Multidimensional geriatric evaluation in acromegaly: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background Improvement in acromegaly management increased disease survival and prevalence. Evidence regarding acromegaly in older adults are sparse. We aim to explore acromegaly impact on aging process quality. Methods Multicenter case-control study conducted on 42 older adults (≥ 65 years) acromegaly patients (ACRO) compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (CTR). Each participant underwent a multidimensional geriatric evaluation. Results Mean age in both groups was 73 ± 6 years and female gender was most represented (69%). All comorbidities were more frequent in ACRO than CTR. Thirteen ACRO were in remission and 29 had active disease controlled by medical therapy except for one patient. ACRO showed worse physical performance and mobility skills worsening with age as compared to CTR. ACRO performed poorly in functional status assessment, and age negatively correlated with instrumental and basic daily activities execution. Cognitive evaluation scores were significantly lower in ACRO vs. CTR, worsening with age. No difference was found concerning nutritional and psychological status. Musculoskeletal and bone diseases were more frequent in ACRO than in CTR (52% vs. 12%; 64% vs. 10%; P < 0.05) and independently associated with geriatric outcomes in ACRO. ACRO reported a less satisfactory quality of life concerning physical activity and pain, general health, vitality, social activities. Conclusions Our study demonstrates increased frailty of older acromegaly patients as compared to non-acromegaly patients with a consequent negative impact on their quality of life. Therefore, it seems advisable to include physical, functional, cognitive, nutritional, and psychological status assessments in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate geriatric tools.

Nutritional status and determinants of malnutrition in institutionalized elderly people, provisional data

Nutrition is an important factor for health, physical and cognitive function, vitality, quality of life and longevity. Elderly people oft en have low food intake, induced by multifactorial causes, as a result, malnutrition is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, regardless of the underlying pathologies (chronic organ failure, cognitive impairment, cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes etc.) including overweight or obese subjects.The prevalence of malnutrition varies from 4% to 10% in the elderly population from the community, from 15% to 38% for institutionalized elderly people and from 30% to 70% for hospitalized ones. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of institutionalized elderly people and establish correlations between the determinants of malnutrition and fragility syndrome.Th e epidemiological study is part of the project 20.80009.8007.25 “Fragility: diagnosis and prophylaxis in relation to medicopsychosocial problems of the vulnerable elderly”, included 50 patients institutionalized in the Republican Asylum for the Disabled and Retired in Chisinau.All persons were examined by the complex geriatric evaluation, approved by the order of the Ministry of Health no. 619 of 07.09.2010. According to the results, both malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition were high in institutionalized elderly people.Among the determinants of malnutrition, the highest association had the number of concomitant diseases, decreased functionality of the elderly, the presence of depression syndrome and cognitive disorders. At the same time, the malnutrition syndrome correlated with the fragility criteria but also with the degree of severity of frailty of the institutionalized elderly people.

Multidimensional Geriatric Evaluation in Acromegaly: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Improvement in acromegaly management increased disease survival and prevalence. Evidence regarding acromegaly in older adults are sparse. We aim to explore acromegaly impact on aging process quality.Methods: Multicenter case-control study conducted on 42 older adults (≥ 65 years) acromegaly patients (ACRO) compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (CTR). Each participant underwent a multidimensional geriatric evaluation.Results: Mean age in both groups was 73 ± 6 years and female gender was most represented (69%). 13 ACRO were in remission and 29 had active disease controlled by medical therapy except for one patient. ACRO showed worse physical performance and mobility skills worsening with age as compared to CTR. ACRO performed poorly in functional status assessment, and age negatively correlated with instrumental and basic daily activities execution. Cognitive evaluation was significantly impaired in ACRO vs. CTR, worsening with age. No difference was found concerning nutritional and psychological status. Musculoskeletal and bone diseases were more frequent in ACRO than in CTR (52% vs. 12%; 64% vs. 10%; P< 0.05) and independently associated with geriatric outcomes in ACRO. ACRO reported a less satisfactory quality of life concerning physical activity and pain, general health, vitality, social activities.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates increased frailty of older acromegaly patients as compared to non-acromegaly patients with a consequent negative impact on their quality of life. Therefore, it seems advisable to include physical, functional, cognitive, nutritional, and psychological status assessments in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate geriatric tools.

Clinical characteristics of older patients with COVID-19: a systematic review of case reports

ABSTRACT. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, higher morbidity and mortality have been reported in older adults. This age group presents physiological changes and its own clinical conditions such as frailty, dementia, among others. Objective: To describe the characteristics of COVID-19 patients, both over and under 80 years old, by conducting a systematic review of the literature describing case reports, and to summarize and critically assess these characteristics. Methods: Systematic review. The study was registered on the Registry of Health Research Projects (PRISA) of the Peruvian National Institute of Health (code EI00000631). Five electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, PubMed Central, LILACS, and SCIELO) were systematically searched during the period between December 31, 2019 and April 16, 2020. The search focused on case reports, case studies, and case series of older people with COVID-19 infection aged over or under 80 years. When selecting the cases, priority was given to clinical and epidemiological profile, laboratory and imaging patterns, and comprehensive geriatric evaluation. Results: 1,149 articles were identified; after applying the filters, a total of 15 publications of case reports and complete records of 27 older adults were obtained. The most frequent age group was between 60 to 69 years old. There is little literature regarding case reports of older adults aged over 80 years. The most frequent parameters were hypertension, fever, cough, respiratory distress, ground-glass opacification in chest radiography and tomography. Furthermore, decrease in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lymphocytes, and increase in C-reactive protein and Interleukin 6 were observed. Conclusions: This systematic review found little available information of patients under 80 years old, and far less for those over 80 years old, and an absence of comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Clinical and pharmacological data in COVID-19 hospitalized nonagenarian patients

Introduction. Despite the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in geriatrics, data on nonagenarian patients is scarce. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features of COVID19-diagnosed nonagenarians, as well as its clinical evolution and therapeutic response. Material and methods. Retrospective observational study of nonagenarians, admitted for COVID-19. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered, including previous polypharmacy. Blood analysis data and COVID-19-specific treatment were registered. Results. A total of 79 patients were included, with 50.6% (40 patients) of mortality. None of the comorbidities registered correlated with mortality, which was significantly higher among patients with moderate/complete functional dependence, compared to those mild-dependents/independents (59.5% vs 40.5%; p=0.015). Most prescribed drugs were hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine and azithromycin. Non-survivors presented higher counts of leukocytes and neutrophils, and higher lymphopenia. Conclusions. Nonagenarians with functional dependence presented higher mortality, irrespective of comorbidities or treatment received. Implementing an integral geriatric evaluation would enhance the implementation of personalized therapeutic strategies for nonagenarians.