Research on the frailty status and adverse outcomes of elderly patients with multimorbidity

Abstract

Background As patients age, the frailty of those with multimorbidity increases, often resulting in adverse health outcomes. The current study investigated the frailty status and the factors which influence it in elderly patients with multimorbidity in Chinese hospitals. The relationship between the frailty of patients with multimorbidity and adverse outcomes was explored. Methods The current prospective cohort study investigated inpatients in the internal medicine department of 5 tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. A total of 3836 elderly patients with multimorbidity were enrolled. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale and adverse outcome events occurring during hospitalization were tracked. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results The prevalence of frailty was 27.2% and of pre-frailty, 58.9%. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age, low BMI, low education level, lack of exercise, multiple types of medications and multiple numbers of chronic diseases were the main risk factors for frailty in elderly patients with multimorbidity (OR values: 1.020, 1.469, 2.350, 2.836, 1.156 and 1.308, respectively). The incidence of adverse outcomes was 13.9% among the cohort with the most common being deep vein thrombosis (42.4%), followed by pressure injury (38.8%). Regression analysis showed a significant correlation of frailty with adverse outcome (OR: 1.496; p < 0.01). Conclusions The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in hospitalized elderly patients with multimorbidity was high. Increasing age, low BMI, low education level, lack of exercise, multiple types of medications and multiple numbers of chronic diseases were factors which influenced frailty and frailty was an important factor in the occurrence of adverse outcomes. The most common adverse outcome of elderly multimorbidity patients during hospitalization was deep vein thrombosis.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older vascular patients in a tertiary hospital

“…19 Age-related physiologic decline leads to frailty which is associated with adverse outcomes like falls, delirium and disability. 20 In addition, aging is also associated with multimorbidity which further depletes the elderly’s functional reserve. 21 Frailty is associated with higher mortality across all noncardiac surgeries with a mortality of 43% for those deemed very frail.…”

Low Body Mass Index without Malnutrition Is an Independent Risk Factor for Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Hemodialysis

“…Moreover, frailty was an important factor in the occurrence of adverse outcomes. 21) To prevent MACE in patients with hemodialysis, we had better focus low BMI and frailty. In future prospective study, frailty index should be assessed in patients with hemodialysis.…”

Predicting Multiple Outcomes Associated with Frailty based on Imbalanced Multi-label Classification

“…Frailty is a dynamic and multidimensional clinical condition related to ageing, characterized by a decreased ability to maintain homeostasis and perform the normal activities of daily life [1,2]. It is commonly recognized that frailty aggravates the risk of negative health outcomes (e.g., hospitalization, functional impairment, loss of autonomy, and death) and that it escalates health and social challenges [3].…”