scholarly journals Pharmacological treatment of chronic non-malignant pain among elderly persons: an integrative review

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-381
Author(s):  
Salomão Antônio Olivência ◽  
Luiza Gabriela Mendes Barbosa ◽  
Marcela Rodrigues da Cunha ◽  
Ledismar José da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Individualized Approach

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present study was to perform an integrative review of proposed pharmacological treatments for chronic non-malignant pain in elderly patients. Method: An integrative review was carried out. The search of literature included papers about the treatment of chronic pain among the elderly, published from 2007 to 2017 and available in Portuguese or English. Searches were conducted on the LILACS and MEDLINE electronic databases using the key words “chronic pain”, “treatment” and “elderly” combined with the Boolean operator “AND”. To analyse methodological quality, the adapted Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) was used. Results: Of a total of 303 studies found, 32 were included. The articles selected included 20 reviews, five observational studies, five clinical trials, one case series and one retrospective study. A total of 75% of the articles were published in the last five years, of which one was in Portuguese and 31 in English. Conclusion :The results demonstrate a variety of treatments for chronic pain among the elderly population, highlighting the role of opioids which, according to more recent evidence, can be carefully used in treatment. Several drugs, however, have not been specifically tested for the elderly population. A number of factors are relevant in pain management of elderly patients, including comorbidities, polypharmacy and patient functionality. An individualized approach should be applied to elderly patients to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

scholarly journals Chronic Pain in the Elderly: The Case for New Therapeutic Strategies

2015 ◽  
Vol 5;18 (5;9) ◽  
pp. E863-E876
Author(s):  
Giustino Varrassi
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Neuronal Cells ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Narrative Review

Background: Elderly patients in general exhibit a higher incidence of chronic and neuropathic pain conditions. This group poses a particular clinical challenge due to age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues, comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy, as well as frailty and cognitive decline. Poor control of pain has consistently been identified as an issue for older people. The identification of safe and efficacious treatments for chronic pain remains a critical public health concern, especially considering the progressive increase of the world’s elderly population. Objectives: This narrative review deals with the principal alterations of the somatosensory system together with changes in non-neuronal cells in the course of aging. The possibility to control chronic pain based on an innovative strategy which addresses non-neuronal cell dysregulation control will also be discussed. Study Design: Narrative review. Results: Peripheral nerves display functional, structural, and biochemical changes with aging that mainly involve Aδ fibers. Alteration in the responses to heat pain in the middle insular cortex and primary somatosensory cortex are also observed in the elderly. In general, pain threshold increases with age while the threshold of pain tolerance remains unchanged or decreases. Additionally, other important modifications of the pain perception system in this age group consist in a clear reduction in the descending inhibitory capacity with an associated increase in central sensitization. Furthermore, different changes concern immune system cells, such as mast cells and microglia, that with age show an increase in their sensitivity to noxious stimuli and a decreased capability to be regulated by homeostatic endogenous systems. Since these cells are the primary interlocutors for pain neurons, their alterations lead to changes that promote persistent neuroinflammation, thereby impacting pain neuronal cell functionality. Limitation: This review is not an exhaustive review for the current evidence supporting the role of immune cells in influencing pain somatosensory neuron functions. It is also important to stress the small number of studies designed to determine the efficacy and safety of anti-pain therapies in elderly patients. Conclusion: Non-neuronal cells of immune system origin such as microglia and mast cells, along with astrocytes, are capable of influencing pain somatosensory neuron functions. These nervous system non-neuronal cells may thus be viewed as innovative targets for persistent pain control. Among therapies aiming at preserving the functionality of non-neuronal cells, palmitoylethanolamide, with its high efficacy/risk ratio, may be an excellent co-treatment for the ever-growing elderly population with chronic pain. Key words: Elderly, chronic and neuropathic pain, mast cells, glial cells, neuroinflammation, micronized and ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide

scholarly journals ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES AMONG ELDERLY PERSONS

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (04) ◽  
pp. 615-620
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD RAZZAQ MALIK ◽  
MUHAMMAD AZEEM ◽  
MUHAMMAD ZAFAR IQBAL
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Medical College Hospital ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Orthopedic Department ◽  
Orthopedic Injuries

Background: Pakistan is experiencing a rise in its elderly population leading to increase burden of orthopedic injuries. With meager resources and a poor understanding of elderly health problems; Pakistan faces many challenges in caring for its elderly population. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to, “Assess the frequency of orthopedic injuries among elderly persons and the associated risk factors at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan”. Study design and duration: This was an analytical observational study conducted among the elderly patients above the age of 60 years, admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Methodology: The data was collected regarding the frequency, causes and pattern of orthopedic injuries in elderly patients admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital / Medical College Rahim Yar Khan. The data regarding age, sex, education, occupation, geographical origin, and mechanism of injury were obtained by questionnaire. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 16. Results: There were total 1589 patients admitted in the Orthopedic Unit during the study period. The elderly persons above the age of 60 years were 291(18.31%). There were 184(63.24%) males and 107(36.76%) females. The average age was 64.52 years in urban residents and 66.34 years in rural residents’ patients. Among the frequency of injuries, the femoral neck and inter-trochanter region were most commonly involved. The proportion of injuries in males it was 44.02% and in females it was higher that was 49.53%. The majority (68.29%) of the elderly persons was dependent and was not satisfied with socio-economic condition and status in the family (p < 0.000). Conclusions: Elderly patients who have experienced trauma are at increased risk of subsequent injury. Interventions to reduce the likelihood of trauma recurrence should focus on those with chronic illnesses and functional impairments.

Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Sacral Insufficiency Fractures: Case Series and Review of Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Clark ◽  
Devang Butani
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Insufficiency Fractures ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are a cause of debilitating low back pain that is often difficult to diagnosis and manage. The diagnosis of SIF is often delayed due to inaccurately attributing symptoms to spondylosis, which is a commonly present in the elderly population where SIFs are most prevalent. Historically, treatment consisted of medical management and open reduction internal fixation reserved for severe cases. However, percutaneous sacroplasty has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option which provides early pain relief without significant complications. The objective of this article is to raise awareness of SIFs and percutaneous sacroplasty as an effective and safe treatment method.

scholarly journals How to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Piera Federico ◽  
Emilio Francesco Giunta ◽  
Annalisa Pappalardo ◽  
Andrea Tufo ◽  
Gianpaolo Marte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Chronic Liver Diseases ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Choice Of Treatment ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Optimal Treatment Strategy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary tumour of the liver with the greatest incidence, particularly in the elderly. Additionally, improvements in the treatments for chronic liver diseases have increased the number of elderly patients who might be affected by HCC. Little evidence exists regarding HCC in old patients, and the elderly are still underrepresented and undertreated in clinical trials. In fact, this population represents a complex subgroup of patients who are hard to manage, especially due to the presence of multiple comorbidities. Therefore, the choice of treatment is mainly decided by the physician in the clinical practice, who often tend not to treat elderly patients in order to avoid the possibility of adverse events, which may alter their unstable equilibrium. In this context, the clarification of the optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients affected by HCC has become an urgent necessity. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available data regarding the treatment of HCC in elderly patients, starting from the definition of “elderly” and the geriatric assessment and scales. We explain the possible treatment choices according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) scale and their feasibility in the elderly population.

scholarly journals 744. Effectiveness of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine and Influenza Vaccine Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia Among Elderly Patients Aged 65 Years and Older in the Republic of Korea: A Case–Control Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S267-S267
Author(s):  
Jong Hun Kim ◽  
Byung Chul Chun ◽  
Joon Young Song ◽  
Hyo Youl Kim ◽  
In-Gyu Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Polysaccharide Vaccine ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background The national immunization program (NIP) of annual influenza vaccination to the elderly population (≥65 years of age) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been implemented since 1987. Recently, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) through the NIP has been provided to the elderly population in the ROK since May 2013. The aim of this study was to assess PPV23 and influenza vaccine (IV) effectiveness in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) among elderly patients ≥65 years of age. Methods A case–control study using a hospital-based cohort was conducted. Cases of PP including bacteremic PP and nonbacteremic PP were collected from 14 hospitals in the pneumococcal diseases surveillance program from March 2013 to October 2015. Controls matched by age and sex in the same hospital were selected. Demographic, clinical information, and vaccination histories were collected. Previous immunization was categorized into “vaccinated” if a patient had received vaccines as follows: PPV23 (4 weeks to 5 years) and IV (2 weeks to 6 months) prior to the diagnosis of PP for case patients and prior to the hospital admission for control patients. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated, controlling for underlying medical conditions. Vaccine effectiveness was defined as (1 – OR) × 100. Results During the study period, a total of 661 cases (104 bacteremic PP cases and 557 nonbacteremic PP cases) and 661 controls were enrolled for analyses. For overall patients ≥65 years of age, there was no significant vaccine effectiveness against PP. For young elderly patients with 65–74 years, IV alone (1.2%, [95% confidence interval (CI) −95.3% to 50.0%]) and PPV23 alone (21.9%, [95% CI −39.0% to 56.1%]) were not effective. However, significant vaccine effectiveness of PPV23 plus IV against PP was noted (54.4%, [95% CI 6.9–77.7%], P = 0.031). For older elderly patients ≥75 years of age, no significant vaccine effectiveness was observed. Conclusion Our study indicates that PPV23 plus IV may be effective in preventing PP among young elderly patients with 65–74 years, suggesting additive benefits of influenza plus PPV23 vaccination. Further studies are required to confirm the persistent additive protective effectiveness. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY:OUR CURRENT TRENDS

2021 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Rohit Arora ◽  
D.K Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Individualized Approach ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Optimal Target

Hypertension is a common disease in the elderly associated with signicant morbidity and mortality. Due to the complexity of this population, the optimal target of blood pressure (BP) control is still controversial. In this article, we conduct a literature review of trials published in English in the last 10 years which were specically designed to study the efcacy and safety of various BP targets in patients who are 70 years or older. Using these criteria, we found that the benets in the positive studies were demonstrated even with a minimal BPcontrol (systolic BP[SBP] <150 mmHg) and continued to be reported for a SBP<120 mmHg. On the other hand, keeping SBP<140 mmHg seemed to be safely achieved in elderly patients. Although the safety of lowering SBP to <120 mmHg is debated, Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial study has shown no increased risk of falls, fractures, or kidney failure in elderly patients with SBP lower than this threshold. While the recent guidelines recommended to keep BP <130/80 mmHg in the elderly, more individualized approach should be considered to achieve this goal in order to avoid undesirable complications. Furthermore, further studies are required to evaluate BPtarget in very old patients or those with multiple comorbidities.

scholarly journals Care and management demands of long-term care facilities for the elderly in Brazil: an integrative review (2004-2014)

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fátima Ferreira Roquete ◽  
Carolina Campos Ricci Frá Batista ◽  
Rodrigo Caetano Arantes
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care For The Elderly ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Care Demands

Abstract Objective: to analyze the care and management demands of Long-Term Care Facilities for the Elderly (LTCFs) in Brazil. Method: an integrative review of literature was carried out, organized into six stages: a) elaboration of a guiding question; b) online search of LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, the CAPES Portal and the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology databases; c) article selection, following the exclusion and inclusion criteria, with the sample composed of 17 articles; d) commented analysis of the selected articles; e) deliberation on the results obtained, formulated from the synthesis and interpretation of the selected studies; f) presentation of the results of the review. Results: the care demands identified are related to the process of caring and assume a working team with geriatric and gerontological knowledge, while the management demands include the means and resources needed so the care can be provided effectively. However, the LTCFs were found to rely on professionals who are unprepared to provide care or to assume an organizational management role, meaning care for the elderly is restricted to the essentials for their basic needs. Conclusion: the care demands were easily identified in the analyzed publications, however, there is a lack of research that evaluates management demands in a broader and more in-depth manner. It is suggested that studies aiming to broaden theoretical knowledge of the care and management demands of LTCFs are carried out, to stimulate effective and positive actions in the practices of these institutions, seeking to offer top quality care to elderly persons that live in these facilities, that responds to the real needs of their current stage of life.

scholarly journals The inclusion of elderly persons from the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS) in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, in the digital age: physio-gerontological contributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Carvalho ◽  
Rodrigo Caetano Arantes ◽  
Angélica Sartori Rossi Cintra
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
At Home

abstract Introduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.

scholarly journals Displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly: outcomes after non-operative treatment – a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 391-397
Author(s):  
Olga D. Savvidou ◽  
Panagiotis Koutsouradis ◽  
Angelos Kaspiris ◽  
Leon Naar ◽  
George D. Chloros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Operative Treatment ◽  
Treatment Option ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Olecranon Fractures

Operative treatment with tension band wiring or plate is the gold standard of care for displaced olecranon fractures. In elderly patients, multiple comorbidities combine with increased intraoperative risks, and postoperative complications may yield poor results. There are small series in the literature that show promising results with non-operative treatment. Non-operative treatment may provide reasonable function and satisfaction in the elderly population and could be considered as a treatment option in this group, especially for those with comorbidities, to avoid postoperative complications and the need for re-operation. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:391-397. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190041

Evaluating anticoagulation sensitivity among elderly patients managed with an institution’s heparin protocol using initial anti-factor Xa levels

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S13-S18
Author(s):  
Adley Lemke ◽  
Jean Kohs ◽  
Lynn Weber
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Target Level ◽  
P Values ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Deep Vein

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess an institution’s heparin protocols in elderly and nonelderly adult populations to see if a response difference was observed. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults who were prescribed unfractionated heparin due to surgery, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) from February 11, 2016, through August 1, 2017. Patients were divided into nonelderly adults 18 to 69 years of age and elderly patients 70 years of age or older. The anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) level after protocol initiation was compared to the institution’s goal range of 0.3 to 0.7 IU/mL. Outcomes of each protocol in the elderly population were compared to outcomes in their nonelderly counterparts to determine if there was a difference in heparin response. Results A total of 325 patients were included in the analysis, comprising 150 elderly and 175 nonelderly adults. Elderly patients had a higher initial anti-Xa levels than did their nonelderly adult counterparts in the ACS, DVT/PE, and surgery protocols, with P values of 0.02, &lt;0.001, and 0.01, respectively. Only the ACS protocol demonstrated increased frequency of above-target-level anti-Xa levels in the elderly (P = 0.03). Conclusion Elderly patients had significantly higher initial anti-Xa levels than did nonelderly adult patients across all protocols. This study identifies the need to further study elderly patients’ increased heparin sensitivity to determine if a separate dosing protocol is needed.

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