Sospecha de sumisión química en sujetos mayores atendidos en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario / Suspicion of chemical submission in older subjects attending a hospital emergency department

La sumisión química (SQ) es considerada un problema de salud y una forma de violencia. Se distinguen formas de SQ proactiva (consumo involuntario de sustancias psicoactivas) y SQ oportunista (consumo voluntario), con finalidad delictiva o criminal, habitualmente robo, sometimiento o agresiones sexuales. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características de los casos de sospecha de SQ en mayores de 65 años atendidos en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Clínico San Carlos y el resultado del análisis toxicológico realizado en el INTCF de Madrid (1 abril 2015-2019). Se registraron 12 (8%) casos de sospecha de SQ de 75 (DE 8) años, 8 (66,7%) hombres, con dos perfiles diferentes, todos asociados a robo y en 3 (25%) posible agresión sexual. En 9 (75%) casos se identificaron benzodiacepinas y/o fármacos habituales. La SQ es un problema a tener en cuenta en urgencias y no es exclusiva de población joven

Chemical Submission (CS) is considered a danger to health and a form of violence. There are different forms of proactive CS (involuntary consumption of psychoactive substances) and opportunistic CS (voluntary consumption), with criminal intent, usually theft, submission, or sexual assault. The objective of this work is to describe the characteristics of cases of suspected CS in adults older than 65 years treated in the Emergency Department of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital and the results of the toxicological analysis performed by the INTCF in Madrid (April 1, 2015-2019). There were 12 (8%) cases of suspected CS, with a mean age of 75 (SD 8) years, of which 8 (66.7%) men, with two different profiles, all associated with theft, and in 3 (25%) possible sexual assault. In 9 (75%) cases, benzodiazepines and / or usual drugs were identified. CS is a problem to consider in Emergency Departments and is not exclusive to the young population

[Suspicion of chemical submission in older subjects attending a hospital emergency department]. / Sospecha de sumisión química en sujetos mayores atendidos en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario.

Chemical Submission (CS) is considered a danger to health and a form of violence. There are different forms of proactive CS (involuntary consumption of psychoactive substances) and opportunistic CS (voluntary consumption), with criminal intent, usually theft, submission, or sexual assault. The objective of this work is to describe the characteristics of cases of suspected CS in adults older than 65 years treated in the Emergency Department of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital and the results of the toxicological analysis performed by the INTCF in Madrid (April 1, 2015-2019). There were 12 (8%) cases of suspected CS, with a mean age of 75 (SD 8) years, of which 8 (66.7%) men, with two different profiles, all associated with theft, and in 3 (25%) possible sexual assault. In 9 (75%) cases, benzodiazepines and / or usual drugs were identified. CS is a problem to consider in Emergency Departments and is not exclusive to the young population.

180-Day functional decline among older patients attending an emergency department after a fall.

OBJECTIVES: To determine functional changes and factors affecting 180-day functional prognosis among older patients attending a hospital emergency department (ED) after a fall. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis from a prospective cohort study (FALL-ER Registry) spanning one year that included individuals aged ≥65 years attending four Spanish EDs after a fall. We collected 9 baseline and 6 fall-related factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Barthel Index (BI) was measured at baseline, discharge and 30, 90 and 180 days after the index fall. Absolute and relative BI changes were calculated. Absolute difference of ≥10 points between BI at baseline and at 180 days was considered a clinically significant functional decline. RESULTS: 452 patients (mean age 80 ±â€¯8 years; 70.8% women) were included. Baseline BI was 79.3 ±â€¯23.1 points. Compared with baseline, functional status was significantly lower at the 4 follow-up time points (-8.7% at discharge; and -6.9%, -7.9% and -9.5% at 30, 90 and 180 days; p < 0.001 for all comparisons in relation to baseline; p = 0.001 for change over time). One hundred and thirty-three (29.6%) patients had a clinically significant functional decline at 180 days. Age ≥85 years (OR = 2.24, 95%CI 1.23-4.08; p = 0.008), fall-related fracture (OR = 2.45, 95%CI 1.43-4.28; p = 0.001), hospitalization (OR = 1.91; 95%CI 1.11-3.29; p = 0.019) and post-fall syndrome (OR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.13-2.77; p = 0.013) were independently associated with 180-day clinically significant functional decline. CONCLUSION: Patients ≥65 years attending EDs after a fall experience a consistent and persistent negative impact on their functional status. Several factors may help identify patients at increased risk of functional impairment.

Respuesta de los autores: Una oportunidad de mejora en las caídas de ancianos: el urgenciólogo y la ortogeriatría / Reply: Opportunity for emergency medicine and geriatric-orthopedic specialists to improve the emergency department care of elderly patients

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Perfil de los pacientes ancianos atendidos en urgencias por caídas (Registro FALL-ER): magnitud del problema y posibilidades de mejora en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios / Profile of older patients attended in the emergency department after falls: a FALL-ER registry study of the magnitude of the problem and opportunities for improving hospital emergency care

Objetivo: Estudiar el perfil de los pacientes de 65 años o más atendidos por una caída en los servicios de urgencias (SU), las características de las caídas, y el grado y los factores asociados con la realización de recomendaciones para prevenir las caídas (RPC). Método: FALL-ER es un registro de cohortes multipropósito, prospectivo y multicéntrico, con muestreo sistemático, que incluyó todos los pacientes de 65 años o más atendidos por caída en 5 SU durante 52 días en un año. Se recogieron 68 variables independientes. Los pacientes se clasificaron en función de recibir o no RPC (cualquiera de las siguientes: ejercicio, educación sobre prevención de las caídas, derivación a especialista o modificación de fármacos relacionados con las caídas). Resultados: Se analizaron 1.507 (93,6%) del total de 1.610 pacientes. Los pacientes tenían una edad muy avanzada y alto grado de comorbilidad, polifarmacia y síndromes geriátricos previos. La caída suele suceder de día, en domicilio y en la mitad de casos sin testigo. Un 48% refirió miedo a caerse, un 22% presentó deterioro funcional agudo, un 16% ingresó y un 0,6% falleció. Se realizaron RPC en 509 (33,8%) casos. La disminución de la agudeza auditiva, deterioro cognitivo autorreferido, atención médica en el lugar de la caída, miedo a volver a caerse, deterioro funcional agudo y hospitalización se asociaron con mayor probabilidad de RPC, y la disminución de la agudeza visual con menor probabilidad. Conclusiones: Solo tres de cada diez pacientes ancianos atendidos por una caída en urgencias recibe RPC posteriores, aunque existen ciertas características relacionadas con el paciente y la caída que se asocian a una mayor probabilidad de recibirlas

Objective: To profile patients aged 65 years or older who are attended in a hospital emergency department after falls. To describe the falls, their severity, and factors relevant to recommended preventive measures. Methods: The FALL-ER is a multipurpose, multicenter prospective registry of a systematically described cohort of patients aged 65 years or older attended in 5 hospital emergency departments on 52 days of the same year. We collected data on 68 independent variables. Patients were classified according to whether they had received recommendations related to preventing falls in any of the following categories: exercise, education on fall prevention, referral to a specialist or changes in medication. Results: A total of 1507 patients or carers were interviewed (93.6% of the 1610 patients in the registry). The cohort was of advanced age and had high rates of comorbidity, polypharmacy, and history of geriatric syndromes. The majority of falls occurred during the day and in the patients home. Half the falls were not witnessed. Forty-eight percent of the patients reported fear of falling, 22% had acute functional impairment, 16% were admitted, and 0.6% died in the hospital. Recommendations directed to preventing falls were received by 509 (33.8%) cases. Loss of hearing acuity, self-reported cognitive impairment, emergency first aid at the site of the fall, fear of falling again, acute functional impairment, and hospitalization were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving recommendations for preventing falls. Loss of visual acuity was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving recommendations. Conclusions: Only a third of elderly patients attended in an emergency department after falls receive recommendations that target preventing further falls. Certain patient and fall characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving such recommendations

Profile of older patients attended in the emergency department after falls: a FALL-ER registry study of the magnitude of the problem and opportunities for improving hospital emergency care. / Perfil de los pacientes ancianos atendidos en urgencias por caídas (Registro FALL-ER): magnitud del problema y posibilidades de mejora en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

OBJECTIVES: To profile patients aged 65 years or older who are attended in a hospital emergency department after falls. To describe the falls, their severity, and factors relevant to recommended preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The FALL-ER is a multipurpose, multicenter prospective registry of a systematically described cohort of patients aged 65 years or older attended in 5 hospital emergency departments on 52 days of the same year. We collected data on 68 independent variables. Patients were classified according to whether they had received recommendations related to preventing falls in any of the following categories: exercise, education on fall prevention, referral to a specialist or changes in medication. RESULTS: . A total of 1507 patients or carers were interviewed (93.6% of the 1610 patients in the registry). The cohort was of advanced age and had high rates of comorbidity, polypharmacy, and history of geriatric syndromes. The majority of falls occurred during the day and in the patients home. Half the falls were not witnessed. Forty-eight percent of the patients reported fear of falling, 22% had acute functional impairment, 16% were admitted, and 0.6% died in the hospital. Recommendations directed to preventing falls were received by 509 (33.8%) cases. Loss of hearing acuity, self-reported cognitive impairment, emergency first aid at the site of the fall, fear of falling again, acute functional impairment, and hospitalization were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving recommendations for preventing falls. Loss of visual acuity was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving recommendations. CONCLUSION: Only a third of elderly patients attended in an emergency department after falls receive recommendations that target preventing further falls. Certain patient and fall characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving such recommendations.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar el perfil de los pacientes de 65 años o más atendidos por una caída en los servicios de urgencias (SU), las características de las caídas, y el grado y los factores asociados con la realización de recomendaciones para prevenir las caídas (RPC). METODO: FALL-ER es un registro de cohortes multipropósito, prospectivo y multicéntrico, con muestreo sistemático, que incluyó todos los pacientes de 65 años o más atendidos por caída en 5 SU durante 52 días en un año. Se recogieron 68 variables independientes. Los pacientes se clasificaron en función de recibir o no RPC (cualquiera de las siguientes: ejercicio, educación sobre prevención de las caídas, derivación a especialista o modificación de fármacos relacionados con las caídas). RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 1.507 (93,6%) del total de 1.610 pacientes. Los pacientes tenían una edad muy avanzada y alto grado de comorbilidad, polifarmacia y síndromes geriátricos previos. La caída suele suceder de día, en domicilio y en la mitad de casos sin testigo. Un 48% refirió miedo a caerse, un 22% presentó deterioro funcional agudo, un 16% ingresó y un 0,6% falleció. Se realizaron RPC en 509 (33,8%) casos. La disminución de la agudeza auditiva, deterioro cognitivo autorreferido, atención médica en el lugar de la caída, miedo a volver a caerse, deterioro funcional agudo y hospitalización se asociaron con mayor probabilidad de RPC, y la disminución de la agudeza visual con menor probabilidad. CONCLUSIONES: Solo tres de cada diez pacientes ancianos atendidos por una caída en urgencias recibe RPC posteriores, aunque existen ciertas características relacionadas con el paciente y la caída que se asocian a una mayor probabilidad de recibirlas.

Detección y seguimiento de malos tratos en personas mayores en un hospital terciario: experiencia de 3 años / Three years experience in the detection and follow-up of violence against the elderly in a tertiary hospital

Objetivos. La Comisión Contra la Violencia del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid) puso en marcha en 2012 un plan integral de detección y seguimiento de los casos de sospecha de malos tratos al adulto mediante un registro hospitalario. En este estudio se valoran los resultados de los primeros 3años analizando las diferencias en función de la edad (menores y mayores de 65años). Material y métodos. De acuerdo con el registro se han comparado los resultados de mayores y menores de 65años relativos a: sexo, lugar del registro, responsable de la notificación, historia de violencia previa, tipo de maltrato, recursos empleados y seguimiento. También se recogió la tasa de fallecidos en el primer año. El procesamiento y análisis de los datos se realizó mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS 18.0. Resultados. El número registrado de casos de sospecha durante los 3años (2013-2015) fue de 172. GrupoA (15-64años): 140 casos. GrupoB (>65años): 32 (22,8%). Sexo: GrupoA: 93,5% mujeres. GrupoB: 78,1% (p=0,014). Lugar del registro: GrupoA: urgencias: 90,7%, hospitalización: 6,4%, consultas externas: 3,0%. GrupoB: urgencias: 65,6%, hospitalización: 31,6%, consultas externas: 2,8% (p=0,001). Notificación: Grupo A: trabajador social: 25%, médico: 67,8%, enfermera: 6,4%. Grupo B: trabajador social: 65,2%, médico: 28,1, enfermera: 6,2. (p<0,001). Historia de violencia previa: GrupoA: 62,1%. GrupoB: 68,7%. Tipo de maltratos: GrupoA: físicos: 56,4%, psíquicos: 2,8%, físicos +psíquicos: 30,4%, físicos +psíquicos +económicos: 10,1%. GrupoB: físicos: 31,1%, psíquicos: 5,1%, negligencia: 18,7%, físicos +psíquicos: 10,1, físicos +psíquicos +económicos: 9,8, económicos: 25,1 (p<0,0001). Recursos empleados y seguimiento: Parte de lesiones: GrupoA: 63,5%. GrupoB: 31,2% (p=0,001). Medidas de protección judicial: GrupoA: 12,8. GrupoB: 15,6 (p=0,773). Orden de alejamiento: GrupoA: 2,1. GrupoB: 6,25 (p=0,235). Fallecieron al año de seguimiento más de un tercio de los pacientes del grupoB y ningún paciente en el grupoA. Conclusiones. La urgencia médica es el lugar donde más se detecta el problema. Existe historia de violencia previa en más de la mitad de los casos en ambos grupos de edad. Retrato robot de la víctima: mujer anciana, con importante deterioro físico y cognitivo. El abuso económico y la negligencia son más frecuentes en la población anciana. En nuestra serie fallecen al año más de un tercio de los pacientes ancianos víctimas de malos tratos. El registro hospitalario es fundamental para la detección y el seguimiento del maltrato en el anciano (AU)

Objectives. The Hospital Clínico San Carlos Committee against violence established a protocol in 2012 in order to detect and follow-up violence against elderly persons. This article presents the experience after 3years of its introduction, as well as an analysis comparing the differences between those younger and older than 65years of age. Material and methods. All cases were collected during years 2013, 2014, and 2015, and were divided into two groups, A and B, according to age, younger or older than 65years. Parameters studied were: gender, place of detection (emergency department, during hospital admission, or outpatient clinics), type of professional worker who detected each case (social workers, nurses, or physicians), previous history of violence, type of aggression (physical, psychological, financial), institutional procedures once aggression was confirmed, and deaths after one year of follow-up. The SPPS v.18.0 package was used for the statistical analysis. Results. A total of 172 cases were detected, of which 140 of them were included in groupA (<65years), and 32 in groupB (>65 years, 22.8%). Gender: GroupA: women: 93.5%. GroupB: women: 78.1% (P=.014). Registration site: GroupA: emergency department: 90.7%, hospital wards: 6.4%, outpatient wards: 3.0. GroupB: emergency department: 65.6%, hospital wards: 31.6%, outpatient wards: 2.8% (P=.001). Notification: GroupA: social worker: 25%, physician: 67.8%, nurse: 6.4%. GroupB: social worker: 65.2%, physician: 28.1%, nurse: 6.2% (P<.001). Previous violence history: GroupA: 62.1%. GroupB: 68.7%. Type of abuse: GroupA: physical: 56.4%, psychological: 2.8%, physical +psychological: 30.4%, physical +psychological +economic: 10.1%. GroupB: physical: 31.1%, psychological: 5.1%, neglect: 18.7%, physical +psychological: 10.1, physical +psychological +economic: 9.8, economic: 25.1 (P<.0001). Resources employed and follow-up: Injuries: Group A: 63.5%. Group B: 31.2% (P=.001). Judicial protection measures: GroupA: 12.8. GroupB: 15.6 (P=.773). Removal order: GroupA: 2.1. GroupB: 6.25 (P=.235). More than one-third of patients in groupB, and none of the patients in groupA, died in the year of follow-up. Conclusions. There are more problems detected in the Emergency Department. There is a history of previous violence in more than half of the cases in both age groups. The profile of the victim is an elderly woman with significant physical and cognitive impairment. Economic abuse and neglect are more frequent in the elderly population. In our series, more than one-third of elderly patients who are victims of ill-treatment die each year. The hospital registry is fundamental for the detection and follow-up of abuse in the elderly (AU)

[Three years experience in the detection and follow-up of violence against the elderly in a tertiary hospital]. / Detección y seguimiento de malos tratos en personas mayores en un hospital terciario: experiencia de 3 años.

OBJECTIVES: The Hospital Clínico San Carlos Committee against violence established a protocol in 2012 in order to detect and follow-up violence against elderly persons. This article presents the experience after 3years of its introduction, as well as an analysis comparing the differences between those younger and older than 65years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All cases were collected during years 2013, 2014, and 2015, and were divided into two groups, A and B, according to age, younger or older than 65years. Parameters studied were: gender, place of detection (emergency department, during hospital admission, or outpatient clinics), type of professional worker who detected each case (social workers, nurses, or physicians), previous history of violence, type of aggression (physical, psychological, financial), institutional procedures once aggression was confirmed, and deaths after one year of follow-up. The SPPS v.18.0 package was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 172 cases were detected, of which 140 of them were included in groupA (<65years), and 32 in groupB (>65 years, 22.8%). Gender: GroupA: women: 93.5%. GroupB: women: 78.1% (P=.014). Registration site: GroupA: emergency department: 90.7%, hospital wards: 6.4%, outpatient wards: 3.0. GroupB: emergency department: 65.6%, hospital wards: 31.6%, outpatient wards: 2.8% (P=.001). Notification: GroupA: social worker: 25%, physician: 67.8%, nurse: 6.4%. GroupB: social worker: 65.2%, physician: 28.1%, nurse: 6.2% (P<.001). Previous violence history: GroupA: 62.1%. GroupB: 68.7%. Type of abuse: GroupA: physical: 56.4%, psychological: 2.8%, physical +psychological: 30.4%, physical +psychological +economic: 10.1%. GroupB: physical: 31.1%, psychological: 5.1%, neglect: 18.7%, physical +psychological: 10.1, physical +psychological +economic: 9.8, economic: 25.1 (P<.0001). Resources employed and follow-up: Injuries: Group A: 63.5%. Group B: 31.2% (P=.001). Judicial protection measures: GroupA: 12.8. GroupB: 15.6 (P=.773). Removal order: GroupA: 2.1. GroupB: 6.25 (P=.235). More than one-third of patients in groupB, and none of the patients in groupA, died in the year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There are more problems detected in the Emergency Department. There is a history of previous violence in more than half of the cases in both age groups. The profile of the victim is an elderly woman with significant physical and cognitive impairment. Economic abuse and neglect are more frequent in the elderly population. In our series, more than one-third of elderly patients who are victims of ill-treatment die each year. The hospital registry is fundamental for the detection and follow-up of abuse in the elderly.

Characteristics and outcomes of older adults presented to Spanish emergency departments after a fall.

PURPOSE: To study patient profile, fall-related characteristics and immediate outcomes according to age and to determine the effect of age in the outcomes among older patients presenting to ED after a fall. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the FALL-ER registry that included patients aged ≥ 65 years old that presented to five Spanish EDs after a fall. Patients were classified into three age categories, and demographic, comorbidity, chronic medication, fall-related characteristics, health care resources and immediate outcomes data were analysed. RESULTS: We included 1610 patients, 541 (28%) aged 65-74, 647 (40.2%) aged 74-84 and 512 (31.8%) aged ≥ 85 years old. Indoor falls, with no witnesses, at night and due to non-identified causes were significantly more likely among the oldest old. Medications related to risk of falling and antithrombotic therapy significantly increased with age category. Physical, functional and psychological consequences and healthcare resource use increased significantly with age group. Age was independently associated with severe injury (adjusted OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.01-1.04), fear of falling (adjusted OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.01-1.04) and acute functional impairment (adjusted OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.00-1.04). CONCLUSIONS: Indoor falls, with no witnesses, at night and due to non-identified causes were significantly more likely among the oldest old. The probability of presenting with severe injury, fear of falling and acute functional impairment increases with age.

Unidades de prevención de caídas y de fracturas osteoporóticas. Propuesta del Grupo de Osteoporosis, Caídas y Fracturas de la Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología / Falls and osteoporotic fractures prevention units. Proposed Osteoporosis, Falls and Fractures Group of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology

En el marco del Grupo de Osteoporosis, Caídas y Fracturas (GOCF) de la Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología (SEGG) se realiza una revisión de la epidemiología de las caídas, junto a la descripción de aquellas medidas que han mostrado cierto grado de efectividad en prevenirlas. También se expone la propuesta de un modelo básico común de actuación en las unidades de prevención de caídas, dirigido principalmente a la comunidad. Finalmente se presenta un modelo consensuado de registro de caídas, común a nivel de los ámbitos comunitario e institucional, con el objetivo de que sea útil y fácil de cumplimentar en cualquiera de los niveles asistenciales(AU)

Since forming the Osteoporosis, Falls and Fractures Group of the Spanish Society (GOCF) of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG) a review was performed of the epidemiology of falls, along with a description of measures that have shown a degree of effectiveness in prevention. We also present the proposal of a common basic model of action in fall prevention units, mainly addressed to the community. Finally, a consensus model falls register is presented, common to community level and institutional areas, with the objective of being useful and easy to fill in at any care level(AU)

[Falls and osteoporotic fractures prevention units: proposed Osteoporosis, Falls and Fractures Group of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology]. / Unidades de prevención de caídas y de fracturas osteoporóticas. Propuesta del Grupo de Osteoporosis, Caídas y Fracturas de la Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología.

Since forming the Osteoporosis, Falls and Fractures Group of the Spanish Society (GOCF) of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG) a review was performed of the epidemiology of falls, along with a description of measures that have shown a degree of effectiveness in prevention. We also present the proposal of a common basic model of action in fall prevention units, mainly addressed to the community. Finally, a consensus model falls register is presented, common to community level and institutional areas, with the objective of being useful and easy to fill in at any care level.

Caídas en el anciano / Falls among older persons

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[Evaluation of postural control systems in elderly patients with repeated falls]. / Valoración de los sistemas de control postural en ancianos con caídas de repetición.

AIMS: a) to describe postural control disorders in elderly patients with recurrent falls; b) to analyze the influence of sensory deficits on centre of gravity control mechanisms; and c) to assess the functional consequences of balance disorders and falls in this group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: patients aged more than 65 years old referred to a falls unit with two or more falls in the previous 6 months were included in this study. The protocol included posturographic studies with a Neurocom Balance Master. To evaluate motor control, Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS test) was performed. To assess sensorial control, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (MCT test) was used. Other tests performed were the Sit to Stand (SS test), Walk across (WA test) and Step up over (SO test). RESULTS: a total of 109 patients (85.3% women) were studied. Mean age was 78.01 years (SD: 5.38). Disorders in one or more afferent sensorial systems were found in 51.7% of the patients (27.5% visual deficiencies, 17.6% vestibular alterations, and 6.6% somatosensorial deficits). Two afferent systems were compromised in 25.3%, and all three were compromised in 11.1% of the patients. No significant differences were found in directional control (RWS) when compared with the number of altered systems. CONCLUSIONS: posturographic studies provide sensitive information on static and dynamic centre of gravity control systems, eventual sensory deficits, and patients' ability to carry out basic activities of daily living. In our sample, the most frequent deficit was visual impairment. This information is essential to establish a correct management programme.

Valoración de los sistemas de control postural en ancianos con caídas de repetición / Evaluation of postural control systems in elderly patients with repeated falls

Objetivos: a) describir las alteraciones de los sistemas de control postural en pacientes con caídas de repetición; b) analizar la influencia sobre el desplazamiento y control del centro de gravedad de los déficits sensoriales asociados, y c) valorar la repercusión funcional de los trastornos del equilibrio y de las caídas en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: pacientes remitidos a una unidad de caídas por presentar 2 o más caídas en los últimos 6 meses. Técnica: protocolo clínico que incluye estudio con el Posturógrafo Balance Master de Neurocom. Se realizaron las siguientes pruebas: control motor: desplazamiento rítmico de cargas (Rythmic Weight Shift test o RWS); control sensorial: mantenimiento de la bipedestación o prueba clínica modificada de interacción sensorial sobre el equilibrio (Modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance o MCT); pruebas funcionales: bipedestación desde la posición de sentado (Sit to Stand o SS), marcha (Walk Across o WA) y subir y bajar escalones (Step up Over o SO). Resultados: el estudio se realizó en 109 pacientes (el 85,3%, mujeres), con una edad media ± desviación estándar de 78,01 ± 5,38 años. El 51,7% presentó alteraciones en uno de los sistemas de aferencias sensoriales (el 27,5% déficit visual, el 17,6% déficit vestibular, el 6,6% déficit somatosensorial), el 25,3% en 2 de los sistemas de aferencias, mientras que un 11,1% las presentó en los 3 sistemas sensoriales. El 11,9% de los pacientes no presentó alteración de ninguno de los 3 sistemas. No existen diferencias significativas entre el control direccional o a la velocidad de desplazamiento en el RWS cuando se las compara con el número de déficits presentes. Conclusiones: el análisis posturográfico aporta información sensible sobre el control estático y dinámico del centro de gravedad, los eventuales déficits sensoriales y acerca de la destreza del paciente a la hora de realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. En nuestra muestra, la alteración visual es la más frecuente. Esta información es fundamental para establecer un tratamiento adecuado

Aims: a) to describe postural control disorders in elderly patients with recurrent falls; b) to analyze the influence of sensory deficits on centre of gravity control mechanisms; and c) to assess the functional consequences of balance disorders and falls in this group of patients. Material and methods: patients aged more than 65 years old referred to a falls unit with two or more falls in the previous 6 months were included in this study. The protocol included posturographic studies with a Neurocom Balance Master. To evaluate motor control, Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS test) was performed. To assess sensorial control, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (MCT test) was used. Other tests performed were the Sit to Stand (SS test), Walk across (WA test) and Step up over (SO test). Results: a total of 109 patients (85.3% women) were studied. Mean age was 78.01 years (SD: 5.38). Disorders in one or more afferent sensorial systems were found in 51.7% of the patients (27.5% visual deficiencies, 17.6% vestibular alterations, and 6.6% somatosensorial deficits). Two afferent systems were compromised in 25.3%, and all three were compromised in 11.1% of the patients. No significant differences were found in directional control (RWS) when compared with the number of altered systems. Conclusions: posturographic studies provide sensitive information on static and dynamic centre of gravity control systems, eventual sensory deficits, and patients’ ability to carry out basic activities of daily living. In our sample, the most frequent deficit was visual impairment. This information is essential to establish a correct management programme