Key result
ICU admission for severe abdominal pathology in patients ≥70 linked to ~37% 2-year survival and reduced QoL.
Why the study?
What are the long-term survival and quality of life outcomes for elderly patients requiring ICU admission for severe abdominal pathologies?
Cohort (n=141)
No
What are the long-term survival and quality of life outcomes for elderly patients requiring ICU admission for severe abdominal pathologies?
Elderly patients admitted to the ICU for severe abdominal pathologies have high long-term mortality and decreased quality of life, but survivors generally adapt well and maintain independence.
May inform ICU triage decisions for elderly abdominal emergencies; leaves open whether targeted interventions improve long-term survival and quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Medical developments have allowed the management of patients aged over 70 years with severe abdominal pathologies requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. These patients require enhanced life support and present a high ICU mortality. We investigated the outcome and quality of life (QOL) of elderly patients 2 years after their ICU stay for abdominal pathologies. METHODS: Patients aged 70 years or over with abdominal pathologies, admitted to our ICU over a period of 2 years, were included. Two years following their ICU stay, a letter informed the patients about the present study. Consent to participate was obtained by telephone. QOL was assessed by the Euro-QOL and Short Form-36 questionnaires. Other patient-centered outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 2780 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period; 141 (5%) patients were eligible; 112 of the 141 (79%) survived their ICU stay, 95 (67%) survived their hospital stay and 52 (37%) were alive 2 years after their ICU stay; 36 of the 52 survivors (69%) answered the questionnaire. Their QOL 2 years after their ICU stay was decreased in comparison with an age-matched population. Eighty-one per cent of patients lived at home and 57% were totally independent. They perceived their ICU stay as positive and 75% stated that they would agree to go through intensive care again. Factors associated with 2-year survival were the absence of co-morbidity, absence of malignancy and a lower Simplified Acute Physiology II score on ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: A high mortality rate and a decrease in QOL were observed in elderly patients with severe abdominal pathologies. Nonetheless, these patients were able to adapt well to their physical disabilities.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Merlani et al. (2007) conducted a cohort in Severe abdominal pathologies requiring ICU admission (n=141). ICU admission vs. Age-matched population was evaluated on 2-year survival. ICU admission for severe abdominal pathologies in patients aged ≥70 years was associated with a 37% 2-year survival rate and decreased quality of life compared to an age-matched population.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: