Frailty and functional decline after emergency abdominal surgery in the elderly: a prospective cohort study

Influence of sarcopenia and frailty in the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis

In developed countries, the average life expectancy has been increasing and is now well over 80 years. Increased life expectancy is associated with an increased number of emergency surgical procedures performed in later age groups. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases, with a lifetime risk of 8%. A growing incidence of acute appendicitis has been registered in the elderly population and in the oldest groups (> 80 years). Among patients > 50-year-old who present to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain, 15% have acute appendicitis. In these patients, emergency surgery for acute appendicitis is challenging, and some important aspects must be considered. In the elderly, surgical treatment outcomes are influenced by sarcopenia. Sarcopenia must be considered a precursor of frailty, a risk factor for physical function decline. Sarcopenia has a negative impact on both elective and emergency surgery regarding mortality and morbidity. Aside from morbidity and mortality, the most crucial outcomes for older patients requiring emergency surgery are reduction in function decline and preoperative physical function maintenance. Therefore, prediction of function decline is critical. In emergency surgery, preoperative interventions are difficult to implement because of the narrow time window before surgery. In this editorial, we highlight the unique aspects of acute appendicitis in elderly patients and the influence of sarcopenia and frailty on the results of surgical treatment.

Modified frailty index effectively predicts adverse outcomes in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Frailty and sepsis have a significant impact on patient prognosis. However, research into the relationship between frailty and sepsis in the general adult population remains inadequate. This paper aims to investigate the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in this population.

METHOD

This retrospective analysis investigated sepsis patients who were initially admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The Modified Frailty Index (MFI) was derived by tracking patients' International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes during their hospitalization. Patients were classified into two groups based on their MFI scores: a frail group (MFI ≥ 3) and a non-frail group (MFI = 0-2). The key outcomes were mortality rates at 90 and 180 days, with secondary outcomes including the incidence of delirium and pressure injury.

RESULT

Of the 21,338 patients who were recruited for this study (median age about 68 years, 41.8 % female), 5,507 were classified as frail and 15,831 were classified as non-frail. Frail patients were significantly more likely to have delirium (48.9 % vs. 36.1 %, p < 0.001) and pressure injury (60.5 % vs. 51.4 %, p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, the multifactorial Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed a significantly elevated mortality rate at 90 days (adjusted HR: 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.24-2.02, p < 0.001) and 180 days (adjusted HR: 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.18, 1.83, p < 0.001) in the frail group compared to their non-frail counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty independently predisposes adult sepsis patients in the ICU to adverse outcomes. Future investigations should concentrate on evaluating frailty and developing targeted interventions to improve patient prognosis.

IMPLICATION FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

The MFI provides a simple clinical assessment tool that can be integrated into electronic medical records for immediate calculation. This simplifies the assessment process and plays a key role in predicting patient outcomes.

Impact of frailty on outcomes following emergency laparotomy: a retrospective analysis across diverse clinical conditions

PURPOSE

Emergency laparotomy (EL) encompasses procedures of varying complexity and urgency, undertaken in different clinical scenarios, leading to different risks of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that the increased mortality and longer postoperative length of stay (LoS) observed in frail patients are related to differences in indication for operation, a higher rate of sepsis, worse intraperitoneal soiling, and more advanced malignancy in this group.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analysed patients entered into the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database between January 1, 2018, and June 15, 2021, in Oxford. The primary outcome was 180-day survival analysed using multivariable Cox regression. The secondary outcomes, delay to surgery (DtS) and postoperative LoS, were analysed using logarithmically transformed multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Of the 803 patients analysed, 396 (49.3%) were male. The median age was 66, and 337 (42%) were living with at least very mild frailty. Mortality hazard ratios for Clinical Frailty Scale grades 4 (3.93, 95% CI 1.89-8.20), 5 (5.86, 95% CI 2.87-11.97), and 6-7 (14.17, 95% CI 7.33-27.40) were not confounded by indication, sepsis, intraperitoneal soiling, or malignancy status. Frail patients experienced a 1.38-fold longer DtS and a 1.24-fold longer postoperative LoS, even after adjusting for indication, sepsis, intraperitoneal soiling, malignancy status, and DtS.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that frail patients have a poorer prognosis and longer postoperative LoS, independent of DtS, indication, sepsis, intraperitoneal soiling, and malignancy status. Patient frailty is also associated with longer DtS.

Association between modified frailty index and postoperative delirium in patients after cardiac surgery: A cohort study of 2080 older adults

AIM

To evaluate the association between frailty and postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of older patients admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery at a tertiary academic medical center in Boston from 2008 to 2019. Frailty was measured using the Modified Frailty Index (MFI), which categorized patients into frail (MFI ≥3) and non-frail (MFI = 0-2) groups. Delirium was identified using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit and nursing notes. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between frailty and POD, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 2080 patients included (median age approximately 74 years, 30.9% female), 614 were frail and 1466 were non-frail. The incidence of delirium was significantly higher in the frail group (29.2% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, race, marital status, Acute Physiology Score III (APSIII), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), albumin, creatinine, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, type of surgery, alcohol use, smoking, cerebrovascular disease, use of benzodiazepines, and mechanical ventilation, multivariate logistic regression indicated a significantly increased risk of delirium in frail patients (adjusted OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.23-2.10, p < 0.001, E-value: 1.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is an independent risk factor for POD in older patients after cardiac surgery. Further research should focus on frailty assessment and tailored interventions to improve outcomes.

The investigation of effect on foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults with general surgery, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient.

AIM

The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design.

METHODS

A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences.

DISCUSSIONS

The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates.

THE CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT05534490.

Assessing the Modified Frailty Index and Post-Operative Outcomes in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Studies identifying predictors of postoperative outcomes in adhesive small bowel obstruction are limited. This study investigates the efficacy of the modified frailty index (mFI)to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction.

METHODS

A multicentre retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction after failed trial of nonoperative management between January 2015 and December 2020 was performed. Impact of frailty status using the mFI, stratified as frail (≥0.27) and robust (<0.27), on postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and discharge destination was evaluated using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ninety-two robust patients (mean age 62.4 y, 68% female) and 41 frail patients (mean age 81.7 y, 63% female) were included. On simple stratification, frail patients had significantly increased 30-d morbidity (overall morbidity 80% versus 49%) and need for higher level of care on discharge (41% versus 9%). However, on multiple regression, functional dependence but not the mFI, was independently associated with worse 30-d overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 3.97, confidence interval [CI] 1.29-12.19) and lower likelihood of returning to preoperative disposition (OR 0.21, CI 0.05-0.91). The delay in operation beyond 5 d was independently associated with worse 30-d outcomes including overall morbidity and mortality (OR 7.54, CI 2.13-26.73) and decreased return to preoperative disposition (OR 0.14, CI 0.04-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

The mFI, although promising, was not independently predictive of outcomes following surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction. Further adequately powered studies are required.

Clinical Frailty Score is a good predictor of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing open abdomen surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Open Abdomen (OA) is gaining popularity in damage control surgery (DCS) but there is not an absolute prognostic score to identify patients that may benefit from it. Our study investigates the correlation between the clinical frailty scale score (CFSS) and postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing OA.

METHODS

Patients ≥65 yo undergoing OA in two referral centres between 2015 and 2020 were included and stratified according to CFSS in non-frail (NF), frail (F) and highly-frail (HF). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and 1- year survival.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six patients were included: 35 NF (25.7%), 56 F (41.2%), 45 HF (33.1%). Average age 76.8. The 73.5% of cases were non-traumatic diseases with no difference in preoperative characteristics. 95 (71.4%) had one complication, 26 NF (74.3%), 34 F (63.2%), 35 HF (77.8%) (P=0.301) and 59.4% had a complication with a CD≥3, 57.1% NF, 56.6% F and 64.4 HF. The 30-day mortality was 32.4%, higher in HF (46.7%) and F (30.4%) compared to NF (17.1%, P=0.018). The Overall 1-year survival was 41% (SE ±4) with statistically significant difference between HF vs. NF and HF vs. F (P=0.009 and P=0.029, respectively). In the univariate analysis, the only significant prognostic factor impacting mortality was CFSS, with HF having an HR of 1.948 (95% CI 1.097-3.460, P=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

When OA is a surgical option, frail patients should not be precluded, while HF should be carefully evaluated. The CFSS might be a good prognostic score for patients that may safely benefit from OA.

Laparoscopy for emergency abdominal surgery is associated with reduced physical functional decline in older patients: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of older patients require emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen. They are susceptible to surgical stress and lose their independence in performing daily activities. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay. However, few studies have examined the relationship between laparoscopic surgery and physical functional decline. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between changes in physical function and the surgical procedure.

METHODS

In this was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients who were aged ≥ 65 years and underwent emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. We assessed their activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. Functional decline was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 points in Barthel Index at 28 days postoperatively, compared with the preoperative value. We evaluated an association between functional decline and surgical procedures among older patients, using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 852 patients underwent emergency abdominal surgery. Among these, 280 patients were eligible for the analysis. Among them, 94 underwent laparoscopic surgery, while 186 underwent open surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery showed a less functional decline at 28 days postoperatively (6 vs. 49, p < 0.001). After adjustments for other covariates, laparoscopic surgery was an independent preventive factor for postoperative functional decline (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.83; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In emergency abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery reduces postoperative physical functional decline in older patients. Widespread use of laparoscopic surgery can potentially preserve patient quality of life and may be important for the better development of emergency abdominal surgery.

Enhancing recovery in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery: Examining the effect of a preoperative preparation program using a quasi-experimental design

Background

Older adult patients often experience delayed postoperative recovery due to a lack of self-efficacy in engaging in physical activities during early rehabilitation. Concurrently, family caregivers play a crucial role in caring for older adults. However, the extent of family involvement in improving self-efficacy and facilitating recovery following major abdominal surgeries in older adults remains largely unexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of a preoperative preparation program on the recovery of older patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study with a two-group, pretest-posttest design was conducted. The participants included 60 older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgeries at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, between September 2019 and March 2020. Participants were selected by purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria and were assigned to the experimental (n = 30) or the control (n = 30) groups using matched pair according to the type of operation. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group underwent a two-week preoperative preparation program developed based on self-efficacy theory and family support. Data were collected using validated tools. Recovery was assessed at one week and two weeks after surgery. Descriptive statistics, as well as dependent and independent t-tests, were used for data analysis.

Results

The results revealed that the intervention group had significantly higher mean recovery scores than the control group at one week (M = 56.93, SD = 16.42; M = 44.60, SD = 16.30, t = -2.92, df = 58, p <0.01) and two weeks after surgery (M = 66.64, SD = 8.63; M = 61.68, SD = 7.86, t = -2.33, df = 58, p <0.05) when comparing between the two groups.

Conclusion

The preoperative preparation program effectively enhanced recovery one week and two weeks after surgery. The study findings can be valuable for nurses in implementing the preoperative preparation program to facilitate recovery among older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Consensus Guidelines for Emergency Laparotomy Part 3: Organizational Aspects and General Considerations for Management of the Emergency Laparotomy Patient

BACKGROUND

This is Part 3 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy using an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses organizational aspects of care.

METHODS

Experts in management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations.

RESULTS

Components of organizational aspects of care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi process.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on best current available evidence for organizational aspects of an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and include discussion of less common aspects of care for the surgical patient, including end-of-life issues. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies.

Consensus Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations Part 2-Emergency Laparotomy: Intra- and Postoperative Care

BACKGROUND

This is Part 2 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL) using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses intra- and postoperative aspects of care.

METHODS

Experts in aspects of management of high-risk and emergency general surgical patients were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. Some ERAS® components covered in other guideline papers are outlined only briefly, with the bulk of the text focusing on key areas pertaining specifically to EL.

RESULTS

Twenty-three components of intraoperative and postoperative care were defined. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi Process.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on best available evidence for an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing EL. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies.

Prognostic value of 11-factor modified frailty index in postoperative adverse outcomes of elderly gastric cancer patients in China

BACKGROUND

Preoperative evaluation of frailty is limited to a few surgical procedures. However, the evaluation in Chinese elderly gastric cancer (GC) patients remains blank.

AIM

To validate and estimate the prognostic value of the 11-index modified frailty index (mFI-11) for predicting postoperative anastomotic fistula, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and long-term survival in elderly patients (over 65 years of age) undergoing radical GC.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study which included patients who underwent elective gastrectomy with D2 Lymph node dissection between April 1, 2017 and April 1, 2019. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were admission to ICU, anastomotic fistula, and 6-mo mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal grouping cutoff of 0.27 points from previous studies: High risk of frailty marked as mFI-11High and low risk of frailty marked as mFI-11Low. Survival curves between the two groups were compared, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between preoperative frailty and postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing radical GC. The discrimination ability of the mFI-11, prognostic nutritional index, and tumor-node-metastasis pathological stage to identify adverse postoperative outcomes was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of 1003 patients were included, of which 13.86% (139/1003) were defined as having mFI-11High and 86.14% (864/1003) as having mFI-11Low. By comparing the incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups of patients, it was found that mFI-11High patients had higher rates of 1-year postoperative mortality, admission to ICU, anastomotic fistula, and 6-mo mortality than the mFI-11Low group (18.0% vs 8.9%, P = 0.001; 31.7% vs 14.7%, P < 0.001; 7.9% vs 2.8%, P < 0.001; and 12.2% vs 3.6%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed mFI-11 as an independent predictive indicator for postoperative outcome [1-year postoperative mortality: Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.432, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 2.599-6.343, P = 0.003; admission to ICU: aOR = 2.058, 95%CI: 1.188-3.563, P = 0.010; anastomotic fistula: aOR = 2.852, 95%CI: 1.357-5.994, P = 0.006; 6-mo mortality: aOR = 2.438, 95%CI: 1.075-5.484, P = 0.033]. mFI-11 showed better prognostic efficacy in predicting 1-year postoperative mortality [area under the ROC curve (AUROC): 0.731], admission to ICU (AUROC: 0.776), anastomotic fistula (AUROC: 0.877), and 6-mo mortality (AUROC: 0.759).

CONCLUSION

Frailty as measured by mFI-11 could provide prognostic information for 1-year postoperative mortality, admission to ICU, anastomotic fistula, and 6-mo mortality in patients over 65 years old undergoing radical GC.

Predictive value of total psoas muscle index for postoperative physical functional decline in older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Older individuals increasingly require emergency abdominal surgeries. They are susceptible to surgical stress and loss of independence in performing daily activities. We hypothesized that the psoas muscle volume would be significantly associated with postoperative functional decline (FD) in older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery and aimed to evaluate the use of the psoas muscle volume on computed tomography (CT) scans.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study of patients aged ≥ 65 years who had undergone emergency abdominal surgery between January 2019 and June 2021 was performed. We assessed patients' activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. FD was defined as a ≥ 5-point decrease between preoperative and 28-day postoperative values. The psoas muscle volume was measured by CT, which was used for diagnosis, and normalized by height to calculate total psoas muscle index (TPI). We evaluated associations between FD and TPI using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 238 eligible patients, 71 (29.8%) had clinical postoperative FD. Compared to the non-FD group, the FD group was significantly older and had a higher proportion of females, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, lower body mass index, higher American Society of Anesthesiology score, lower serum albumin level, and lower TPI. ROC analyses revealed that TPI had the highest area under the curve (0.802; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.86). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that low TPI was an independent predictor of postoperative FD (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.06-0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

TPI can predict postoperative FD due to emergency abdominal surgery. Identification of patients who are at high risk of FD before surgery may be useful for enhancing the regionalized system of care for emergency general surgery.

Factors Potential Patients Deem Important for Decision-Making in High-Risk Surgical Scenarios

BACKGROUND

Surgical futility and shared decision-making to proceed with high-risk surgery are challenging for patients and surgeons alike. It is unknown which factors contribute to a patient's decision to undergo high-risk and potentially futile surgery. The clinical perspective, founded in statistical probabilities of survival, could be misaligned with a patient's determination of worthwhile surgery. This study assesses factors most important to patients in pursuing high-risk surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Via anonymous survey, lay participants recruited through Amazon's Mturk were presented high-risk scenarios necessitating emergency surgery. They rated factors (objective risk and quality-of-life domains) in surgical decision-making (0 = not at all, 4 = extremely) and made the decision to pursue surgery based on clinical scenarios. Repeated observations were accounted for via a generalized mixed-effects model and estimated effects of respondent characteristics, scenario factors, and likelihood to recommend surgery.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-six participants completed the survey. Chance of survival to justify surgery averaged 69.3% (SD = 21.3), ranking as the highest determining factor in electing for surgery. Other factors were also considered important in electing for surgery, including the average number of days the patient lived if surgery were and were not completed, functional and pain status after surgery, family member approval, and surgery cost. Postoperative independence was associated with proceeding with surgery (p < 0.001). Recommendations by patient age was moderated by respondent age (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Patients highly value likelihood of survival and postoperative independence in shared decision-making for high-risk surgery. It is important to improve the understanding of surgical futility from a patient's perspective.

Radiological Features for Frailty Assessment in Patients Requiring Emergency Laparotomy

Introduction: As the number of elderly patients requiring surgical intervention rises, it is believed that frailty syndrome has a greater impact on perioperative course than on chronological age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various imaging features for frailty assessment in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods: The study included all patients that qualified for emergency surgery with preoperative CT scans between 2016 and 2020 in the Second Department of General Surgery. Multiple trauma patients were excluded from the analysis. The modified frailty index and brief geriatric assessment were used in the analysis. CT images were reviewed for the assessment of osteopenia, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, renal volume and abdominal aorta calcification rate. Results: A total of 261 patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified every next ASA class (OR: 4.161, 95%CI: 1.672–10.355, p = 0.002), intraoperative adverse events (OR: 12.397, 95%CI: 2.166–70.969, p = 0.005) and osteopenia (OR: 4.213, 95%CI: 1.235–14.367, p = 0.022) as a risk factor for 30-day mortality. Our study showed that every next ASA class (OR: 1.952, 95%Cl: 1.171–3.256, p = 0.010) and every point of the BGA score (OR: 1.496, 95%Cl: 1.110–2.016, p = 0.008) are risk factors for major complications. Conclusions: Osteopenia was the best parameter for perioperative mortality risk stratification in patients undergoing emergency surgical intervention. Sarcopenia (measured as psoas muscle area), sarcopenic obesity, aortic calcifications and mean kidney volume do not predict poor outcomes in those patients. None of the radiological markers appeared to be useful for the prediction of perioperative morbidity.

The clinical impact of frailty on the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing appendectomy: propensity score-matched analysis of 2011-2017 US hospitals

BACKGROUND

The presence of clinical frailty can pose an escalated risk toward surgical outcomes including in cases that involve minimally invasive procedures. Given this premise, we evaluate the effects of frailty on post-appendectomy outcomes using a national in-hospital registry.

METHODS

2011-2017 National Inpatient Sample was used to isolate inpatient appendectomy cases; the population as stratified using Johns Hopkins ACG clinical frailty, expressed as either binary or ternary (prefrailty, frailty, and without frailty) indicators. The controls were matched to frailty-present groups using propensity score matching and compared to various endpoints, including mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Post-match, there were 11,758 with and without frailty per binary; and 1236 frail, 10,522 pre-frail with respective equal number controls per ternary indicator. Using binary term, frail patients had higher mortality (4.22 vs 1.49% OR 2.92 95%CI 2.45-3.47), LOS (14.3 vs 5.35d p < 0.001), and costs ($160,700 vs $64,141 p < 0.001). In multivariate, frail patients had higher mortality (aOR 2.77 95%CI 2.32-3.31), as well as higher rates of postoperative complications. Using ternary term, frail patients had higher mortality (5.02 vs 2.27% OR 2.28 95%CI 1.45-3.59), LOS (18.9 vs 5.66 day p < 0.001) and costs ($200,517 vs $66,193 p < 0.001). In multivariate, frail patients had higher mortality (aOR 2.16 95%CI 1.35-3.43) and complications. Those with pre-frailty had higher mortality (4.12 vs 1.47% OR 2.88 95%CI 2.39-3.46), LOS (13.8 vs 5.34 day p < 0.001) and costs ($156,022 vs $63,772 p < 0.001). In multivariate, pre-frailty patients had higher mortality (aOR 2.79 95%CI 2.31-3.37) and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty and prefrailty (using the ternary indicator) are associated with increased postoperative mortality and complication in patients who undergo appendectomy; given this finding, it is imperative that these vulnerable patients are identified early in the preoperative phase and are provided risk-modifying measures to ameliorate risks and optimize outcomes.

The Utility of the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index to Predict Postoperative Risk in Microsurgical Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical reconstruction is an integral part of plastic surgery. The 5-factor modified frailty index (5-mFI) is an effective tool to predict postoperative complications across multiple subspecialties. We aimed to determine if frailty scores using the 5-mFI can predict postoperative complications specifically in microvascular reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Frailty scores were retrospectively assessed in microsurgical reconstruction patients (2012-2016) using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program base. The 5 variables that comprise the 5-mFI are history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of congestive heart failure, functional status, hypertension requiring medication and diabetes. The data were analyzed using the Goodman test, χ2 test, and a logistic regression model. The congruence was also compared between the 5-mFI and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification in predicting complications.

RESULTS

Of 5894 patients, the highest 5-mFI value was "3." Analyses show an increase in postoperative complications requiring ICU care. Further models indicate an association between readmission with hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.05). There was an increased risk of a failure to wean from ventilator with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes and an increased risk of readmission with a history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The 5-mFI and ASA were incongruent in predicting postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5-mFI predicts postoperative complications in the microsurgical reconstruction population. Although the 5-mFI and ASA predict different complications, their use provides insight into the potential adjustable risks before surgery.

Frailty and Emergency Surgery: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Frailty, a "syndrome of loss of reserves," is a decade old concept. Initially it was used mainly in geriatrics but lately its use has been extended into other specialties including surgery. Our main objective was to examine the association between frailty and mortality, between frailty and length of hospital stay (LOS) and frailty and readmission within 30 days in the emergency surgical population.

Methods

Studies reporting on frailty in the emergency surgical population were eligible. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched with terms related to acute surgery and frail*. We searched for eligible articles without any restrictions on the 2nd of November 2020. Odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random effect model. Risk of bias assessment was performed according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. As the finally selected studies were either prospective or retrospective cohorts, the "Quality In Prognosis Studies" (QUIPS) tool was used.

Results

At the end of the selection process 21 eligible studies with total 562.070 participants from 8 countries were included in the qualitative and the quantitative synthesis. Patients living with frailty have higher chance of dying within 30 days after an emergency surgical admission (OR: 1.99; CI: 1.76-2.21; p < 0.001). We found a tendency of increased LOS with frailty in acute surgical patients (WMD: 4.75 days; CI: 1.79-7.71; p = 0.002). Patients living with frailty have increased chance of 30-day readmission after discharge (OR: 1.36; CI: 1.06-1.75; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Although there is good evidence that living with frailty increases the chance of unfavorable outcomes, further research needs to be done to assess the benefits and costs of frailty screening for emergency surgical patients.

Systematic Review Registration

The review protocol was registered on the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021224689).

Frailty in elderly patients with acute appendicitis

PURPOSE

Acute appendicitis in the elderly is becoming increasingly recognized for its often severe course. For various elective and urgent operations in older patients, frailty is a risk factor for poor outcomes. However, there is a lack of data on frailty in elderly patients with acute appendicitis.

METHODS

Patients over 65 years old who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis in three hospitals between January 2015 and September 2020 were assessed with the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) and the modified Frailty Index (mFI). Outcomes of interest, including morbidity, mortality, and length of stay, were recorded.

RESULTS

While frailty can be measured with both tests, the mFI has better applicability and takes significantly less time to implement compared to the HFRS (21.6 s vs. 80.3 s, p < 0.0001) while providing the same information value. Patients who exhibited frailty according to either assessment had a significantly higher rate of milder (OR 5.85/2.87, p < 0.0001/0.009) and serious (OR 4.92/3.61, p < 0.011/0.029) complications, more admissions to the intensive care unit (OR 5.16/7.36, p < 0.0001), and an almost doubled length of stay (12.7 days vs. 6.6 days, p < 0.005). Up to 31% of these patients required institutional care after discharge, which is significantly more than those without frailty (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the mortality rate in frail patients was significantly elevated to 17%, compared to less than 1% in non-frail patients (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients, frailty is a significant risk factor for negative outcomes. Frailty can be assessed more quickly and reliably with the mFI compared to the HFRS.

Frailty and emergency abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients aged ≥65 years currently account for approximately 55% of all emergent operations. However, these patients account for 75% of post-operative mortality. Older age has long been associated with adverse outcomes from emergency surgery. However, old age is a heterogenous state. Recent studies have indicated that frailty may more accurately reflect true biological age and perioperative risk than chronological age alone in patients undergoing elective surgery. Few studies have evaluated the impact of frailty on post-operative outcomes in this setting.

METHODS

A systematic, electronic search for relevant publications was performed in November 2019 using Pubmed and Embase from 2009 to 2019. The latest search for articles was performed on February 16th, 2020. Articles were excluded if frailty was not measured using a frailty tool, or if patients did not undergo emergency general surgery (EGS).

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty amongst patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery was 30.8%. The all-cause mortality rate was 15.68%. The mortality rate amongst the frail undergoing EGS was 24.7%. Frailty was associated with an increased mortality rate compared with the non-frail (odds ratio (OR) 4.3, 95% CI 2.25-8.19%, p < 0.05, I² = 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence to suggest that frailty in the older population predicts post-operative mortality, complications, prolonged length of stay and the loss of independence. Collaborative working with medicine for the elderly physicians to target modifiable aspects of the frailty syndrome in the perioperative pathway may improve outcomes. Frailty scoring should be integrated into acute surgical assessment practice to aid decision-making and development of novel postoperative strategies.

Association of preoperative risk factors and mortality in elderly patients with emergency abdominal surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Older patients undergoing emergency laparotomy have high morbidity and mortality rates. Preoperative risk assessment with good predictors is an appropriate measure in this population. Frailty status is significantly associated with postoperative outcomes in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative risk factors and frailty on short-term outcomes following emergency surgery for acute abdomen in older patients.

Methods

This study included older patients (≥65 years of age) who underwent emergency abdominal surgery. We retrospectively analyzed their demographic and clinical variables and used the modified Frailty Index-11 to evaluate their frailty status. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate. We also analyzed risk factors of mortality in these patients.

Results

The study included 150 patients with a median age of 74 years. The mortality rate was 17.3% (n=26). We observed significantly higher mortality rates in patients who were obese and who had higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA grades) (p<0.05). Frailty status was worse in deceased group (p<0.001), when compared to individuals who survived. Septic shock was associated with the development of mortality (p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ASA grade was the only independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio=19.642; 95% confidence interval, 3.886–99.274; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Older patients with obesity and frailty presenting with higher ASA grades and septic shock had the worst survival following emergency abdominal surgery. The ASA grade was an independent risk factor for mortality.

Health Services Use and Functional Recovery Following Blunt Trauma in Older Persons - A National Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Frailty is associated with morbidity and mortality in older injured patients. However, for older blunt-trauma patients, increased frailty may not manifest in longer length of stay at index admission. We hypothesized that owing to time spent in hospital from readmissions, frailty would be associated with less total time at home in the 1-year postinjury period.

DESIGN

Prospective, nationwide, multicenter cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

All Singaporean residents aged ≥55 years admitted for blunt trauma with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) or New Injury Severity Score (NISS) ≥10 from March 2016 to July 2018.

METHODS

Frailty (by modified Fried criteria) was assessed at index admission, based on questions on preinjury weight loss, slowness, exhaustion, physical activity, and grip strength at the time of recruitment. Low time at home was defined as >14 hospitalized days within 1 year postinjury. The contribution of planned and unplanned readmission to time at home postinjury was explored. Functional trajectory (by Barthel Index) over 1 year was compared by frailty.

RESULTS

Of the 218 patients recruited, 125 (57.3%) were male, median age was 72 years, and 48 (22.0%) were frail. On univariate analysis, frailty [relative to nonfrail: odds ratio (OR) 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-8.97, P = .01] was associated with low time at home. On multivariable analysis, after inclusion of age, gender, ISS, intensive care unit admission, and surgery at index admission, frailty (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.77-15.34, P < .01) remained significantly associated with low time at home in the 1-year postinjury period. Unplanned readmissions were the main reason for frail participants having low time at home. Frail participants had poorer function in the 1-year postinjury period.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In the year following blunt trauma, frail older patients experience lower time at home compared to patients who were not frail at baseline. Screening for frailty should be considered in all older blunt-trauma patients, with a view to being prioritized for postdischarge support.

Long-term influence of frailty in elderly patients after surgical emergencies

PURPOSE

Frailty is known to increase vulnerability to stressful factors, and motivate a higher morbidity and mortality in several health conditions. However, long-term impact of frailty after surgical procedures remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frailty and long-term clinical outcomes after emergency surgery.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study in patients older than 70 years undergoing emergency procedures. A total of 82 patients (mean age 78.5 years, 53.3% women) were consecutively enrolled. Data on demographics, surgical procedures, complications after 30 postoperative days, and frailty according to the clinical frailty scale, Triage Risk Screening Tool (TRST), and FRAIL scale were recorded. Readmission, mortality, and transition to frailty rates were analyzed at 6 and 18 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty ranged between 14.6 and 29.6% depending on the scale used. The overall mortality rate at 18 months was 19.5% (16 patients), and the survival curves demonstrated a significant difference in mortality between frail and non-frail patients assessed using the FRAIL scale and TRST (p = 0.049 and p = 0.033, respectively), with a hazard ratio of 2.28 (95% confidence interval 1.24-6.44). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (p = 0.013) was an independent risk factor for transition to frailty, and antidepressant drug use was close to statistical significance (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Frailty is a predictive marker of long-term mortality in patients undergoing emergency procedures. Diabetes and depression may represent independent risk factors for transition to frailty over time.

Predictive Model for the Assessment of Preoperative Frailty Risk in the Elderly

Adequate preoperative evaluation of frailty can greatly assist in the efficient allocation of hospital resources and planning treatments. However, most of the previous frailty evaluation methods, which are complicated, time-consuming, and can have inter-evaluator error, are difficult to apply in urgent situations. Thus, the authors aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for pre-operative frailty risk of elderly patients by using diagnostic and operation codes, which can be obtained easily and quickly from electronic records. We extracted the development cohort of 1762 people who were hospitalized for emergency operations at a single institution between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016. The temporal validation cohort from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 in the same center was set. External validation was conducted on 6432 patients aged 75 years or older from 2012 to 2015 who had emergency surgery in the Korean national health insurance database. We developed the Operation Frailty Risk Score (OFRS) by assessing the association of Operation Group and Hospital Frailty Risk Score with the 90-day mortality through logistic regression analysis. We validated the OFRS in both the temporal validation cohort and two external validation cohorts. In the temporal validation cohort and the external validation cohort I and II, the c-statistics for OFRS to predict 90-day mortality were 0.728, 0.626, and 0.619, respectively. OFRS from these diagnostic codes and operation codes may help evaluate the peri-operative frailty risk before emergency surgery for elderly patients where history-taking and pre-operative testing cannot be performed.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: Part 1-Preoperative: Diagnosis, Rapid Assessment and Optimization

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols reduce length of stay, complications and costs for a large number of elective surgical procedures. A similar, structured approach appears to improve outcomes, including mortality, for patients undergoing high-risk emergency general surgery, and specifically emergency laparotomy. These are the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of these patients using an ERAS approach.

METHODS

Experts in aspects of management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches on English language publications were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on non-emergency patients when appropriate. The Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. The guideline has been divided into two parts: Part 1-Preoperative Care and Part 2-Intraoperative and Postoperative management. This paper provides guidelines for Part 1.

RESULTS

Twelve components of preoperative care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on the best available evidence for an ERAS approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Initial management is particularly important for patients with sepsis and physiological derangement. These guidelines should be used to improve outcomes for these high-risk patients.

Frailty and length of stay in older adults with blunt injury in a national multicentre prospective cohort study

Background

Patients suffering moderate or severe injury after low falls have higher readmission and long-term mortality rates compared to patients injured by high-velocity mechanisms such as motor vehicle accidents. We hypothesize that this is due to higher pre-injury frailty in low-fall patients, and present baseline patient and frailty demographics of a prospective cohort of moderate and severely injured older patients. Our second hypothesis was that frailty was associated with longer length of stay (LOS) at index admission.

Methods

This is a prospective, nation-wide, multi-center cohort study of Singaporean residents aged ≥55 years admitted for ≥48 hours after blunt injury with an injury severity score or new injury severity score ≥10, or an Organ Injury Scale ≥3, in public hospitals from 2016–2018. Demographics, mechanism of injury and frailty were recorded and analysed by Chi-square, or Kruskal-Wallis as appropriate.

Results

218 participants met criteria and survived the index admission. Low fall patients had the highest proportion of frailty (44, 27.3%), followed by higher level fallers (3, 21.4%) and motor vehicle accidents (1, 2.3%) (p < .01). Injury severity, extreme age, and surgery were independently associated with longer LOS. Frail patients were paradoxically noted to have shorter LOS (p < .05).

Conclusion

Patients sustaining moderate or severe injury after low falls are more likely to be frail compared to patients injured after higher-velocity mechanisms. However, this did not translate into longer adjusted LOS in hospital at index admission.

Prediction of functional loss in emergency surgery is possible with a simple frailty screening tool

Background

Senior adults fear postoperative loss of independence the most, and this might represent an additional burden for families and society. The number of geriatric patients admitted to the emergency room requiring an urgent surgical treatment is rising, and the presence of frailty is the main risk factor for postoperative morbidity and functional decline. Frailty assessment in the busy emergency setting is challenging. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of a very simple five-item frailty screening tool, the Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST), in predicting functional loss after emergency surgery among senior adults who were found to be independent before surgery.

Methods

All consecutive individuals aged 70 years and older who were independent (activity of daily living (ADL) score ≥5) and were admitted to the emergency surgery unit with an urgent need for abdominal surgery between December 2015 and May 2016 were prospectively included in the study. On admission, individuals were screened using the fTRST and additional metrics such as the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CACI) and the ASA score. Thirty- and 90-day complications and postoperative decline in the ADL score where recorded. Regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative predictors of functional loss.

Results

Seventy-eight patients entered the study. Thirty-day mortality rate was 12.8% (10/78), and the 90-day overall mortality was 15.4% (12/78). One in every four patients (17/68) experienced a significant functional loss at 30-day follow-up. At 90-day follow-up, only 3/17 patients recovered, 2 patients died, and 12 remained permanently dependent. On the regression analysis, a statistically significant correlation with functional loss was found for fTRST, CACI, and age≥85 years old both at 30 and 90 days after surgery. fTRST≥2 showed the highest effectiveness in predicting functional loss at 90 days with AUC 72 and OR 6.93 (95% CI 1.71–28.05). The institutionalization rate with the need to discharge patients to a healthcare facility was 7.6% (5/66); all of them had a fTRST≥2.

Conclusion

fTRST is an easy and effective tool to predict the risk of a postoperative functional decline and nursing home admission in the emergency setting.

Association between mortality and frailty in emergency general surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to determine the association between frailty and mortality among adults ≥ 65 years old undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS).

Methods

This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines (CRD42020172482 on PROSPERO). A search in MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted from inception to March 5, 2020. Studies with patients ≥ 65 years undergoing EGS were included. The primary exposure was frailty, measured using the Clinical Frailty Scale or the Modified Frailty Index. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 90-day and 1-year mortality, length of stay, complications, change in level of care at discharge, and loss of independence. Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. A meta-analysis was performed for 30-day mortality using a random-effects model.

Results

Our search yielded 847 articles and six cohort studies were included in the systematic review. There were 1289 patients, 283 being frail. The pooled OR from meta-analysis for frail compared to non-frail patients was 2.91 (95% CI 2.00, 4.23) for 30-day mortality. Frailty was associated with increased odds of all secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Frailty is significantly associated with worse outcomes after emergency general surgery in adults ≥ 65 years of age. The Clinical Frailty Scale could be used to improve preoperative risk assessment for patients and shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.

Registration number

CRD42020172482 (PROSPERO).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00068-020-01578-9.

Nursing Home Residents' Functional Trajectories and Mortality After a Transfer to the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

To describe nursing home residents' (NHRs) functional trajectories and mortality after a transfer to the emergency department (ED).

DESIGN

Case-control observational multicenter study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

In total, 1037 NHRs presenting to 17 EDs in France over 4 nonconsecutive weeks in 2016.

METHODS

Finite mixture models were fitted to longitudinal data on activities of daily living (ADL) scores before transfer (time 1), during hospitalization (time 2), and within 1 week after discharge (time 3) to identify groups of NHRs following similar functional evolution. Factors associated with mortality were investigated by Cox regressions.

RESULTS

Trajectory modeling identified 4 distinct trajectories of ADL. The first showed a high and stable (across time 1, time 2, and time 3) functional capacity around 5.2/6 ADL points, with breathlessness as the main condition leading to transfer. The second displayed an initial 37.8% decrease in baseline ADL performance (between time 1 and time 2), followed by a 12.5% recovery of baseline ADL performance (time 2‒time 3), with fractures as the main condition. The third displayed a similar initial decrease, followed by a 6.7% recovery. The fourth displayed an initial 70.1% decrease, followed by an 8.5% recover, with more complex geriatric polypathology situations. Functional decline was more likely after being transferred for a cerebrovascular condition or for a fracture, after being discharged from ED to a surgery department, and with a heavier burden of distressing symptoms during transfer. Mortality after ED transfer was more likely in older NHRs, those in a more severe condition, those who were hospitalized more frequently in the past month, and those transferred for cerebrovascular conditions or breathlessness.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Identified trajectories and factors associated with functional decline and mortality should help clinicians decide whether to transfer NHRs to ED. NHRs with high functional ability seem to benefit from ED transfers whereas on-site alternatives should be sought for those with poor functional ability.

Influence of frailty in the outcome of surgical patients over 70 years old with admission criteria in ICU

INTRODUCTION

Frailty degree can influence more than age or severity in the outcome of patients older than 70 years undergoing surgery of the digestive system that require immediate postoperative control in the ICU.

METHODS

A prospective and observational study of patients over 70 years of age who were admitted to the surgical ICU of a third level hospital immediately after an elective or emergent surgical intervention on the digestive system from June 1, 2018 until June 1, 2019. The variables age, frailty Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and modified Frailty Index (mFI), severity (APACHE II), type of surgery, surgical pathology were recorded upon admission. A bivariate analysis was performed to assess the influence of frailty and severity on hospital morbidity and mortality and baseline situation of the patient (in terms of dependence) at 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were recruited, 54.4% of whom were reoperated; 74.4% were initially discharged from the ICU, with 28.4% of readmission and directly associated to frailty (CFS and mFI: P<0.01). The overall mortality at 6 months was 44.5% being CFS (OR = 64.3; P<0.05, 95% CI: 12.3-333.9) and APACHE II (OR = 1.17; P<0.05; 95% CI: 1.04-1.32) the covariates that best related.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimation of frailty by CSF and mFI is directly associated to the surgical morbidity and readmission of elderly and severe patients admitted to the ICU. In addition, CFS and mFI has been efficient as a predictive of mortality at 6 months.