Knee extension strength measurements should be considered as part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment

Pathophysiology, epidemiology and therapy of agein

Applying systems thinking to unravel the mechanisms underlying orthostatic hypotension related fall risk

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an established and common cardiovascular risk factor for falls. An in-depth understanding of the various interacting pathophysiological pathways contributing to OH-related falls is essential to guide improvements in diagnostic and treatment opportunities. We applied systems thinking to multidisciplinary map out causal mechanisms and risk factors. For this, we used group model building (GMB) to develop a causal loop diagram (CLD). The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains related to OH and falls and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. Our CLD is a conceptual representation of factors involved in OH-related falls, and their interrelatedness. Network analysis and feedback loops were applied to analyze and interpret the CLD, and quantitatively summarize the function and relative importance of the variables. Our CLD contains 50 variables distributed over three intrinsic domains (cerebral, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal), and an extrinsic domain (e.g., medications). Between the variables, 181 connections and 65 feedback loops were identified. Decreased cerebral blood flow, low blood pressure, impaired baroreflex activity, and physical inactivity were identified as key factors involved in OH-related falls, based on their high centralities. Our CLD reflects the multifactorial pathophysiology of OH-related falls. It enables us to identify key elements, suggesting their potential for new diagnostic and treatment approaches in fall prevention. The interactive online CLD renders it suitable for both research and educational purposes and this CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on falls

Nutrient Intake and Muscle Measures in Geriatric Outpatients

© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.Objective: Low muscle mass and muscle function are associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults. This study examined nutrient intake as a potential contributing factor for low muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle power in geriatric outpatients. Method: This cross-sectional study included geriatric outpatients (n = 58, 38 female) with a mean age of 77.2 ± 9.0 years referred to the Falls and Balance outpatient clinic between December 2017 and January 2019. Nutrient intake (macro- and micronutrients) was examined using a 3-day food diary. Energy-adjusted nutrient intake was calculated using the residual method. Sex-standardized muscle measures included muscle mass assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (skeletal muscle mass [SMM in kilograms], SMM index [SMM/height2 in kg/m2], and SMM/body mass index), handgrip strength (muscle strength) assessed using a dynamometer, and chair-stand test (muscle power). Univariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations of nutrient intake with muscle measures adjusted for age and body weight. A Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing (p < 0.001). Results: Higher energy, iodine, and folate intake were associated with higher muscle mass, and higher folate intake was associated with higher muscle strength (p < 0.05). After Bonferroni correction, none of the nutrient intakes remained statistically significant. None of the other nutrients was associated with muscle measures. Conclusions: Only a few nutrients were associated with muscle measures. Nutrient intake appears to be more related to muscle mass than muscle strength and muscle power in geriatric outpatients

The Association between Parameters of Malnutrition and Diagnostic Measures of Sarcopenia in Geriatric Outpatients

Pathophysiology, epidemiology and therapy of agein

Trends in data quality and quality indicators 5 years after implementation of the Dutch Hip Fracture Audit

Purpose The Dutch Hip Fracture Audit (DHFA), a nationwide hip fracture registry in the Netherlands, registers hip fracture patients and aims to improve quality of care since 2016. This study shows trends in the data quality during the first 5 years of data acquisition within the DHFA, as well as trends over time for designated quality indicators (QI). Methods All patients registered in the DHFA between 1-1-2016 and 31-12-2020 were included. Data quality-registry case coverage and data completeness-and baseline characteristics are reported. Five QI are analysed: Time to surgery < 48 h, assessment for osteoporosis, orthogeriatric co-management, registration of functional outcomes at three months, 30-day mortality. The independent association between QI results and report year was tested using mixed-effects logistic models and in the case of 30-day mortality adjusted for casemix. Results In 2020, the case capture of the DHFA comprised 85% of the Dutch hip fracture patients, 66/68 hospitals participated. The average of missing clinical values was 7.5% in 2016 and 3.2% in 2020. The 3 months follow-up completeness was 36.2% (2016) and 46.8% (2020). The QI 'time to surgery' was consistently high, assessment for osteoporosis remained low, orthogeriatric co-management scores increased without significance, registration of functional outcomes improved significantly and 30-day mortality rates remained unchanged. Conclusion The DHFA has successfully been implemented in the past five years. Trends show improvement on data quality. Analysis of several QI indicate points of attention. Future perspectives include lowering the burden of registration, whilst improving (registration of) hip fracture patients outcomes.Development and application of statistical models for medical scientific researc

Polypharmacy, comorbidity and frailty: a complex interplay in older patients at the emergency department

PURPOSE: Older adults at the emergency department (ED) with polypharmacy, comorbidity, and frailty are at risk of adverse health outcomes. We investigated the association of polypharmacy with adverse health outcomes, in relation to comorbidity and frailty. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study in ED patients  ≥ 70 years. Non-polypharmacy was defined as 0-4 medications, polypharmacy 5-9 and excessive polypharmacy ≥ 10. Comorbidity was classified by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Frailty was defined by the Identification of Seniors At Risk-Hospitalized Patients (ISAR-HP) score. The primary outcome was 3-month mortality. Secondary outcomes were readmission to an ED/hospital ward and a self-reported fall < 3 months. The association between polypharmacy, comorbidity and frailty was analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: 881 patients were included. 43% had polypharmacy and 18% had excessive polypharmacy. After 3 months, 9% died, 30% were readmitted, and 21% reported a fall. Compared with non-polypharmacy, the odds ratio (OR) for mortality ranged from 2.62 (95% CI 1.39-4.93) in patients with polypharmacy to 3.92 (95% CI 1.95-7.90) in excessive polypharmacy. The OR weakened after adjustment for comorbidity: 1.80 (95% CI 0.92-3.52) and 2.32 (95% CI 1.10-4.90). After adjusting for frailty, the OR weakened to 2.10 (95% CI 1.10-4.00) and OR 2.40 (95% CI 1.15-5.02). No significant association was found for readmission or self-reported fall. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is common in older patients at the ED. Polypharmacy, and especially excessive polypharmacy, is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The observed association is complex given the confounding effect of comorbidity and frailty

Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients Roam at Home! A Matched Cohort Study of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Home-Based and Hospital-Based Settings

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in geriatric rehabilitation patients receiving care in the home-based compared to the hospital-based setting. DESIGN: Observational matched cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Home-based (patient's home) or hospital-based (ward) geriatric rehabilitation was delivered to inpatients within the REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) observational, longitudinal cohort of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). METHODS: Patients were asked to wear ActivPAL4 accelerometers for 1 week and were assessed by a comprehensive geriatric assessment at admission, discharge, and followed up after 3 months. Hospital-based patients were matched to home-based patients for sex and baseline physical function [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), activities (instrumental) of daily living, and Clinical Frailty Scale]. Differences in patient characteristics and physical activity (total, standing and walking durations, number of steps and sit-to stand transitions) and sedentary behavior (total, sitting and lying durations) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were included: 18 home-based [mean age: 81.9 ± 8.6 years, 38.9% female, median (interquartile range [IQR]) SPPB: 7.0 (5.0-9.0)] and 141 hospital-based [mean age: 82.9 ± 7.8 years, 57.4% female, median (IQR) SPPB: 1.0 (0.0-4.0)] patients, of whom 18 were matched [mean age: 80.1 ± 7.4 years, 38.9% female, median (IQR) SPPB: 6.5 (4.8-10.0)]. Median physical activity measures were consistently higher in home-based patients compared to the total group of hospital-based patients. After matching, physical activity measures remained >2.4 times higher and were significantly different for all measures (total physical activity, standing and walking durations, and steps) except for sit-to-stand transitions. Sedentary behaviors were similar with home-based patients spending non-significantly more time sitting but significantly less time lying than hospital-based patients (matched and total). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Home-based inpatients are more physically active than hospital-based inpatients independent of matching for sex and baseline physical function, which supports home-based geriatric rehabilitation

Standing up slowly antagonises initial blood pressure decrease in older adults with orthostatic hypotension

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in older adults and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, loss of independence and high health-care costs. Standing up slowly is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention. However, the effectiveness of this advice has not been well studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether standing up slowly antagonises posture-related blood pressure (BP) decrease in a clinically relevant population of geriatric outpatients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 community-dwelling older adults referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic and diagnosed with OH were included. BP was measured continuously during 3 consecutive transitions from supine to standing position during normal, slow and fast transition. Results: The relative BP decrease at 0-15 s after slow transition was significantly lower than after normal transition (p = 0.003 for both systolic BP and diastolic BP) and fast transition (p = 0.045 for systolic BP; diastolic BP: non-significant). The relative diastolic BP decrease at 60-180 s after normal transition was significantly lower than after fast transition (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Standing up slowly antagonises BP decrease predominantly during the first 15 s of standing up in a clinically relevant population of geriatric outpatients diagnosed with OH. Results support the non-pharmacological intervention in clinical practice to counteract OH.Accepted Author ManuscriptBiomechatronics & Human-Machine Contro