scholarly journals Older adults with SARS‐CoV2 infection: Utility of the Clinical Frailty Scale to predict mortality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marine Gilis ◽  
Ninon Chagrot ◽  
Severine Koeberle ◽  
Thomas Tannou ◽  
Anne‐Sophie Brunel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale

scholarly journals Bedside Ultrasound Measures of Muscle Mass and Frailty Measures in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 269-269
Author(s):  
Kenneth Madden ◽  
Boris Feldman ◽  
Shane Arishenkoff ◽  
Graydon Meneilly
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Vancouver General Hospital ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract The age-associated loss of muscle mass and strength in older adults is called sarcopenia, and it is associated with increased rates of falls, fractures, hospitalizations and death. Sarcopenia is one of the most common physical etiologies for increased frailty in older adults, and some recent work has suggested the use of Point-of care ultrasound (PoCUS) measures as a potential measure of muscle mass. The objective of this study was to examine the association of PoCUS measures of muscle thickness (MT) with measures of frailty in community-dwelling older adults. We recruited 150 older adults (age >= 65; mean age 80.0±0.5 years, 66 women, 84 men) sequentially from 5 geriatric medicine clinics (Vancouver General Hospital). We measured lean muscle mass (LMM, by bioimpedance assay) and an ultrasonic measure of muscle quantity (MT, vastus medialis muscle thickness) in all subjects, as well as two outcome measures of frailty (FFI, Fried Frailty Index; RCFS, Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale). In our models, MT showed an inverse correlation with the FFI (Standardized β=-0.2320±0.107, p=0.032) but no significant correlation with the RCFS (Standardized β = -0.025±0.086, p=0.776). LMM showed no significant association with either FFI (Standardized β=-0.232±0.120, p=0.055) or RCFS (Standardized β = -0.043±0.119, p=0.719). Our findings indicate that PoCUS measures show potential as a way to screen for physical manifestations of frailty and might be superior to other bedside methods such as bioimpedance assay. However, PoCUS measures of muscle thickness will likely miss patients showing frailty in the much broader context captured by the RCFS.

scholarly journals Integration of a Geriatric Assessment With Intervention in the Care of Older Adults With Hematologic Malignancies

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Wall ◽  
Ying Huang ◽  
Ashleigh Keiter ◽  
Allesia Funderburg ◽  
Colin Kloock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Age Related

The incidence of hematologic malignancies (HMs) is highest in the seventh decade of life and coincides with increasing occult, age-related vulnerabilities. Identification of frailty is useful in prognostication and treatment decision-making for older adults with HMs. This real-world analysis describes 311 older adults with HMs evaluated in a multidisciplinary oncogeriatric clinic. The accumulation of geriatric conditions [1-unit increase, hazards ratio (HR) = 1.13, 95% CI 1.00–1.27, p = 0.04] and frailty assessed by the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS, mild/moderate/severe frailty vs. very fit/well, HR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.41–4.78, p = 0.002) were predictive of worse overall survival. In multivariate analysis, HM type [acute leukemia, HR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.60–9.22, p = 0.003; myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)/bone marrow failure, HR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.10–6.35, p = 0.03], age (per 5-year increase, HR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.21–1.76, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (per 1 g/dl decrease, HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.40, p = 0.009), deficit in activities of daily living (HR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.11–4.34, p = 0.02), and Mini Nutrition Assessment score (at-risk of malnutrition vs. normal, HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.07–3.73, p = 0.03) were independently associated with risk of death. The most commonly prescribed geriatric interventions were in the domains of audiology (56%) and pharmacy (54%). The Rockwood CFS correlated with prescribed interventions in nutrition (p = 0.01) and physical function (p < 0.001) domains. Geriatric assessment with geriatric intervention can be practically integrated into the routine care of older adults with HMs.

scholarly journals Exploring Clinically Meaningful Changes for the Frailty Index in a Longitudinal Cohort of Hospitalized Older Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. 1928-1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Theou ◽  
Alexandra M van der Valk ◽  
Judith Godin ◽  
Melissa K Andrew ◽  
Janet E McElhaney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Acute Respiratory Illness ◽  
Meaningful Change ◽  
Score Change ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale

Abstract Background Clinically meaningful change (CMC) for frailty index (FI) scores is little studied. We estimated the CMC by associating changes in FI scores with changes in the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in hospitalized patients. Methods The Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of the Canadian Immunization Research Network enrolled older adults (65+ years) admitted to hospital with acute respiratory illness (mean age = 79.6 ± 8.4 years; 52.7% female). Patients were assigned CFS and 39-item FI scores in-person at admission and via telephone at 1-month postdischarge. Baseline frailty state was assessed at admission using health status 2 weeks before admission. We classified those whose CFS scores remained unchanged (n = 1,534) or increased (n = 4,390) from baseline to hospital admission, and whose CFS scores remained unchanged (n = 1,565) or decreased (n = 2,546) from admission to postdischarge. For each group, the CMC was represented as the FI score change value that best predicted one level CFS change, having the largest Youden J value in comparison to no change. Results From baseline to admission, 74.1% increased CFS by ≥1 level. From admission to postdischarge, 61.9% decreased CFS by ≥1 levels. A change in FI score of 0.03 best predicted both one-level CFS increase (sensitivity = 70%; specificity = 69%) and decrease (sensitivity = 66%; specificity = 61%) in comparison to no change. Of those who changed CFS by ≥1 levels, 70.9% (baseline to admission) and 72.4% (admission to postdischarge) changed their FI score by at least 0.03. Conclusions A clinically meaningful change of 0.03 in the frailty index score holds promise as a benchmark for assessing the meaningfulness of frailty interventions.

scholarly journals The Clinical Frailty Scale and Health Services Use for Older Adults in the Emergency Department

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Serina ◽  
Alexander X. Lo ◽  
Masha Kocherginsky ◽  
Elizabeth Gray ◽  
Lee A. Lindquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Services Use ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Services Use

scholarly journals Age Alone is not Adequate to Determine Healthcare Resource Allocation during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Montero-Odasso ◽  
David B. Hogan ◽  
Robert Lam ◽  
Kenneth Madden ◽  
Christopher MacKnight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Critical Care Unit ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Care Resource ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Sole Criterion

Background The Canadian Geriatrics Society (CGS) fosters the health and well-being of older Canadians and older adults worldwide. Although severe COVID-19 illness and significant mortality occur across the lifespan, the fatality rate increases with age, especially for people over 65 years of age. The dichotomization of COVID-19 patients by age has been proposed as a way to decide who will receive intensive care admission when critical care unit beds or ventilators are limited. We provide perspectives and evidence why alternatives approaches should be used Methods   Practitioners and researchers in geriatric medicine and gerontology have led in the development of alternative approaches to using chronological age as the sole criterion for allocating medical resources. Evidence and ethical based recommendations are provided. Results Age alone should not drive decisions for health-care resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decisions on health-care resource allocation should take into consideration the preferences of the patient and their goals of care, as well as patient factors like the Clinical Frailty Scale score based on their status two weeks before the onset of symptoms. Conclusions Age alone does not accurately capture the variability of functional capacities and physiological reserve seen in older adults. A threshold of 5 or greater on the Clinical Frailty Scale is recommended if this scale is utilized in helping to decide on access to limited health-care resources such as admission to a critical care unit and/or intubation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals LETTER TO THE EDITOR: COVID-19 AND THE CHALLENGES OF FRAILTY SCREENING IN OLDER ADULTS

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. O’Caoimh ◽  
S. Kennelly ◽  
E. Ahern ◽  
S. O’Keeffe ◽  
R.R. Ortuño
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Recent Editorial ◽  
The Relationship

We read with interest the recent editorial examining the relationship between geriatric syndromes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of Covid-19 (1), particularly the authors recognition of the need to identify frailty among older adults presenting with suspected symptoms and the importance of mobilising a range of healthcare professionals to tackle this disease (1). However, the identification of frailty and the utilisation of screening instruments by those without geriatric training and especially in acute care is challenging. Frailty is a complex condition. While age-associated, it is multi-dimensional and remains difficult to define (2). Although the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults (1), data are lacking and pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of differential management strategies on the course of the disease among older adults is uncertain (1). Further, the prevalence of frailty among those diagnosed, admitted or dying is not clearly reported at present. Nevertheless, the rationale for using frailty to identify those at risk and to allocate care has been correctly highlighted (1). We suggest however, that the use of instruments such as the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) (3) and particularly by non-specialised staff in this setting warrants more careful examination.

scholarly journals 83 The Feasibility of an Interdisciplinary Led Community Based Functional Training Group for Frail Older Adults in a Post-Acute Orthogeriatric Unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Edel McDaid ◽  
Aoife Johnston ◽  
Elaine Ross ◽  
Lisa Cogan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Rehabilitation Care ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Community Ambulation ◽  
Hospital To Home

Abstract Background Reduced ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) can lead to a difficult transition from hospital to home, increased dependence and diminished quality of life (1). A novel IADL group for frail older adults ‘Ready Steady Home’ was completed to facilitate transition from hospital to home. Methods A single centre prospective study was undertaken in a Post-Acute Orthogeriatric Rehabilitation Care unit. A sample of convenience was recruited over a 3 month period. All subjects invited to participate had been referred for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, medically stable, able to give consent, mobile with/without an aid and had a goal of community ambulation and IADLS. The one hour intervention consisted of a car transfer, outdoor mobility on a busy footpath, road crossing, negotiating a busy shop, completing shopping task and financial management. A self-reported modified Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was completed by all subjects post intervention. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Twelve participants (female (12); mean age 83.7 years, mean LOS 32.75 days) completed the intervention and were included in the data. All were frail with a Clinical Frailty Scale score ≥ 5, mild (n=4), moderate (n=7) and severe frailty (n=1). Primary diagnosis was femoral fracture (n=7), hip surgery revision (n=2), deconditioning (n=2) and pelvic fracture (n=1). All used a unilateral (n=5) and/or bilateral mobility aid (n=7). The mean CSQ-8 score was 27/32 indicating high satisfaction with the intervention. No adverse events occurred. Common themes reported were improved confidence with community ambulation, preparation for home and re-integration into the community. Conclusion This study indicates that an interdisciplinary intervention addressing community based IADLS was feasible, safe and effective in a frail Orthogeriatric inpatient cohort. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy intervention in improving hospital to home transition and potential reduction in LOS.

scholarly journals 261 Sleep and Frailty: Examining the Effects of Frailty on Sleep Disturbance in Hospitalised Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii1-iii16
Author(s):  
Helen Mannion ◽  
Rónán O'Caoimh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Charlson Comorbidity Index Score ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Prolonged Length ◽  
Frail Patients

Abstract Background Sleep disturbance is common in hospital, potentially resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Frailty is similarly prevalent and associated with multiple adverse events. Despite this, little is known about the interaction between frailty and sleep among older hospital inpatients. Methods Consecutive, non-critically ill patients aged ≥70, admitted medically through a large university hospital emergency department (ED) during the preceding 24 hours, were evaluated with measures assessing overnight sleep quality (Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire/RCSQ), baseline sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index/PSQI) and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index/ISI). Additional variables included medications, frailty (PRISMA-7 scores ≥3 and Clinical Frailty Scale/CFS scores ≥5), functional and cognitive status, and night-time noise levels. Patients were reassessed 48 hours later. Results Over four weeks, 152 patients, mean age 80 (±6.8) years were included; 61% were male (n=92). In all, 43% were frail (mean CFS score 4.23±1.6), median PRISMA-7 score 4±4; a further 24% were pre-frail. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 6±2. The majority, 72% (110/152), reported impaired baseline sleep quality (PSQI ≥5) and 13% (20/152) had clinical insomnia (ISI ≥15). The median time spent in ED was 23±13 hours, median duration asleep was only one hour (range 0-8). After adjusting for possible confounders, frailty status was significantly associated with lower PSQI (p<0.001) but not ISI (p=0.07) and RCSQ (p=0.07) scores. Frail patients were twice as likely to report poor baseline sleep OR 2, (95% CI:1.3-3.2). Baseline and overnight sleep disturbance were not associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) or 30-day readmission rates. Conclusion The prevalence of sleep disturbance and clinical insomnia among older adults admitted through ED is high and overnight sleep quality low, although these did not impact on LOS or 30-day re-admission rates. Frail patients reported significantly poorer baseline sleep but did not have higher rates of insomnia or experience worse overnight sleep.

scholarly journals Different aspects of frailty and COVID-19: points to consider in the current pandemic and future ones

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Hussien ◽  
Andra Nastasa ◽  
Mugurel Apetrii ◽  
Ionut Nistor ◽  
Mirko Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Exclusion Criterion ◽  
Clinical Frailty Scale ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Acute Setting ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Microbiota Diversity

Abstract Background Older adults at a higher risk of adverse outcomes and mortality if they get infected with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). These undesired outcomes are because ageing is associated with other conditions like multimorbidity, frailty and disability. This paper describes the impact of frailty on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management and outcomes. We also try to point out the role of inflamm-ageing, immunosenescence and reduced microbiota diversity in developing a severe form of COVID-19 and a different response to COVID-19 vaccination among older frail adults. Additionally, we attempt to highlight the impact of frailty on intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes, and hence, the rationale behind using frailty as an exclusion criterion for critical care admission. Similarly, the importance of using a time-saving, validated, sensitive, and user-friendly tool for frailty screening in an acute setting as COVID-19 triage. We performed a narrative review. Publications from 1990 to March 2021 were identified by searching the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and SCOPUS. Based on this search, we have found that in older frail adults, many mechanisms contribute to the severity of COVID-19, particularly cytokine storm; those mechanisms include lower immunological capacity and status of ongoing chronic inflammation and reduced gut microbiota diversity. Higher degrees of frailty were associated with poor outcomes and higher mortality rates during and after ICU admission. Also, the response to COVID-19 vaccination among frail older adults might differ from the general population regarding effectiveness and side effects. Researches also had shown that there are many tools for identifying frailty in an acute setting that could be used in COVID-19 triage, and before ICU admission, the clinical frailty scale (CFS) was the most recommended tool. Conclusion Older frail adults have a pre-existing immunopathological base that puts them at a higher risk of undesired outcomes and mortality due to COVID-19 and poor response to COVID-19 vaccination. Also, their admission in ICU should depend on their degree of frailty rather than their chronological age, which is better to be screened using the CFS.

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