Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain in Geriatrics: A Review

Background: Aging affects all functions of the gastrointestinal system (GIS). The elderly commonly has atypical presentation of a disease with more subtle symptoms; hence physicians who are not familiar with these might miss the opportunity to make a diagnosis of abdominal pain in timely manner. The main objective of our study is to summarize the current evidence regarding causes and management of acute abdominal pain in elderly. Methodology: MEDLINE, Embolic, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ASSIA were searched from 2000 until April 2021, and reference lists of included studies were searched. Studies were included that described causes and management of abdominal pain in elderly. No software has been utilized to analyze the data. The data was extracted based on specific form that contains (Author’s name, publication year, country, methodology and results). Results: The study included 7 papers. 2 cross sectional, 2 prospective and 3 retrospective studies all reporting causes and management of acute abdominal pain in elderly. Conclusion: The most common causes of abdominal pain in elderly population were biliary disease, appendicitis and bowel obstruction. Renal colic, hernia and ischemia were also reported in different rates. Diagnosis and management of abdominal pain especially in elderly should be immediate to avoid potential complications.

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Prevalence of disabilities and non-communicable diseases in an elderly population in the Telangana state, India: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041755 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e041755

Author(s):

Srinivas Marmamula ◽

Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli ◽

Thirupathi Reddy Kumbham ◽

Rajesh Challa ◽

Jill E Keeffe

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

Self Care ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Self Report ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Communicable Diseases

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive, self-care and communication) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly population in two districts in Telangana, India.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study using a cluster random sampling method to select the study clusters.SettingElderly population in Khammam and Warangal districts were recruited. Detailed interviews were conducted by trained community health workers. Personal and demographic information such as age, gender, level of education and a self-report of NCDs was collected. The Washington Disability Questionnaire was administered to assess the presence of disabilities.Participants1821 participants aged ≥60 years, 54.5% were women, and 73.3% had no education.Primary outcome measurePrevalence of disabilities and NCDs.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of at least disability was 20.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 24.9). The prevalence of self- reported disabilities were: seeing (5.9%; 95% CI 4.4 to 7.8), mobility (12.8%; 95% CI 9.7 to 16.8), hearing (3.6%; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.8), cognition (4.8%; 95% CI 3.5 to 6.7), self-care (3.3%; 95% CI 2.3 to 4.7) and communication (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Overall, the prevalence of at least one NCD was 34.2% (95% CI 30.9 to 37.7). Hypertension was the most common systemic condition (25.4%; 95% CI 22.4 to 28.7), followed by diabetes (9.0%; 95% CI 7.3 to 11.0), and body pains (muscle-skeletal) (9.9%; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.2).ConclusionEvery fifth elderly person in the districts of Khammam and Warangal in Telangana had at least one self-reported disability. Besides, a third of the elderly had at least one NCD. There is a definite need to develop comprehensive public health strategies to address disabilities and NCDs in Telangana.

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Abstract WMP57: Declining Blood Pressure is Associated with Subcortical Microinfarcts in Older Adults

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wmp57 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mekala R Raman ◽

Jonathan Graff-Radford ◽

Scott A Przybelski ◽

Timothy G Lesnick ◽

Michelle M Mielke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Adult Population ◽

Blood Pressure Measurement ◽

The Elderly ◽

Pressure Measurements ◽

Autopsy Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Blood Pressures

Hypertension is highly prevalent in the elderly population and microinfarcts are the most common vascular brain pathology identified in older adults at autopsy. We investigated the associations between systolic and diastolic blood pressures measured antemortem and the presence of microinfarcts at autopsy. Study subjects (n=302; age range=71-95) were participants in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging autopsy study, who had blood pressure measurements recorded during life. We investigated both cross-sectional systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements at the baseline visit and the change in blood pressure (slope). Presence and location (subcortical or cortical) of chronic microinfarcts was abstracted from the autopsy reports. Of the 302 study subjects, 47 (16%) had cerebral microinfarcts, and, of those, 18 (38%) had subcortical microinfarcts and 29 (62%) had only cortical microinfarcts. The baseline blood pressures were not different between subjects with no microinfarcts, subcortical microinfarcts, and only cortical microinfarcts. In a logistic regression model including time between last blood pressure measurement and death, a greater decline in systolic [OR= 1.06 (1.01, 1.11); p=0.02]) and greater decline in diastolic [OR= 1.11 (1.02, 1.20); p=0.01] blood pressures were predictors of the presence of subcortical microinfarcts at autopsy. However, these variables were not associated with the presence of cortical microinfarcts. In conclusion, microinfarcts are common in the older adult population, and most of them are located in the cortex. A greater decline in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and their association with subcortical microinfarcts, but not with cortical microinfarcts, may have implications for aggressive lowering of blood pressure in the elderly population.

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METABOLIC SYNDROME PREVALENCE IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DIET QUALITY IN THE CHILEAN ELDERLY POPULATION: A CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY 2009-2010

Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle ◽

10.14283/jarcp.2016.104 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

C. Dussaillant ◽

G. Echeverría ◽

L. Villarroel ◽

C.B. Yu ◽

A. Rigotti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Food Intake ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

National Health Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sectional Analysis

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, food intake, and diet quality in elderly (≥65 years old) Chilean population. Design: Cross sectional analysis based on the last national health survey performed in the years 2009 and 2010 (ChNHS 2009-2010). Setting: Non-institutionalized individuals of 65 years or older were selected and visited at home. Participants: A subsample of 505 elderly adults from the ChNHS 2009-2010 who answered a food questionnaire and had appropriate information to diagnose metabolic syndrome following the ATPIII-NCEP guidelines. Measurements: Fasting blood samples were obtained in order to measure blood lipids and fasting blood glucose. Blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were also measured. A 5-item food frequency questionnaire was applied to all the participants of NHS 2009-2010. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Chilean adult population was 37.7%, increasing in frequency with advancing age. Among the elderly (≥65 years old), metabolic syndrome was found in 57.2% of the sample. Elevated blood pressure and increased waist circumference were the most prevalent metabolic syndrome components among this group (88% and 80%, respectively). Low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, fish, and dairy was seen among the elderly, and no association was found between food intake nor diet quality and metabolic syndrome prevalence. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among the Chilean elderly population and its prevalence is not associated with food intake or diet quality in this age group.

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Isolated intestinal polyarteritis nodosa in an elderly patient

BMJ Case Reports ◽

10.1136/bcr-2020-241431 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. e241431

Author(s):

Ariana González-Meléndez ◽

Eduardo J Medina-Parrilla ◽

Román Vélez ◽

Luis M Vilá

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Pain ◽

Polyarteritis Nodosa ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Systemic Vasculitis ◽

Exploratory Laparotomy ◽

The Elderly ◽

High Dose ◽

Systemic Involvement ◽

Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction ◽

Single Organ

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotising systemic vasculitis involving medium-sized and small-sized vessels. PAN limited to a single organ is rare, particularly in the elderly population. Herein, we present a 73-year-old-woman who developed severe abdominal pain. Mesenteric angiography showed multifocal areas of segmental dilation and narrowing of the superior mesenteric, ileocolic and right colonic arteries. Exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple areas of necrosis of the jejunum for which resection was performed. Histopathological exam disclosed mesenteric vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis of the arterial wall with leucocytic infiltrates and haemorrhages consistent with PAN. She was started on high-dose corticosteroids with an initial good response. However, 6 months later, she developed intestinal pseudo-obstruction for which oral cyclophosphamide was started. After 5 months of cyclophosphamide therapy, she remained stable without further relapses. Our case suggests that PAN should be considered in elderly patients presenting with abdominal pain even in the absence of systemic involvement.

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Prevalência de hiperglicemia em idosos: um estudo de base populacional

Scientia Medica ◽

10.15448/1980-6108.2016.4.25246 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 25246

Author(s):

Felipe Zancan Espanhol ◽

Rita de Cássia S. M. De Oliveira ◽

Gustavo Paes Silvano ◽

André Luciano Manoel ◽

Laise Rodrigues Silveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Color ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Fasting Glucose ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family History Of Diabetes

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and associated factors in the elderly population of a municipality in southern Brazil.Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study, carried out with the elderly (≥60 years) living in the city of Tubarão, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from September 2010 to May 2011. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. The elderly were registered by the Community Health Agents of the Family's Health Strategy Program. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, skin color, marital status, employment status and education), behavioral data (physical activity, alcohol use and smoking) and clinical data (obesity, drug use and family history of diabetes) were recorded. After answering these questions the participants were scheduled to attend the clinic for blood collection and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of hyperglycemia was assessed from fasting blood glucose tests, and individuals with values ≥126 mg/dL or use of hypoglycemic drugs were considered hyperglycemic. To assess the association between the variables of interest, the chi-square test was applied. The pre-determined confidence interval was of 95% and the error α of 5%.Results: Eight hundred thirty-three elderly patients were included, and 220 were considered hyperglycemic according to the methodology criteria (prevalence of 26.4%). Of the patients included in the hyperglycemia group, 190 were using oral hypoglycemic drugs, and of these, 112 had also fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, while in 78 fasting glucose was <126 mg/dL. Also in the hyperglycemia group, 30 patients had fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL and were not on hypoglycemic treatment. Having parents diagnosed with diabetes and being obese were associated with the presence of hyperglycemia.Conclusions: This study suggests that a large portion of the elderly population have fasting hyperglycemia, requiring a wider evaluation for diabetes mellitus.

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Nutritional assessment and factors associated with malnutrition among the elderly population of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-019-4282-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Man Kumar Tamang ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Hassan Hosseinzadeh ◽

Bharat Kafle ◽

Girish Paudel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

Nutritional Assessment ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

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PNS199 BARRIERS TO THE USE OF HEALTH SERVICES AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF A RURAL REGIONAL UNITY IN GREECE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Value in Health ◽

10.1016/j.jval.2019.09.2099 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

pp. S794

Author(s):

M. Kolotourou ◽

O. Konstantakopoulou ◽

G. Charalambous ◽

P. Galanis ◽

O. Siskou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Use Of Health Services

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Correlates of Depression Among Elderly Population Residing in a Community in Eastern Nepal

Birat Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.3126/bjhs.v3i1.19729 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 325-330 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Khem Raj Sharma ◽

Birendra Kumar Yadav ◽

Meika Battachan

Keyword(s):

Growth Rate ◽

Population Growth ◽

Population Growth Rate ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Short Form ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Lower Class ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

Introduction: With an increase in life expectancy, demographic transition has led to sharp rise in number of elderly population. The elderly population growth rate per year has always been more than the total population growth rate, signifying the start of the ageing dynamics in Nepal. Mental health is a neglected health problem of the elderly in Nepal, with depression topping the list. This needs to be addressed in the national programs for the elderly to bring about an overall improvement in their health status.Objectives: This study was conducted with objectives to identify the prevalence of depression and factors associated with it in an urban municipality of eastern Nepal.Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted using the Geriatric Depression Scale- Short Form (GDS-SF) with 15 questions to screen for depression with a cutoff of 4/5. Door to door visit was done for data collection and face to face interviews were conducted. Pearson's Chi-square was used and Odds Ratio (OR) with confidence limits was calculated for inferential statistics. Logistic regression analysis was performed for all independent variables significantly associated in the bivariate analysis.Results: Among the 353 study subjects interviewed, depression was identified in 65.2% by GDS-SF. Regression Model showed that age more than 70 years, being in the lower class of Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic scale and elderly who were not satisfied with the respect given by their community had more odds of being depressed.Conclusion: Prevalence of depression among elderly was found to be very high in this study which was significantly associated with older age, low socio-economic status and perceived lack of respect from the community. BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 325-330

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Impact of cognitive performance on the functional capacity of an elderly population in Natal, Brazil

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2008000600006 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 66 (4) ◽

pp. 809-813 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Keithlen Cruz Moreira de Castro ◽

Ricardo Oliveira Guerra

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Population Sample ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

State Examination

Functional incapacity and cognitive impairment are conditions related to the process of human aging. Cognitive impairment is considered an important predicitve factor for functional impairment in elderly populations. This cross-sectional study analyzes the association between cognitive performance and functional capacity in an elderly population sample in Natal, Brazil. A total of 213 elderly persons were assessed by the BOAS Multidimensional Questionnaire (Brazil Old Age Schedule) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results of multivariate analysis and linear regression showed that age and schooling level are factors associated with cognitive performance in the elderly of this study. The final explicative model, elaborated by logistic regression, found that cognitive performance was the only predicitve variable of functional incapacity for the activities of daily living even when adjusted for sociodemographic variables.

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Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Depression among the Older Population in South Africa

Psych ◽

10.3390/psych2010004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 34-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ghose Bishwajit ◽

Komlan Kota ◽

Amos Buh ◽

Sanni Yaya

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

South Africa ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

Multivariable Regression

South Africa represents one of the most rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a rising burden of age-related psychological morbidities. Despite having one of the highest human development scores in the region, the country faces serious poverty and food insecurity related challenges. Previous studies have shown a positive association between food insecurity and poor mental health among the adult population, however there is no systematic evidence on this association among the elderly population in an African setting. In the present study, we aimed to address this research gap by analyzing cross-sectional data (n = 931) on the over-50 population (>50 years) from the SAGE (Study on global AGEing and adult health) Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) of the World Health Organization, conducted between 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was perceived depression and the explanatory variables included several sociodemographic factors including self-reported food insecurity. The independent associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were measured using multivariable regression analysis. Results showed that close to a quarter of the population (22.6%, 95% CI = 21.4, 24.7) reported having depression in the last 12 months, with the percentage being markedly higher among women (71.4%). In the multivariable regression analysis, self-reported food insecurity was found to be the strongest predictor of depression among both sexes. For instance, severe food insecurity increased the odds of depression by 4.805 [3.325, 7.911] times among men and by 4.115 [2.030, 8.341] times among women. Based on the present findings, it is suggested that national food security programs focus on promoting food security among the elderly population in an effort to improve their mental health status. Nonetheless, the data were cross-sectional and the associations can’t imply causality.

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