Comorbidity and functional status are independent in older cancer patients.

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1582-1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Extermann ◽  
J Overcash ◽  
G H Lyman ◽  
J Parr ◽  
L Balducci

PURPOSE Comorbidity is a frequent and often therapeutically limiting problem in older cancer patients. However, to date, there is no standard measure of the comorbidity burden available for these patients. We tested the performance of two comorbidity scales and their relationship with functional status. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric (CIRS-G) was compared with the Charlson scale in 203 patients who received a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in our Senior Adult Oncology Program (SAOP). Study end points were variability, reliability, correlation with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The relative weight of comorbidity versus tumor stage in the correlations with functional status was assessed. RESULTS Median age was 75 years (range, 63 to 91). Sixty-four percent of patients scored 0 on the Charlson scale versus 6% on the CIRS-G. The correlation between the Charlson and CIRS-G was fair (p = 0.25 to 0.39). CIRS-G grade 3/4 had a fair correlation with ADL (p = 0.27). Otherwise, there was low or no correlation between comorbidity and functional status across the measures. Tumor stage was not correlated with functional status either. Correlation of ECOG PS with ADL (p = 0.51)c and IADL (p = 0.61) was moderate. Interrater and test-retest correlations were good or very good for both the Charlson and CIRS-G. CONCLUSION Comorbidity needs to be assessed independently from functional status. Both the Charlson and CIRS-G scales are reliable tools for use in trials of older cancer patients. Both can be tested in further studies as predictors of outcomes such as toxicity of treatment, changes in functional status, or survival.

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx ◽  
Charlene Compher

Objective: To determine the nutritional, inflammatory, and functional aspects of unintentional weight loss after cardiac surgery that warrant further investigation. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty community-dwelling adults > 65 years old undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] or CABG + valve) were recruited for this prospective longitudinal (preoperative and 4–6 weeks postdischarge) pilot study. Anthropometrics (weight, standing height, and mid-arm and calf circumference), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment™ [MNA]), appetite, physical performance (timed chair stand), muscle strength (hand grip) and functional status (basic and instrumental activities of daily living), and inflammatory markers (plasma leptin, ghrelin, interleukin [IL]-6, high-sensitivity[hs] C-reactive protein, and serum albumin and prealbumin) were measured. Results: Participants who completed the study ( n = 11 males, n = 3 females) had a mean age 70.21 ± 4.02 years. Of these, 12 lost 3.66 ± 1.44 kg over the study period. Weight, BMI, activities of daily living, and leptin decreased over time ( p < .05). IL-6 increased over time ( p < .05). Ghrelin, hs-CRP, and timed chair stand increased over time in those who underwent combined procedures ( p < .05). Grip strength decreased in those who developed complications ( p = .004). Complications, readmission status, and lowered grip strength were found in those with low preoperative MNA scores ( p < .05). Conclusion: After cardiac surgery, postdischarge weight loss occurs during a continued inflammatory response accompanied by decreased physical functioning and may not be a positive outcome. The impacts of weight loss, functional impairment, and inflammation during recovery on disability and frailty warrant further study.


Nephron ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Teddy Novais ◽  
Elodie Pongan ◽  
Frederic Gervais ◽  
Marie-Hélène Coste ◽  
Emmanuel Morelon ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> In older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), the decision of kidney transplantation (KT) is a challenge for nephrologists. The use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is increasingly gaining interest into the process of decision-making about treatment modality choice for CKD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of geriatric impairment and frailty in older dialysis and nondialysis patients with advanced CKD using a pretransplant CGA model and to identify geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians’ recommendations for KT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An observational study was conducted with retrospective data from July 2017 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥65 years with advanced CKD, treated or not with dialysis, and referred by the nephrologist were included in the study. The CGA assessed comorbidity burden, cognition, mood, nutritional status, (instrumental) activities of daily living, physical function, frailty, and polypharmacy. Geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians’ recommendations for KT were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 156 patients were included (74.2 ± 3.5 years and 62.2% on dialysis). Geriatric conditions were highly prevalent in both dialysis and nondialysis groups. The rate of geriatric impairments was higher in dialysis patients regarding comorbidity burden, symptoms of depression, physical function, autonomy, and frailty. Geriatrician’s recommendations for KT were as follows: favorable (79.5%) versus not favorable or multidisciplinary discussion needed with nephrologists (20.5%). Dependence for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–7.31), physical functions (OR = 2.91 and 95% CI = 1.08–7.87), and frailty (OR = 2.66 and 95% CI = 1.07–6.65) were found to be independent geriatric impairments influencing geriatrician’s recommendations for KT. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Understanding the burden of geriatric impairment provides an opportunity to direct KT decision-making and to guide interventions to prevent functional decline and preserve quality of life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Hironari Tamiya ◽  
Hiroki Hagizawa ◽  
Takaaki Nakai ◽  
Yoshinori Imura ◽  
Takaaki Tanaka ◽  
...  

Zoledronate or denosumab treatment is beneficial for cancer patients with bone metastasis. However, each agent may trigger atypical femoral fractures. Incomplete atypical femoral fractures can be successfully treated with prophylactic intramedullary nailing. On the other hand, intramedullary nailing for displaced atypical femoral fractures occasionally causes problems with regard to bone healing, resulting in long-term treatment. In cancer patients with poor prognosis who experience atypical femoral fractures, improvement in activities of daily living should be the priority. Thus, we performed endoprosthetic reconstruction for a displaced atypical femoral fracture in a breast cancer patient with poor prognosis to enable walking in the early stage after the operation. Two weeks after the operation, she could successfully walk. The postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 47%, and it had improved to almost the preoperative level before injury (50%). In conclusion, endoprosthetic reconstruction for displaced atypical femoral fractures may be a first-line treatment approach to acquire early postoperative walking ability for improving activities of daily living in cancer patients with poor prognosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizhi Guo ◽  
Li An ◽  
Fengping Luo ◽  
Bin Yu

Abstract Objective This study investigated whether loneliness or social isolation is associated with the onset of functional disability over 4 years among Chinese older populations. Setting and Subjects This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Functional status was assessed by activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Analyses were conducted with data from two waves (2011 and 2015) and were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older and free of functional disability at baseline [n = 5,154, mean age (SD) = 60.72 (7.51); male, 52.3%]. Method Social isolation, loneliness and covariates were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures of new-onset ADL and IADL disability were obtained 4 years later. We stratified the sample by gender, and then used binary logistic regressions to evaluate the associations between baseline isolation, loneliness and new-onset ADL and IADL disability. Results For women, baseline social isolation was significantly associated with new-onset ADL (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.30) and IADL (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01–1.21) disability; no significant association between loneliness and ADL or IADL disability was found. For men, neither social isolation nor loneliness was found to be significantly associated with ADL or IADL disability. Conclusion This longitudinal study found that social isolation, rather than loneliness, was significantly associated with functional disability over 4 years among women (but not men) in China. These findings expand our knowledge about the association between social relationships and functional status among non-Western populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adesola Ojo Ojoawo ◽  
Taiwo Oluwaseun Arasanmi ◽  
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada

Background: Non-specific low-back pain (NSLBP) is a common health problem worldwide, but the perception and coping strategies used by patients are underreported. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the perception of patients with NSLBP, the ways the pain interrfered with their basic life, and coping strategies employed by them. Methods: Twenty patients consisting of 10 males (50%) and 10 females (50%) participated in this study. A qualitative interview was conducted using a three-section modified structured interview guide by Gwenda. Section A contained sociodemographic information, section B was the numerical pain rating scale, and section C asked questions about the pain duration, the ways of pain interference with the patient’s life, and strategies used to cope with pain. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The results showed that 50% of the patients were within the age range of 58 years or above. Ten (50%) patients perceived that NSLBP was caused by work-related activities and 10% perceived that NSLBP was a spiritual problem. Fifty percent reported that the pain interfered with their activities of daily living, and four (20%) mentioned that NSLBP interfered with their sexual function and religious activities. Concerning the coping strategy, 40% used prayer, 15% usually ignored the pain, and 35% used the conventional approach. Conclusions: It can be concluded that half of the patients with NSLBP perceived NSLBP to be caused by work-related activities. Besides, NSLBP interfered with basic activities of daily living, and about 40% were coping with NSLBP with prayer and spiritual means.


2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 494-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lazzaro Repetto ◽  
Lucia Fratino ◽  
Riccardo A. Audisio ◽  
Antonella Venturino ◽  
Walter Gianni ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: To appraise the performance of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in elderly cancer patients (≥ 65 years) and to evaluate whether it could add further information with respect to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 363 elderly cancer patients (195 males, 168 females; median age, 72 years) with solid (n = 271) or hematologic (n = 92) tumors. In addition to PS, their physical function was assessed by means of the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales. Comorbidities were categorized according to Satariano’s index. The association between PS, comorbidity, and the items of the CGA was assessed by means of logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: These 363 elderly cancer patients had a good functional and mental status: 74% had a good PS (ie, lower than 2), 86% were ADL-independent, and 52% were IADL-independent. Forty-one percent of patients had one or more comorbid conditions. Of the patients with a good PS, 13.0% had two or more comorbidities; 9.3% and 37.7% had ADL or IADL limitations, respectively. By multivariate analysis, elderly cancer patients who were ADL-dependent or IADL-dependent had a nearly two-fold higher probability of having an elevated Satariano’s index than independent patients. A strong association emerged between PS and CGA, with a nearly five-fold increased probability of having a poor PS (ie, ≥ 2) recorded in patients dependent for ADL or IADL. CONCLUSION: The CGA adds substantial information on the functional assessment of elderly cancer patients, including patients with a good PS. The role of PS as unique marker of functional status needs to be reappraised among elderly cancer patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 484-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Marinho Cezar da Cruz ◽  
Maria Luisa Guillaumon Emmel

OBJECTIVE: to verify whether there are associations among occupational roles, independence to perform Activities of Daily Living, purchasing power, and assistive technology for individuals with physical disabilities. METHOD: 91 individuals with physical disabilities participated in the study. The instruments used were: Role Checklist, Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion, Barthel Index, and a Questionnaire to characterize the subjects. RESULTS: an association with a greater number of roles was found among more independent individuals using a lower number of technological devices. Higher purchasing power was associated with a lower functional status of dependence. CONCLUSION: even though technology was not directly associated with independence, the latter was associated with a greater number of occupational roles, which requires reflection upon independence issues when considering the participation in occupational roles. These findings support interdisciplinary actions designed to promote occupational roles in individuals with physical disabilities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian L. Dale ◽  
Barbara H. Brumbach ◽  
Adam L. Boxer ◽  
Amie L. Hiller

Introduction: Amantadine anecdotally improves gait in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) but definitive data is lacking. We investigated associations between amantadine usage, gait, cognition, and activities of daily living in 310 subjects with PSP using data from the davunetide trial.Method: We compared baseline demographics, PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS), Repeat Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SEADL) scores between subjects taking vs. not taking amantadine using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent sample t-tests for continuous variables. Using the general linear model (GLM), we tested whether group status predicted total PSPRS, PSPRS-gait and midline, total RBANS, RBANS-attention, and SEADL before and after the 52-weeks follow-up.Results: Subjects taking vs. not taking amantadine were similar at baseline, except subjects taking amantadine had a higher Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Score (p = 0.01). However, the CGI change score did not differ between groups at week 52 (p = 0.10). Using GLM models (controlling for covariates), we found that subjects taking vs. not taking amantadine did not significantly predict total PSPRS, PSPRS-gait and midline, total RBANS, RBANS-attention, or SEADL at baseline, week 52, or the change score between baseline and week 52.Discussion: This post-hoc analysis of the davunetide trial did not find an association between amantadine and gait or cognitive measures in PSP, but was not powered to find such a difference. Future studies should still examine amantadine for symptomatic benefit in multiple PSP subtypes.


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