Edmonton Frail Scale Score Research Articles

Impact of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program on frailty indicators in elderly patients with heart disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Cardio Pulmonar INTRODUCTION Frailty has been considered an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CVR) has a direct and unequivocal effect on improving functional capacity in patients with heart disease, however, the effect of CVR on frailty indicators has not yet been well established. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of the CVR program with frailty indicators in elderly patients with heart disease referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and to identify possible predictors of improvement in frailty in this population. METHODS: Retrospective cohort with patients over 65 years old referred to an CVR program in Salvador-BA, Brazil from August / 2017 to March / 2020. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) at baseline and at least 3 months after the start of the program. Student"s t and Chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively, logistic regression to analyze independent predictors of improvement in frailty and p <0.05 adopted as statistically significant. RESULTS: 51 patients were included, with a mean age of 75 ± 6 years, 65% men, 39 (77%) with coronary artery disease, 23 (50%) with heart failure, 21 (41%) with diabetes, 34 (67%) with hypertension and 41 (80%) dyslipidemia. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) risk stratification for exercise, 21 (49%) were risk B and 22 (51%) risk C. Regarding functional capacity, 12 (31%) were class I, 21 (41%) class II, 5 (13%) class III and 1 (3%) class IV according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA). The average initial ejection fraction was 53 ± 16%. The mean time between the two assessments was 5 ± 2 months and the improvement observed in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was from 15 ± 4 to 16 ± 4 mL.Kg-1.min-1 (p = 0.001). Regarding frailty, there was an improvement from 5.4 ± 2.0 to 4.8 ± 1.9 in the average of the EFS score (p = 0.034), with 25 patients (49%) being considered responders. This group was predominantly formed by men, non-diabetics, using statins, at risk B (AHA) and with a higher score on the quality of life score and on the EFS. However, in the multivariate analysis, only the highest score on the EFS (OR 1.8 CI 95% 1.06-3.3; p <0.05) and the lowest risk on the AHA scale (OR 0.18 CI 95% 0.03-0.97; p <0.05) remained as independent predictors of response. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant improvement in the frailty of elderly patients referred for CVR, the higher the baseline frailty score, the greater the chance of response.

Assessment of Frailty in the Elderly.

AIMThis study aimed to evaluate frailty in older individuals and to identify factors related to frailty.METHODThe descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 elderly patients who received inpatient treatment in a university hospital between January and September 2016. Ethics committee approval, institutional consent, and informed patient consent were obtained for the study. Along with the Edmonton Frail Scale, a data form was used to collect data about the patient’s sociodemographics, disease status, and fall incidents. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews.RESULTSThe prevalence of severe frailty was 19.8%. Significant relationships were found between frailty and advanced age, low education, low income, continuous use of medicines, and a history of falls within the last year.CONCLUSIONElderly individuals included in the study were categorized as “vulnerable” (Edmonton Frail Scale score of 6.84±3.83) and were at the borderline for “mild frailty” (Edmonton Frail Scale score of 7–8). The factors associated with frailty were advanced age, low education, and income level, continuous use of medicines, and the history of falls within the last year.

Does mean platelet volume/lymphocyte count ratio associate with frailty in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Frailty is a common problem in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is considered to be associated with inflammation. Novel markers derived from hemogram, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), are proposed as inflammatory markers. In present study, we aimed to compare NLR and MPVLR levels of frail patients with T2DM to non‑frail diabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects were grouped in frail and non-frail groups according to the Edmonton Frail Scale. General characteristics and laboratory data of the frail and non-frail groups were compared. The MPVLR of the frail (3.9 [1.4-13.2] %) group was significantly higher than that of the non-frail (3.4 [1.5-6.9] %) group (p = 0.02). MPVLR was positively and significantly correlated with Edmonton Frail Scale score (r = 0.21, p = 0.03). A MPVLR level greater than 3.41 % has 71 % sensitivity and 51 % specifity in predicting frailty. We suggest that elevated MPVLR could be a finding that marks frailty in diabetic subjects. Inexpensive and easy‑to‑assess nature of the MPVLR may be useful in predicting frailty in type 2 diabetic population (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 32).

Preoperative Frailty Assessment, Operative Severity Score, and Early Postoperative Loss of Independence in Surgical Patients Age 65 Years or Older

BackgroundPreoperative discussions around postoperative discharge planning have been amplified by the COVID pandemic. We wished to determine whether our preoperative frailty screen would predict postoperative loss of independence (LOI).Study DesignThis single-institutional study included demographic, procedural, and outcomes data from patients 65 years or older who underwent frailty screening before a surgical procedure. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale. The Operative Severity Score was used to categorize procedures. The Hierarchical Condition Category risk-adjustment score, as calculated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was included. LOI was defined as an increase in support outside of the home after discharge. Univariable, multivariable logistic regressions, and adjusted postestimation analyses for predictive probabilities of best fit were performed.ResultsFive hundred and thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria and LOI was seen in 38 patients (7%). Patients with LOI were older, had a lower BMI, a higher Edmonton Frail Scale score (7 vs 3.0; p < 0.001), and a higher Hierarchical Condition Category score than patients without LOI. Being frail and undergoing a procedure with an Operative Severity Score of 3 or higher was independently associated with an increased risk of LOI. In addition, social dependency, depression, and limited mobility were associated with an increased risk for LOI. On multivariable modeling, frailty status, undergoing an operation with an Operative Severity Score of 3 or higher, and having a Hierarchical Condition Category score ≥1 were the most predictive of LOI (odds ratio 12.72; 95% CI, 12.04 to 13.44; p < 0.001). In addition, self-reported depression, weight loss, and limited mobility were associated with a nearly 11-fold increased risk of postoperative LOI.ConclusionsThis study was novel, as it identified clear, generalizable risk factors for LOI. In addition, our findings support the implementation of preoperative assessments to aid in care coordination and provide specific targets for intervention.

Assessment of predictive validity and feasibility of Edmonton Frail Scale in identifying postoperative complications among elderly patients: a prospective observational study

Frailty is defined as diminished physiological reserve predisposing one to adverse outcomes when exposed to stressors. Currently, there is no standardized Frail assessment tool used perioperatively. Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), which is validated for use by non-geriatricians and in selected surgical populations, is a candidate for this role. However, little evaluation of its use has been carried out in the Asian populations so far. This is a prospective observational study done among patients aged 70 years and above attended Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC) in Singapore General Hospital prior to major abdominal surgery from December 2017 to September 2018. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and Postoperative Morbidity Survey (POMS) were used to assess their postoperative morbidity respectively. Patient’s acceptability of EFS was measured using the QQ-10 questionnaire and the inter-rater reliability of EFS was assessed by Kappa statistics and Bland Altman plot. The primary aim of this study is to assess if frailty measured by EFS is predictive of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery. We also aim to assess the feasibility of implementing EFS as a standard tool in the outpatient preoperative assessment clinic setting. EFS score was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative morbidity. (OR 1.35, p < 0.001) Each point increase in EFS score was associated with a 3 point increase in CCI score. (Coefficient b 2.944, p < 0.001) EFS score more than 4 has a fair predictability of both early and 30-day postoperative complications. Feasibility study demonstrated an overall acceptance of the EFS among our patients with good inter-rater agreement.

Frailty in Elderly Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Increases Hospital Stay and 12-Month Readmission Rate

Cardiac surgery risk scoring systems predict operative mortality but not outcomes related to preoperative frailty. The aim of this study was to assess frailty in a cohort of older cardiac surgery patients as a predictor of postoperative outcomes. Prospective data was collected on patients 65 years of age and older undergoing cardiac surgery between September 2015 and October 2016 at Dunedin Hospital. Frailty was assessed with the Edmonton frail scale and five-metre gait speed. The primary endpoint was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, major adverse events, death and 12-month readmission rate. Among the 96 patients, median age was 74 (interquartile range 10.5) and 65 (68%) were males. Of the sample 64 (67%) were scored as not frail, 22 (23%) as vulnerable, and 10 (10%) as frail. The median (interquartile range) postoperative days' stay were: not frail 6 (2), vulnerable 9.5 (8), and frail 15 (13). Survival analysis adjusting for EuroSCORE II, age, sex and surgery type showed that greater Edmonton Frail Scale scores were independently predictive of longer post-surgery hospital stay with a hazard ratio for discharge of 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.76-0.91, p<0.001) per point. The Edmonton Frail Scale score was associated with the 12-month post discharge number of readmissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.13-1.37, p<0.001) per point. The Edmonton Frail Scale score predicts length of hospital stay post cardiac surgery and 12-month readmission rate in patients older than 65 years of age.

Dietary Oily Fish Intake and Frailty. A Population-Based Study in Frequent Fish Consumers Living in Rural Coastal Ecuador (the Atahualpa Project)

Oily fish are recommended as part of a healthy diet due to their high content of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), proteins, and other nutrients. There is preliminary evidence of beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs in the prevention of sarcopenia (a major component of frailty). In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between dietary oily fish intake and a measure of frailty – the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) score – in community-dwelling older adults living in rural coastal Ecuador. A total of 363 Atahualpa residents were enrolled. The mean fish servings per week were 8.8 ± 5.2 and mean EFS score was 5 ± 2.8 points. A linear regression model showed no association between the amount of oily fish intake and EFS scores. However, an interaction model, with participants stratified according to their median age and fish intake in quintiles, showed a significant effect for both variables on the EFS score (ß coefficient = 0.104; 95% C.I.: 0.003–0.206; p = 0.044). At the lowest quintile of fish intake, younger individuals have lower EFS scores than their older counterparts. As the consumption of oily fish increases, mean EFS scores margins were found to be progressively reduced in subjects aged 60–69 years but were largely unaffected in persons aged ≥70 years. It appears that oily fish intake has a positive effect on the frailty status of younger subjects but is superseded by the effects of age in the older population.

Prognosis Impact of Frailty Assessed by the Edmonton Frail Scale in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Elderly

BackgroundElderly patients represent a large proportion of patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whether frailty—defined as a biological syndrome that reflects a state of decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors—may impact the clinical outcomes in this population remains unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty and its impact on mortality in patients aged ≥ 80 years admitted for ACS. MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in patients aged 80 years or older admitted to a tertiary hospital for ACS. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), which provides a score ranging from 0 (not frail) to 17 (very frail). The population was divided into 3 classes: EFS score 0-3, EFS score 4-6; and EFS score >7. ResultsTwo hundred thirty-six patients were included, with a mean follow-up duration of 470 days. The mean age was 85.9 years. Seventy-five patients died during the follow-up period. One hundred nineteen patients (50.4%) had an EFS score of 0-3, 68 patients (28.8%) had an EFS score of 4-6, and 49 patients (20.8%) had an EFS score ≥ 7. The all-cause mortality rate was 17.7% in the EFS 0-3 group, 35.3% in the EFS 4-6 group, and 61.2% in the EFS ≥ 7 group (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, frailty status remained associated with all-cause mortality: the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-3.16) in the EFS 4-6 group, and the HR was 3.60 (95% CI, 1.70-7.63) in the EFS ≥ 7 group. ConclusionsFrailty is a strong and independent prognostic factor for midterm all-cause mortality in elderly patients presenting with ACS.

Utility of the Edmonton Frail Scale in identifying frail elderly patients during treatment of colorectal cancer.

Frailty has been proposed by geriatricians as an indicator of functional age. The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) is a 15-point incremental scale; it is quick (<5 min), and simple to administer. We conducted an exploratory study to establish if the EFS add utility to clinician's expertise by determining if there was an association between EFS and receipt of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The EFS was administered to stage II-IV CRC patients ≥70 years. EFS assessment was completed by one of the investigators, with the treating oncology team blinded to the results. A total of 46 patients were enrolled, and the EFS was reproduced in 32 patients at two visits (r=0.81; 95% CI: 0.64-0.90, P<0.0001). There was no correlation between the EFS and receipt of chemotherapy for the study population as a whole; however, exclusion of stage II patients showed a reduced likelihood of receiving chemotherapy with higher EFS scores (odds ratio 0.56; 95% CI: 0.37-0.85, P<0.01 per unit increment). A similar effect was observed after multivariable analysis (adjusting for performance status, age, stage and gender, odds ratio 0.41 95% CI: 0.18-0.96, P<0.05 per unit increment). This exploratory study suggests that EFS can identify patients that oncologists may have thought were too frail for chemotherapy, independent of PS. Therefore, the EFS has the potential to add a reproducible, and quantifiable measure of frailty to the clinician's decision making toolset. A follow up study will employ the EFS in real-time, and determine if using the EFS can minimize complications and unplanned health care utilization in elderly cancer patients.

Performance of Edmonton Frail Scale on frailty assessment: its association with multi-dimensional geriatric conditions assessed with specific screening tools

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) on frailty assessment in association with multi-dimensional conditions assessed with specific screening tools and to explore the prevalence of frailty by gender.MethodsWe enrolled 366 hospitalised patients (women\\men: 251\\115), mean age 81.5 years. The EFS was given to the patients to evaluate their frailty. Then we collected data concerning cognitive status through Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), health status (evaluated with the number of diseases), functional independence (Barthel Index and Activities Daily Living; BI, ADL, IADL), use of drugs (counting of drugs taken every day), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Skeletal Muscle Index of sarcopenia (SMI), osteoporosis and functionality (Handgrip strength).ResultsAccording with the EFS, the 19.7% of subjects were classified as non frail, 66.4% as apparently vulnerable and 13.9% with severe frailty.The EFS scores were associated with cognition (MMSE: β = 0.980; p < 0.01), functional independence (ADL: β = −0.512; p < 0.00); (IADL: β = −0.338; p < 0.01); use of medications (β = 0.110; p < 0.01); nutrition (MNA: β = −0.413; p < 0.01); mood (GDS: β = −0.324; p < 0.01); functional performance (Handgrip: β = −0.114, p < 0.01) (BI: β = −0.037; p < 0.01), but not with number of comorbidities (β = 0.108; p = 0.052). In osteoporotic patients versus not-osteoporotic patients the mean EFS score did not differ between groups (women: p = 0.365; men: p = 0.088), whereas in Sarcopenic versus not-Sarcopenic patients, there was a significant differences in women: p < 0.05.ConclusionsThis study suggests that measuring frailty with EFS is helpful and performance tool for stratifying the state of fragility in a group of institutionalized elderly. As matter of facts the EFS has been shown to be associated with several geriatric conditions such independence, drugs assumption, mood, mental, functional and nutritional status.

Assessment of older patients with cancer: Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) as a predictor of adverse outcomes in older patients undergoing radiotherapy.

In this study we evaluate the usefulness of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) in predicting which older patients are at risk of developing serious toxicities during radiotherapy. This prospective study was carried out over an 18month period. Our primary aim was to examine the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) as a predictor of toxicity in patients over 70years undergoing radical radiotherapy for any malignant diagnosis. 63 patients were recruited: 29% experienced grade 3 or greater toxicities, with very few having multiple grade 3 or greater toxicities. The majority of patients experienced multiple grade 1 or 2 toxicities. Patients were often admitted: either electively due to geographical reasons, or due to toxicities. All patients completed their courses of radiotherapy. All grade 3 or 4 toxicities occurred within five radiotherapy sites; upper GI, gynaecological, lung, prostate and head & neck. There was no statistical correlation between EFS score and the presence of grade 3 or 4 toxicities. This study showed that neither EFS score, age nor ECOG performance status were predictive of radiotherapy toxicity, breaks in treatment or hospital admissions. Patients with oesophageal cancer, gynaecological cancers and lung cancer had a high rate of toxicity and hospital admission, which may highlight the need for additional patient support in these groups. Whilst comprehensive geriatric assessment is recommended, further research is needed to conclude if the frail elderly patient is at greater risk of toxicities from radiotherapy, and which geriatric assessment tool may be the most helpful.

Association of frailty in hospitalized and institutionalized elderly in the community-dwelling.

to investigate the association between frailty with hospitalization and institutionalization in a follow-up study of elderly residents. the follow-up study was performed in 2008 and 2013 with elderly of both genders, aged 65 years and older who were living in the community-dwelling. The sampling procedure performed was probabilistic, with dual-stage clustering. In 2008, 515 elderly people were interviewed and, in 2013, 262. We used the socioeconomic and demographic data, self-reported morbidity, specific data of hospitalization and institutionalization. Frailty was measured by the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), and functional capacity through the Functional Independence Measure. we found the mean gross EFS score was higher among resident elderly who were hospitalized and institutionalized and was statistically significant in both investigated years. the confirmation of association between frailty and hospitalization and institutionalization reinforces the importance of the subject, and highlights frailty as an important tool for risk estimates for these adverse events.

The Effect of Age in the Association between Frailty and Poor Sleep Quality: A Population-Based Study in Community-Dwellers (The Atahualpa Project)

PurposeTo assess the effect of age in the association between poor sleep quality and frailty status. Design and SettingPopulation-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Atahualpa, a rural village located in coastal Ecuador. MethodsOut of 351 Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years, 311 (89%) were interviewed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). The independent association between PSQI and EFS scores was evaluated by the use of a generalized linear model adjusted for relevant confounders. A contour plot with Shepard interpolation was constructed to assess the effect of age in this association. ResultsMean score in the PSQI was 5 ± 2 points, with 34% individuals classified as poor sleepers. Mean score in the EFS was 5 ± 3 points, with 46% individuals classified as robust, 23% as prefrail, and 31% as frail. In the fully adjusted model, higher scores in the PSQI were significantly associated with higher scores in the EFS (β 0.23; 95% CI 0.11–0.35; P < .0001). Several clusters depicted the strong effect of age in the association between PSQI and EFS scores. Older individuals were more likely to have high scores in the EFS and the PSQI, and younger individuals had low EFS scores and were good sleepers. Clusters of younger individuals who were poor sleepers and had high EFS scores accounted for the independent association between PSQI and EFS scores. ConclusionsThis study shows the strong effect of age in the association between poor sleep quality and frailty status.

Neuroimaging signatures of frailty: A population-based study in community-dwelling older adults (the Atahualpa Project).

Frailty is a geriatric state of physical vulnerability that might be associated with cognitive decline in the absence of a concurrent neurodegenerative disorder. This assumes that neuroimaging studies are normal, but such examinations have rarely been considered for a frailty work-up. The present study identifies neuroimaging signatures in older adults interviewed with the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). Community-dwellers aged ≥60 years enrolled in the Atahualpa Project were invited to undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging. Using generalized regression models, we evaluated the association between frailty and diffuse cortical and subcortical brain damage, after adjusting for relevant confounders. Multivariate models estimated the interaction of age in the association between frailty and these neuroimaging signatures. Out of 298 participants (mean age 70 ± 8 years, 57% women), 151 (51%) had moderate-to-severe cortical atrophy and 74 (25%) had moderate-to-severe white matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin. Mean EFS scores were 5 ± 3 points, with 140 (47%) individuals classified as robust, 65 (22%) as pre-frail and 93 (31%) as frail. Multivariate models showed a significant association between cortical atrophy with the continuous (P = 0.002) and the categorized (P = 0.008) EFS score. The relationship between white matter hyperintensities and the EFS was marginal. According to interaction models, prefrail or frail individuals aged ≥67 years presented more prominent neuroimaging signatures of diffuse cortical or subcortical damage than their robust counterparts. Neuroimaging signatures of frailty are mainly related to age. This reinforces the importance of early frailty detection to reduce its catastrophic consequences. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 270-276.

The impact of frailty on pharmacokinetics in older people: using gentamicin population pharmacokinetic modeling to investigate changes in renal drug clearance by glomerular filtration

Frailty, a multifactorial biological syndrome characterized by a cumulative dysregulation of physiological processes, is associated with changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of frailty on glomerular filtration of drugs, using the probe drug gentamicin. Gentamicin concentrations and clinical data including the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale score were pooled from two prospective observational inpatient studies, one on prophylactic gentamicin for urologic surgery and one on therapeutic gentamicin for the empiric treatment of sepsis. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using non-linear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM program) to determine the impact of frailty on gentamicin clearance. A one-compartment linear pharmacokinetic model best described the data and the addition of frailty to the model reduced the random variability in gentamicin clearance by 12 % after adjustment for renal function (estimated creatinine clearance using lean body weight) and lean body weight. Frail patients had an approximately 12 % lower (bootstrapping results: 14 % median) gentamicin clearance than non-frail patients (calculated as a fractional effect of frailty). Frailty may independently predict reduced clearance of gentamicin in older patients. Frailty could be considered in the development of dosing guidelines for drugs that undergo significant excretion through glomerular filtration.

Relationship between frailty and discharge outcomes in subacute care

To determine whether level of frailty can predict length of stay, discharge destination, level of participation in physiotherapy, and degree of physical improvement with physiotherapy in older, subacute hospital patients. The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) was administered to 75 older people in a subacute hospital setting. Relationships between EFS score and a range of other measures, including participation in physiotherapy, Elderly Mobility Scale, discharge destination and length of stay, were examined. Level of frailty did not predict length of stay (rho=-0.13, P=0.24), discharge destination (t=-1.32, P=0.19), raw change on the Elderly Mobility Scale (rho=0.06, P=0.61) or rate of change on the Elderly Mobility Scale (r=-0.001, P=0.98). In addition, participants with a high level of frailty were more likely to achieve a satisfactory level of participation in physiotherapy sessions than those with low frailty (OR 1.43, P=0.02). Level of frailty measured with the EFS was not a useful predictor of rehabilitation and discharge outcomes for older people in subacute care. These results do not support the routine use of the EFS to measure frailty in subacute care. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? In a community-dwelling population, level of frailty has been found to predict poor outcomes from surgery, falls, fractures, disability, need for residential care and mortality. However, little is known about the impacts of frailty in a subacute setting, nor how frailty could best be measured in this setting. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD? The use of the EFS as a predictive tool was not supported by the results of this exploratory study. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTITIONERS? Alternative frailty measures may be more suitable than the EFS for patients in a subacute setting.

Frailty and Outcome in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

BackgroundFrailty is superior to chronological age as a predictor of outcome. The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) is a simple valid measure of frailty, covering multiple important domains, with scores ranging from 0 (not frail) to 17 (very frail). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the EFS in a group of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MethodsThe EFS was administered to 183 consecutive patients with ACS aged ≥ 65 years admitted to a single centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. ResultsScores ranged from 0-13. Patients with higher EFS scores were older, with more comorbidities, longer lengths of stay (EFS 0-3: mean, 7.0 days; EFS 4-6: mean, 9.7 days; and EFS ≥ 7: mean, 12.7 days; P = 0.03), and decreased procedure use. Crude mortality rates at 1 year were 1.6% for EFS 0-3, 7.7% for EFS 4-6, and 12.7% for EFS ≥ 7 (P = 0.05). After adjusting for baseline risk differences using a “burden of illness” score, the hazard ratio for mortality for EFS ≥ 7 compared with EFS 0-3 was 3.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-7.61; P = 0.002). ConclusionsThe EFS is associated with increased comorbidity, longer lengths of stay, and decreased procedure use. After adjustment for burden of illness, the highest frailty category is independently associated with mortality in elderly patients with ACS. Further work is needed to determine whether the use of a validated frailty instrument would better delineate medical decision making in this important, often disadvantaged population.

Utility of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) in identifying frail elderly patients during treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).

e14001 Background: CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, and 40-50% of patients are older than 70 years. Frailty is a concept that has been proposed by geriatricians as an indicator of functional age. The EFS is a 15 point incremental scale; it is quick (&lt;5 min), and simple to administer. We conducted a pilot study to establish if the EFS would add utility beyond clinician’s expertise. The primary objective was to determine if there was an association between the EFS and receipt of chemotherapy. Methods: The EFS was administered to stage II-IV CRC patients ≥70 years, referred to a Medical Oncologist at a tertiary care centre. The EFS was completed by one of the investigators, with the treating oncology team blinded to results and a follow up 14 month chart review. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled with the following characteristics: average age 76, 48% male, 78% performance status (PS) 0-1, and 21 (46%) started chemotherapy. The EFS was reproducible between visits (r = 0.81 [CI 0.64-0.9, p&lt;0.0001]). There was no correlation between the EFS and receipt of chemotherapy for the study population as a whole. As none of the 16 stage II patients had high-risk features requiring chemotherapy, the analysis was repeated excluding these patients. There was a reduced likelihood of receiving chemotherapy for stage III/IV patients with higher EFS scores (Odds ratio 0.56 [CI 0.37-0.85, p&lt;0.01] per unit increment). A similar effect was observed after multivariable analysis (adjusting for PS, age, stage and gender, Odds ratio 0.41 [CI 0.18-0.96, p&lt;0.05] per unit increment). No correlation existed between EFS and upfront dose reductions, choice of less toxic regimens, or hospitalization secondary to grade 3/4 toxicities. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests the EFS can identify patients that Oncologists may have thought were too frail for chemotherapy, independent of PS. Therefore, the EFS has the potential to add a reproducible, and quantifiable measure of frailty to the clinician’s decision making armamentarium. The next study phase will employ the EFS real-time, and determine if using the EFS can minimize complications and unplanned health care utilization in elderly cancer patients.

Frailty is associated with postoperative complications in older adults with medical problems

We sought to test whether frailty may be predictive of operative risk in older adults with medical problems. One hundred and twenty-five patients at least 70 years of age had a previously developed frailty screen, the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), administered at a pre-surgical clinic, prior to elective non-cardiac surgery. A blinded chart audit assessed for postoperative medical complications, length of stay and inability to be discharged home. The mean age of patients was 77 (range 70–92) and most (82%) underwent orthopedic procedures. Increasing frailty was associated with postoperative complications ( p = 0.02), increased length of hospitalization ( p = 0.004) and inability to be discharged home ( p = 0.01), independent of age. EFS scores of 3 or less were associated with a lower risk of having a complication (age-adjusted OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.80, likelihood ratio of 0.33) and a higher chance (80%) of being discharged home ( p < 0.02). EFS scores exceeding 7 were associated with increased complications (OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.55–16.25, likelihood ratio of 3.9) and a lower chance of being discharged home (40%, p < 0.02). This study suggests that a frailty screen can refine risk estimates of postoperative complications in older adults undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery.