A comparison of clinical profile and outcomes among different age groups of critically ill elderly patients in a tertiary level hospital in Nepal: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Ageing population has increased the rate of hospitalizations and demand for critical care services. The data on the clinical profile and outcomes of different groups of elderly admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) are however sparse. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical profile and outcomes among different age groups of critically ill elderly patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary level hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective and observational study reviewed all the elderly patients aged 60 years and above, admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital over a period of 1 year. The patients were divided into three groups, 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and 80 years and above. Non-probability sampling was done. Kruskal–Wallis H test was performed to compare the median values of the variables between the three groups. Results: Among 173 patients analyzed, the three groups did not differ in clinical characteristics, requirement of renal replacement therapy and cardiovascular support, length of stay (LOS) in ICU, LOS in mechanical ventilator, and patients who improved and transferred out of ICU. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE) II score was significantly higher in 70–79 years compared to the other two groups (P=0.01) as was the in-hospital mortality (P=0.03). Conclusion: APACHE II score rather than age is a good predictor of adverse outcomes in ICU. Age should not be used to preclude the utilization of resources in ICU.