Increased 1-year mortality rates among elderly hip fracture patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prediction of factors associated with survival following hip fracture is important. We studied crude and adjusted survival rates in elderly hip fracture patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) to assess possible risk of death associated with AF. METHODS: A historical prospective cohort study, comprising 1114 consecutive patients with hip fractures. Subjects were divided into three groups: patients with sinus rhythm (SR), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) or chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). The main outcome measures were crude and adjusted survival rates at 30, 90 and 365 days, and end of follow-up. RESULTS: AF patients differed from SR patients by gender (p=0.0018), age (p=0.008), heart failure (p<0.001), ischemic heart disease (p<0.001) and history of a stroke (p<0.001). The lowest death rates were observed among SR and PAF patients, whereas CAF patients had the highest rates at each follow-up time point. CAF (but not PAF or SR) patients were at a significantly higher risk of death at both 365 days and at the end of the study (HR 1.786, CI 1.011- 3.155 and HR 1.835, CI 1.302-2.585, respectively). Older age (HR 1.301, CI 1.135-1.491 and HR 1.321, CI 1.321-1.415) and male gender (HR 1.879, CI 1.271- 2.779 and HR 1.545, CI 1.251-1.909) also predicted higher risk of death at both 365 days and at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation cannot be considered to adversely affect short-term survival of hip fracture patients. After 365 day, CAF was associated with a significantly higher risk of death.

Functional outcome of elderly survivors of ischemic stroke: a retrospective study comparing nonhypercholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Total cholesterol is significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke and high cholesterol levels may show better functional outcome after rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: To study the possible interrelations between hypercholesterolemia and functional outcome in elderly survivors of ischemic stroke. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review study of consecutive patients (age > or = 60 years) with acute stroke admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation ward in a university-affiliated hospital. The presence or absence of hypercholesterolemia was based on registry data positive for hypercholesterolemia, defined as total cholesterol > or = 200 mg/dl (5.17 mmol/L). Functional outcome of patients with hypercholesterolemia (Hchol) and without (NHchol) was assessed by the Functional Independence Measurement scale (FIM) at admission and discharge. Data were analyzed by t-test and chi-square test, as well as linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The complete data for 551 patients (age range 60-96 years) were available for final analysis; 26.7% were diagnosed as having hypercholesterolemia. Admission total FIM scores were significantly higher in patients with Hchol (72.1 +/- 24.8) compared with NHchol patients (62.2 +/- 24.7) (P < 0.001). A similar difference was found at discharge (Hchol 90.8 +/- 27.9 vs. NHchol 79.7 +/- 29.2, P < 0.001). However, total FIM change upon discharge was similar in both groups (18.7 +/- 13.7 vs. 17.6 +/- 13.7, P = 0.4). Regression analyses showed that high Mini Mental State Examination scores (beta = 0.13, P = 0.01) and younger age (beta = -0.12, P = 0.02) were associated with higher total FIM change scores upon discharge. Total cholesterol was not associated with better total FIM change on discharge (beta = -0.012, P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly survivors of stroke with Hchol who were admitted for rehabilitation showed higher admission and discharge FIM scores but similar functional FIM gains as compared to NHchol patients. High cholesterol levels may be useful in identifying older individuals with a better rehabilitation potential.

Diagnosing and monitoring pleural effusion using parametric electrical impedance tomography - a computational 3D model and preliminary experimental results.

PURPOSE: Diagnosing and monitoring pleural effusion (PE) is challenging due unsuitability of existing modalities. In the present study, a novel parametric electrical impedance tomography (pEIT) technique, tailored to a clinically feasible system to diagnose PE is presented. METHODS: An electrical impedance tomography (EIT) numeric solver was applied to a 3D realistic normal model and five PE models to simulate sets of surface measurements. Simulations were triggered by a series of eight independent projections using five electrodes positioned around the thorax. The relative changes in the potential between the PE models and the normal model were assessed and the error in the estimated PE volume was examined at varying signal to noise ratio (SNR) levels. For experimental feasibility, measurements were performed in four healthy subjects and were correlated with the potentials that were calculated from the normal model. RESULTS: Relative potential changes were notable (reached until ~55%) and increased with the increasing PE volumes. Maximal error of ± 20 [mL] was obtained for SNR levels >50 [dB]. The feasibility real measurements in healthy subjects showed a strong linear correlation (R2 > 0.85) and a successful diagnosis for all subjects. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique can estimate PE volumes from a redundant set of measurements in a realistic 3D human model and may be utilized for monitoring PE patients.

[The bacteriological profile of bacteriuria in residents of a long-term geriatric facility].

BACKGROUND: Little is known on the bacteriological profile of consecutive urine samples in elderly patients institutionalized in nursing homes. AIM: This retrospective study aims to characterize urinary pathogens, rates of isolation of the same pathogen in subsequent urine samples and predicting factors associated with such repeated isolations. Data were retrospectively retrieved from medical charts of nursing home patients during a four-year period. The authors looked for changes in rates of positive cultures, changes in urine flora, in rates of repeated isolation of the same pathogens and the possible interrelations with the use of antibiotics. METHODS: A total number of 3229 urine cultures were studied, 1311 of which (43%) were positive and 493 out of these positive cultures (37.6%) were treated with antibiotics. The rates of positive cultures increased consistently during the study period (p=0.003). E. coli (68.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis accounted for more than 90% of positive cultures. RESULTS: There was no difference with regard to pathogen types isolated from symptomatic or asymptomatic cases. The rates of recurrent bacteriuria, by the same pathogen isolated at baseline urine culture, were similar in treated and untreated cases. A regression analysis aiming to predict factors associated with subsequent positive cultures had negative results, except for cases of untreated bacteriuria with pseudomonas (CI 1.36-7.09, O.R. 3.11, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Our data support earlier studies underscoring the need to carefully consider the role of antibiotics and for better clinical guidelines for the treatment of bacteriuria in this population.

A novel telemedicine system for monitoring congestive heart failure patients.

Congestive heart failure is a widespread cardiac disease in western countries. At present, the main measure for monitoring the level of pulmonary edema in telemedicine systems is weight, which is not a reliable indicator. The authors propose a novel bioimpedance telemedical system to monitor these patients. The system measures the resistivity of each lung using optimization methods and transmits the measurements via a modem to a call center. Preliminary results show that the measured resistivity values among healthy young patients are consistent and reproducible within 48 hours. The mean resistivity values in patients with pulmonary congestion were lower than those of the healthy patients: 887 [Omega*cm]+/-117 vs 1244 [Omega*cm]+/-87 (P<.01). The system is noninvasive, safe, and portable. It retrieves unique information correlated with the amount of fluid in the lungs and transmits the data to a medical call center in order to improve the diagnostics and treatment of congestive heart failure.

Serum albumin levels predict cognitive impairment in elderly hip fracture patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interrelation of serum albumin levels and cognitive function of elderly hip fracture patients. The study involved 331 elderly patients with hip fractures, admitted for rehabilitation. Cognition was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MMSE scores less than 24 points were considered suggestive of cognitive impairment. Age, serum albumin levels, and previous stroke emerged as the only statistically significant parameters differing between those with MMSE score less than 24 or higher. After adjusting for confounding variables, the middle and lowest tertiles of serum albumin levels were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.15-3.38, P < .01 vs 3.06 and 1.79-5.23, P < .001, respectively). This study shows that lower serum albumin levels are independently associated with lower MMSE scores in hip fractured elderly patients, supporting the possible role of chronic low-grade inflammation in age-related cognitive decline.

Aortic stenosis in elderly hip fractured patients.

Aortic stenosis (AS) and hip fractures are unrarely seen in elderly patients. The decision whether to operate these patients or not remains difficult. The present study examined the characteristics of such patients and the possible interrelations with management and outcome. This retrospective chart review study was conducted in a tertiary hospital during a 10-year period. We looked for demographic, clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of the patients, as well as their in-hospital course, compared with 100 hip fracture patients without AS. We identified 71 patients with AS hospitalized for acute hip fractures, 62 out of whom were included in the final analysis. Mean age of AS patients was 85.9+/-7.4. Mean and peak AV gradient were 35.8+/-16.3 and 59.0+/-26.7 mmHg, respectively. Mean valve area was 0.97+/-0.64. Fifty-six AS patients (91%) were operated. Rate of major in-hospital complications was 8% compared with 3.6% in non-AS patients. In-hospital mortality was 6.5% compared with 3.3% in non-AS patients (p=0.01), respectively. One-year mortality was 17.7% (11/62) among AS patients and 16.1% in non-AS patients. Death of AS patients was not interrelated with age, gender, pre-fracture function or echocardiographic data (mean and peak AV gradients, ejection fraction and valve area). We conclude that surgery of hip fractured elderly with AS was associated with increased rate of major complications and in-hospital mortality rates, compared with controls; however, 1-year mortality rate was similar in both groups. It remains to be determined whether a more careful medical and surgical management of such patients will result in less eventful hospital course.

Functional outcome of ischemic stroke: a comparative study of diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetes is associated with more ischemic strokes and diabetic patients have up to a three-fold increased risk for suffering a stroke, compared with non-diabetics. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether diabetes mellitus may also affect the functional outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke, undergoing post-acute care rehabilitation. METHODS: A retrospective charts analysis of consecutive older patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted for rehabilitation at a tertiary hospital with post-acute care geriatric rehabilitation wards. Functional outcome of diabetics and non-diabetics was assessed by the Functional Independence Measurement scale (FIM) at admission and discharge. Data were analysed by t-tests, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square test, as well as by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total number of 527 patients were admitted, of whom 39% were diabetics. Compared with non-diabetics, diabetic stroke patients were slightly younger (p = 0.0001) but had similar admission FIM scores. FIM gain parameters (total FIM gain, motor FIM gain, daily total and motor FIM gains) upon discharge were similar in both groups. A linear regression analysis showed that higher MMSE scores (beta = 0.08; p = 0.01) and higher admission total FIM scores (beta = 0.87; p < 0.001) predicted higher total FIM scores upon discharge. Diabetes mellitus was not interrelated, whatsoever, with better total FIM scores upon discharge (beta = -0.03; p = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that there is no difference in the functional outcome of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, presenting for rehabilitation after acute ischemic stroke. Diabetes should not be considered as adversely affecting rehabilitation of such patients.

Mini-Suffering State Examination: suffering and survival of end-of-life cancer patients in a hospice setting.

The objective of this study was to evaluate suffering of end-of-life cancer patients during their final hospice stay and the possible interrelations with survival. A cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized in an inpatient cancer hospice of a tertiary hospital was used for this study. Patients were evaluated upon admission and once weekly by the Mini-Suffering State Examination (MSSE). The distribution of patients for each MSSE score group, changes in MSSE scores (total and for each item of scale), and MSSE interrelation with clinical parameters associated with patients' condition during hospitalization were studied. In addition, the interrelation of MSSE score and survival was examined. Documentation of a high suffering level by the MSSE scale helps in identifying end-of-life cancer patients expected to benefit from enrollment in a hospice setting, provides quantitative information about various symptom dimensions, and may improve medical management and facilitate communication between these patients and caregivers.

Pre-stroke dementia does not affect the post-acute care functional outcome of old patients with ischemic stroke.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether a diagnosis of dementia before stroke onset (pre-stroke dementia [PSD]) affects the short-term functional outcome of elderly ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study comprising of consecutive elderly ischemic stroke patients. Functional outcome was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure scale (FIM) at admission and discharge. Data was analyzed by t-test, χ(2) -test, multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 919 patients with acute ischemic stroke, out of whom 11.5% were diagnosed with PSD on index day. Compared with non-PSD patients, those with pre-stroke dementia had a shorter length of stay (P < 0.001), higher rate of female patients (P < 0.001) and lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.001). Both total and motor FIM scores at admission and discharge, and their respective FIM gain scores at discharge were higher in non-PSD compared with PSD patients (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis to identify factors predicting successful outcome (defined as total FIM at discharge ≥80), PSD remained as significantly associated with increased risk for adverse outcome on discharge (OR 2.449, CI 1.207-4.970, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that a diagnosis of pre-stroke dementia is associated with lower FIM scores at admission and discharge in patients with ischemic stroke. Yet, daily motor FIM gains were similar in PSD and non-PSD patients, suggesting that these patients should not be deprived of a post-acute rehabilitation, based on a diagnosis of dementia before stroke onset. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 928-933.

Parametric electrical impedance tomography for measuring bone mineral density in the pelvis using a computational model.

Osteoporosis is defined as bone microstructure deterioration resulting a decrease of bone's strength. Measured bone mineral density (BMD) constitutes the main tool for Osteoporosis diagnosis, management, and defines patient's fracture risk. In the present study, parametric electrical impedance tomography (pEIT) method was examined for monitoring BMD, using a computerized simulation model and preliminary real measurements. A numerical solver was developed to simulate surface potentials measured over a 3D computerized pelvis model. Varying cortical and cancellous BMD were simulated by changing bone conductivity and permittivity. Up to 35% and 16% change was found in the real and imaginary modules of the calculated potential, respectively, while BMD changes from 100% (normal) to 60% (Osteoporosis). Negligible BMD relative error was obtained with SNR>60 [dB]. Position changes errors indicate that for long term monitoring, measurement should be taken at the same geometrical configuration with great accuracy. The numerical simulations were compared to actual measurements that were acquired from a healthy male subject using a five electrodes belt bioimpedance device. The results suggest that pEIT may provide an inexpensive easy to use tool for frequent monitoring BMD in small clinics during pharmacological treatment, as a complementary method to DEXA test.

Plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive status in long-term stay geriatric patients: a cross-sectional study.

Many studies have established an association of total plasma homocysteine (Hcys) levels and the risk for dementia and Alzheimer disease. However, little is known on the relation between Hcys and cognitive status in long-term stay geriatric patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a long-stay geriatric center and included 186 eligible patients, staying for more than 6 months in the facility. We looked for patients' clinico-demographic data, as well as for laboratory data and cognitive status, evaluated by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Patients were divided into three groups according to Hcys levels and analyzed in order to explore potential association with cognitive levels, considering clinically important cofounders. Cognitive state of patients of the highest Hcys tertile was significantly impaired, compared with other groups (p < 0.0001) and characterized by a worse nutritional status. Pearson's correlation coefficient for Hcys and MMSE resulted -0.251 (p = 0.0005). The linear regression model for MMSE showed that homocysteine is significantly associated with MMSE: mean MMSE score of patients with homocysteine >13.7 was significantly lower than the mean MMSE of patients with homocysteine < or = 8.5, after controlling for all other parameters in the regression equation (beta = -2.7685, p = 0.007). We conclude that in our sample of patients, Hcys was associated with cognitive impairment. Hcys levels >13.7 micromol/l remained a significant independent parameter associated with the severity of cognitive impairment, after controlling for other confounders. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying such interrelations may have research and interventional implications.

Five-year experience with the 'Sheba' model of comprehensive orthogeriatric care for elderly hip fracture patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Sheba model of orthogerioatric medicine is a unique model of in-hospital care for elderly hip fractured patients, based upon the concept that a hip fracture represents a geriatric, rather than an orthopedic disease. The nature and feasibility of such a comprehensive orthogeriatric unit, taking care of all surgical, medical and rehabilitation needs, in a single geriatric-based setting (rather than orthopedic-based), were questioned. The aim of the study is to describe the results of its operation during a five-year period. METHOD: A retrospective charts analysis of consecutive older patients with hip fractures, admitted from the emergency unit directly to the orthogeriatric unit of a department of geriatric medicine. RESULTS: A total number of 592 patients were admitted. Mean age of patients was 83.2 years, mostly women. A total of 538 (91%) were treated surgically. Delay to surgery was 3.6 +/- 2.9 days. A total of 65.6% were suitable for rehabilitation, and had a mean Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain of 22.3 +/- 7.9. Mean total hospital length of stay was 29.9 days and 68.7% of patients returned to their previous living residence. Rates of major complications (4.1%) and in-hospital mortality (3.2%, equivalent to 30 days mortality) were low. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment within this unit was associated with low rates of major morbidity and mortality, short stay and acceptable functional outcomes. The data provide clinical evidence supporting the implementation of this model of comprehensive orthogeriatric care, being a practical, applicable and feasible service for elderly hip fractured patients, and covering the various needs of these patients. The present model of organization could also help in skillful use of economic resources, facilitating effective treatment strategies.

Monitoring brain damage using bioimpedance technique in a 3D numerical model of the head.

Disturbance in the blood supply to the brain causes a stroke or cerebrovascular accident. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism) or a hemorrhage. In this study, the feasibility of basic electrical impedance technique for monitoring such damage was analyzed using a computerized model. Simulations were conducted on a realistic 3D numerical model of the head. Tissues were assumed to act as linear isotropic volume conductors, and the quasi-static approximation was applied. Electrical potentials were calculated by solving Poisson's equation, using the finite volume method and the successive over relaxation method. Left-right asymmetry was calculated for several conductivities and volumes of the damaged region. The results were compared with the left-right asymmetry in a head model with normal brain. A negative asymmetry was revealed for blockage (i.e. the potential amplitude over the ischemic hemisphere was greater than that over the intact hemisphere). In case of hemorrhage, a positive asymmetry was found. Furthermore, correlation was found between the location of the damaged region and the electrodes with significant asymmetry. The 3D numerical simulations revealed that the electrical conductivity and the size of the damaged tissue have an effect on the left-right asymmetry of the surface potential.

Perioperative urinary retention, short-term functional outcome and mortality rates of elderly hip fracture patients.

AIM: Perioperative urinary retention (POUR) is common among hip fracture patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence, risk factors, functional outcomes and survival rates of patients with and without POUR. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review study that was carried out in an orthogeriatric hip fracture unit. A total of 639 consecutive hip fracture patients who had hip surgery followed by a standard rehabilitation course participated in the study. Post-void residual volume (PVRV), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (total and motor FIM, FIM gain) and mortality rates (90 and 365 days, end of follow up) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (51.3%) suffered from POUR. Diabetes (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04-2.31), urinary infection (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.16-4.90) and delirium (OR 1.66. 95% CI 1.09-2.52) emerged as the best predictors for POUR. Functional gains were slightly better in patients without POUR (P = 0.037 and P = 0.023, for discharge motor and total FIM gain, respectively). There were no differences in FIM gains at discharge in male patients, whether with or without POUR. However, female patients without POUR showed significantly better motor and total FIM gains on discharge (P = 0.003 and P = 0.003, respectively), compared with females with POUR. In multiple linear regression analyses, POUR in female (but not male) patients was predictive for adverse motor FIM gain (beta = -0.089, P = 0.046). In Cox regression analysis, urinary retention was not associated with mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: POUR is highly prevalent in elderly hip fracture patients. It adversely affects the functional outcome of female patients, but is not associated with increased mortality rates.

A comparative study of rehabilitation outcomes of elderly hip fracture patients: the advantage of a comprehensive orthogeriatric approach.

BACKGROUND: The optimal setting and design of a comprehensive treatment for elderly hip fracture patients is unknown. The aims of this study were to compare the functional outcomes associated with an innovative comprehensive single-step (geriatric-based) and classic double-step (orthopedic-based) treatment of such patients. METHODS: This is a partially concurrent prospective study, taking place in the orthogeriatric unit of a department of geriatric rehabilitation, in a large urban academic freestanding hospital. The participants were 336 consecutive elderly people, admitted for surgery of extracapsular or intracapsular hip fracture. 204 patients were admitted to the department of orthopedic surgery and transferred, shortly after surgery, to the orthogeriatric ward for ongoing rehabilitation (ORT group). Another 116 patients were admitted directly to a geriatric-based orthogeriatric ward, and they received surgical, medical, and rehabilitation treatment within the same facility (ORTGER group). The main outcome measures were length of stay, absolute functional gains of the motor functional independence measure (FIM), and relative functional motor gains according to the Montebello rehabilitation factor score. Successful rehabilitation was defined as relative functional gain >.5. RESULTS: 320 patients were included in the final analysis. The two groups were similar, yet ORT-group patients were somewhat younger (p <.02) and were cognitively better preserved (p <.01). Admission cognitive FIM was the strongest positive predictive factor associated with successful rehabilitation (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval 1.89-3.31, and p <.001). Significant improvement of total FIM scores occurred during rehabilitation in both groups. The relative functional gain was similar in the two groups, but total hospital length of stay was 5 days shorter in the ORTGER group (p <.01). After the effect of age, sex, length of stay, fracture type, and cognition at onset of the rehabilitation period were adjusted for, patients of the ORTGER group had a twofold chance for successful rehabilitation, compared with ORT-group patients (odds ratio = 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.09-3.65, and p =.03). CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcome of elderly hip fracture patients is better for those treated in the orthogeriatric setting, as compared with the common two-steps model of orthopedic surgery followed by transfer to a geriatric rehabilitation facility.

Exposure to opioid analgesia in cognitively impaired and delirious elderly hip fracture patients.

The objectives of this study were to characterize patterns of opioid analgesia in elderly hip fracture patients, to investigate the possible differences in the treatment of cognitively impaired, delirious, or cognitively intact patients, and to study the factors that may affect the doses received by such patients. This retrospective study comprised 184 elderly patients with hip fractures undergoing surgical fixation. Data collection included age, sex, length of stay, type of fracture, cognitive status by mini-mental state examination, assessment of possible delirium by the confusion assessment method, type and doses of opioid received by these patients. We found that the amount of morphine equianalgesic dose differed significantly between demented and non-demented patients (7.5 +/- 1.8 vs. 14.1 +/- 4.9, P<0.001). Patients with cognitive decline or with delirium received only 53 and 34%, respectively, of the amount of opioid that was administered to cognitively intact patients. A significant association was observed between cognitive status, or delirium, and amount of opioid analgesia (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Other parameters such as age, length of stay and type of fracture, had no effect on the use of opioid analgesia. It is concluded that the management of pain in older persons with hip fracture surgery is suboptimal with regards to insufficient administration of opioid analgesia in demented and delirious patients. The adoption of a standardized protocol for pain control may help in reducing the extent of this problem.

Blood transfusion requirements in elderly hip fracture patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate blood transfusion patterns in elderly hip fractured patients and to determine the clinical predictive criteria for blood utilization. This retrospective study involved data analysis of 302 patients, undergoing surgical repair of pertrochanteric and subcapital fractures. Patients of the transfused group had significantly lower admission hemoglobin (P < 0.0001) and significantly more pertrochanteric fractures. About 80% of patients of the lowermost quartile of admission hemoglobin were transfused, compared with < 20% of the uppermost group (P < 0.0001). Admission hemoglobin levels < 12 g% and pertrochanteric fractures were independently associated with transfusions (odds ratio (O.R.) 0.475, C.I. 0.377-0.598, P < 0.0001 and O.R. 1.885, C.I. 1.05-3.215, P = 0.02, respectively). The results support the adoption of a policy considering primarily these two factors. Other factors we studied had no predictive power. Cross-matching may be reserved only for patients presenting with hemoglobin < 12 g% and pertrochanteric fractures. This practice seems safe and should help in reducing the extent of unnecessary blood ordering.

Further evidence of interrelation between homocysteine and hypertension in stroke patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A high total plasma homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, but the evidence connecting plasma tHcy level with hypertension is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between plasma tHcy level and some common risk factors for cerebrovascular disease (recurrent stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and hyperlipidemia) in patients presenting with primary or recurrent acute ischemic strokes. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional chart analysis was conducted in a university-affiliated referral hospital. During an 18 month period we identified 113 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age 71.2), 25 of whom had a recurrent stroke. Plasma tHcy level, obtained 2-10 days after stroke onset, was determined by the high performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent relationship between each potential risk factor and tHcy level above or below the 75th percentile. RESULTS: Hypertension was more frequent among patients with plasma tHcy level above than below the 75th percentile (51.7% vs. 80.8%, respectively, P = 0.012). After adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, the odds ratio for recurrent stroke and hypertension, with tHcy above or below the 75th percentile, was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.01-10.4, P = 0.037) and 4.02 (95% CI 1.2-13.9, P = 0.028), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A high plasma tHcy level is associated with history of hypertension and recurrent stroke among patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. These results were independent of other risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Hypertensive stroke patients with hyperhomocysteinemia should be identified as high risk patients as compared to non-hypertensive stroke patients, and more vigorous measures for secondary prevention may be warranted.

The "Sheba" model of comprehensive orthogeriatric care for elderly hip fracture patients: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The progressive increase in the number of elderly patients with hip fractures and the particular multidisciplinary needs of this population call for the investigation of other models of orthogeriatric care. OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature and assess the feasibility of a comprehensive orthogeriatric unit attending to patients' surgical, medical and rehabilitation needs in a single setting. METHODS: This retrospective chart review describes consecutive older patients with hip fractures admitted directly from the emergency ward to an orthogeriatric ward. RESULTS: The mean age of the 116 patients evaluated was 82.4 years. Delay to surgery was 3.6 +/- 3.1 days and total length of stay 23.9 +/- 11.0 days. No patient was transferred to other acute medical wards of the hospital and 66.4% were able to return to their previous living place. Rates of major complications and mortality were extremely low. CONCLUSION: The present model of a comprehensive orthogeriatric ward is a practical, applicable and feasible service for elderly hip fracture patients and can cover the various needs of these patients. The deployment arrangements needed to establish and operate the ward were minimal and there were only a few management and organizational problems. The cost-effectiveness and other comparative benefits of this type of service have yet to be clarified.