Characteristics of Critically Ill Elderly Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit in Nigeria and Outcome of Management

Abstract

Introduction:The management and outcome of elderly patients aged 65 years and above admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are often complicated by the presence of co-morbidities and reduced physiological reserve.Methodology: This was a retrospective, case-control study. Patients aged 65 years and above admitted to the unit from January 2012 to June 2013 were included in the study. Admission and discharge register in the ICU was examined. A patient before and after each elderly patient were recruited to serve as controls in the study.Result: Seventy-nine (79) elderly patients were admitted to the ICU and it constituted 12.6% of total ICU admission with a mortality rate of 49.6%. Male: female ratio was 2:1. Postoperative care constituted the highest indication for ICU admission (41.8%) followed by cerebrovascular accident (stroke), 12.6%. Younger patients were about twice more likely to be mechanically ventilated than elderly patients. (p=0.05, OR=1.855) Conclusion:The mortality rate of elderly patients admitted to the ICU was high. Appropriate admission criteria and protocol for the management of elderly patients in the ICU should, therefore, be developed to improve outcome.Z