First validation of the G-8 geriatric screening tool in older patients with glioblastoma

Background: We evaluated the prognostic impact of various global health assessment tools in patients older than 60 years with ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: G-8 geriatric screening tool (G-8 score), Lee Schonberg prognostic index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were determined retrospectively in a consecutive cohort of elderly patients with OC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier method were performed to analyze the impact of the preoperative global health status on survival. Results: 116 patients entered the study. In multivariate analysis adjusted for clinical-pathological factors, only the G-8 score retained significance as a prognostic parameter of progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.970; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.056–3.677]; p = 0.033). Fifty-six patients were classified as G-8-nonfrail with an increased PFS compared to 50 G-8-frail patients (53.4% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.010). A higher CCI was associated with decreased PFS (45.1% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.012), but it did not influence the risk of recurrences or death (p = 0.360; p = 0.111). The Lee Schonberg prognostic index, the ECOG, and age were not associated with survival. Conclusions: The G-8 score independently predicted PFS in elderly OC patients regardless of maximal surgical effort. Thus, it could be useful to assess surgical treatment based on frailty rather than age alone.

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Pharmacy Practice: Exploring the Relationship between SSRIs and Sodium Levels in an Older Adult Population

INNOVATIONS in pharmacy ◽

10.24926/iip.v7i4.476 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Sonya L Anderson ◽

Nita Johnston

Keyword(s):

Older Patients ◽

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽

Sodium Level ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Adult Population ◽

Pharmacy Practice ◽

Hospital Data ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Financial Interests

I was asked to examine the presence of hyponatremia (<130 mEq/L) in older patients (>65 years) taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) at Moses Cone Hospital. The presence of hyponatremia in older patients using SSRIs indicates potentially inappropriate use according to the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment) criteria6. This study was done to assess possible risk factors for potentially inappropriate use of SSRIs by older patients at Moses Cone Hospital. Data collected included the patient’s sex, age, sodium level, and the date the sodium level was drawn. Data also included the specific SSRI and the starting date for the SSRI. The study showed no relationship between age, sex, SSRI prescribed and hyponatremia. However, patients that were prescribed an SSRI for less than a year were more at risk for hyponatremia. Therefore, in order to minimize the risk of hyponatremia, additional monitoring may need to be added at SSRI initiation, three months, six months, and one year, especially in patients with other medications that may lower sodium levels. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties. Type: Student Project

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