scholarly journals TO STUDY THE SEX SPECIFIC DISTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS DERMATOSES IN THE GERIATRIC POPULATION

Author(s):  
Pankaj Rao ◽  
Vineet Kumar ◽  
Chandraprakash Chouhan ◽  
Rekha S

Background: In aging, a decline in the regular functions of skin is observed, including cell replacement capacity, barrier function, chemical clearance capacity, sensory perception, mechanical protection, wound healing, immune responsiveness, thermoregulation, sweat production, sebum production, vitamin D production, and capacity to repair DNA. As a result, some inevitable changes, such as roughness, wrinkling, and laxity of the skin, and atypical presentations of dermatologic diseases are observed in elderly patients. Methods: Five hundred consecutive patients more than 60 years of age attending the outpatient clinic or admitted as inpatients in the Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy at MDM Hospital, Jodhpur were studied. Results: Of the total of 500 participants in our study, 263 (52.6%) were males and the rest were females. Most common dermatosis noted in the target population was benign tumors, present in 322 patients (64.4%). Second most common disease group affecting the elderly was the infections and infestations group, being present in 215 patients (43%). Infections were present in 195 patients (39%) while infestations were present in 24 patients (4.8%). Four patients presented with infection along with infestation. Conclusion: Males outnumbered females with male to female ratio 1.11:1. The distribution and frequency of various dermatoses varies significantly from country to country and region to region Keywords: Gender, Ageing, Dermatoses, Pruritus, Senile.

Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Zonda

The author examined completed suicides occurring over a period of 25 years in a county of Hungary with a traditionally low (relatively speaking) suicide rate of 25.8. The rates are clearly higher in villages than in the towns. The male/female ratio was close to 4:1, among elderly though only 1.5:1. The high risk groups are the elderly, divorced, and widowed. Violent methods are chosen in 66.4% of the cases. The rates are particularly high in the period April-July. Prior communication of suicidal intention was revealed in 16.3% of all cases. Previous attempts had been undertaken by 17%, which in turn means that 83% of suicides were first attempts. In our material 10% the victims left suicide notes. Psychiatric disorders were present in 60.1% of the cases, and severe, multiple somatic illnesses (including malignomas) were present in 8.8%. The majority of the data resemble those found in the literature.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waheed Atilade Adegbiji ◽  
Shuaib Kayode Aremu ◽  
AbdulAkeem Adebayo Aluko

BACKGROUND Issues of geriatric otolaryngologic emergency have not been widely applied despite increase in geriatric population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at determining prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology, clinical features, Complications and sources ofreferral of geriatric otorhinolaryngological, head and neck emergency in our center. METHODS This was a prospective hospital based study of geriatric otorhinolaryngology emergency in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. The study was carried out between October 2016 and September 2018. Data were obtained by using pretested interviewers questionnaire.All data were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The data were expressed by frequency table, percentage, bar charts and pie charts. RESULTS Geriatric otorhinolaryngology, head and neck emergency accounted for 5.3%. Major prevalence age group was 43.9% in the age group (60-64). There were 38.6% males with male to female ratio of 1:1.5. The main aetiology of geriatric otorhinolaryngology emergency was 29.5% trauma/road traffic accident/foreign body impaction and 25.8% tumour. Main anatomical distribution of geriatric otorhinolaryngology emergency were 38.6% throat diseases and 31.1% ear diseases. The most frequent clinical features were pain in 27.3%, hearing loss in 21.2%, tinnitus in 15.9%, bleeding in 14.4%, difficulty breathing in 12.9% and discharge in 11.4%. Common diagnosis in this study were 15.9% sinonasal tumour, 14.4% upper aerodigestive foreign body impaction, 10.6% earwax impaction and 19.8% otitis externa. Acute presentation (<13 weeks) occurred in 1 week in 74.2% and 2-13 weeks In 19.7%. Commonest time of presentation was daytime in 65.9%. Major sources of referral were 43.2% general practitioner and 31.1% casualty officers. Presentation of geriatric otorhinolaryngology emergency were mainly ear, nose and throat clinic in 59.8% with accident and emergency in 28.8%. Commonest associated comorbid illnesses among the geriatric patients were 18.2% hypertension, 14.4% arthritis and 9.8% diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS Geriatric otorhinolaryngological emergency are common pathology with associated with comorbid illnesses. Detailed clinical assessment are mandatory for effective management outcome.


2021 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Rohit Arora ◽  
D.K Sharma

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110493
Author(s):  
Emily Scriven ◽  
Bhakti Chavan ◽  
David Drozek

The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) is an intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification program (ITLMP) with well-documented success in decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plant-based diets and physical activity are components of the program that contribute to these improvements. Yet, there are few studies on how ITLMPs affect risk factors specifically for the geriatric population. The goal of this study was to examine results of CHIP participants with a focus on the older (greater than 65 years) population in Athens, Ohio. Retrospective data from 2011 to 2017 were analyzed for 26 CHIP classes. Recorded variables included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), blood glucose (BG), and exercise level. Among geriatric participants, significant changes were found in BMI, BP, TC, LDL, HDL, BG, and exercise level ( P < .001). As compared to the younger population, changes in variables were equivalent in the geriatric population in all variables ( P > .05). These improvements in CVD risk factors among the elderly support the hypothesis that CHIP should be considered for CVD prevention and treatment in the geriatric population.


2001 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Scheidel

For many Romans, life was short. In consequence, the young greatly outnumbered the elderly. Historians have long accepted these basic truths, even if they are only beginning to come to terms with the social implications of an alien demographic regime. But how short is ‘short’, and how many Romans were children, how many adults? Does it matter, and can we know?The importance of demographic structure is not in doubt. High mortality causes scarce energy resources to be wasted in pregnancies and nursing, and poses a disincentive to investment in education. It destabilizes families and households, exposes orphans and widows to risk and potential hardship, and shortens the time-horizons of economic activity. In the long term, average life expectancy is the principal determinant of fertility. Poor chances of survival trigger high birth rates to ensure genetic survival. High fertility, in turn, is negatively correlated with the status and well-being of women, and constrains female participation in economic and public affairs. Overall age structure, in conjunction with cultural practices from marriage to child care, determines the prevalence of orphans and widows, and affects the age-specific distribution of fertility. In sum, age structure is instrumental in framing and shaping expectations and experiences. For this reason alone, our understanding of life in the Roman world is critically dependent on our knowledge of demographic conditions.


Author(s):  
Ramprasad Vasthare ◽  
Anil V. Ankola ◽  
Arron Lim Yan Ran ◽  
Prateek Mansingh

Across the world, the segment of the elderly in populations is seen to be increasing at a rapid rate. There also exists a trend in which more teeth are retained as age increases due to effective dental public health measures like fluoridation. This inevitably places an increased need for dental healthcare among the geriatric populations. Since oral health greatly affects the systemic health of aged individuals, it is imperative for dentists and physicians to work together as a team to impart treatment to the best of one’s abilities for geriatric patients. It is therefore, necessary to first assess the oral health concerns surrounding the geriatric population from the perspective of public health dentistry. Relationship of the elderly with periodontal disease, dental caries, salivary hyposalivation and xerostomia, cognitive changes, and simultaneous usage of diverse medications was discussed. This paper reviewed the literature and then examined and discussed the various problems mentioned in depth and suggested recommendations for a plan of action. Knowledge about the specific oral health concerns and issues will help to better position us in developing strategies for providing better oral healthcare to the geriatric population in addition to the existing systemic healthcare. In the future, the elderly will make up a huge portion of the demographic visiting dentist regularly for a myriad of oral health problems. Dental health professionals therefore, must have adequate training and competency to deal with the predicament of this geriatric population. Preventive and treatment services can ensure healthy aging which will improve the quality of life.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Purnima Mehta ◽  
Faaiq Hassan ◽  
Muhammed Omar Qadir ◽  
Shirish Dubey ◽  
Sergio Pagliarini ◽  
...  

Background: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common type of systemic vasculitis affecting the elderly. Ophthalmic presentations of GCA in particular can be difficult to identify prior to permanent visual loss occurring. Methods: Here, we present 3 challenging cases as a retrospective series to highlight the variable presentations of GCA with ophthalmic involvement, but GCA was not suspected due to atypical presentation. Results: Unfortunately, all 3 cases went on to develop visual loss in the affected eye due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment. The authors wish to highlight the challenges posed to the referring clinicians, when patients had systemic/ocular co-morbidities, which delayed the suspicion of GCA Conclusion with a Practical Point: Our cases highlight the variable presentations of this condition as well as the devastating ophthalmic implications that GCA can have. A high index of suspicion must be maintained; particularly in elderly patients with atypical presentations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waris Qidwai ◽  
Imdad Ali Khushk ◽  
Fizzah Farooq ◽  
Muhammad Yusuf Hafiz ◽  
Kashmira Nanji

Background: Worldwide, some one million people pass the sixty year old threshold every month (Ageing, WHO). Between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Outpatient clinics (OPD) of two hospitals in Karachi from April to May 2013. Elderly (> 60 years of age) visiting the clinics were consecutively recruited. 477 elderly were approached and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Pearson chi-square test was used to identify the factors related to choosing of "Old Age Homes". Results: A total of 400 participants were selected. Fifty-five percent of the elderly were in between 60 to 65 years of age and majority was males 54.8 percent. Elderly were aware of the presence of "Old Age Homes" in Pakistan, however only 7 percent choose to live in there. The main reason was found to be that the elderly did not want to go away from their families and loved ones. Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of the participants felt insecure to live in a home with strangers. However, "Old Age Homes" were preferred choice for those with chronic diseases or those living alone. Media should initiate public education programs to reduce social stigmas in seeking alternate long-term care services outside of the family.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shraddha Mainali ◽  
Marin E. Darsie

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to prevail as a catastrophic wave infecting over 111 million people globally, claiming 2. 4 million lives to date. Aged individuals are particularly vulnerable to this disease due to their fraility, immune dysfunction, and higher rates of medical comorbidities, among other causes. Apart from the primary respiratory illness, this virus is known to cause multi-organ dysfunction including renal, cardiac, and neurologic injuries, particularly in the critically-ill cohorts. Elderly patients 65 years of age or older are known to have more severe systemic disease and higher rates of neurologic complications. Morbidity and mortality is very high in the elderly population with 6–930 times higher likelihood of death compared to younger cohorts, with the highest risk in elderly patients ≥85 years and especially those with medical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and underlying respiratory illness. Commonly reported neurologic dysfunctions of COVID-19 include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Elderly patients may manifest atypical presentations like fall or postural instability. Other important neurologic dysfunctions in the elderly include cerebrovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Elderly patients with preexisting neurologic diseases are susceptibility to severe COVID-19 infection and higher rates of mortality. Treatment of neurologic dysfunction of COVID-19 is based on existing practice standards of specific neurologic condition in conjunction with systemic treatment of the viral illness. The physical, emotional, psychologic, and financial implications of COVID-19 pandemic have been severe. Long-term data are still needed to understand the lasting effects of this devastating pandemic.


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