Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde Geriatrik Kritik Hastalarda Ultrason Kullanımının Akciğer Patolojilerini Tespit Etmedeki Rolünün Prognoz, Mortalite ve Skorlamalarla Karşılaştırılması

Abstract

Objective: It is crucial to correctly and promptly diagnose pulmonary diseases and to initiate treatment in elderly patients diagnosed with respiratory failure who are on mechanical ventilator support. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of lung ultrasound (USG) on prognosis and mortality in geriatric patients we follow up in the intensive care unit, by scoring. Methods: Patients who were followed up in the intensive care unit were grouped as AUSG group (n=48), those who underwent lung USG and NAUSG group (n=74) who underwent chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bronchoscopy. The hospital information management system was used to compare the two groups in terms of diagnosis time, number of additional consultations, treatment and discharge time, hospital stay, mortality, and scores. The arterial blood gas analysis, complete blood count, biochemistry, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and endotracheal aspirate culture results of the patients were recorded. The clinical pulmonary infection score, pneumonia severity index-65, pulmonary severity index, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation 2 scores of the groups were compared. Results: The diagnosis time in Group AUSG was 1 ± 0.64 day, the treatment time was 10 ± 4.62 day, and the number of required consultations was 1 ± 0.68, which was significantly lower than in Group NAUSG (p<0.05). The mortality rate was 14 (29.2%) patients in Group AUSG and 25 (33.8%) patients in Group NAUSG (p>0.05). When comparing the scores of the patients, the clinical pulmonary infection score, pneumonia severity index-65 (4 ± 0.79), and pulmonary severity index (3 ± 0.87) were significantly lower in Group AUSG (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in acute physiology and chronic health evaluation 2 scores. Conclusion: Performing lung USG for the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill elderly patients can lead to earlier detection and treatment of lung pathologies, reducing mortality rates, unnecessary imaging and consultations. Its advantages include easy and rapid bedside application and simultaneous results. Keywords: Geriatrics, ultrasonography, lung, prognosis, mortality