A Study of Clinical Profile of Infectious Diseases in the Elderly
Journal Title: The Indian Practitioner - Year 2014, Vol 67, Issue 12
Abstract
Ageing is an inevitable physiological process. Gradual decline in functioning of various organ systems and an increase in the susceptibility and prevalence of diseases occurs in the geriatric population. Aims and objectives 1. To study the clinical profile of infectious diseases in the elderly population. 2. To study the risk factors and co-morbid conditions present in the elderly population associated with mortality. Material and methods From November 2008 to October 2010, 100 patients aged > 60 years admitted in general medical wards and medical intensive care unit of ABC Hospital, Mumbai with evidence of infection were included. Data pertaining to demography, symptoms on admission, presence of co-morbidities, vital parameters, general and systemic examination was noted. Routine biochemical, serological and radiological investigations were carried out. Appropriate cultures and analysis of body fluids (blood, urine, pleural, cerebrospinal and ascitic fluid) were done. The data was analysed using Chi square and Fisher’s test. Results In this study urinary tract infection was the most common infection (26%) followed by respiratory tract infection (23%) and malaria (21%). The mortality in these infections was 19.2%, 39.1% and 38.1% respectively. Fever was the most common symptom (58%) followed by altered sensorium (47%), breathlessness (36%), generalised weakness (26%), oliguria (22%) and cough (22%). Conclusions 1) Symptoms on admission like altered mental status, generalised weakness and breathlessness and presence of diabetes mellitus and alcoholism were predictors of mortality. 2) Hypotension and dehydration were clinical findings associated with significant mortality. 3) Sepsis, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, respiratory failure and hypoalbuminaemia were statistically significant predictors of mortality in elderly patients with infection. 4) Mortality was directly proportional to the number of organ systems involved.
Authors and Affiliations
VA Londhey, CR Dedhia, AA Khot, CS Limaye
Keywords
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