Assessment Of Older Patients Research Articles

Oral Symptom Assessment In Older Patients with Frailty Using the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale

Abstract Background Frailty is common in older patients referred to specialist palliative care teams. Its prevalence is estimated at 18% [1]. It is regarded as a “state of vulnerability” [2] in which even a minor stressor may result in adverse health outcomes [3] and mortality [4] independently of chronological age [5]. Oral problems in older patients may also be associated with increased morbidity and mortality [6, 7]. There may be an indirect interplay between oral problems and frailty. Oral symptoms like xerostomia are common in older patients. There is a paucity of research examining oral symptoms specifically in older patients with frailty. Thus, the prevalence of many oral symptoms is not known in this patient group. Methods The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of oral symptoms in older patients with frailty and to determine their clinical features using the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (with the addition of the symptom of drooling). This prospective observational study was conducted at Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Dublin, and St James’ Hospital, Dublin. Once informed consent was obtained, participants completed the OSAS. Clinical Frailty Scale score, medications, co-morbidities and basic demographics were also recorded. Results Data from the first 100 participants recruited to the study is presented. Ninety-one participants reported at least one oral symptom. Two symptoms was the most frequent number of oral symptoms experienced (19%, 19/100). The median number of symptoms present was 4 (range: 0–13 symptoms). Forty participants reported the “new” symptom of “drooling”. Conclusion Asking about oral symptoms is important in this patient group. Initial data analysis suggests that many oral symptoms are common (and often of high impact). This study provides a novel insight into the prevalence and clinical features of oral symptoms not previously investigated using a multi-dimensional symptom-specific assessment too.

Systematic nutritional screening and assessment in older patients: Rationale for its integration into oncology practice

As the global population ages, so does the number of older people being diagnosed, treated and surviving cancer. Challenges to providing appropriate healthcare management stem from the heterogeneity common in this population. Although malnutrition is highly prevalent in older people with cancer, ranging between 30 % and 80 % according to some analyses, is associated with frailty, and has been shown to be a major risk factor for poor treatment response and worse overall survival, addressing nutrition status is not always a priority among oncology healthcare providers. Evaluation of nutritional status is a two-step process: screening identifies risk factors for reduced nutritional intake and deficits that require more in-depth assessment. Screening activities can be as simple as taking weight and BMI measurements or using short nutritional questionnaires and asking the patient about unintentional weight loss to identify potential nutritional risk. Using geriatric assessment, deficits in the nutritional domain as well as in others reveal potentially reversible geriatric and medical problems to guide specific therapeutic interventions. The authors of this paper are experts in the fields of geriatric medicine, oncology, and nutrition science and believe that there is not only substantial evidence to support regularly performing screening and assessment of nutritional status in older patients with cancer, but that these measures lead to the planning and implementation of patient-centered approaches to nutrition management and thus enhanced geriatric-oncology care. This paper presents rationale for systematic nutrition screening and assessment in older adults with cancer.

The trajectory of functional status of patients with kidney failure choosing conservative kidney management.

In older patients with kidney failure (KF) starting dialysis, there is a high rate of functional decline. Not much is known about the functional trajectory of patients receiving conservative kidney management (CKM). Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess this functional trajectory and explore clinical parameters associated with functional decline. The functional trajectory of patients choosing CKM was evaluated using data from the Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients Starting Dialysis (GOLD) study, which included patients aged ≥ 65years with KF at the moment of decision-making. Functional status was assessed using a combined score for activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADL) dependency at baseline and after six months of follow-up. Change in functional status was divided into improvement (gain of one or more domains in functional status), stable (no change), decline (loss of one or more domains in functional status), and death at follow-up. The association between functional status at baseline and functional decline after six months was assessed with chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Furthermore, caregiver experiences were explored using self perceived pressure of informal care (SPPIC) at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Follow-up data were available for 86 patients. Mean age was 82 ± 6years and 43% were women. At baseline, 12% of the patients were independent, 55% were mild/moderately dependent, and 34% severely dependent. After 6 months of follow-up, 9% of all patients had improved, 35% remained stable, 41% had declined, and 15% had died. No significant associations were found between baseline characteristics and the composite outcomes. In patients aged ≥ 65years receiving CKM, functional decline and death are highly prevalent. No association was found between poor outcome ("decline/death") and different potential risk factors.

A Comprehensive Geriatric Workup and Frailty Assessment in Older Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) represents a notable paradigm for cardiovascular (CV) and geriatric disorders owing to comorbidity. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was initially considered a therapeutic strategy in elderly individuals deemed unsuitable for or at high risk of surgical valve replacement. The progressive improvement in TAVR technology has led to the need to refine older patients' stratification, progressively incorporating the concept of frailty and other geriatric vulnerabilities. Recognizing the intricate nature of the aging process, reliance exclusively on chronological age for stratification resulted in an initial but inadequate tool to assess both CV and non-CV risks effectively. A comprehensive geriatric evaluation should be performed before TAVR procedures, taking into account both physical and cognitive capabilities and post-procedural outcomes through a multidisciplinary framework. This review adopts a multidisciplinary perspective to delve into the diagnosis and holistic management of AS in elderly populations in order to facilitate decision-making, thereby optimizing outcomes centered around patient well-being.

Geriatric assessment in older patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Insights from a cluster-randomized, phase III trial—ENSURE-GA study (NEJ041/CS-Lung001).

1502 Background: To determine optimal treatment in older cancer patients, it is recommended to conduct a geriatric assessment (GA) before chemotherapy. The ENSURE-GA study, which focused on patients aged 75 and older with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), reported that the implementation of GA not only enhanced patient satisfaction with regards to communication with their physicians, but also improve the patients’ quality of life. Additionally, we assessed whether GA could improve overall survival and serve as a predictor for severe adverse events. Methods: Patients aged ≥75 with NSCLC who were unable undergo radical treatment were enrolled. All patients underwent a standardized GA before treatment. The participating institutions were cluster-randomized into either intervention group or control group. For the intervention group, GA summaries and recommendations for GA-guided interventions were provided to guide physicians in selecting treatments and interventions. The control group did not provide physicians with GA summaries. Geriatric 8 (G8) and CARG scores were calculated at enrollment, and we investigated whether adverse events during a 3-month follow-up could be predicted. Results: Between 2019 and 2022, 1,021 patients were enrolled from 78 institutions in Japan. No significant differences were observed in patient characteristics or for GA domains between intervention and control groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences seen in 1-year overall survival (20.7m vs 18.8m, p = 0.414), or the incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events in patients treated with medical treatment (36.8% vs 38.1%, p = 0.732). The ROC curve for G8 regarding the occurrence of grade 3 or higher adverse events in cases receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy yielded an AUC of 0.525, indicating no discriminatory ability. Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between low-risk and high-risk patients based on the CARG score. Conclusions: The implementation of GA and interventions based on its results enhances patient satisfaction. However, additional studies are needed before incorporating GA into an adverse event prediction system. Developing risk scoring tools specific to cancer types and races may prove useful. Clinical trial information: UMIN0000037590 .

Real-world impact on overall survival of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in older patients with colorectal cancer in Mexico.

61 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer both in Mexico and worldwide, with the peak incidence in patients >65 years. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) improves the prognosis of high-risk CRC. The benefit from fluorouracil (FU)-based CT across all age groups is not questionable, but the use of oxaliplatin (Ox) is controversial. Methods: Original, retrospective, observational study. Included patients diagnosed with CRC adenocarcinoma treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología México, between 2004 to 2022. Statistical analysis required: X2 and t-test, Kaplan Meier, Log Rank, and Cox Regression. Statistical significance differences were assessed when p was bilaterally <0.05. Results: From 1,238 patients with localized CRC, 275 patients were included in analysis and divided into 2 groups: young (≤ 30 years) (n = 54), and older (≥ 70 years) (n = 221). Most patients were female for both groups (55%). Comorbidities were observed in 2% of young patients and 51% of older patients (p < 0.001). Stages (S) were: II (31%; 39%), and III (59%; 47%). CT was received in 70% of young and 47% of older patients (p = 0.002). Regarding CT regimens, 56% and 21% of young and older patients respectively, had oxaliplatin (p < 0.001), while 21% of young and 32% of older patients did not complete the CT (p = 0.012). Overall survival (OS) analysis was performed considering age and S. S-II median-OS was not reached (NR) for both groups, while S-III median-OS was 170 months (m) for young versus NR for older (p = 0.690). When including CT in OS analysis, patients S-II median-OS was NR for all groups (p = 0.081), while S-III median-OS was 170 m with and 19 m without CT for young versus NR with and 89 m without CT for older, respectively (p = 0.010, 95% CI 0.059-0.123). In S-III older patients, a sub-analysis was performed considering Ox: 10-year-OS was 71% versus 60% for patients treated with and without Ox respectively (p = 0.030, 95% CI 0.25-0.93). In Cox-Regression analysis for patients with clinical stage III, regimen completion (p = 0.004; HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.201-0.745) and Ox (p = 0.022; HR 0.423, 95% CI 0.203-0.881) remained as predictor factors of OS. Conclusions: There are no studies which compare the administration of CT between young and older patients or the description of these populations in Mexico. Young patients are more likely to receive CT with Ox assumingly due to the lack of comorbidities and life expectancy. The benefit of CT on OS in young patients is not in question. An increase in OS was found in older patients who received CT with Ox, but a higher percentage of treatment discontinuation secondary to toxicity. As recommended by the literature, its essential to integrate assessment in older patients to determine which patients will benefit from complete CT regimens to increase their OS, apart from their chronological age.

Surgical oncology risk assessment in older patients

Surgical oncology risk assessment in older patients

SIOG2023-1-P-210 - The impact of frailty screening and geriatric assessment in older patients with ovarian cancer

SIOG2023-1-P-210 - The impact of frailty screening and geriatric assessment in older patients with ovarian cancer

SIOG2023-4-P-269 - Geriatric Assessment in older patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

SIOG2023-4-P-269 - Geriatric Assessment in older patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment in Older Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are determinants of health-related outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to determine differences in HRQOL between older adults with T1D and T2D and specific factors influencing HRQOL in this age group. This study used a cross-sectional design with 56 age- and HbA1c-matched T1D and T2D patients (aged 68.9 ± 7.8 years; 55% had T2D). We employed several validated questionnaires (Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions/Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) to investigate the relationships between HRQOL domains and diabetes type, glycemic control, complications, and comorbidities. T1D was associated with better self-reported general health (assessed with the SF-36 general health domain (p = 0.048) and the EuroQol-5 VAS (p = 0.002), whereas no significant differences in the other SF-36 domains, self-reported diabetes distress, anxiety, or depression were found. Most HRQOL domains were not associated with HbA1c or the presence of diabetes complications. The most significant reduction in HRQOL was experienced by patients with higher BMIs, irrespective of the diabetes type. The obtained HRQOL data could be used in clinical settings for evidence-based patient education focused on specific subgroups of patients, as well as in national healthcare policies, e.g., interventions designed to alleviate obesity.

Treatment of older patients with multiple sclerosis: Results of an International Delphi Survey.

People over age 50-55 have historically been excluded from randomized clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, more than half of those living with an MS diagnosis are over 55. Explore the unique considerations of treating older people with MS (PwMS) using an iterative and structured Delphi-based assessment to gather expert opinions. Eight MS neurologists with an interest in older PwMS developed a 2-round survey. Survey respondents were qualified neurologists with ≥3 years' experience, personally responsible for treatment decisions, and treating ≥20 patients per month, of whom ≥10% were ≥50 years old. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement on questions with categorical responses or as a mean score ≥4 on questions with numerical responses. In Survey 1, 224 neurologists responded; 180 of these completed Survey 2. Limited consensus was reached with varying levels of agreement on several topics including identification and assessment of older patients; factors relating to treatment decisions including immunosenescence and comorbidities; considerations for high-efficacy treatments; de-escalation or discontinuation of treatment; effects of COVID-19; and unmet needs for treating this population. The results of this Delphi process highlight the need for targeted studies to create guidance for the care of older PwMS.

Physicians’ experiences and actions in making complex level-of-care decisions during acute situations within older patients’ homes: a critical incident study

BackgroundComplex level-of-care decisions involve uncertainty in which decisions are beneficial for older patients. Knowledge of physicians’ decision-making during acute situations in older patients’ homes is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe physicians’ experiences and actions in making complex level-of-care decisions during the assessment of older patients in acute situations within their own homes.MethodsIndividual interviews and analyses were performed according to the critical incident technique (CIT). In total, 14 physicians from Sweden were included.ResultsIn making complex level-of-care decisions, physicians experienced collaborating with and including older patients, significant others and health care professionals to be essential for making individualized decisions regarding the patients’ and their significant others’ needs. During decision-making, physicians experienced difficulties when doubt or collaborative obstructions occurred. Physicians’ actions involved searching for an understanding of older patients’ and their significant others’ wishes and needs, considering their unique conditions, guiding them, and adjusting care according to their wishes. Actions further involved promoting collaboration and reaching a consensus with all persons involved.ConclusionPhysicians strive to individualize complex level-of-care decisions based on older patients’ and their significant others’ wishes and needs. Furthermore, individualized decisions depend on successful collaboration and consensus among older patients, their significant others and other health care professionals. Therefore, to facilitate individualized level-of-care decisions, the health care organizations need to support physicians when they are making individualized decisions, provide sufficient resources and promote 24 − 7 collaboration between organizations and health care professionals.

Medication assessment in older adults with cancer – Current practices in clinical pharmacy

The needs of older adults (aged ≥65 years) are evolving and complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Guidelines from the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) [ [1] Wildiers H. Heeren P. Puts M. Topinkova E. Janssen-Heijnen M.L.G. Extermann M. et al. International Society of Geriatric Oncology Consensus on geriatric assessment in older patients with Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 2595-2603 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1106) Google Scholar ] advocate for healthcare providers to perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A CGA is a multidisciplinary diagnostic process, assessing a patient's medical, psychosocial, and functional capacity to tailor an integrated treatment plan, including long-term follow-up [ [1] Wildiers H. Heeren P. Puts M. Topinkova E. Janssen-Heijnen M.L.G. Extermann M. et al. International Society of Geriatric Oncology Consensus on geriatric assessment in older patients with Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 2595-2603 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1106) Google Scholar ]. Nurses and allied healthcare professionals have a crucial role to play in the CGA process.

The Frail Scale - A Risk Stratification in Older Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of frailty on in-hospital adverse outcomes and net adverse clinical events (NACE) in older patients with acute coronary syndrome. This observational study included elderly patients (≥60 years old), diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at admission from February 2021 to August 2021. The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACE) defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and major bleeding. Secondary outcome was in-hospital adverse outcomes including arrhythmia, acquired pneumonia, stroke, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Frailty was assessed using the Frail scale (FS). Data about socio-demographics, comorbidities, body mass index, ACS type, coronary angiography, left ventricular ejection fraction, and length of hospital stay were also collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to identify the potential association between frailty and outcomes. Of the 116 ACS patients, 38 patients were frail (32.76%). Frail subjects were more often female (50%) and older (p < 0.01) and had higher rates of in-hospital adverse outcomes (OR = 2.37, p = 0.05) and NACE (OR = 7.12; p < 0.01). In univariate analysis, the increased frail score was significantly associated with increased odds of NACE (unadjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.17-3.35 for each score increase in Frail Score). In multivariable logistic regression, models controlling for age, gender, PCI, LVEF, and coronary angiography (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.12-4.29 for each score increase in Frail Score). This study revealed the reference data of frailty assessment in older patients with ACS in Vietnam. Our result indicated that over 30% of ACS older patients presented with frailty which was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes and NACE. This study also provided promising information about the simple FRAIL scale's potential role in the risk stratification of older patients with ACS.

The role of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older patients affected by knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases and highly prevalent in older people. Whilst the management of knee OA is usually multidisciplinary, the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for this condition is still limited. Given this background, with this systematic review, we summarized the current literature regarding the importance of CGA in people affected by knee OA. A systematic search across several databases was run until 10th April 2022 and updated on 21st November 2022 for any study investigating the use of CGA in patients with knee OA. The data were summarized descriptively. Among 295 articles initially included, three studies made in the context of the osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) were included. All the three studies used the OAI multidimensional prognostic index (MPI), a composite score derived from the CGA. Higher MPI values were associated with a higher risk of falls, cardiovascular conditions, and fractures across a follow-up period of 8 years and after adjusting for potential confounders. In conclusion, in this systematic review we summarized the current evidence of CGA in knee OA, finding that the MPI, a CGA derived tool, could be useful to early find people at higher risk of conditions that are associated with knee OA and therefore that can be the target of personalized interventions for preventing these conditions.

Calf Circumference Predicts Falls in Older Adults on Hemodialysis

Older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis are at a higher risk of falling. However, there is no standard method to screen patients at higher risk. We have evaluated whether calf circumference (CC) measurement would be able to predict falls in this population. This is a prospective study that enrolled patients aged ≥65years on conventional hemodialysis, followed for 6months. The presence of falls was associated with demographical, clinical, and biochemical data. Reduced CC was set at <34cm for men and <33cm for women. We evaluated physical status using Duke activity status index (DASI) and hand grip strength (HGS). Ninety-one patients were included (age 73.7±5.4years, 69.2% men, 56% with diabetes). Mean CC was 32.6±3.7cm, with a high prevalence of reduced CC (61.5%). During the follow-up, 13 falls were identified (1 had a fracture and died). These patients were older and heavier (P=.017 and P=.025, respectively). Most falls occurred in patients with sarcopenic obesity (BMI >27kg/m2 plus reduced HGS or reduced CC). In a logistic regression model, reduced CC (hazard ratio (HR) 7.81, confidence interval (CI): 1.13-53.86, P=.037), higher age (HR 1.19, CI: 1.04-1.36, P=.011), and higher body weight (relative risk (RR) 1.13, CI: 1.04-1.22, P=.003) were independently associated with falls in a fully adjusted model. CC measurement, an easy and nonexpensive tool, was able to predict falls in older patients on HD. Further studies should test the inclusion of CC in a fall risk assessment in older patients on hemodialysis.

Clinical geriatric assessment in older patients with lymphoma: a narrative review

Background and Objective: Aging is a highly individualized global process involved in cancer pathogenesis, response to therapy and susceptibility to adverse events (AEs), resulting in physiological, medical, and psycho-cognitive changes. The attempt to stratify patients according to their fitness in order to define the best tailored treatment, thus avoiding under- or over-treatment, is an important issue of geriatric hematology. Chronological age and performance status (PS) evaluation do not account for the complexity of older patients; for this reason, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was recognized as a multidimensional, interdisciplinary diagnostic process focusing on determining an older person’s medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities to develop a coordinated plan to guide treatment decisions and long-term follow-up. Various tools and scores exploring different geriatric domains have been developed and validated. Aim of this review is to define the aging process in its aspects that influence lymphoma management and to summarize the available tools to define patient fitness, remarking the importance of performing a geriatric assessment (GA) in older patients affected by lymphoma.

Development and appropriateness of a scoring method for International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities, and Health assessment in older patients with heart failure: a Delphi survey of expert panel in Japan

ObjectiveThe number of older patients with heart failure (HF) is increasing in Japan and has become a social problem. There is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive assessment methodology...

Effect of dexmedetomidine on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in older patients undergoing pulmonary surgery.

ObjectiveWe investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function after pulmonary surgery.MethodsA blinded, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed on 60 patients (age range 65–74 years) undergoing lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (29 in the dexmedetomidine group; 31 in the placebo group). Dexmedetomidine group patients received dexmedetomidine, and placebo group patients received an equal volume of physiological saline 20 minutes before anesthesia induction. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 1 day before surgery and on postoperative day (POD)1, POD3, and POD7. The regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was monitored continuously by near-infrared spectroscopy before anesthesia.ResultsThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was significantly different between the two groups on POD1 (dexmedetomidine 26.4 ± 0.73 vs. placebo 25.5 ± 0.96) and POD3 (dexmedetomidine 27.1 ± 0.79 vs. placebo 26.6 ± 0.80). Specifically, attention and orientation scores were increased in the dexmedetomidine group on POD1 and POD3. The rSO2 was not significantly different between the dexmedetomidine and placebo groups.ConclusionDexmedetomidine given before induction of anesthesia could reduce the risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and might not decrease rSO2. Hence, dexmedetomidine could be employed in pulmonary surgical procedures, especially for older patients with a high risk of cognitive dysfunction.

Awareness of caregivers of geriatric deficits among older people—the results of a cross-sectional study in Krakow, Poland

BackgroundIt seems that caregivers (CGs) may be a reliable source of information for determining health condition of seniors. This might be important for general practitioners (GPs) and facilitate them conducting comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). The objectives of our study were to: compare populations of older patients with and without CGs, characterise the group of CGs, establish whether CGs are aware of patients’ deficiencies in areas of CGA.MethodsPatients aged at least 65 years underwent CGA using eight tools in GPs’ practices in and around Krakow, Poland. Seniors were divided into two groups: with and without CGs. CGs filled in an authors’ questionnaire on their data and assessed seniors in eight domains corresponding to the tests used in CGA. Patients with and without CGs were also compared in terms of CGA results and basic demographic and medical data. Subjective CGs’ responses were compared with objective CGA results.ResultsWe conducted CGA on 438 senior patients. Two hundred fifty eight (59%) of them were classified as patients with CGs. Patients with CGs were older, less educated, more often lived in rural areas and were more frequently in a relationship (as all p < 0.05). In seniors with CGs, the results of frailty (p < 0.008) and insomnia scales (p = 0.049) were significantly worse. Mostly, CGs could properly assess seniors in basic and complex living activities and nutritional status. They were less precise in determining deficits like depressive tendency and insomnia.ConclusionsCGs’ assessment of older patients can be a valuable source of information about seniors and can be helpful in diagnosing important health issues. CGs have difficulties when asked to properly assess depression and insomnia in the older adults they care for and their answers do not always correspond with the results of CGA. GPs should pay more attention to the needs of CGs themselves and provide them with the necessary knowledge about caring for older people.