Association between baseline Mini-Mental State Examination score and dementia incidence in a cohort of oldest old.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian population has aged rapidly. The oldest old, defined as persons aged 80 years or older, is the fastest growing segment of the Brazilian population. Several instruments have been used to assess the cognitive performance of the older people and predict dementia. One of the most commonly used is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline MMSE score and the incidence of dementia in a Brazilian cohort of independent oldest old. METHODS: Sociodemographic data and serial cognitive assessment of 248 older adults were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time of subjects was 4.0(±1.9) years, 71.4% were women, and mean MMSE score at entry was 25(±3.5). Mean MMSE scores at baseline were significantly higher (p=0.001) in the cognitively intact group than in those who developed dementia. The logistic regression showed that for a one point increase in MMSE score at baseline there was a 10% reduction in the probability of dementia. CONCLUSIONS: In the Brazilian scenario of a rapidly growing population of oldest old, the extensive use of the MMSE gives rise to the need not only to determine its effectiveness for screening dementia, but also to interpret its score in terms of future conversion to dementia.

Association between baseline Mini-Mental State Examination score and dementia incidence in a cohort of oldest old / Associação entre a pontuação inicial do Miniexame do Estado Mental e a incidência de demência em uma coorte de longevos

ABSTRACT Background: The Brazilian population has aged rapidly. The oldest old, defined as persons aged 80 years or older, is the fastest growing segment of the Brazilian population. Several instruments have been used to assess the cognitive performance of the older people and predict dementia. One of the most commonly used is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline MMSE score and the incidence of dementia in a Brazilian cohort of independent oldest old. Methods: Sociodemographic data and serial cognitive assessment of 248 older adults were analyzed. Results: Mean follow-up time of subjects was 4.0(±1.9) years, 71.4% were women, and mean MMSE score at entry was 25(±3.5). Mean MMSE scores at baseline were significantly higher (p=0.001) in the cognitively intact group than in those who developed dementia. The logistic regression showed that for a one point increase in MMSE score at baseline there was a 10% reduction in the probability of dementia. Conclusions: In the Brazilian scenario of a rapidly growing population of oldest old, the extensive use of the MMSE gives rise to the need not only to determine its effectiveness for screening dementia, but also to interpret its score in terms of future conversion to dementia.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A população brasileira envelheceu rapidamente. Os longevos, definidos como pessoas com 80 anos ou mais, são o segmento da população brasileira que mais cresce. Diversos instrumentos têm sido usados para avaliar o desempenho cognitivo de idosos e para predizer demência. Um dos instrumentos mais utilizados é o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM). Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi investigar a relação entre a pontuação inicial do MEEM e a incidência de demência em uma coorte brasileira de idosos longevos independentes. Métodos: Foram avaliados dados de 248 idosos por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e de avaliações cognitivas seriadas. Resultados: O tempo médio de acompanhamento dos participantes foi de 4,0 (±1,9) anos. Eram mulheres 71,4% deles e a pontuação média do MEEM na entrada foi de 25 (±3,5) pontos. As pontuações médias do MEEM no início do estudo foram significativamente maiores (p=0,001) no grupo cognitivamente intacto do que naqueles que desenvolveram demência. A regressão logística mostrou que, para cada ponto a mais na pontuação do MEEM no início do estudo, houve redução de 10% na probabilidade de desenvolver demência. Conclusões: No cenário brasileiro de rápido crescimento da população de idosos longevos, o uso da ferramenta cognitiva mais amplamente utilizada cria a necessidade de determinar não apenas sua eficácia no rastreamento da demência, mas também de interpretar seu escore considerando-se a futura conversão para demência.

Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos / Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People

Resumo Fundamento Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. Objetivo Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. Métodos A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). Conclusão Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. Objective To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. Results Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). Conclusion In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Association between fibroblast growth factor 23 and functional capacity among independent elderly individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 and the functional capacity among independent individuals, aged 80 or older. METHODS: The functional capacity of 144 elderly was assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, cognitive tests, handgrip strength and the timed ability to rise from a chair and sit down five times. Fibroblast growth factor 23 was measured using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: Participants in the lowest fibroblast growth factor 23 tertile had the highest mean±standard deviation estimated glomerular filtration rate, the highest mean hemoglobin level, the lowest average number of diseases and the lowest number of medications used. In participants with the estimated glomerular filtration rate >45mL/minute/1.73m2, mean fibroblast growth factor 23 level was higher in those with 25(OH) vitamin D <20ng/mL than in those with 25(OH) vitamin D ≥20ng/mL (75.6RU/mL±42.8 versus 68.5RU/mL±41.7; p<0.001). There was an increase in the mean serum cystatin C (from 1.3mg/mL±0.3 to 1.5mg/mL±0.3 to 1.7mg/mL±0.4) as function of higher fibroblast growth factor 23 tertile (p<0.001). Fibroblast growth factor 23 levels were not significantly associated with capacity in physical or cognitive tests. CONCLUSION: In independent community-dwelling elderly, aged ≥80 years, fibroblast growth factor 23 was associated with aged-related comorbidities and renal function but not with functional capacity.

Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People. / Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. RESULTS: Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. MÉTODOS: A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). CONCLUSÃO: Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Association between fibroblast growth factor 23 and functional capacity among independent elderly individuals / Associação entre fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 e capacidade funcional em idosos independentes

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the association of between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 and the functional capacity among independent individuals, aged 80 or older. Methods The functional capacity of 144 elderly was assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, cognitive tests, handgrip strength and the timed ability to rise from a chair and sit down five times. Fibroblast growth factor 23 was measured using an ELISA assay. Results Participants in the lowest fibroblast growth factor 23 tertile had the highest mean±standard deviation estimated glomerular filtration rate, the highest mean hemoglobin level, the lowest average number of diseases and the lowest number of medications used. In participants with the estimated glomerular filtration rate >45mL/minute/1.73m2, mean fibroblast growth factor 23 level was higher in those with 25(OH) vitamin D <20ng/mL than in those with 25(OH) vitamin D ≥20ng/mL (75.6RU/mL±42.8 versus 68.5RU/mL±41.7; p<0.001). There was an increase in the mean serum cystatin C (from 1.3mg/mL±0.3 to 1.5mg/mL±0.3 to 1.7mg/mL±0.4) as function of higher fibroblast growth factor 23 tertile (p<0.001). Fibroblast growth factor 23 levels were not significantly associated with capacity in physical or cognitive tests. Conclusion In independent community-dwelling elderly, aged ≥80 years, fibroblast growth factor 23 was associated with aged-related comorbidities and renal function but not with functional capacity.

RESUMO Objetivo Examinar a associação entre o fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 sérico e a capacidade funcional em indivíduos independentes, com 80 anos ou mais. Métodos A capacidade funcional de 144 idosos foi avaliada por meio de Atividades Instrumentais da Vida Diária, testes cognitivos, força de preensão manual e capacidade de levantar de uma cadeira e sentar cinco vezes. O fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 foi medido pelo teste ELISA. Resultados Os participantes no tercil mais baixo de fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 tiveram a maior média±desvio-padrão da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada, concentração média de hemoglobina mais alta, menor número médio de doenças e menor número de medicamentos utilizados. Em participantes com taxa de filtração glomerular estimada >45mL/minuto/1,73m2, o nível médio do fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 foi maior naqueles com 25(OH) vitamina D <20ng/mL do que naqueles com 25(OH) vitamina D ≥20ng/mL (75,6RU/mL±42,8 versus 68,5RU/mL±41,7; p<0,001). Houve aumento na cistatina C sérica média (de 1,3mg/mL±0,3 a 1,5mg/mL±0,3 a 1,7mg/mL±0,4) em função do tercil de fator de crescimento 23 de fibroblastos mais alto (p<0,001). Os níveis de fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 não foram significativamente associados à capacidade em testes físicos ou cognitivos. Conclusão Em idosos independentes residentes na comunidade ≥80 anos, o fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 foi associado a comorbidades relacionadas à idade e à função renal, mas não à capacidade funcional.

Functional capacity, renal function and vitamin D in community-dwelling oldest old.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum 25(OH)D with the physical and mental functional capacity of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older. METHODS: We evaluated the functional capacity in its multidomain aspects: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Mental State Mini-Exam (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VF), handgrip strength and time to sit and rise from a chair five times, combined creatinine and cystatin C-based eGFR and 25(OH)D levels in 205 independent asymptomatic and community-dwelling elderly subjects in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Every 1 year of life, there was reduction of about 10% chance of adequate performance in functional capacity. Each 1 ml/min/m2 in eGFR was associated with 2% better chance of adequate performance in the IADL. We found no association between eGFR and cognition. Serum 25(OH)D between 15.00 and 22.29 ng/ml increased the chance of better performance in VF, IADL, handgrip strength and sit and rise from the chair compared to the lower level of serum vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased renal function associated with age compromises the ability to perform activities for independent life in the community, but we did not observe influence in specific domains of cognition and physical performance. Low serum level of 25(OH)D appears to be a marker of greater risk of functional decline than eGFR measurement in independent oldest old dwelling in the community.

Association between increased serum thyrotropin concentration and the oldest old: what do we know?

To assess studies that evaluate the relation between serum thyrotropin concentration, very old subjects, and their events. We searched the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases for articles published between 2004 and 2012. Our search was restricted to studies involving humans aged 65 years or older, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies that evaluated the association between elevated serum thyrotropin concentration among elderly subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism were chosen since at least in part they included a subpopulation of individuals aged 80 years and above. Thirteen studies were selected. No significant increase in risk of cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, or total mortality was observed. Elevated thyrotropin concentration was associated with longevity. More randomized controlled trials are required to better define the potential benefits of elevated thyrotropin concentration in this oldest old population, hormone replacement, and longevity.

Association between increased serum thyrotropin concentration and the oldest old: what do we know? / Associação entre aumento da concentração de tirotropina e longevos: o que sabemos?

To assess studies that evaluate the relation between serum thyrotropin concentration, very old subjects, and their events. We searched the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases for articles published between 2004 and 2012. Our search was restricted to studies involving humans aged 65 years or older, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies that evaluated the association between elevated serum thyrotropin concentration among elderly subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism were chosen since at least in part they included a subpopulation of individuals aged 80 years and above. Thirteen studies were selected. No significant increase in risk of cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, or total mortality was observed. Elevated thyrotropin concentration was associated with longevity. More randomized controlled trials are required to better define the potential benefits of elevated thyrotropin concentration in this oldest old population, hormone replacement, and longevity.

Avaliar os artigos que consideram a relação entre a concentração da tirotropina sérica, indivíduos muito idosos e seus eventos. Foram selecionados artigos do PubMed, SciELO e LILACS publicados entre 2004 e 2012, que consideraram uma população ≥65 anos, escritos em inglês, espanhol ou português. Os estudos que avaliaram a associação entre níveis séricos elevados de tirotropina sérica e idosos com hipotireoidismo subclínico foram escolhidos, desde que incluíssem uma subpopulação com 80 anos ou mais. Treze estudos foram selecionados. Não houve associação significante entre maior risco de eventos cardiovasculares, doença coronariana ou mortalidade. A concentração elevada de tirotropina sérica foi associada à longevidade. Mais estudos randomizados controlados são necessários para o melhor entendimento do potencial benefício da elevação de concentração da tirotropina sérica nos longevos, reposição hormonal e longevidade.

A importância do HDL-C e da PCR na avaliação do risco cardiovascular em idosos longevos / The importance of HDL-C and CRP in cardiovascular risk evaluation in longevous elderly individuals

The association between total mortality, lipoproteinS, and inflammatory markers, and their implications with aging and longevity are often controversial. Among the most often studied markers are low HDL cholesterol and high C-reactive protein. Particularly in octogenarians, it is expected that the impact of the inclusion of HDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein will improve the stratification of absolute cardiovascular risk. In the present study, we performed a literature review in PubMed about the relation between HDL cholesterol, inflammation and longevity. Applying the inclusion and exclusioncriteria adopted, we selected 30 studies, among which one systematic review on the relation between HDL cholesterol and stroke, one metaanalysis on the relation between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol with mortality, 22 longitudinal studies, and six cross-sectional studies. The results show an inverse association between HDL cholesterol and total mortality, and between cardiovascular mortality and C-reactive protein, as well as a positive association between C-reactive protein and mortality in longevous individuals. C-reactive protein and HDL cholesterol displayed promising characteristics as predictors of cardiovascular mortality in longevous elderly persons.

A associação entre mortalidade total, lipoproteínas e marcadores inflamatórios, e suas implicações com o envelhecimento e a longevidade são, muitas vezes, controversas. Entre os marcadores mais estudados, encontram-se o colesterol HDL baixo e a proteína C-reativa alta. Particularmente, nos octogenários, espera-se que o impacto da inclusão do colesterol HDL e da proteína C-reativa melhore a estratificação do risco cardiovascular absoluto. No presente trabalho, realizamos uma revisão da literatura por meio do PubMed sobre a relação entre colesterol HDL, inflamação e longevidade. Aplicando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão adotados, selecionamos 30 estudos, dentre os quais 1 revisão sistemática sobre a relação entre colesterol HDL e acidente vascularcerebral, 1 meta-análise sobre a relação entre colesterol total e colesterol HDL com mortalidade, 22 estudos longitudinais e 6 estudos transversais. Os resultados mostram uma associação inversa entre o colesterol HDL e a mortalidade total, e entre a mortalidade cardiovascular e a proteína C-reativa, assim como uma associação positiva entre a proteína C-reativa e a mortalidade em longevos. A proteína C-reativa e o colesterol HDL apresentam características promissoras como preditores de mortalidadecardiovascular em idosos longevos.

Functional status change in older adults undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Increased life expectancy has resulted in growing numbers of elderly patients undergoing heart surgery. This study aimed to identify changes in functional status among older adults undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational cohort study conducted at a level IV private hospital in Brazil. METHODS: Patients were assessed using the Katz and Lawton scales and the Functional Independence Measure before admission, at hospital discharge and one month after discharge. Repeated-measurement analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: Two patients died during hospitalization. Among the 31 patients included, the Functional Independence Measure ranged from 121.7 ± 7.4 (pre-admission) to 91.1 ± 20.5 (discharge) and 109.0 ± 21.7 (one month after discharge); the Katz scale from 5.92 ± 0.32 to 4.18 ± 1.04 and 5.13 ± 1.30; and the Lawton scale from 24.3 ± 4.6 to 12.8 ± 2.0 and 16.5 ± 4.6 (P = 0.0001). When subgroups with (18) and without (13) complications were compared, the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.085) showed a trend, although not significantly, toward recovery one month after discharge. Delirium and blood transfusion were the intercurrent events found. There was a correlation between the scales and age (P = 0.008), APACHE II (P = 0.051), EuroSCORE (P = 0.064), intensive care unit stay (P = 0.024) and overall hospital length of stay (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The Functional Independence Measure proved to be a promising tool for monitoring the functional status of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, especially in the subgroup with complications.

Functional status change in older adults undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery / Modificação da capacidade funcional em idosos submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Increased life expectancy has resulted in growing numbers of elderly patients undergoing heart surgery. This study aimed to identify changes in functional status among older adults undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational cohort study conducted at a level IV private hospital in Brazil. METHODS: Patients were assessed using the Katz and Lawton scales and the Functional Independence Measure before admission, at hospital discharge and one month after discharge. Repeated-measurement analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: Two patients died during hospitalization. Among the 31 patients included, the Functional Independence Measure ranged from 121.7 ± 7.4 (pre-admission) to 91.1 ± 20.5 (discharge) and 109.0 ± 21.7 (one month after discharge); the Katz scale from 5.92 ± 0.32 to 4.18 ± 1.04 and 5.13 ± 1.30; and the Lawton scale from 24.3 ± 4.6 to 12.8 ± 2.0 and 16.5 ± 4.6 (P = 0.0001). When subgroups with (18) and without (13) complications were compared, the Functional Independence Measure (P = 0.085) showed a trend, although not significantly, toward recovery one month after discharge. Delirium and blood transfusion were the intercurrent events found. There was a correlation between the scales and age (P = 0.008), APACHE II (P = 0.051), EuroSCORE (P = 0.064), intensive care unit stay (P = 0.024) and overall hospital length of stay (P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: The Functional Independence Measure proved to be a promising tool for monitoring the functional status of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, especially in the subgroup with complications.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Com o aumento da expectativa de vida tem-se visto incremento nas cirurgias cardíacas em idosos. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar variações da capacidade funcional em idosos submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo e observacional realizado em um hospital privado nível IV, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trinta e três pacientes foram avaliados pelas escalas de Katz e Lawton pela Medida de Independência Funcional na pré-internação, alta hospitalar e um mês pós-alta. Análise de variância para medidas repetidas foi utilizada. RESULTADOS: Dois óbitos ocorreram durante a hospitalização. Entre os 31 pacientes incluídos, a Medida de Independência Funcional variou de 121,7 ± 7,4 (pré-internação) a 91,1 ± 20,5 (alta) e 109,0 ± 21,7 (um mês pós-alta); Katz de 5,92 ± 0,32 a 4,18 ± 1,04 e 5,13 ± 1,30; e Lawton de 24,3 ± 4,6 a 12,8 ± 2,0 e 16,5 ± 4,6 (P = 0,0001). Quando comparados subgrupos com (18) e sem complicações (13), a Medida de Independência Funcional (P = 0,085) apresentou tendência, embora não significativa, de recuperação um mês pós-alta. Delirium e transfusão sanguínea foram intercorrências encontradas. Houve correlação entre as escalas com idade (P = 0,008), APACHE II (P = 0,051), EuroSCORE (P = 0,064), e tempos de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva (P = 0,024) e no hospital (P = 0,040). CONCLUSÃO: A medida de independência funcional mostrou-se promissora para o acompanhamento da funcionalidade de idosos após a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica, destacando-se subgrupo com complicações.

The importance of HDL-C and CRP in cardiovascular risk evaluation in longevous elderly individuals.

The association between total mortality, lipoproteinS, and inflammatory markers, and their implications with aging and longevity are often controversial. Among the most often studied markers are low HDL cholesterol and high C-reactive protein. Particularly in octogenarians, it is expected that the impact of the inclusion of HDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein will improve the stratification of absolute cardiovascular risk. In the present study, we performed a literature review in PubMed about the relation between HDL cholesterol, inflammation and longevity. Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, we selected 30 studies, among which one systematic review on the relation between HDL cholesterol and stroke, one meta-analysis on the relation between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol with mortality, 22 longitudinal studies, and six cross-sectional studies. The results show an inverse association between HDL cholesterol and total mortality, and between cardiovascular mortality and C-reactive protein, as well as a positive association between C-reactive protein and mortality in longevous individuals. C-reactive protein and HDL cholesterol displayed promising characteristics as predictors of cardiovascular mortality in longevous elderly persons.

Tratamento farmacológico da hipertensão no idoso / Hypertension in the elderly: pharmacologic treatment

A hipertensão arterial é uma das afecções mais prevalentes na população idosa, com reconhecido papel como importante fator de risco na morbidade e na mortalidade cardiovasculares. Diversos ensaios clínicos têm demonstrado o inequívoco benefício do controle pressórico na redução de desfechos cardiovasculares ( maiores, como acidente vascular encefálico, infarto agudo do miocárdio e surgimento de insuficiência cardíaca. Nessa faixa etária, no entanto, atingir as metas pressóricas recomendadas pelas diretrizes nacionais e ( estrangeiras geralmente requer a associação de dois ou mais fármacos, sendo o controle da pressão arterial o objetivo primário do tratamento. Na ausência de indicações preferenciais, os diuréticos tiazídicos (isoladamente ou é em associação) representam a terapia de escolha pela" eficácia comprovada em ensaios clínicos, sinergismo f observado em quase todas as classes e com notável c relação custo-benefício. É importante salientar que a freqüente presença de comorbidades, o uso simultâneo de outras medicações e a condição socioeconômica devem individualizar a abordagem do paciente idoso.

Estresse oxidativo e capacidade funcional em idosos residentes na comunidade / Oxidative stress and functional capacity in elderly people living in the community

Este trabalho enfatiza a participação do estresse oxidativo sistêmíco no processo de envelhecimento e a sua relação com a capacidade funcional de indivíduos idosos, residentes na comunidade. Foram estudados 90 pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, selecionados a partir de uma sub-amostra do projeto EPIDOSO sob acompanhamento regular no Centro de Estudos do Envelhecimento da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, durante o período de 15101196 a 15101197. A população estudada foi discriminada em função do nível de independência para as atividades de vida diária e da função cognitiva. Esses pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: dependentes e independentes- portadores de déficit cognitivo e de boa cognição; frágeis e saudáveis. Foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, inquérito nutricional para estimativa da ingestão diária de vitaminas C, E e b-caroteno, além de análise laboratorial para mensuração das concentrações plasmáticas dessas vitaminas, a fim de se estabelecer diferenças entre seus perfis. De um modo geral, trata-se de uma população com boa capacidade funcional, portadora de poucas incapacidades para as atividades de vida diária e boa função cognitiva. A ingestão diária estimada de vitaminas C, E, e b-caroteno, na população estudada, é bastante adequada devido à constante orientação nutricional realizada nos últimos quatro anos, que precederam a este estudo. Entretanto, as concentrações plasmáticas dessas vitaminas antioxidantes são baixas, não refletindo sua ingestão e sugerindo possível consumo das mesmas no processo de estresse oxidativo sistêmíco. Outros parâmetros estudados referentes ao perfil antioxidante desta população foram as atividades das enzimas eritrocitárias superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, além da peroxidação lipídica. Dentre as análises realizadas, não se observa a caracterização de um perfil anti-oxidante que relacione o estresse oxidativo sistêmico presente com a capacidade funcional destes indivíduos idosos. Os resultados deste estudo, de desenho transversal, sugerem a necessidade da realização de outras pesquisas, de caráter longitudinal, para melhor esclarecimento a respeito da importância do estresse oxidativo sistêmico no processo de envelhecimento e o possível efeito protetor das vitaminas antioxidantes na capacidade funcional dos idosos