Factors affecting mortality in older trauma patients—A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionMajor trauma in older people is a significant health burden in the developed world. The aging of the population has resulted in larger numbers of older patients suffering serious injury. Older trauma patients are at greater risk of death from major trauma, but the reasons for this are less well understood. The aim of this review was to identify the factors affecting mortality in older patients suffering major injury.Materials and methodsA systematic review of Medline, Cinhal and the Cochrane database, supplemented by a manual search of relevant papers was undertaken, with meta-analysis.Multi-centre cohort studies of existing trauma registries that reported risk-adjusted mortality (adjusted odds ratios, AOR) in their outcomes and which analysed patients aged 65 and older as a separate cohort were included in the review.Results3609 papers were identified from the electronic databases, and 28 from manual searches. Of these, 15 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demographic variables (age and gender), pre-existing conditions (comorbidities and medication), and injury-related factors (injury severity, pattern and mechanism) were found to affect mortality.The ‘oldest old’, aged 75 and older, had higher mortality rates than younger patients, aged 65–74 years. Older men had a significantly higher mortality rate than women (cumulative odds ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.37–1.66). Three papers reported a higher risk of death in patients with pre-existing conditions. Two studies reported increased mortality in patients on warfarin (cumulative odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.05–1.66). Higher mortality was seen in patients with lower Glasgow coma scores and systolic blood pressures. Mortality increased with increased injury severity and number of injuries sustained. Low level falls were associated with higher mortality than motor vehicle collisions (cumulative odds ratio 2.88, 95% CI 1.26–6.60).ConclusionsMultiple factors contribute to mortality risk in older trauma patients. The relation between these factors and mortality is complex, and a fuller understanding of the contribution of each factor is needed to develop a better predictive model for trauma outcomes in older people. More research is required to identify patient and process factors affecting mortality in older patients.     

Fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with a locking plate: A retrospective analysis of radiographic and clinical outcome and complications

Purpose: The optimal surgical treatment of displaced type B and C fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly remains controversial. Good clinical results have been reported by plating these fractures as well as a high rate of complications. Our retrospective study aims to evaluate clinical recovery and complications using the S3 locking plate in elderly patients. Methods: Fifty-one patients older than 65 years of age, with a complex proximal humeral fracture type B or C (AO classification system), were included. Patients have been followed up for a minimum of 12 months. We assessed callus formation, radiological results, clinical outcome (according to the Constant Shoulder Score System) and complications. Any difference in the clinical recovery among the 2 types of fracture pattern (B and C) was investigated. Results: The mean time of fracture healing was 12.4 weeks. The mean Constant score at 3, 6 and 12 months was 68, 73 and 75 respectively. No statistically significant difference in the clinical outcome was observed between the B and C fracture patterns (p > 0.05). We noticed an overall of 5 complications (9.8%). There was no need to revision any of the implants. Conclusion: Anatomic reduction and proper plate positioning are essential for minimizing implantrelated complications. In our experience the S3 angular stability system offers a proper osteosyntesis and a good clinical recovery with a low rate of complications.     

Falls prevention activities among community-dwelling elderly in the Netherlands: A Delphi study

IntroductionThis study aimed to provide an overview of the current falls prevention activities in community-dwelling elderly with an increased risk of falling in the Netherlands. Therefore, we determined: a) how health professionals detect community-dwelling elderly with an increased risk of falling; b) which falls prevention activities are used by health professionals and why; c) how elderly can be stimulated to participate in falls prevention programs; and d) how to finance falls prevention.MethodsA two-round online Delphi study among health experts was conducted. The panel of experts (n = 125) consisted of community physiotherapists, community nurses, general practitioners, occupational therapists and geriatricians, from all over the Netherlands. The median and Inter Quartile Deviation (IQD) were reported for the questions with 5-point Likert scales, ranging from ‘least’ (1) to ‘most’ (5).ResultsRespectively 68% (n = 85/125) and 58% (n = 72/125) of the panel completely filled in the first and second round questionnaires. According to the panel, regular detection of fall risk of community-dwelling elderly with an increased risk of falling hardly takes place (median = 2 [hardly]; IQD = 1). Furthermore, these elderly are reluctant to participate in annual detection of fall risk (median = 3 [reluctant]; IQD = 1). According to 73% (n = 37/51) of the panel, 0–40% of the elderly with an increased risk of falling are referred to exercise programs. In general, the panel indicated that structural follow-up is often lacking. Namely, after one month (n = 21/43; 49%), three months (n = 24/42; 57%), and six months (n = 27/45; 60%) follow-up is never or hardly ever offered. Participation of elderly in falls prevention programs could be stimulated by a combination of measures. Should a combination of national health education, healthcare counseling, and removal of financial barriers be applied, 41–80% of the elderly is assumed to participate in falls prevention programs (n = 47/64; 73%). None of the panel members indicated full financing of falls prevention by the elderly. A number of individuals are considered key in falls prevention activities, such as the general practitioner, physiotherapist, and informal caregiver.ConclusionThis Delphi study showed clear directions for improving falls prevention activities and how to increase participation rates.     

医学伦理与老龄保健事业

本文简要介绍医学伦理与医疗卫生工作,特别是老龄保健事业之间的紧密联系,指出医学伦理要求医务人员在医疗实践中应遵循的三个基本原则。医务人员应将患者的利益放在首位,处理好医患关系。由于我国人口众多,加之年龄日益老化,进入新世纪后,繁重的老龄保健事业对医疗卫生工作提出更高要求,同时也使医学伦理面临新的挑战和机遇。     

社区低龄老年人白天过度嗜睡症发生率及相关因素研究

目的调查白天过度嗜睡症(EDS)在社区低龄老年人中的发生率及探讨相关因素。方法对989例社区低龄老年人采用国际通用的Epworth嗜睡量表(ESS)进行调查,收回有效问卷910份,有效回收率为92.0%,对影响EDS的因素采用多元逐步回归分析。结果社区低龄老年人ESS评分为(4.1±0.1)分,以ESS评分≥8分为EDS,社区低龄老年人EDS的发生率为6.0%。以EDS为应变量,经多元逐步回归分析,独睡一床、夜间观看电视时间过长、习惯性打鼾、入睡困难4个因素进入回归模型,相对危险度分别为2.215、3.442、1.778、1.784(P<0.05)。结论低龄老年人独睡一床、夜间观看电视时间过长、习惯性打鼾、入睡困难是独立于老年人年龄、性别、家庭经济状况、睡眠时间、早醒等因素以外导致老年人EDS的相关因素。     

老年轻度认知障碍综合干预效果初步研究

目的通过对老年轻度认知障碍患者综合干预的效果分析,评价综合干预方案的有效性。方法采用随机对照试验方法,将目标社区MCI患者（130例）随机分为干预组（65例）和对照组（65例）,对干预组采取认知干预和体力活动相结合的方法进行综合干预。结果干预组和对照组分别在干预前后3个月比较,差别都有统计学意义（各自P〈0.05）;两组分别在干预后3个月与6个月比较,差别都有统计学意义（各自P〈0.05）。结论认知干预和体育锻炼有益于维持或改善老年人的认知状况,并能给老年人的生活态度和精神状态产生积极的影响。     

老年与青壮年上消化道出血病因与临床特点

目的探讨老年人与青壮年人上消化道出血在病因,临床特点方面的不同。方法随机抽取某院2006年1月至2011年1月老年上消化道出血病历50例,青壮年上消化道出血病历50例的临床资料,比较2组的异同。结果老年上消化道出血病因主要是消化性溃疡,但是消化道肿瘤在老年上消化道出血中占有一定的地位。青壮年上消化道出血的病因主要是消化性溃疡,但是食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血据第二位。结论老年人上消化道出血主要由消化性溃疡引起,其次是肿瘤,与青壮年人群有区别。     

老年心尖肥厚型心肌病冠脉造影特征

目的了解老年心尖肥厚型心肌病(APH)患者冠脉造影及心室造影特征。方法对我科1996～2003年7例老年APH患者冠脉造影资料进行分析。结果所有患者左冠脉普遍增粗,肌桥形成,心室造影见左室“黑桃样”改变,5例合并冠脉狭窄。结论老年APH患者以冠脉普遍增粗、肌桥形成及左室“黑桃样”改变为特征性冠脉造影改变,且合并冠心病概率高。