Perceived Ageism is Associated With Recurrent Falling Among Older Colombian Adults.

Literature on the association between ageism and falling among older adults is limited. Using data from the nationwide cross-sectional SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colombia Survey in 2015 with 18,875 participants aged ≥60 years living in the communities, the study aims to evaluate the association between perceived ageism within the family, neighborhood, health services, and public services, and recurrent falling. Participants had a mean age of 69.2 ± 7.1; 56.1% were female. Recurrent falling prevalence was 15%, and experiencing any ageism was 10%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed higher odds of recurrent falling for any ageism (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.61-2.02, p < .0001). High depressive symptoms mediated 10.1% of the association between any ageism and recurrent falling, followed by low instrumental activities of daily living (9.7%) and multimorbidity (9.3%). Current findings open new areas of gerontological research by expanding the risk factors for falling among older adults to include ageism perceptions.

Social determinants of health and metabolic syndrome in Colombian older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Social determinants of health (SDH) are critical in health outcomes. More insight is needed on the correlation between SDH and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the aging population. This study assessed the association between SDH and MetS scores among older adults in Colombia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional country-wide study includes a sample of 4085 adults aged ≥60 from the SABE Colombia Survey. MetS measurements were central obesity, hyperglycemia or diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, arterial hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol (MetS score 0-5). SDH includes four levels: 1- general socioeconomic and environmental conditions; 2-social and community networks; 3- individual lifestyle; and 4-constitutional factors. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the SDH factors with greater effect sizes, calculated by Eta Squared, predicting higher MetS mean scores were women followed by low education, no alcohol intake, urban origin, and residing in unsafe neighborhoods. Two interactions: men, but not women, have lower MetS in safe neighborhoods compared to unsafe, and men, but not women, have lower MetS when having low education (0-5 years) compared to high (≥6). CONCLUSION: Gender, education, alcohol intake, and origin have the greatest effect sizes on MetS. Education level and neighborhood safety modified the relationship between gender and MetS. Low-educated men or those residing in safe neighborhoods have lower MetS. Neighborhood environments and educational differences influencing MetS should be considered in future studies.

Racial Discrimination and Multimorbidity Among Older Adults in Colombia: A National Data Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity is a prevalent worldwide problem among older adults. Our objective was to assess the association between life-course racial discrimination and multimorbidity among older adults in Colombia. METHODS: We used data from the SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colombia Study in 2015 (N = 18,873), a national cross-sectional survey among adults aged 60 years or older. The outcome was multimorbidity, defined as having 2 or more chronic conditions. The main independent variables were 3 racial discrimination measures: 1) everyday racial discrimination (yes or no), 2) childhood racial discrimination score (scored from 0 [never] to 3 [many times]), and 3) situations of racial discrimination in the last 5 years (scored from 0 to 4 as a sum of the number of situations [group activities, public places, inside the family, health centers]). Other variables were sociodemographic characteristics, diseases, economic or health adversity during childhood, and functional status. We used weighted logistic regression analyses to adjust for differences between groups. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression models showed that multimorbidity was significantly associated with experiencing everyday racial discrimination (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.62-3.02), childhood racial discrimination (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10-1.47), and the number of situations of racial discrimination (OR= 1.56; 95% CI, 1.22-2.00). Multimorbidity was also independently associated with multimorbidity during childhood. CONCLUSION: Racial discrimination experiences were associated with higher odds of multimorbidity among older adults in Colombia. Strategies to decrease life course experiences of racial discrimination may improve the health of older adults.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy in an octogenarian

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy presents with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage, dementia or tran sient neurological events. It occurs due to P-amyloid deposits in the media and adventitia of small arteries, leptomeningeal capillaries and the cerebral cortex. Its prevalence increases with age, and its association with cognitive impairment is well established. We present the case of an 80-year-old previously independent woman with no disabilities or cognitive impairment, and a history of well-controlled systemic arterial hypertension who consulted due to a de novo seizure and focal neurological deficits. On imaging follow up, two bilateral parietal-occipital macrohemorrhages were found, which occurred at two different times during the development of the clinical condition. These findings were attributed to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and the patient ultimately died during this hospitalization. In this case presentation, we discuss the diagnostic criteria for considering the presence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, its prognosis, and the reason it led to death. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2567).

La angiopatía amiloide cerebral se presenta con hemorragia intracerebral lobular, demencia o eventos neurológicos transitorios. Ocurre como resultado del depósito de (3-amiloide en la media y la adventicia de las arterias pequeñas, los capilares de las leptomeninges y la corteza cerebral. Su prevalencia aumenta con la edad y su asociación con deterioro cognitivo está bien establecido. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 80 años, previamente independiente, sin discapacidad ni deterioro cognitivo, con antecedente de hipertensión arterial sistémica bien controlada, quien consultó por episodio convulsivo de novo y focalización neurológica. Durante el seguimiento imagenológico se documentó presencia de dos macrohemorragias parietooccipitales bilaterales, acontecidas en dos momentos diferentes durante la evolución del cuadro clínico, hallazgos que fueron atribuidos a la presencia de angiopatía amiloide cerebral, finalmente la paciente falleció durante dicha hospitaliza ción. En esta presentación de caso se discuten los criterios diagnósticos para considerar la presencia de angiopatía amiloide cerebral, el pronóstico y la razón que llevó a la muerte. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2567).

Abordaje de hipertensión secundaria en adultos mayores: reporte de caso / Secondary hypertension approach in older adults: a case report

Resumen La hipertensión arterial secundaria es poco frecuente y está asociada con una causa que puede ser tratable, por lo cual su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno son importantes. La orientación diagnóstica se hace con base en los datos obtenidos en la anamnesis y examen físico del paciente buscando posibles etiologías. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 63 años, con hipertensión arterial resistente, sin otra sintomatología ni antecedentes personales o familiares. Se realizaron estudios iniciales que documentaron hipopotasemia, lo que hizo sospechar hiperaldosteronismo primario, se solicitaron pruebas complementarias con aldosterona plasmática elevada, actividad de la renina plasmática baja, además con imagen diagnóstica por resonancia nuclear magnética que mostró nódulo suprarrenal derecho. Se considero llevar a adrenalectomía derecha, con reporte de patología compatible con adenoma cortical adrenal. Durante el seguimiento en atención primaria presento adecuado control en cifras de presión arterial con disminución del número de medicamentos antihipertensivos requeridos.

Abstract Secondary arterial hypertension is rare, it is associated with a cause that can be treatable, for which its diagnosis and treatment are not important.The diagnostic orientation is made based on the data obtained in the anamnesis and physical examination of the patient, looking for possible etiologies.We present the case of a 63-year-old man with resistant hypertension, without other symptoms or personal or family history. Initial studies were performed that documented hypokalemia, which led to the suspicion of primary hyperaldosteronism. Complementary tests were requested with high plasma aldosterone, low plasma renin activity, in addition to a diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging that showed an adrenal nodule. A right adrenalectomy was considered, with a report of pathology compatible with adrenal cortical adenoma.During the follow-up in primary care, patient presented adequate control in blood pressure figures with a decrease in the number of antihypertensive drugs required.

Sarcopenic Dysphagia Is Associated With Mortality in Institutionalized Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate mortality associated with sarcopenic dysphagia. DESIGN: A 3-year follow-up cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-five nursing home residents were evaluated to determine the baseline presence or absence of oropharyngeal dysphagia and followed up for 3 years. METHODS: The primary outcome was the risk of death. Dysphagia was assessed using a volume-viscosity swallow test. We used an algorithm to determine sarcopenic dysphagia based on grip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, and exclusion of neurologic or structural causes of dysphagia. We constructed 3 subgroups: without dysphagia, nonsarcopenic dysphagia, and sarcopenic dysphagia. Cox proportional regression analyses were used to predict the risk of death. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of participants had no dysphagia, 20% nonsarcopenic dysphagia, and 45% sarcopenic dysphagia. Sarcopenic dysphagia was independently associated with a higher risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 2.44, 95% CI 1.02-5.80, P = .043] than without dysphagia. In addition, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.75, P = .040). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that sarcopenic dysphagia was associated with increased mortality among institutionalized older adults. These deaths could be potentially preventable.

The Association Between Discrimination and Falling. A National Sample of Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between discrimination and falling among older people. METHODS: A cross-sectional nationwide population-based face-to-face survey, 2015. The SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colombia Study, 19,004 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years. Recurrent falling was defined as ≥2 falls during the prior year. Main independent variable was discrimination. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression models showed that recurrent falling was significantly associated with a number of reasons for experiences of everyday discrimination (due to racial, socioeconomic status, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability) (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.33), childhood discrimination score (never = 0 to many times = 3) (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.13-1.33), and number of situations for discrimination during the last 5 years due to skin color (group activities, public places, inside the family, or health centers) (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.17). DISCUSSION: Discrimination experiences were associated with higher odds of recurrent falling.

Sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalised older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenic dysphagia, defined as dysphagia caused by sarcopenia, is a swallowing disorder of great interest to the medical community. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalised older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in a nursing home between September and December 2017, with 100 participants. The presence of dysphagia was assessed using the volume-viscosity clinical examination method, and the diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic dysphagia was followed. The participants' grip strength, gait speed, calf circumference, nutritional assessment (Mini Nutritional Assessment), Barthel Index, cognitive assessment (Mini-Mental State Examination) and Charlson Comorbidity Index were evaluated. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The median age was 84 years, and 55% were women; 48% had functional dependence, 49% had positive screening for malnutrition and 64% had some degree of dysphagia. The prevalence of sarcopenic dysphagia was 45%, and the main factors related to less sarcopenic dysphagia were a good nutritional status (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.72-0.99) and a better functional performance status (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.98). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenic dysphagia has a high prevalence in institutionalised older adults; and functional dependence and poor nutritional status were associated with sarcopenic dysphagia.

Efecto conjunto de deterioro cognitivo y condición sociofamiliar sobre el estado funcional en adultos mayores hospitalizados / Joint effect of cognitive impairment and socio-family status on functional status in hospitalized older adults

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto conjunto de deterioro cognitivo y condición sociofamiliar sobre el estado funcional en adultos mayores hospitalizados. Método: Se usó una cohorte retrospectiva, que incluyó 399 adultos mayores entre 2014 hasta 2015. El desenlace primario fue el estado funcional evaluado con la Escala de Lawton y Brody en cuatro tiempos. El deterioro cognitivo se evaluó con el Examen Mínimo Mental y la condición sociofamiliar con la Escala Sociofamiliar de Gijón. Resultados: Se encontró que el 54% tenían deterioro social y el 86% presentaban deterioro cognitivo. En análisis multivariados, la edad avanzada, la estancia hospitalaria prolongada, la albúmina baja, el deterioro cognitivo, el delirium y el deterioro social se asociaron significativamente con peor estado funcional. Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere que el efecto conjunto entre deterioro cognitivo y deterioro social comprometen más el estado funcional que cada factor por separado.

Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the joint effect of cognitive impairment and socio-family condition on the functional status in hospitalized older adults. Method: A retrospective cohort included 399 older adults between 2014 and 2015. The primary outcome was functional status assessed by Lawton and Brody Scale in four times. Cognitive impairment was assessed with the MiniMental State examination and the socio-family condition with the Gijón Socio-family Scale. Results: It was found that 54% had social deterioration and 86% had cognitive impairment. In multivariate analyzes, advanced age, prolonged hospital stay, low albumin, cognitive impairment, delirium, and social deterioration were significantly associated with worse functional status. Conclusions: This study suggests that the joint effect between cognitive impairment and social deterioration compromises the functional status more than each factor separately.

Valoración geriátrica integral en cuidados paliativos: revisión bibliográfica / Comprehensive geriatric assessment in palliative care: a literature review

El progresivo envejecimiento de la población es explicado por el avance en el cuidado de la salud, y las transiciones demográficas y epidemiológicas presentes en el plano mundial. Este fenómeno implica cambios en el campo social y económico, en los sistemas de educación y salud y en la seguridad social. En consecuencia, es característico encontrar adultos mayores con multimorbilidad que presentan enfermedades crónicas con diferentes trayectorias al final de la vida y que van a requerir atención en el modelo de cuidados paliativos. La valoración geriátrica integral (VGI) es la tecnología disponible en la actualidad para abordar la compleja situación de los adultos mayores, en particular los que necesitan atención por cuidados paliativos. El proceso de la VGI ofrece un enfoque integral que se fundamenta en el modelo biopsicosocial y se operativiza mediante la actuación de un equipo interdisciplinario, quien brinda evaluación y cuidado paliativo de forma individualizada y continua, y adaptado a lo largo de la trayectoria de la enfermedad, ayudando a determinar un pronóstico y calidad de vida potencial en cada adulto mayor. En la VGI dentro de los cuidados paliativos, la planificación anticipada de cuidados y la toma de decisiones compartida son de especial importancia, desde el momento en el que los adultos mayores tienen indicación de ser atendidos hasta el final de sus vidas, y después de la muerte, dando soporte a sus familiares y cuidadores. (AU)

The progressive aging of the population may be explained by advances in health care, and by the demographic and epidemiological transitions present on a worldwide level. This phenomenon implies changes in the social and economic settings, in the education and health care systems, and in social security. As a consequence, older adults with multiple morbidities are typically encountered who develop chronic diseases with different trajectories at the end of life, and who will require care within the palliative model. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the technology currently available to address the complex situation of older adults, particularly of those who need palliative care. The CGA process offers a comprehensive approach that is based on the biopsychosocial model and made operational through the efforts of an interdisciplinary team that provides assessment and palliative care in an individualized, continuous, adaptive way throughout the course of the disease, helping to establish the prognosis and potential quality of life of each older adult. To implement CGA within the palliative care setting, advance care planning and shared decisionmaking are of special importance from the time palliative care is indicated to the end of life, as is providing support to relatives and caregivers after the patient’s demise.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics, morbidity and treatment based on the registry of acromegalic patients in Colombia: RAPACO.

AIMS: Describe the local characteristics, methodology and results of the registry of acromegalic patients in Colombia (RAPACO). METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective study based on the registry of acromegalic patients in Colombia: RAPACO. The data collected included: demographics, diagnosis, approximate time of disease evolution, data on weight, height, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC) abdominal circumference (AC) hip circumference (HC) and waist/hip ratio (WHR); clinical and biochemical data at the time of diagnosis, etiology, immunohistochemistry of the tumor and information related to types of treatment. Descriptive analytics were employed. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients (60% females) with an average age at registration of 49.5 ± 14.6 years and an average time of evolution of the disease of 6.96 ± 4.5 years. Average weight was 75.1 Kg ± 12.98, with an average BMI of 28.11 ± 4.33. The most frequent symptoms mentioned at the time of diagnosis were extremity enlargement and headache. The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension in 50.3% of the cases. 78.6% of cases were caused by macroadenoma. 80.1% received surgical treatment, 77.6% were under medical treatment, of which 95.7% were receiving somatostatin analogues. 26.4% of patients were treated with radiation therapy. Of the patients who received any type of clinical treatment, only 2.5% reported biochemical control at registration. CONCLUSION: It is important to recognize the local epidemiological, clinical, biochemical and treatment characteristics in order to assist in further understanding this pathology to implement local measures to improve both the quality of life as well as the prognosis of the patients diagnosed.

Sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalised older adults. / Disfagia sarcopénica en adultos mayores institucionalizados.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenic dysphagia, defined as dysphagia caused by sarcopenia, is a swallowing disorder of great interest to the medical community. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalised older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in a nursing home between September and December 2017, with 100 participants. The presence of dysphagia was assessed using the volume-viscosity clinical examination method, and the diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic dysphagia was followed. The participants' grip strength, gait speed, calf circumference, nutritional assessment (Mini Nutritional Assessment), Barthel Index, cognitive assessment (Mini-Mental State Examination) and Charlson Comorbidity Index were evaluated. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The median age was 84 years, and 55% were women; 48% had functional dependence, 49% had positive screening for malnutrition and 64% had some degree of dysphagia. The prevalence of sarcopenic dysphagia was 45%, and the main factors related to less sarcopenic dysphagia were a good nutritional status (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.72-0.99) and a better functional performance status (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.98). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenic dysphagia has a high prevalence in institutionalised older adults; and functional dependence and poor nutritional status were associated with sarcopenic dysphagia.

Mixed methods study of the potential therapeutic benefits from medical cannabis for patients in Florida.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medical marijuana patients' perceptions of therapeutic benefits for self-reported medical conditions. DESIGN: The study was a concurrent mixed methods study with adult medical marijuana patients. Survey data were collected using a web-based survey, and interviews were conducted in person or over the phone. SETTING: The study recruited 196 medical marijuana patients to complete surveys and 13 patients to participate in qualitative interviews in Florida. MEASURES: A validated patient survey was distributed via Florida medical marijuana social media groups to examine the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant for medical conditions and overall well-being. Concurrently, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand barriers and facilitators to accessing medical cannabis and explore preferences for different forms and strains, as well as any unexpected side effects. RESULTS: Patients used medical cannabis for relief of chronic pain or depression, followed by arthritis and nausea. Survey results indicated 89 % of patients reported "great relief" for their medical condition. Over 76 % of patients reported a score of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale that their medical condition had improved, and over 68 % reported a score of 8 or higher that medical cannabis had reduced their pain. Interviews indicated medical cannabis was effective for pain relief and reducing the use of prescription medicines, but the drug was perceived as too expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Medical marijuana patients were positive about the health benefits they received and the fact they were able to reduce or eliminate many prescription medications; however, there were concerns about the costs.

Polyvictimization and Recurrent Falling in Older Ecuadorian Adults: The Mediation Role of Depressive Symptoms.

Objective: To assess depressive symptoms as a mediator in the association between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. Methods: Using data from the Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (Health, Well-being, and Aging) Ecuador Study, we analyzed community-dwelling adults 60 years and older (n = 5227). Recurrent falling was determined as ≥2 falls during the prior 12 months. Polyvictimization was determined as a history of ≥2 types of abuse. The mediator was depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses were based on the VanderWeele method. Results: Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and odds ratio (OR) = 1.45 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20-1.76). Higher depressive symptoms increase the odds for recurrent falling (OR = 1.09 and 95% CI 1.07-1.11). Moreover, depressive symptoms were a significant mediator between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. The mediating effect was 28.4%. Discussion: Polyvictimization was associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms.

The Bidirectional Relationship between Vision and Cognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

TOPIC: Visual impairment (VI) and cognitive impairment (CIM) are prevalent age-related conditions that impose substantial burden on the society. Findings on the hypothesized bidirectional association of VI and CIM remains equivocal. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine this bidirectional relationship. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sixty percent risk of CIM has not been well elucidated in the literature. A bidirectional relationship between VI and CIM may support the development of strategies for early detection and management of risk factors for both conditions in older people. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central registers were searched systematically for observational studies, published from inception until April 6, 2020, in adults 40 years of age or older reporting objectively measured VI and CIM assessment using clinically validated cognitive screening tests or diagnostic evaluation. Meta-analyses on cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between VI and CIM outcomes (any CIM assessed using screening tests and clinically diagnosed dementia) were examined. Random effect models were used to generate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also examined study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity. RESULTS: Forty studies were included (n = 47 913 570). Meta-analyses confirmed that persons with VI were more likely to have CIM, with significantly higher odds of: (1) any CIM (cross-sectional: OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.84-3.07]; longitudinal: OR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.46-1.89]) and (2) clinically diagnosed dementia (cross-sectional: OR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.48-4.01]; longitudinal: OR, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.37-3.21]) compared with persons without VI. Significant heterogeneity was explained partially by differences in age, sex, and follow-up duration. Also, some evidence suggested that individuals with CIM, relative to cognitively intact persons, were more likely to have VI, with most articles (8/9 [89%]) reporting significantly positive associations; however, meta-analyses on this association could not be conducted because of insufficient data. DISCUSSION: Overall, our work suggests that VI is a risk factor of CIM, although further work is needed to confirm the association of CIM as a risk factor for VI. Strategies for early detection and management of both conditions in older people may minimize individual clinical and public health consequences.

Factors associated with lethality from pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit: a retrospective cohort / [Factores asociados con la letalidad por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo: una cohorte retrospectiva].

Introduction: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to infection in the world, mainly affecting the older adult population. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with lethality at 30 days in patients with pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, analytical retrospective cohort study including 114 patients aged 60 years and older hospitalized in an acute care geriatric unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The primary outcome was lethality at 30 days. Bivariate and multivariable log-binomial regression analyzes were performed to explore the relationship between independent variables and the primary outcome. Results: The 30-day lethality was 26.3% and the mean age was 84.45 ± 7.37 years; 54.4% of participants were men. In the multivariable analysis, age ≥90 years (Relative Risk, RR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.68, p=0.04), multilobar commitment (RR=1.92, 95% CI:1.12-3.32, p=0.02), elevated urea nitrogen (≥22.5 the median; RR=3.93, 95% CI:1.67-9.25, p<0.01), and a score of zero in the Lawton index at admission (RR=3.20, 95% CI:1.05-9.78, p=0.04) were independent predictors of 30-day lethality from pneumonia. Conclusion: In older adults hospitalized for pneumonia in an acute care geriatric unit, advanced age, the presence of multilobar commitment, dependency in functional status, and elevated ureic nitrogen levels were the main predictors of short-term lethality risk.

Introducción. La neumonía es la principal causa de muerte por infección en el mundo y afecta principalmente a la población de adultos mayores. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con la letalidad a 30 días en pacientes con neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional y analítico de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron 114 pacientes de 60 años o más hospitalizados en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo con diagnóstico de neumonía. El resultado primario fue la letalidad a 30 días. Se hicieron análisis de regresión log-binomial bivariado y multivariable para explorar la relación entre las variables independientes y el resultado primario. Resultados. La letalidad a 30 días fue de 26,3 % y la edad media de 84,45 ± 7,37 años. El 54,4 % de los participantes era de sexo masculino. En el análisis multivariable se encontró que una edad de 90 años o más (riesgo relativo, RR=1,62; IC95%: 1,05-2,68; p=0,04), el compromiso multilobar (RR=1,92; IC95%: 1,12-3,32; p=0,02), el nitrógeno ureico elevado (mediana≥22,5; RR=3,93; IC95%: 1,67-9,25; p<0,01), y un puntaje de cero en la escala de Lawton al ingreso (RR=3,20; IC95% 1,05-9,78; p=0,04) fueron factores predictores independientes de la letalidad a 30 días en adultos mayores con neumonía. Conclusión. En los pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo la edad muy avanzada, la presencia de compromiso multilobar, la dependencia en el estado funcional y los niveles de nitrógeno ureico elevados fueron los principales factores de riesgo de letalidad a corto plazo.

Factores asociados con la letalidad por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo: una cohorte retrospectiva / Factors associated with lethality from pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit: a retrospective cohort

Resumen: Introducción. La neumonía es la principal causa de muerte por infección en el mundo y afecta principalmente a la población de adultos mayores. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con la letalidad a 30 días en pacientes con neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional y analítico de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron 114 pacientes de 60 años o más hospitalizados en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo con diagnóstico de neumonía. El resultado primario fue la letalidad a 30 días. Se hicieron análisis de regresión log-binomial bivariado y multivariable para explorar la relación entre las variables independientes y el resultado primario. Resultados. La letalidad a 30 días fue de 26,3 % y la edad media de 84,45 ± 7,37 años. El 54,4 % de los participantes era de sexo masculino. En el análisis multivariable se encontró que una edad de 90 años o más (riesgo relativo, RR=1,62; IC95%: 1,05-2,68; p=0,04), el compromiso multilobar (RR=1,92; IC95%: 1,12-3,32; p=0,02), el nitrógeno ureico elevado (mediana≥22,5; RR=3,93; IC95%: 1,67-9,25; p<0,01), y un puntaje de cero en la escala de Lawton al ingreso (RR=3,20; IC95% 1,05-9,78; p=0,04) fueron factores predictores independientes de la letalidad a 30 días en adultos mayores con neumonía. Conclusión. En los pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados por neumonía en una unidad de atención del paciente geriátrico agudo la edad muy avanzada, la presencia de compromiso multilobar, la dependencia en el estado funcional y los niveles de nitrógeno ureico elevados fueron los principales factores de riesgo de letalidad a corto plazo.

Abstract: Introduction: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to infection in the world, mainly affecting the older adult population. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with lethality at 30 days in patients with pneumonia in an acute care for the elderly unit. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, analytical retrospective cohort study including 114 patients aged 60 years and older hospitalized in an acute care geriatric unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The primary outcome was lethality at 30 days. Bivariate and multivariable log-binomial regression analyzes were performed to explore the relationship between independent variables and the primary outcome. Results: The 30-day lethality was 26.3% and the mean age was 84.45 ± 7.37 years; 54.4% of participants were men. In the multivariable analysis, age ≥90 years (Relative Risk, RR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.68, p=0.04), multilobar commitment (RR=1.92, 95% CI:1.12-3.32, p=0.02), elevated urea nitrogen (≥22.5 the median; RR=3.93, 95% CI:1.67-9.25, p<0.01), and a score of zero in the Lawton index at admission (RR=3.20, 95% CI:1.05-9.78, p=0.04) were independent predictors of 30-day lethality from pneumonia. Conclusion: In older adults hospitalized for pneumonia in an acute care geriatric unit, advanced age, the presence of multilobar commitment, dependency in functional status, and elevated ureic nitrogen levels were the main predictors of short-term lethality risk.