Predictors of mortality in the infection by influenza virus in geriatric population

Background/objective: Several hematological and inflammatory parameters so far have been associated with COVID-19 disease severity; however, such evidence for particularly vulnerable elderly patients is lacking. This study aimed to investigate potential and practical biomarkers that could assist in predicting mortality at the presentation in a group of elderly and non-elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1820 COVID-19 patients hospi-talized for treatment. Clinical and mortality data as well as certain hematological and inflammatory parameters were retrieved from records. For analysis, patients were divided into two groups as geriatric (age ≥65 years) and non-geriatric subjects. The associated factors of the parameters on mortality were examined separately for elderly and younger patients. Results: Following multivariate analysis, high neutrophil count and high troponin T levels emerged as significant independent predictors of mortality in both geriatric patients and younger patients. Low and high monocyte count was associated with increased mortality risk for geriatric and younger patients, respectively. In the geriatric population, high ferritin levels and high RBC count was associated with increased risk, but increased eosinophil count was associated with decreased risk. Low lymphocyte count emerged as a predictor of mortality among younger patients. Conclusion: Several hematological and inflammatory parameters and indices may assist in predicting the mortality risk in patients with COVID-19; however, there appears to be some differences in terms of these predictors of mortality between elderly and younger patients. Larger prospective studies are warranted to support these findings.

Download Full-text

Normal Swallowing in the Geriatric Population

Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) ◽

10.1044/sasd10.1.14 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 14-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gary H. McCullough

Keyword(s):

Geriatric Population ◽

Normal Swallowing

Download Full-text

The Interaction of Pulmonary Physiology and Swallowing: A Juggling Act for the Physician and Speech-Language Pathologist

Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) ◽

10.1044/sasd18.1.34 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 34-40

Author(s):

Karen J. Dikeman ◽

Marta S. Kazandjian ◽

Elbert Tun ◽

Panina Niyazova ◽

Tien-Tsai Tsai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Team Approach ◽

Care Providers ◽

Geriatric Population ◽

Pulmonary Physiology ◽

Speech Language Pathologist ◽

Ventilator Dependence ◽

Clinical Case Studies ◽

Single Disease Entity

Abstract Patients who are dependent upon tracheostomy and/or ventilator use present a particular challenge to health-care providers. The interaction of pulmonary physiology and deglutition is complex, as illustrated in the course of patients who are in the weaning process. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) should work closely with their physician colleagues to understand the influence of multiple medical co-morbidities on intervention. In traditional medicine, the clinician's objective is to connect a patient's many symptoms and complaints to a single disease entity. However, in caring for the ventilator dependent geriatric population, a symptom such as dysphagia typically results from the interplay of various, multi-organ symptoms, and conditions. This article strives to demonstrate the “juggling act” that the physician and SLP must balance between the patient's current medical condition, pulmonary dysfunction, and disordered swallowing. Clinical case studies illustrate the benefit of swallowing intervention on quality of life. While the care of patients with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence requires a team approach, with respiratory therapy and nursing vital members, this article emphasizes the roles of the SLP and physician.

Download Full-text