Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic ...Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.展开更多
Renal cell carcinoma(RCC)is an aggressive tumor known for its propensity to invade the inferior vena cava(IVC)into the heart.Cardiac metastasis of RCC without IVC involvement is rare.Even rarer is ventricular arrhythm...Renal cell carcinoma(RCC)is an aggressive tumor known for its propensity to invade the inferior vena cava(IVC)into the heart.Cardiac metastasis of RCC without IVC involvement is rare.Even rarer is ventricular arrhythmia as the primary manifestation of cardiac metastasis of RCC with only two cases reported.[1,2]We add to the literature the third case,the diagnosis of which was only possible with cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).展开更多
Orthostatic hypotension (OH)is a common condition in older persons.According to the 2011criteria,OH is defined by a sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a 10mmHg-fall of diastolic blood pressur...Orthostatic hypotension (OH)is a common condition in older persons.According to the 2011criteria,OH is defined by a sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a 10mmHg-fall of diastolic blood pressure,[1] Its prevalence increases with age and according to a recent systematic review the pooled prevalence in community dwelling older people is 22.2%.[2]Although OH is largely explained by concurrent clinical conditions (in particular, hypertension,diabetes,malnutrition,vascular encephalopa- thy,anemia,Parkinson's disease)[3],aging per se determines a series of physiological dysfunctions potentially representing its biological substratum (e.g.,reduction in barore- flex-mediated cardiovascular function,altered salt and water balance at renal level,impaired cardiac diastolic filling).It is also noteworthy that age-related changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs (especially in the context of polypharmacy)also increase the risk of OH.展开更多
Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative...Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved;70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.展开更多
Objective:the positioning of secondary hospitals in the community rehabilitation work system and the status of community medical rehabilitation ser-vices for the disabled in Changsha were clarified through investigati...Objective:the positioning of secondary hospitals in the community rehabilitation work system and the status of community medical rehabilitation ser-vices for the disabled in Changsha were clarified through investigation and study of the 2019 income of a second-ary general hospital in Changsha.Suggestions from var-ious parties were integrated to provide feasible ideas for expanding the role of secondary hospitals in community rehabilitation.Methods:the 2019 income of a secondary general hospital in Changsha was statistically analyzed,a community rehabilitation questionnaire was designed,and a field survey was carried out focusing on 19 issues including rehabilitation service items,rehabilitation facil-ities and equipment,and the satisfaction of rehabilitation practitioners.Results:in the total hospitalization expenses of a secondary general hospital in Changsha city in 2019,rehabilitation physiotherapy expenses accounted for 7%,and drug treatment expenses accounted for 25%.In addi-tion,in the survey of community rehabilitation service sat-isfaction for the disabled,the difference between the very dissatisfied and very satisfied groups was statistically sig-nificant(P<0.05).Conclusion:taking a secondary gener-al hospital in Changsha city as an example,the treatment methods in secondary general hospitals are still dominated by traditional drug therapy,and the disabled are not sat-isfied with community rehabilitation services.Therefore,rehabilitation treatment projects to meet the rehabilitation needs of the disabled should be promoted in hospitals.展开更多
Cardiac involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA) is increasingly recognized,but it is unusual to be the initial presentation.We report a case of vasculitic myocardial infarction (MI) and car...Cardiac involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA) is increasingly recognized,but it is unusual to be the initial presentation.We report a case of vasculitic myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock in an elderly man caused by EPGA.A 73-year-old man presented with acute chest pain radiating to back for two days.He has a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis for more than ten years well controlled by inhaled corticosteroid.The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm,right bundle-branch block and anterolateral ST-segment depression.He had elevated troponin T of 548 ng/L (reference:<14 ng/L),creatine kinase of 454 IU/L (reference:39–308 IU/L)。展开更多
Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over the age of 65 and represents a significant clinical and economic burden. About half of hospital re-admissions are related to co-morb...Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over the age of 65 and represents a significant clinical and economic burden. About half of hospital re-admissions are related to co-morbidities, polypharmacy and disabilities associated with CHF. Moreover, CHF also has an enormous cost in terms of poor prognosis with an average one year mortality of 33%–35%. While more than half of patients with CHF are over 75 years, most clinical trials have included younger patients with a mean age of 61 years. Inadequate data makes treatment decisions challenging for the providers. Older CHF patients are more often female, have less cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, but higher rates of non-cardiovascular conditions and diastolic dysfunction. The prevalence of CHF with reduced ejection fraction, ischemic heart disease, and its risk factors declines with age, whereas the prevalence of non-cardiac co-morbidities, such as chronic renal failure, dementia, anemia and malignancy increases with age. Diabetes and hypertension are among the strongest risk factors as predictors of CHF particularly among women with coronary heart disease. This review paper will focus on the specific consideration for CHF assessment in the older population. Management strategies will be reviewed, including non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, quality care indicators, quality improvement in care transition and lastly, end-of-life issues. Palliative care should be an integral part of an interdiscipli-nary team approach for a comprehensive care plan over the whole disease trajectory. In addition, frailty contributes valuable prognostic in-sight incremental to existing risk models and assists clinicians in defining optimal care pathways for their patients.展开更多
Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its ...Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its linkage to several diseases,such as peptic ulcer disease,gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable.In particular,it has been noticed that,as the aged population is increasing worldwide,older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications.At the same time,gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people.In addition,it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people,resulting in a significantly higher mortality.Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people,only a few studies have been published regarding the latter.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,diagnosis,clinical manifestations and therapy of H.pylori infection in elderly people.展开更多
Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium(Mg) deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, es...Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium(Mg) deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemic profiles. Insulinand glucose are important regulators of Mg metabolism. Intracellular Mg plays a key role in regulating insulin action, insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake and vascular tone. Reduced intracellular Mg concentrations result in a defective tyrosine-kinase activity, postreceptorial impairment in insulin action and worsening of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. A low Mg intake and an increased Mg urinary loss appear the most important mechanisms that may favor Mg depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Low dietary Mg intake has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profiles in diabetic patients have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk. The aim of this review is to revise current evidence on the mechanisms of Mg deficiency in diabetes and on the possible role of Mg supplementation in the prevention and management of the disease.展开更多
Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly ...Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly recommended. The prevalence of factors that have been associated with a lower rate of prescription and adherence to anticoagulant therapy in these patients is little known. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of elderly subjects, with and without AF, consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric unit, discussing factors that may decrease the persistence on stroke prophylaxis therapy. We also highlight possible strategies to overcome the barriers conditioning the current underuse of oral anticoagulants in this segment of the population. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of elderly patients with and without AF admitted to the Acute Geriatric Unit of San Gerardo Hospital （Monza, Italy）. Results Compared to patients without AF （n = 1216）, those with AF （n = 403） had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index （3 vs. 2, P 〈 0.001）, number of administered drugs （4 vs. 3, P 〈 0.001）, rate of heart failure （36.5% vs. 12%, P 〈 0.001） and chronic kidney disease （20.6 vs. 13.2, P 〈 0.001）. Many patients with AF were frail （54%） or pre-frail （29%）. Conclusions Elderly patients with AF have higher rates of conditions that affect adherence to traditional anticoagulant therapy （vitamin K antagonists, VKA）. New direct oral anticoagulants （DOAs） can help overcome this problem. In order to prescribe the most appropriate VKA or DOAs, with the best efficacy/safety profile and the highest compliance, a comprehensive geriatric assessment should always accompany the scores for thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk stratification.展开更多
Orthostatic hypertension(OHT)is a condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure after assuming the standing position.[1]Nowadays no consensus definition exists,thus OHT prevalence varies among studies(4%-20...Orthostatic hypertension(OHT)is a condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure after assuming the standing position.[1]Nowadays no consensus definition exists,thus OHT prevalence varies among studies(4%-20.3%).展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with clinical and functional characteristics in elderly outpatients. METHODS： The study involved 3238 outpatients ≥ 60 years ...AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with clinical and functional characteristics in elderly outpatients. METHODS： The study involved 3238 outpatients ≥ 60 years consecutively enrolled by 107 general practitioners. Information on social, behavioral and de- mographic characteristics, function in the activities of daily living （ADL）, co-morbidities and drug use were collected by a structured interview. Upper gastroin- testinal symptom data were collected by the 15-items upper gastro-intestinal symptom questionnaire for the elderly, a validated diagnostic tool which includes the following five symptom clusters： （1） abdominal pain syndrome; （2） reflux syndrome; （3） indigestion syn- drome; （4） bleeding, and （5） non-specific symptoms. Presence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed through a logistic regression model. RESULTS： 3100 subjects were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of upper gastrointes- tinal symptoms was 43.0%, i.e. cluster （1） 13.9%, （2） 21.9%, （3） 30.2%, （4） 1.2%, and （5） 4.5%. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequently re- ported by females （P 〈 0.0001）, with high number of co-morbidities （P 〈 0.0001）, who were taking higher number of drugs （P 〈 0.0001） and needed assistance in the ADL. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex （OR = 1.39, 95% CI： 1.17-1.64）, dis- ability in the ADL （OR = 1.47, 95% CI： 1.12-1.93）, smoking habit （OR = 1.29, 95% C]： 1.00-1.65）, and body mass index （OR = 1.06, 95% CI： 1.04-1.08）, as well as the presence of upper （OR = 3.01, 95% C]： 2.52-3.60） and lower gastroenterological diseases （OR = 2.25, 95%CI： 1.70-2.97）, psychiatric （OR = 1.60, 95% CI： 1.28-2.01） and respiratory diseases （OR = 1.25, 95% C]： 1.01-1.54） were significantly associated with the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION： Functional and clinical characteristics are associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. A multidimensional comprehensive evaluation may be useful when approaching upper gastrointestinal symp- toms in older subjects.展开更多
AIM: To compare efficacy and tolerability of four proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) commonly used in the short-term therapy of esophagitis in elderly patients.METHODS: A total of 320 patients over 65 years with endoscopic...AIM: To compare efficacy and tolerability of four proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) commonly used in the short-term therapy of esophagitis in elderly patients.METHODS: A total of 320 patients over 65 years with endoscopically diagnosed esophagitis were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments for 8 wk: (1) omeprazole 20 mg/d; (2) lansoprazole 30 mg/d; (3) pantoprazole 40 mg/d, or (4) rabeprazole 20 mg/d. Major symptoms, compliance, and adverse events were recorded. After 8 wk, endoscopy and clinical evaluation were repeated.RESULTS: Per protocol and intention to treat healing rates of esophagitis were: omeprazole = 81.0% and 75.0%, lansoprazole = 90.7% (P = 0.143 vs omeprazole) and 85.0%, pantoprazole = 93.5% (P = 0.04 vs omeprazole) and 90.0% (P = 0.02 vs omeprazole), rabeprazole = 94.6% (P = 0.02 vs omeprazole) and 88.8% (P = 0.04 vs omeprazole). Dividing patients according to the grades of esophagitis, omeprazole was significantly less effective than the three other PPIs in healing grade 1 esophagitis (healing rates: 81.8% vs 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively, P = 0.012). Pantoprazole and rabeprazole (100%) were more effective vs omeprazole (89.6%, P = 0.0001)and lansoprazole (82.4%, P = 0.0001) in decreasing heartburn. Pantoprazole and rabeprazole (92.2% and 90.1%, respectively) were also more effective vs lansoprazole (75.0%, P < 0.05) in decreasing acid regurgitation. Finally, pantoprazole and rabeprazole (95.2% and 100%) were also more effective vs lansoprazole (82.6%, P < 0.05) in decreasing epigastric pain.CONCLUSION: In elderly patients, pantoprazole and rabeprazole were significantly more effective than omeprazole in healing esophagitis and than omeprazole or lansoprazole in improving symptoms. H pylori infection did not influence the healing rates of esophagitis after a short-term treatment with PPI.展开更多
Late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） has been considered the most common form of male hypogonadism with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 100 men. Diagnosis of LOH should be made in symptomatic men with unequivocally low ...Late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） has been considered the most common form of male hypogonadism with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 100 men. Diagnosis of LOH should be made in symptomatic men with unequivocally low serum testosterone （T） levels. However, its clinical presentation is often insidious and difficult to recognize because it is characterized by nonspecific symptoms that make differential diagnosis with physiological ageing problematic. Sexual dysfunction is the most important determinant for medical consultation and the most specific symptom associated with low T. We therefore analysed a consecutive series of 1734 subjects who attended our unit for sexual dysfunction to investigate the associations between low T （different thresholds）, sexual parameters, medical history data （delayed puberty, pituitary disease or cryptorchidism） and their physical exam results. Metabolic parameters, in particular waist circumference, display the greatest accuracy in detecting low T. We found that only the association of several symptoms and signs could significantly raise the clinical suspicion of low T. Structured inventories, which cluster together symptoms and signs of hypogonadism, can help clinicians suspect androgen deficiency. In particular, structured interviews, such as ANDROTEST, have been demonstrated to have a greater accuracy when compared to self reported questionnaires in detecting low T levels.展开更多
Takotsubo syndrome(TTS)is a cardiovas-cular condition characterized by a transi-ent cardiac dysfunction,generally invol-ving the apical segments of left ventriculum,in ab-sence of significant coronary artery disease.[...Takotsubo syndrome(TTS)is a cardiovas-cular condition characterized by a transi-ent cardiac dysfunction,generally invol-ving the apical segments of left ventriculum,in ab-sence of significant coronary artery disease.[1]It fre-quently affects postmenopausal women,following physical or psychological stress.[2]TTS often mimicks an acute myocardial infarction(AMI),presenting with symptoms as chest pain,dys-pnea,palpitations and,less commonly,pre-syncope and syncope.展开更多
Hepatic glycogenosis(HG) in type 1 diabetes is a underrecognized complication. Mauriac firstly described the syndrome characterized by hepatomegaly with altered liver enzymes, growth impairment, delay puberty and Cush...Hepatic glycogenosis(HG) in type 1 diabetes is a underrecognized complication. Mauriac firstly described the syndrome characterized by hepatomegaly with altered liver enzymes, growth impairment, delay puberty and Cushingoid features, during childhood. HG in adulthood is characterized by the liver disorder(with circulating aminotransferase increase) in the presence of poor glycemic control(elevation of glycated hemoglobin, Hb A1 c levels). The advances in the comprehension of the metabolic pathways driving to the hepatic glycogen deposition point out the role of glucose transporters and insulin mediated activations of glucokinase and glycogen synthase, with inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase. The differential diagnosis of HG consists in the exclusion of causes of liver damage(infectious, metabolic, obstructive and autoimmune disease). The imaging study(ultrasonography and/or radiological examinations) gives information about the liver alterations(hepatomegaly), but the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by the liver biopsy. The main treatment of HG is the amelioration of glycemic control that is usu-ally accompanied by the reversal of the liver disorder. In selected cases, more aggressive treatment options(transplantation) have been successfully reported.展开更多
Background Elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)are at higher risk both for ischemic and bleeding complications.Current guidelines recommend the PRECISE-DAPT score for bleeding risk stratification in thi...Background Elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)are at higher risk both for ischemic and bleeding complications.Current guidelines recommend the PRECISE-DAPT score for bleeding risk stratification in this setting,but no study assessed its applicability in elderly patients.This study aimed to assess the performance of the PRECISE-DAPT score in a series of non-selected elderly patients with ACS from routine clinical practice.Methods The IFFANIAM registry included prospectively patients aged>75 years with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Main outcome measured was the incidence of relevant bleeding after discharge(bleeding leading to hospital readmission,need for transfusion,intervention,stop of antithrombotic drugs or death).Bleeding risk was classified:(A)according to PRECISE-DAPT values above or not the recommended cut-off point(>25);and(B)according to the quartiles of PRECISE-DAPT values observed in the IFFANIAM series(QI:<30;Q2:30-35;Q3:36-44;Q4:>45).Results A total of 208 patients were included.Mean age was 81.9±4.5 years.Most patients(92.6%)had a PRECISE-DAPT value>25.A total of 25 patients(12.0%)had bleeding events and 49 patients(23.6%)died.No significant differences regarding the incidence of bleeding were observed according to the recommended cutt of point>25.However,a progressive increase in the incidence of bleeding was observed across PRECISE-DAPT quartiles observed in this series(P=0.038).Conclusions The vast majority of elderly patients have PRECISE-DAPT values above the recommended cut-off point for bleeding risk.Using different cut-off points could be a more rational approach for predicting bleeding risk in these complex patients.展开更多
The progressive ageing of the population and the high incidence of acute coronary syndromes(ACS)in the elderly is leading to an important increase in the number of elderly patients admitted for ACS.[1]Nevertheless,the...The progressive ageing of the population and the high incidence of acute coronary syndromes(ACS)in the elderly is leading to an important increase in the number of elderly patients admitted for ACS.[1]Nevertheless,the information about the optimal clinical management in this age group is scarce due to the exclusion of older patients from clinical trials.[2]Higher comorbidity and frailty are common in this clinical setting and they are associated with higher rates of complications and consumption of healthcare resources.[3]These are the main reasons for launching this special issue about management of ACS in the elderly,in which several experts in the field address some of the most important questions about how to deal with ACS in patients at older ages.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the agreement between a mAb-based stool test （HP STAR） and the urea breath test （UBT） in monitoring （H pylon） infection after eradication therapy. METHODS： Patients with discordant results on ...AIM： To evaluate the agreement between a mAb-based stool test （HP STAR） and the urea breath test （UBT） in monitoring （H pylon） infection after eradication therapy. METHODS： Patients with discordant results on UBT and Hp STAR underwent endoscopy with biopsies for rapid urease test, culture, and histology to confirm H pylori status. RESULTS： Among 250 patients （50±14 years）, 240 （96.0%） had concordant UBT and Hp STAR tests with a significant correlation between DOB and A values （R = 0.87; P〈0.0001）. The remaining 10 （4.0%） patients had discordant tests （positive Hp STAR and negative UBT） with the Hp STAR inaccurate in five cases （false positive） and UBT inaccurate in the other five cases （false negative）. The “maximal expected” sensitivity, specificity, ＋PV, -PV, ＋LR, and -LR were 91%, 100%, 100%, 97.4%, ∞, and 8.2 respectively, for the UBT, and 100%, 97.4%, 91%, 100%, 38.8, and 0, respectively, for the Hp STAR. Overall accuracy for both tests was 98%. CONCLUSION： Both the UBT and the Hp StAR are equally accurate in monitoring H pylori infection. Nowadays, the choice of the “best” non-invasive H pylori test in the post-treatment setting should be done not only in terms of diagnostic accuracy but also in view of cost and local facilities.展开更多
Diastolic dysfunction is a common substrate of pulmonary hypertension(PH) in the elderly.A minority of them,however,has another etiology of PH with diastolic dysfunction as a confounder,the alarming echocardiographic ...Diastolic dysfunction is a common substrate of pulmonary hypertension(PH) in the elderly.A minority of them,however,has another etiology of PH with diastolic dysfunction as a confounder,the alarming echocardiographic features of which are important to recognize.For example,dilated coronary sinus is unusual,as is significantly dilated right atrium.展开更多
文摘Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.
文摘Renal cell carcinoma(RCC)is an aggressive tumor known for its propensity to invade the inferior vena cava(IVC)into the heart.Cardiac metastasis of RCC without IVC involvement is rare.Even rarer is ventricular arrhythmia as the primary manifestation of cardiac metastasis of RCC with only two cases reported.[1,2]We add to the literature the third case,the diagnosis of which was only possible with cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).
文摘Orthostatic hypotension (OH)is a common condition in older persons.According to the 2011criteria,OH is defined by a sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a 10mmHg-fall of diastolic blood pressure,[1] Its prevalence increases with age and according to a recent systematic review the pooled prevalence in community dwelling older people is 22.2%.[2]Although OH is largely explained by concurrent clinical conditions (in particular, hypertension,diabetes,malnutrition,vascular encephalopa- thy,anemia,Parkinson's disease)[3],aging per se determines a series of physiological dysfunctions potentially representing its biological substratum (e.g.,reduction in barore- flex-mediated cardiovascular function,altered salt and water balance at renal level,impaired cardiac diastolic filling).It is also noteworthy that age-related changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs (especially in the context of polypharmacy)also increase the risk of OH.
文摘Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved;70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.
基金Rehabilitation Research Project of Hunan Disabled Persons’Federation(No.2020XK014).
文摘Objective:the positioning of secondary hospitals in the community rehabilitation work system and the status of community medical rehabilitation ser-vices for the disabled in Changsha were clarified through investigation and study of the 2019 income of a second-ary general hospital in Changsha.Suggestions from var-ious parties were integrated to provide feasible ideas for expanding the role of secondary hospitals in community rehabilitation.Methods:the 2019 income of a secondary general hospital in Changsha was statistically analyzed,a community rehabilitation questionnaire was designed,and a field survey was carried out focusing on 19 issues including rehabilitation service items,rehabilitation facil-ities and equipment,and the satisfaction of rehabilitation practitioners.Results:in the total hospitalization expenses of a secondary general hospital in Changsha city in 2019,rehabilitation physiotherapy expenses accounted for 7%,and drug treatment expenses accounted for 25%.In addi-tion,in the survey of community rehabilitation service sat-isfaction for the disabled,the difference between the very dissatisfied and very satisfied groups was statistically sig-nificant(P<0.05).Conclusion:taking a secondary gener-al hospital in Changsha city as an example,the treatment methods in secondary general hospitals are still dominated by traditional drug therapy,and the disabled are not sat-isfied with community rehabilitation services.Therefore,rehabilitation treatment projects to meet the rehabilitation needs of the disabled should be promoted in hospitals.
文摘Cardiac involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA) is increasingly recognized,but it is unusual to be the initial presentation.We report a case of vasculitic myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock in an elderly man caused by EPGA.A 73-year-old man presented with acute chest pain radiating to back for two days.He has a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis for more than ten years well controlled by inhaled corticosteroid.The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm,right bundle-branch block and anterolateral ST-segment depression.He had elevated troponin T of 548 ng/L (reference:<14 ng/L),creatine kinase of 454 IU/L (reference:39–308 IU/L)。
文摘Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over the age of 65 and represents a significant clinical and economic burden. About half of hospital re-admissions are related to co-morbidities, polypharmacy and disabilities associated with CHF. Moreover, CHF also has an enormous cost in terms of poor prognosis with an average one year mortality of 33%–35%. While more than half of patients with CHF are over 75 years, most clinical trials have included younger patients with a mean age of 61 years. Inadequate data makes treatment decisions challenging for the providers. Older CHF patients are more often female, have less cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, but higher rates of non-cardiovascular conditions and diastolic dysfunction. The prevalence of CHF with reduced ejection fraction, ischemic heart disease, and its risk factors declines with age, whereas the prevalence of non-cardiac co-morbidities, such as chronic renal failure, dementia, anemia and malignancy increases with age. Diabetes and hypertension are among the strongest risk factors as predictors of CHF particularly among women with coronary heart disease. This review paper will focus on the specific consideration for CHF assessment in the older population. Management strategies will be reviewed, including non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, quality care indicators, quality improvement in care transition and lastly, end-of-life issues. Palliative care should be an integral part of an interdiscipli-nary team approach for a comprehensive care plan over the whole disease trajectory. In addition, frailty contributes valuable prognostic in-sight incremental to existing risk models and assists clinicians in defining optimal care pathways for their patients.
文摘Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago,H.pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community.Its linkage to several diseases,such as peptic ulcer disease,gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable.In particular,it has been noticed that,as the aged population is increasing worldwide,older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications.At the same time,gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people.In addition,it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people,resulting in a significantly higher mortality.Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people,only a few studies have been published regarding the latter.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,diagnosis,clinical manifestations and therapy of H.pylori infection in elderly people.
文摘Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium(Mg) deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemic profiles. Insulinand glucose are important regulators of Mg metabolism. Intracellular Mg plays a key role in regulating insulin action, insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake and vascular tone. Reduced intracellular Mg concentrations result in a defective tyrosine-kinase activity, postreceptorial impairment in insulin action and worsening of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. A low Mg intake and an increased Mg urinary loss appear the most important mechanisms that may favor Mg depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Low dietary Mg intake has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profiles in diabetic patients have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk. The aim of this review is to revise current evidence on the mechanisms of Mg deficiency in diabetes and on the possible role of Mg supplementation in the prevention and management of the disease.
文摘Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly recommended. The prevalence of factors that have been associated with a lower rate of prescription and adherence to anticoagulant therapy in these patients is little known. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of elderly subjects, with and without AF, consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric unit, discussing factors that may decrease the persistence on stroke prophylaxis therapy. We also highlight possible strategies to overcome the barriers conditioning the current underuse of oral anticoagulants in this segment of the population. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of elderly patients with and without AF admitted to the Acute Geriatric Unit of San Gerardo Hospital （Monza, Italy）. Results Compared to patients without AF （n = 1216）, those with AF （n = 403） had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index （3 vs. 2, P 〈 0.001）, number of administered drugs （4 vs. 3, P 〈 0.001）, rate of heart failure （36.5% vs. 12%, P 〈 0.001） and chronic kidney disease （20.6 vs. 13.2, P 〈 0.001）. Many patients with AF were frail （54%） or pre-frail （29%）. Conclusions Elderly patients with AF have higher rates of conditions that affect adherence to traditional anticoagulant therapy （vitamin K antagonists, VKA）. New direct oral anticoagulants （DOAs） can help overcome this problem. In order to prescribe the most appropriate VKA or DOAs, with the best efficacy/safety profile and the highest compliance, a comprehensive geriatric assessment should always accompany the scores for thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk stratification.
文摘Orthostatic hypertension(OHT)is a condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure after assuming the standing position.[1]Nowadays no consensus definition exists,thus OHT prevalence varies among studies(4%-20.3%).
文摘AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with clinical and functional characteristics in elderly outpatients. METHODS： The study involved 3238 outpatients ≥ 60 years consecutively enrolled by 107 general practitioners. Information on social, behavioral and de- mographic characteristics, function in the activities of daily living （ADL）, co-morbidities and drug use were collected by a structured interview. Upper gastroin- testinal symptom data were collected by the 15-items upper gastro-intestinal symptom questionnaire for the elderly, a validated diagnostic tool which includes the following five symptom clusters： （1） abdominal pain syndrome; （2） reflux syndrome; （3） indigestion syn- drome; （4） bleeding, and （5） non-specific symptoms. Presence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed through a logistic regression model. RESULTS： 3100 subjects were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of upper gastrointes- tinal symptoms was 43.0%, i.e. cluster （1） 13.9%, （2） 21.9%, （3） 30.2%, （4） 1.2%, and （5） 4.5%. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequently re- ported by females （P 〈 0.0001）, with high number of co-morbidities （P 〈 0.0001）, who were taking higher number of drugs （P 〈 0.0001） and needed assistance in the ADL. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex （OR = 1.39, 95% CI： 1.17-1.64）, dis- ability in the ADL （OR = 1.47, 95% CI： 1.12-1.93）, smoking habit （OR = 1.29, 95% C]： 1.00-1.65）, and body mass index （OR = 1.06, 95% CI： 1.04-1.08）, as well as the presence of upper （OR = 3.01, 95% C]： 2.52-3.60） and lower gastroenterological diseases （OR = 2.25, 95%CI： 1.70-2.97）, psychiatric （OR = 1.60, 95% CI： 1.28-2.01） and respiratory diseases （OR = 1.25, 95% C]： 1.01-1.54） were significantly associated with the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION： Functional and clinical characteristics are associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. A multidimensional comprehensive evaluation may be useful when approaching upper gastrointestinal symp- toms in older subjects.
基金"Ministero della Salute",IRCCS Research Program,Ricerca Corrente 2006-2008,Linea n.2"Malattie di rilevanza sociale"
文摘AIM: To compare efficacy and tolerability of four proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) commonly used in the short-term therapy of esophagitis in elderly patients.METHODS: A total of 320 patients over 65 years with endoscopically diagnosed esophagitis were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments for 8 wk: (1) omeprazole 20 mg/d; (2) lansoprazole 30 mg/d; (3) pantoprazole 40 mg/d, or (4) rabeprazole 20 mg/d. Major symptoms, compliance, and adverse events were recorded. After 8 wk, endoscopy and clinical evaluation were repeated.RESULTS: Per protocol and intention to treat healing rates of esophagitis were: omeprazole = 81.0% and 75.0%, lansoprazole = 90.7% (P = 0.143 vs omeprazole) and 85.0%, pantoprazole = 93.5% (P = 0.04 vs omeprazole) and 90.0% (P = 0.02 vs omeprazole), rabeprazole = 94.6% (P = 0.02 vs omeprazole) and 88.8% (P = 0.04 vs omeprazole). Dividing patients according to the grades of esophagitis, omeprazole was significantly less effective than the three other PPIs in healing grade 1 esophagitis (healing rates: 81.8% vs 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively, P = 0.012). Pantoprazole and rabeprazole (100%) were more effective vs omeprazole (89.6%, P = 0.0001)and lansoprazole (82.4%, P = 0.0001) in decreasing heartburn. Pantoprazole and rabeprazole (92.2% and 90.1%, respectively) were also more effective vs lansoprazole (75.0%, P < 0.05) in decreasing acid regurgitation. Finally, pantoprazole and rabeprazole (95.2% and 100%) were also more effective vs lansoprazole (82.6%, P < 0.05) in decreasing epigastric pain.CONCLUSION: In elderly patients, pantoprazole and rabeprazole were significantly more effective than omeprazole in healing esophagitis and than omeprazole or lansoprazole in improving symptoms. H pylori infection did not influence the healing rates of esophagitis after a short-term treatment with PPI.
文摘Late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） has been considered the most common form of male hypogonadism with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 100 men. Diagnosis of LOH should be made in symptomatic men with unequivocally low serum testosterone （T） levels. However, its clinical presentation is often insidious and difficult to recognize because it is characterized by nonspecific symptoms that make differential diagnosis with physiological ageing problematic. Sexual dysfunction is the most important determinant for medical consultation and the most specific symptom associated with low T. We therefore analysed a consecutive series of 1734 subjects who attended our unit for sexual dysfunction to investigate the associations between low T （different thresholds）, sexual parameters, medical history data （delayed puberty, pituitary disease or cryptorchidism） and their physical exam results. Metabolic parameters, in particular waist circumference, display the greatest accuracy in detecting low T. We found that only the association of several symptoms and signs could significantly raise the clinical suspicion of low T. Structured inventories, which cluster together symptoms and signs of hypogonadism, can help clinicians suspect androgen deficiency. In particular, structured interviews, such as ANDROTEST, have been demonstrated to have a greater accuracy when compared to self reported questionnaires in detecting low T levels.
文摘Takotsubo syndrome(TTS)is a cardiovas-cular condition characterized by a transi-ent cardiac dysfunction,generally invol-ving the apical segments of left ventriculum,in ab-sence of significant coronary artery disease.[1]It fre-quently affects postmenopausal women,following physical or psychological stress.[2]TTS often mimicks an acute myocardial infarction(AMI),presenting with symptoms as chest pain,dys-pnea,palpitations and,less commonly,pre-syncope and syncope.
文摘Hepatic glycogenosis(HG) in type 1 diabetes is a underrecognized complication. Mauriac firstly described the syndrome characterized by hepatomegaly with altered liver enzymes, growth impairment, delay puberty and Cushingoid features, during childhood. HG in adulthood is characterized by the liver disorder(with circulating aminotransferase increase) in the presence of poor glycemic control(elevation of glycated hemoglobin, Hb A1 c levels). The advances in the comprehension of the metabolic pathways driving to the hepatic glycogen deposition point out the role of glucose transporters and insulin mediated activations of glucokinase and glycogen synthase, with inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase. The differential diagnosis of HG consists in the exclusion of causes of liver damage(infectious, metabolic, obstructive and autoimmune disease). The imaging study(ultrasonography and/or radiological examinations) gives information about the liver alterations(hepatomegaly), but the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by the liver biopsy. The main treatment of HG is the amelioration of glycemic control that is usu-ally accompanied by the reversal of the liver disorder. In selected cases, more aggressive treatment options(transplantation) have been successfully reported.
文摘Background Elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)are at higher risk both for ischemic and bleeding complications.Current guidelines recommend the PRECISE-DAPT score for bleeding risk stratification in this setting,but no study assessed its applicability in elderly patients.This study aimed to assess the performance of the PRECISE-DAPT score in a series of non-selected elderly patients with ACS from routine clinical practice.Methods The IFFANIAM registry included prospectively patients aged>75 years with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Main outcome measured was the incidence of relevant bleeding after discharge(bleeding leading to hospital readmission,need for transfusion,intervention,stop of antithrombotic drugs or death).Bleeding risk was classified:(A)according to PRECISE-DAPT values above or not the recommended cut-off point(>25);and(B)according to the quartiles of PRECISE-DAPT values observed in the IFFANIAM series(QI:<30;Q2:30-35;Q3:36-44;Q4:>45).Results A total of 208 patients were included.Mean age was 81.9±4.5 years.Most patients(92.6%)had a PRECISE-DAPT value>25.A total of 25 patients(12.0%)had bleeding events and 49 patients(23.6%)died.No significant differences regarding the incidence of bleeding were observed according to the recommended cutt of point>25.However,a progressive increase in the incidence of bleeding was observed across PRECISE-DAPT quartiles observed in this series(P=0.038).Conclusions The vast majority of elderly patients have PRECISE-DAPT values above the recommended cut-off point for bleeding risk.Using different cut-off points could be a more rational approach for predicting bleeding risk in these complex patients.
文摘The progressive ageing of the population and the high incidence of acute coronary syndromes(ACS)in the elderly is leading to an important increase in the number of elderly patients admitted for ACS.[1]Nevertheless,the information about the optimal clinical management in this age group is scarce due to the exclusion of older patients from clinical trials.[2]Higher comorbidity and frailty are common in this clinical setting and they are associated with higher rates of complications and consumption of healthcare resources.[3]These are the main reasons for launching this special issue about management of ACS in the elderly,in which several experts in the field address some of the most important questions about how to deal with ACS in patients at older ages.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the agreement between a mAb-based stool test （HP STAR） and the urea breath test （UBT） in monitoring （H pylon） infection after eradication therapy. METHODS： Patients with discordant results on UBT and Hp STAR underwent endoscopy with biopsies for rapid urease test, culture, and histology to confirm H pylori status. RESULTS： Among 250 patients （50±14 years）, 240 （96.0%） had concordant UBT and Hp STAR tests with a significant correlation between DOB and A values （R = 0.87; P〈0.0001）. The remaining 10 （4.0%） patients had discordant tests （positive Hp STAR and negative UBT） with the Hp STAR inaccurate in five cases （false positive） and UBT inaccurate in the other five cases （false negative）. The “maximal expected” sensitivity, specificity, ＋PV, -PV, ＋LR, and -LR were 91%, 100%, 100%, 97.4%, ∞, and 8.2 respectively, for the UBT, and 100%, 97.4%, 91%, 100%, 38.8, and 0, respectively, for the Hp STAR. Overall accuracy for both tests was 98%. CONCLUSION： Both the UBT and the Hp StAR are equally accurate in monitoring H pylori infection. Nowadays, the choice of the “best” non-invasive H pylori test in the post-treatment setting should be done not only in terms of diagnostic accuracy but also in view of cost and local facilities.
文摘Diastolic dysfunction is a common substrate of pulmonary hypertension(PH) in the elderly.A minority of them,however,has another etiology of PH with diastolic dysfunction as a confounder,the alarming echocardiographic features of which are important to recognize.For example,dilated coronary sinus is unusual,as is significantly dilated right atrium.
