or restraints, the kind of shoes worn, and activity at the moment of the fall were registered. During the first 2-year study period (period A), there were 332 beds (intermediate care and rehabilitation unit, long-term care unit, palliative care unit, psychogeriatric unit and assisted residential home). During the second 2-year period (period B), the palliative and intermediate care units were moved to another center (255 beds remaining). RESULTS: Period A: there were 647 falls in 227 patients; the total number of patients admitted was 1387 (accumulated incidence of falls: 46.6%). Period B: there were 539 falls in 191 patients; the total number of patients admitted was 908 (accumulated incidence of falls: 59.3%). Significant differences between the two periods were found in age (79.8+/-10.6 versus 81.3 10.2) (p<0.02), the percentage of women (55.2% versus 66.4%) (p<0.001), neurological diagnoses (26.7% versus 36.1%) (p< 0.001), antidepressants (12.6% versus 16.4%), neuroleptics (10.3% versus 15.2%) (p<0.001), falls in the bedroom (39.7% versus 41.6%) (p<0.001), falls when moving from bed to chair (41.3% versus 30.8%) (p<0.001), and the use of walking aids (65.8% versus 40.5%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: a) the incidence of falls increased in the second period of the study; b) in period A, risk factors for falls related to rehabilitation (moving from bed to chair, use of walking aids) were more frequent. In period B, risk factors related to the characteristics of psychogeriatric patients were predominant (neurological illness, use of psychotropic drugs, and c) the difference in the incidence of falls between the two study periods may be related to the distinct characteristics of the patients (case mix).

Experiencia en la evaluación del riesgo de caídas. Comparación entre el test de Tinetti y el Timed Up & Go / Experience in the evaluation of risk of falls. Comparison between the Tinetti and Timed-Up & Go tests

Objetivo: comparar los test de Tinetti y Timed Up & Go, las características de cada uno de ellos y su relación con el antecedente de caída en el último año. Pacientes y métodos: se realizaron los test de Tinetti y Timed Up & Go a un grupo de pacientes ingresados en un centro sociosanitario. Se registraron la edad, índice masa corporal, diagnóstico principal, tiempo empleado para realización de ambos test, presencia de caída en el último año, capacidad funcional (índice de Barthel), función cognitiva (Mini-Mental de Folstein) y comorbilidad (índice de Charlson). Resultados: N: 70. Edad media: 75,2 (DE: 13,4) años; índice Barthel: 75,1 (15,7) puntos; Mini-mental de Folstein: 22,5 (5,3) puntos; índice de Charlson: 1,9 (1,7) puntos. La media de los test Tinetti y Timed Up & Go fue de 18,5 (5,0) puntos y 32,2 (18,6) s respectivamente. Existió buena correlación entre ambos test (r = ­0,80; p < 0,001). El tiempo empleado en la realización del test de Tinetti y del Timed Up & Go fue de 204,4 (73,9) y 65,8 s (27,1), respectivamente (p < 0,001). Treinta y tres pacientes habían presentado caída en último año y el área bajo la curva ROC para el test de Timed Up & Go y de Tinetti en la predicción de dicha caída fue 0,626 y 0,582, respectivamente. Conclusiones: a) existió muy buena correlación entre ambos test; b) La realización del test de Timed Up & Go requirió menos tiempo por parte del examinador, y c) para ambos test, parece difícil establecer un punto de corte con una sensibilidad y especificidad óptimas en la predicción de caída en el último año

Objective: to compare the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests, the characteristics of each of these tests, and their relation with falls in the previous year. Patients and methods: the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests were performed by patients in a medium- and long-term care center. Age, body mass index, main diagnosis, the time employed to perform both tests, the presence of a fall in the previous year, functional status (Barthel index), cognitive function (Folstein's mini-mental test) and comorbidity (Charlson index) were also registered. Results: N: 70. Mean age 75.2 (SD, 13.4); Barthel index score 75.1 (15.7); Folstein's mini-mental test 22.5 (5.3); Charlson comorbidity index 1.9 (1.7). The mean Tinetti and Timed Up & Go scores were 18.5 (5.0) points and 32.2 (18.6) seconds, respectively. Both tests showed good correlation (r = ­0.80; p < 0.001). The time employed to perform the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests was 204.4 (73.9) and 65.8 (27.1) seconds, respectively (p < 0.001). Thirty-three patients had had a fall in the previous year. The area under the ROC curve of the Timed Up & Go and Tinetti tests was 0.626 and 0.582, respectively. Conclusions: a) a good correlation between the two tests was found; b) less time was required by the examiner to administer the Timed Up & Go test, and c) for both tests, it is difficult to establish a cut-off point, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, for the prediction of fall in the previous year

Utilidad de la vía subcutánea (hipodermoclisis) en la hidratación del paciente anciano / No disponible

Fundamentos: la deshidratación es un problema frecuente en el paciente geriátrico; la reposición hídrica se puede realizar por vía oral o parenteral. La vía oral, en ocasiones, puede resultar dificultosa por la escasa colaboración del paciente o por complicaciones médicas (disminución nivel de conciencia, disfagia, etc.). La vía endovenosa implica con frecuencia disminución de la movilidad del paciente y otras complicaciones como flebitis, dolor o infección. La hipodermoclisis o infusión subcutánea de líquido, es una opción alternativa en casos de deshidratación leve y moderada, en pacientes geriátricos. Métodos y resultados: se ha revisado las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de esta técnica de hidratación mediante una búsqueda bibliográfica de los últimos estudios publicados, con la intención de mejorar su conocimiento y optimizar su uso. Se describe, igualmente, la técnica de la hipodermoclisis. Conclusiones: la hipodermoclisis ha demostrado ser una técnica eficaz para tratar y prevenirla deshidratación en pacientes geriátricos; es igualmente una técnica sencilla y con escasos efectos secundarios y que puede ser utilizada en distintos niveles asistenciales (AU)

Objective: Dehydration is often present in elderly patients; re-hydration can be made by oral or parenteral way. Increasing the oral fluid intake sometimes may be difficult because of the presence of some clinical conditions (difficulty in swallowing, abnormal mental status, the presence of uncooperative, agitated, confused patients). Venous catheterization often has complications as phlebitis or immobility. Hypodermoclysis, or infusion of fluid into subcutaneoust issue, is an effective alternative option for re-hydration in mild and moderate dehydrated elderly patients. Methods and results: The indications and contraindications of hypodermoclysis have been reviewed in the last published articles, with the objective of improving its knowledge and usefulness. The technique for infusing fluids by hypodermoclysis is also described. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that hypodermoclysis is a safe, effective and simple method of re-hydration in elderly patients and may be usefulness in different clinical settings (AU)