Frailty in the chronic respiratory patient: association with mortality in obstructive, restrictive and mixed spirometric patterns.

Abstract

<b>Backgroud:</b> there are no studies exploring the relationship between frailty and mortality in persons with functional lung disorders. Confirming this association would demonstrate that the impact of deficits accumulated has a role in defining the risk profile of respiratory patients. The aim of the present study is thus to measure the association between the frailty index (FI) and mortality taking into account the different spirometric patterns. <b>Methods:</b> a total of 1,967 outpatients were consecutively recruited; at baseline, all patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).&nbsp;A FI&nbsp;was computed&nbsp;using 21 categorical variables representing health deficits. The relationship between the FI and mortality was evaluated. Mortality was assessed through the Kaplan–Meier estimator,&nbsp;and Log-Rank test was used. Hazard ratio (HR) of mortality was calculated using adjusted Cox regression models. <b>Results:</b> Figure 1 shows the Kaplan Meier estimated mortality after stratification for FI cut point in the overall population and the different spirometric patterns.&nbsp; HR 2.25,95%CI 1.37-2.84,p&lt;0.001 in the overall population; HR=2.08,95%CI 1.37-3.18,p=0.001 in the obstructive pattern, HR=2.27,95%CI 1.04-1.17,p=0.04 in the restrictive pattern, and HR=2.21,95%CI 1.20-3.08,p=0.03 in the mixed pattern) <b>Conclusions:</b> frailty is associated with mortality in older patients with respiratory conditions.