Hearing acuity in nonagenarians aged 90 and 95 assessed in a home setting using standardized pure-tone audiometry

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge regarding hearing acuity in the nonagenarian age group is sparse. In this study we aimed to advance our understanding of hearing loss in the 10th decade of life.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study in which standardised hearing measurements were performed during home visits, which included care home facilities and nursing homes to maximise participation.

STUDY SAMPLE

Two unselected groups of individuals aged 90 (n = 42) and 95 (n = 49), sampled from the population-based Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies.

RESULTS

98% of the participants (95% CI [95, 100]) had some degree of hearing loss in their better ear, with 83% (95% CI [73, 89]) having a potentially disabling hearing loss of moderate degree or worse, according to WHO criteria. Furthermore, differences between the two age groups (five years apart) indicate an increasing hearing loss, primarily at frequencies ≥ 2 kHz.

CONCLUSION

Hearing loss was present in almost all of the participants in the nonagenarian age group and among a majority of them potentially to a degree that would warrant rehabilitation. Carrying out standardised hearing measurements in a home setting was feasible in this age group and enhanced the representativeness of the study population.

Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonagenarians

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a successful treatment option for severe aortic stenosis. However, the long-term outcomes of TAVR in nonagenarians is lacking. We aimed to examine the long-term mortality and quality of life in nonagenarians after TAVR. This is a multicenter, retrospective analysis on patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR. Patients were divided into 2 groups: nonagenarians (age ≥90 years) and age <90 years. The Kansas City cardiomyopathy questionnaire (KCCQ) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) scores were compared before and after TAVR. All-cause mortality was compared between both groups at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years after TAVR using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 6,896 patients were included, of whom 591 were nonagenarians. Nonagenarians had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons perioperative risk of mortality (8.1 ± 4.6% vs 5.4 ± 4.2%, p <0.001) before TAVR. Both groups were similar in KCCQ and NYHA scores at baseline. At 1 year after TAVR, there was no significant difference in improvement in the KCCQ overall score between those aged <90 years and nonagenarians (-4.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.4 to 1.9, p = 0.161). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in improvement in NYHA class between the 2 groups at 1 year (odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25), p = 0.526). The unadjusted 30-day (3.2% vs 2.7%, hazard ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.80, p = 0.667) and 5-year (28.0% vs 26.6%, hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.24, p = 0.60) all-cause mortality were similar between the 2 groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates an excellent long-term mortality rate at 5 years after TAVR in nonagenarians, comparable to patients younger than 90 years. There is a significant and enduring improvement in functional status in nonagenarians, observed up to 1 year after TAVR.

Radiotherapy in nonagenarian patients: A 20-year retrospective analysis in a single ternary centre

INTRODUCTION

The global burden of cancer and the ageing population is increasing, resulting in an increase in cancer incidence among elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety profile of radiotherapy in nonagenarians and to contribute to the existing knowledge on radiotherapy in elderly patients.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included nonagenarian patients who received external beam radiotherapy at a single centre in Japan between May 2003 and May 2023. Data, including patient demographics, tumour characteristics, treatment details, and clinical outcomes, were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses including survival and subgroup analyses were performed to summarize the data.

RESULTS

The analysis included 124 nonagenarian patients who received 151 treatment courses. Among the patients with a median age of 92 years (range, 90-98 years), 71 received palliative-intent radiotherapy and 53 underwent curative-intent radiotherapy. The overall survival rates at 1 and 3 years after radiotherapy were 55.4% and 38.3%, respectively. Performance status and radiotherapy at the primary site were independent prognosis factors for improved overall survival, while age was not. The incidence rate of grades 3-5 radiation-related toxicities was 3.4%, which is generally considered to be acceptable.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that radiotherapy can be effectively and safely used in this age group, supporting its use as a treatment option for both palliative and curative goals. These results contribute to the existing body of evidence on radiotherapy in elderly patients and can guide clinical decision-making in the management of nonagenarian patients with cancer.

Evaluation of the Surgical Treatment of Patients over 90 Years Old with Hip Fractures and Their Morbidity and Mortality

Objective:  Hip fractures in older adults have the highest impact on the patient's health. These injuries result in many complications, reducing functional capability, quality of life, and life expectancy. This study aimed to provide more epidemiological data on the outcomes of these fractures in nonagenarians from a large city treated at a tertiary hospital. Methods:  This study consisted of medical record reviews and interviews. Results:  In this study, 76 patients underwent 82 surgeries. The mean age of the patients was 92.5 years. Ninety percent of the subjects were female. The patients spent 10.4 days in hospital. Surgery occurred on average 2.3 days after hospitalization. Regarding fractures, 46 were trochanteric (56%), and 34 affected the femoral neck (41.5%). Forty-one surgeries used the short proximal femoral nail (50%), and 18 were partial hip replacements (22%). During hospitalization, 46 patients (55%) had no complications, excluding episodes of delirium, and seven patients (9%) died. Forty-two subjects completed the one-year postoperative follow-up period, with 56% alive and 44% dead. Conclusions:  Treating hip fractures in older patients is challenging. Our goal must focus on helping these subjects receive the quickest and least aggressive treatment possible and start mobilization early. We hope the data presented in this study can lead to a better understanding of the characteristics of our nonagenarian population with hip fractures and seek the best possible treatment for them.

Comparison of Safety and Efficacy between Laparoscopic Ventral Rectopexy and Delorme's Procedure for External Rectal Prolapse in Nonagenarians

Objectives

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) in nonagenarian patients with external rectal prolapse (ERP) compared to Delorme's procedure.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, including nonagenarian patients who underwent either LVR or Delorme's procedure, comparing outcomes such as morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS), and recurrence rates.

Results

Between September 2009 and August 2023, 22 patients (median age 91, range 90-94 years) underwent LVR, while 12 patients (median age 91, range 90-96 years) received Delorme's procedure. Baseline characteristics, including sex ratio, parity, American Society of Anesthesiology grade, and Body Mass Index, did not significantly differ between the groups. LVR had a significantly longer operating time but lower blood loss than Delorme's procedure. Postoperative LOS was significantly shorter for LVR patients (median 1, range 1-3 days) compared to Delorme's procedure patients (median 2.5, range 1-13 days; P = 0.001). Notably, no significant morbidity occurred in the LVR group, while one case of delirium and another of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome were observed in the Delorme's procedure group. Recurrence rates were lower in the LVR group, with no recurrences during a median follow-up of 23 months (range 1-65 months), compared to one recurrence at 2 months during a median follow-up of 34 months (range 1-96 months) in the Delorme's procedure group.

Conclusions

LVR is a safe and effective surgical option for nonagenarian ERP patients, showing favorable outcomes in terms of morbidity, LOS, and recurrence rates compared to Delorme's procedure.

Acute limb ischemia in nonagenarians: Characteristics and factors related to outcomes in a single-center consecutive series

BACKGROUND

The increasing aging and frailty of the population make the management of acute limb ischemia (ALI) more difficult, with decision-making far from being guided by evidence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics and results of ALI treatment in nonagenarians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of nonagenarian patients with ALI attended at our institution between 2008 and 2021. The primary outcomes of the study were 1-year limb salvage and survival rates.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were included (mean age 92.38, 78.4% women). In 83 cases (81.4%) ALI was attributed to embolism, and 19 (18.6%) to acute arterial thrombosis. One-month overall survival was 70.6%. Fifteen patients (14.7%) were treated palliatively, including 8 (53.3%) irreversible ALI with associated malignancy/advanced dementia, 5 (33.3%) with associated cerebral/intestinal ischemia and 2 (13.3%) with aortic occlusion and poor medical condition. None of these patients survived after 10 days. The remaining 87 patients (85.3%) were treated with isolated anticoagulation (n = 8, 9.1%), primary major amputation (n = 1, 1.1%) or revascularization (n = 78, 89.6%), including 69 (67.6%) embolectomies, 6 (5.9%) bypass and 3 (2.9%) endovascular techniques. One-year limb salvage and survival rates were 96% and 48%, respectively. Predictive factors of lower survival included anemia (HR = 1.81, p = 0.014) and ALI severity (HR = 1.73, p = 0.032), but not cognitive or functional status. Patients surviving the ALI episode had a 1-year survival rate significantly below that of a similar matched population.

CONCLUSION

Although nonagenarians with an ALI are often functionally and cognitively impaired and have a limited life expectancy, most patients need revascularization for limb salvage and this can be done successfully with a low invasive surgery.

Association between Red Cell Distribution Width and Outcomes of Nonagenarians Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit-A Retrospective Cohort Study

The red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the heterogeneity of the erythrocyte volume. Different clinical conditions are associated with increased RDW, and high levels (>14.5%) have been described as a predictive marker for unfavorable outcomes and mortality in critically ill patients. However, there is a lack of data on very elderly critically ill patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of RDW with outcomes in critically ill patients ≥ 90 years. A retrospective analysis was conducted for all consecutive critically ill patients ≥ 90 years who were admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of the Medical University Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany) with available RDW on admission. Clinical course and laboratory were analyzed for all patients with eligible RDW. High RDW was defined as (>14.5%). We clinically assessed factors associated with mortality. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the prognostic impact of RDW on 28-day mortality. During a 12-year period, we identified 863 critically ill patients ≥ 90 years old with valid RDW values and complete clinical data. In total, 32% (n = 275) died within 28 days, and 68% (n = 579) survived for 28 days. Median RDW levels on ICU admission were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (15.6% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). Overall, 38% (n = 327) had low, and 62% (n = 536) had high RDW. The proportion of high RDW (>14.5%) was significantly higher in non-survivors (73% vs. 57%, p < 0.001). Patients with low RDW presented with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.014), and their severity of illness on admission was lower (SAPS II: 35 vs. 38 points, p < 0.001). In total, 32% (n = 104) in the low and 35% (n = 190) in the high RDW group were mechanically ventilated (p = 0.273). The use of vasopressors (35% vs. 49%, p < 0.001) and renal replacement therapy (1% vs. 5%, p = 0.007) was significantly higher in the high RDW group. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that high RDW was significantly associated with 28-day mortality [crude HR 1.768, 95% CI (1.355-2.305); p < 0.001]. This association remained significant after adjusting for multiple confounders [adjusted HR 1.372, 95% CI (1.045-1.802); p = 0.023]. High RDW was significantly associated with mortality in critically ill patients ≥ 90 years. RDW is a useful simple parameter for risk stratification and may aid guidance for the therapy in very elderly critically ill patients.

C-Reactive Protein and Albumin Levels as Useful Tools for Predicting In-Hospital Outcomes in Polish Nonagenarians

Purpose

The admissions of nonagenarians to internal medicine wards are rising. The aim of this study was to analyse the causes of ward admission and blood and renal parameters as potential mortality predictors in this age group.

Patients and Methods

Out of 1140 patients, 111 nonagenarians aged 90+ admitted to the Internal Medicine Ward in one general hospital in Poznan in 2019 were studied. Medical records of these patients were analysed to find factors attributable to the hospitalisation.

Results

The leading causes of admission were infections and cardiovascular diseases, and the main causes of death were cardiovascular diseases. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level was a statistically significant death predictor. Equally, decreased albumin level was found to be a mortality predictor. No such relationships were obtained for haematological or renal parameters.

Conclusion

Our study uniquely analysed a relatively large group of hospitalised nonagenarians and identified those who need particular attention in the ward by identifying those with the highest risk of death. CRP and albumin levels may serve as useful indicators of in-hospital mortality in this age group.

Study of neuropathological changes and dementia in 100 centenarians in The 90+ Study

INTRODUCTION

The association between neuropathological changes and dementia among centenarians and nonagenarians remains unclear.

METHODS

We examined brain tissue from 100 centenarians and 297 nonagenarians from The 90+ Study, a community-based longitudinal study of aging. We determined the prevalence of 10 neuropathological changes and compared their associations with dementia and cognitive performance between centenarians and nonagenarians.

RESULTS

A total of 59% of centenarians and 47% of nonagenarians had at least four neuropathological changes. In centenarians, neuropathological changes were associated with higher odds of dementia and, compared to nonagenarians, the odds were not attenuated. For each additional neuropathological change, the Mini-Mental State Examination score was lower by 2 points for both groups.

DISCUSSION

Neuropathological changes continue to be strongly related to dementia in centenarians, highlighting the importance of slowing or preventing the development of multiple neuropathological changes in the aging brain to maintain cognitive health.

HIGHLIGHTS

Individual and multiple neuropathological changes are frequent in centenarians. These neuropathological changes are strongly associated with dementia. There is no attenuation of this association with age.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nonagenarians - A National In-Patient Sample-Based Study of Perioperative Complications

Background

Nonagenarians are a rapidly expanding population in the United States. These patients are met with increasing rates of hip arthritis, necessitating the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there is currently limited information on hospitalization information and perioperative complications in this population. Methods: In this retrospective study, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2019 to analyze the incidence of perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and the cost of care (COC) among patients undergoing THAs who were categorized as nonagenarians, and those who were not.

Results

The NIS database identified 309 100 patients who underwent THAs from 2016-2019. Of those, 1864 patients (.6%) were nonagenarian, while the remaining 307 236 patients were included under the non-nonagenarian category (control). The mean age in the nonagenarian group was 90 years compared to the control group which had a mean age of 65.8 years. There was an increased incidence of mortality rate (nonagenarian group .2%, control group .03%, P < .001), myocardial infarction (MI) (nonagenarian group .1%, control group .02%, P = .01), acute renal failure (ARF) (nonagenarian group 5.4%, control group 1.6%, P < .001), blood anemia post-operatively (nonagenarian group 28.9%, control group 17.2%, P < .001), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (nonagenarian group .48%, control group .07%, P < .001) in the nonagenarian group. The COC for the nonagenarian group was higher than that in the control group (P < .001). The mean LOS was longer in the nonagenarian group (3.1 days) in comparison to the control group (1.96 days) (P < .001).

Conclusions

Nonagenarians had significantly higher rates of both orthopedics and medical complications than the younger patients undergoing THAs. In addition, the nonagenarian group incurred higher COC. This information is useful for the providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care and resource utilization for nonagenarian patients undergoing THAs.

Sleep profile in a population of community-dwelling nonagenarians: data from the Mugello study

BACKGROUND

Very few studies have investigated sleep characteristics in the oldest-old individuals (aged ≥85 years) and data collected often rely on self-reported information. This study had three aims: (i) to objectively assess, using a wearable device, the sleep characteristics of a large community of oldest-old subjects; (ii) to assess differences in sleep parameters between self-reported 'good sleepers' and 'bad sleepers'; (iii) to assess whether there was a relationship between sleep parameters and cognitive status in this community-dwelling population.

METHODS

There were 178 subjects (74.2% women, median age 92 years) included in the 'Mugello study', who wore an armband 24 h/day for at least two consecutive nights to estimate sleep parameters. The perceived sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the cognitive status through the Mini-Mental State Examination. Continuous variables were compared between men/women, and good/bad sleepers with the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, according to data distribution. Chi-square test was used for categorical/dichotomous variables. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to study the possible association between sleep parameters and cognitive function.

RESULTS

Participants spent in bed nearly 9 h, with a total sleep time of 7 h, a sleep onset latency of 17 min, and a sleep efficiency of 83%. Sleep onset latency was significantly associated with different cognitive levels when age and education level were considered. No significant difference in sleep parameters estimated using the SenseWear armband were found between poor (n = 136, 76.4%) and good sleepers (n = 42, 23.6%), identified according to the PSQI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, actigraphic measurements revealed that subjects with a cognitive decline were more prone to increased sleep onset latency. Sleep quality assessed using the PSQI was not coherent with actigraphic measurements in this sample, supporting the need for objective measures when investigating sleep quality in the oldest-old population.

Dietary Protein Intake and Physical Function in Māori and Non-Māori Adults of Advanced Age in New Zealand: LiLACS NZ

The population of older adults is growing exponentially. Research shows that current protein intake recommendations are unlikely to meet the ageing requirements and may be linked to reduced physical function. Ensuring optimal function levels is crucial for independence and quality of life in older age. This study aims to quantify the protein intake in those over 90 years of age and determine the association between historical protein intake (2011) and subsequent physical function at ten years follow-up (2021). Eighty-one participants (23 Māori and 54 non-Māori) undertook dietary assessment 24 h multiple-pass recall (MPR) and a standardised health and social questionnaire with physical assessment in 2011 and 2021. Intake24, a virtual 24 h MPR, was utilised to analyse dietary intake. Functional status was measured using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL), and physical performance was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Māori men and women consumed less protein (g/day) in 2021 than in 2011 (P = 0.043 in men), but weight-adjusted protein intake in Māori participants over the ten years was not significantly reduced. Both non-Māori men and women consumed significantly less protein (g/day) between 2011 and 2021 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively), which was also significant when protein intake was adjusted for weight in non-Māori women (p = 0.01). Weight-adjusted protein intake in 2011 was independently associated with functional status (NEADL score) in 2021 (p =< 0.001). There was no association between past protein intake and SPPB score (p = 0.993). Animal protein was replaced with plant-based protein over time. In conclusion, a reduction in protein intake was seen in all participants. The independent association between past protein intake and future functional status supports recommendations to keep protein intake high in advanced age.

Differences in clinical outcomes between octogenarian and nonagenarian patients with acute heart failure

AIM

The number of hospitalized super-elderly patients with heart failure (HF) has increased with aging of the population. These patients are associated with poor clinical outcomes with the advance of age; however, few reports regarding acute HF have compared the clinical outcomes of nonagenarians with those of octogenarians.

METHODS

This study enrolled 683 patients aged ≥80 years who were admitted to our institution for acute HF between 2016 and 2020. The outcomes of interest were the 1-year all-cause mortality, incidence of cardiac events (cardiac-related death or HF-related readmission), and physical function during hospitalization of patients with survival-to-discharge. Physical function was evaluated using the Barthel index.

RESULTS

Post-discharge all-cause mortality, particularly non-cardiac mortality, was significantly higher in nonagenarians than octogenarians. Conversely, the incidence of cardiac death or rehospitalization for HF after discharge was comparable between the two groups. On admission, the Barthel index score was significantly lower in nonagenarians than octogenarians, and further decreased during hospitalization. Nonagenarians required social support at discharge more often than octogenarians (67.4% vs. 44.4%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that nonagenarians have poorer non-cardiac outcomes and were more vulnerable regarding physical activities than octogenarians among patients with acute HF. Holistic medical care, including palliative care and social support, will be increasingly required with increasing age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 227-233.

Mortality and survival in nonagenarians during the COVID-19 pandemic: Unstable equilibrium of aging

Introduction

Aging puts the human body under an immense stress and makes it extremely susceptible to many diseases, often leading to poor outcomes and even death. Long-living individuals represent a unique group of people who withstood the stress of time and offer an abundance of information on the body's ability to endure the pressure of aging. In this study, we sought to identify predictors of overall one-year mortality in 1641 long-living individuals. Additionally, we analyzed risk factors for COVID-19-related morality, since statistics demonstrated an extreme vulnerability of older adults.

Methods

We conducted a two-stage evaluation, including a comprehensive geriatric assessment for major aging-associated: frailty, cognitive impairment, frontal lobe dysfunction, chronic pain, anxiety, risk of falls, sensory deficit, depression, sarcopenia, risk of malnutrition, fecal and urinary incontinence, dependence in Activities of Daily Living, dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, polypragmasia, and orthostatic hypotension; extensive blood testing, a survey, and a one-year follow-up interview.

Results

The most reliable predictors of overall mortality were cognitive impairment, malnutrition, frailty, aging-associated diseases and blood markers indicating malnutrition-induced metabolic dysfunctions (decreased levels of protein fractions, iron, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and HDL), and aging biomarkers, such as IGF-1 and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide. In post-COVID 19 participants, the most significant mortality predictors among geriatric syndromes were depression, frontal lobe dysfunction and frailty, and similar to overall mortality blood biomarkers - 25-hydroxyvitamin D, IGF-1, HDL as well as high white blood cell, neutrophils counts and proinflammatory markers. Based on the results, we built a predictive model of overall mortality in the long-living individuals with f-score=0.76.

Conclusion

The most sensitive and reliable predictors of mortality were modifiable. This is another evidence of the critical importance of proper geriatric care and support for individuals in their "golden years". These results could facilitate geriatric institutions in their pursuit for providing improved care and could aid physicians in detecting early signs of potentially deadly outcomes. Additionally, our findings could be used in developing day-to-day care guidelines, which would greatly improve prevention statistics.

Efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment in patients older than 90 with acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is the standard of care treatment today. Although elderly patients comprise the majority of stroke patients, octogenarians and non-agenarians are often poorly represented or even excluded in clinical trials. We looked at the safety and efficacy of EVT for AIS with LVO in patients over 90 (Non-agenarians), in comparison to patients aged 80-89 (Octogenarians) and to patients younger than 80 years (<80yrs).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EVT in a single stroke center during 2015-2019. Patients were divided into three subgroups based on their age: Non-agenarians, Octogenarians, and patients <80 yrs. The groups were compared based on baseline characteristics and stroke variables. In addition, we compared clinical and radiological outcomes including functional outcomes measured by the modified ranking scale (mRS) at day 90, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality.

Results

Three hundred and forty seven patients were included, 20 (5.7%) of them were non-agenarians, 96 (27.7%) were octogenarians and 231 (66.6%) were <80 yrs. No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding baseline characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, stroke variables, or successful revascularization rates. Puncture to recanalization time intervals showed an age-related non-significant increase between the groups with a median time of 67.8, 51.6, and 40.2 min of the non-agenarian, octogenarian, and <80 yrs groups, respectively (p-value = 0.3). Favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) was 15% in non-agenarians vs. 13.54% in octogenarians (p-value = 1) and 40.2% in <80 yrs. sICH occurred among 5% of non-agenarians, compared to 4% among octogenarians (p-value = 1) and 2.6% in <80 yrs. The mortality rate at 3 months was significantly higher (55%) in non-agenarians compared to octogenarians (28%) (p-value = 0.03) and to <80 yrs (19.48%).

Conclusion

EVT in nonagenarians demonstrated a high rate of successful revascularization, whilst also showing an increased rate of sICH when compared to octogenarians. Mortality rates showed an age-related correlation. Although further studies are needed to clarify the patient selection algorithm and identify sub-groups of elderly patients that could benefit from EVT, we showed that some patients do benefit from EVT therefore exclusion should not be based on age alone.

Safety of Nonagenarians Receiving Therapeutic ERCP, Single Center Experience

(1) Background: The complication rates for nonagenarians receiving therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remain poorly understood. We aimed to determine whether nonagenarians were at an increased risk of ERCP-related complications. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective study on therapeutic ERCP in nonagenarians from 2011 to 2016 at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. A control group comprising patients aged 65 to 89 years was used to compare demographic data and the outcomes of therapeutic ERCP with the nonagenarians. The risk factors for complications were determined by logistic regression model. (3) Results: There were 35 nonagenarians and 111 patients in the control group. Overall, complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups. However, advanced age was an independent predictor of complications in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.12; p = 0.049). End stage renal disease (ESRD) was another independent predictor of complications (OR = 4.87; 95% CI = 1.11-21.36; p = 0.036). Post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding were more common in ESRD patients than patients without ESRD. (4) Conclusions: Although nonagenarians receiving ERCP did not have more complications compared to elderly patients younger than 90 years, advanced age and comorbidity still affect the outcome of therapeutic ERCP in the elderly patients.

Elective Total Hip Arthroplasties in Nonagenarians-Age Does Matter: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the independent effect of age on the risk of postsurgical complications and death in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify all patients aged 65 years and older who underwent primary THA from 2011 to 2017. Study outcomes were minor complications, major life-threatening complications, and 30-day mortality. Predictors of outcomes were identified using bivariate analyses and age was added into the final logistic regression models with stepwise selection.

RESULTS

A total of 74,361 patients were included in the analysis. Mean (standard deviation) age was 735 years (6.46), median 72.0 years; 1,119 (1.50%) patients were ≥90 years. Females comprised 60.6% of the patient sample. The incidence of major life-threatening complications, minor complications, and death was 939/74,361 (1.3%), 2,098 (2.8%) and 154 (0.2%) respectively. When added to the final models, age was significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Elective THA in relatively healthy nonagenarians should only be considered among patients with disabling osteoarthritis demonstrating a restricted quality of life. Although THA can substantially improve patient wellbeing, our findings suggest that surgeons and patients must consider the impact of age on patient course and outcomes regardless of the presence of comorbidities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study.

In-hospital mortality and readmission after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians: A nationwide analysis from the United States

OBJECTIVES

To assess readmission rates in nonagenarians (age ≥ 90 years) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) versus no pPCI.

BACKGROUND

There are limited data exploring readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians undergoing pPCI versus no pPCI.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify nonagenarians hospitalized with STEMI. We divided the cohort into two groups based on pPCI status. We compared mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission, readmission rates, and causes of readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 58,231 nonagenarian STEMI hospitalizations between 2010 and 2018, of which 18,809 (32.3%) included pPCI, and 39,422 (67.7%) had no pPCI. Unadjusted unplanned 30-day readmission was higher in pPCI cohort (21.0% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001). However, mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission were significantly lower in pPCI cohort (15.8% vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001; 7.4% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, hospitalizations that included pPCI had 25% greater odds of unplanned 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.39, p < 0.001) and 49% lower odds of in-hospital mortality during index hospitalization (aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46-0.56, p < 0.001). Heart failure was the most common cause of readmission in both cohorts followed by myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

In nonagenarians with STEMI, pPCI is associated with slightly higher 30-day readmission but significantly lower mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission than no pPCI. Given the overwhelming mortality benefit with pPCI, further research is necessary to optimize the utilization of pPCI while reducing readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians.

Predictors of Mortality in 433 Nonagenarians Inside the Mugello Study: A 10 Years Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE

to identify the predictors of mortality in a cohort of nonagenarians inside the "Mugello study" after 10 years follow-up.

METHODS

Information on sociodemographic data, cognitive and functional status, lifestyle, medical history, and drug use was collected from 433 non-selected participants aged 90-99 years, living in the Mugello area (Italy). Participants were followed over 10 years and their dates of death were retrieved from the municipal registers. Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant potential prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 96.5%. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that a lower cognitive status was significantly associated with higher mortality as well as a poorer functional status, a higher comorbidity, and a higher number of drugs consumption.

DISCUSSION

Impaired cognitive function, loss of functional independence, higher comorbidity, and higher drugs intake were the stronger predictors of mortality.

One-year outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention in nonagenarians: Insights from the J-PCI OUTCOME registry

BACKGROUND

Nonagenarian patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are increasing, and a few previous studies have reported their long-term outcomes. However, differences in their long-term outcomes between generations remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate 1-year all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) of nonagenarian patients who underwent PCI compared with the other elder patients, using a nationwide registration system.

METHODS

The patient-level data registered between January 2017 and December 2017 was extracted from the J-PCI OUTCOME Registry endorsed by the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT). The one-year all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, MACE, and major bleeding events were identified.

RESULTS

Out of 40,722 patients over 60 years of age, 880 (2.1%) were nonagenarians. For nonagenarians, the 1-year mortality rate was substantial (13.5%). The MACE and CV death rates were also high (8.1%, and 6.8%, respectively) for nonagenarians, and these event rates were approximately 1.5 times higher in nonagenarians than octogenarians. Multivariate regression analysis showed that presentation with cardiogenic shock [hazard ratio (HR) 2.32; 95 confidence intervals (CI): 1.22-4.41], or cardiac arrest (HR 2.91; 90% CI: 1.28-6.62), and use of oral anticoagulants (HR 2.10; 90% CI: 1.07-4.12) were the predictors of 1-year MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the contemporary era, nonagenarians who have undergone PCI still face a considerably increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events that reduces long-term survival. In addition to having poorer lesion characteristics, adverse events, including death, MACEs, and major bleeding, occurred 1.5 times more frequently in nonagenarians than in octogenarians.

Blood Management Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in an Aging Population: Can We Do Better?

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the transfusion rates for octogenarians and nonagenarians following total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA), we compared transfusion rates and associated risk factors among sexagenarians, septuagenarians, octogenarians, and nonagenarians.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 13,603 sexagenarians, 9796 septuagenarians, 2706 octogenarians, and 158 nonagenarians that received a primary, unilateral THA or TKA between 2016 and 2020 at a high-volume institution. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the study analyzed risk factors for postoperative transfusions including use of tranexamic acid (TXA) and compared preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and the drop in Hgb.

RESULTS

Nonagenarians had significantly higher transfusion rates (THA 25.5%, TKA 26.7%) than octogenarians (THA 9.9%, TKA 9.2%), septuagenarians (THA 3.3%, TKA 4.5%), and sexagenarians (THA 1.9%, TKA 2.9%) (P < .01). Significant risk factors for transfusion requirement following THA were American Society of Anesthesiologists level III (odds ratio [OR] 5.3, P < .01) and American Society of Anesthesiologists level IV (OR 8.0, P = .01), nonuse of TXA (intravenous: OR 0.3, P < .01; topical: OR 0.5, P < .01), lower preoperative Hgb levels (OR 0.4, P < .01), longer duration of surgery (OR 1.0, P < .01), and hepatopathy (OR 3.1, P < .01). Significant risk factors following TKA were nonuse of TXA (intravenous: OR 0.3, P < .01; topical: OR 0.5, P < .01; combined: OR 0.2, P < .01), lower preoperative Hgb levels (OR 0.4, P < .01), and longer surgery time (OR 1.0, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The strongest independent risk factors for increased transfusion rates among octogenarians and nonagenarians were lack of TXA application and lower preoperative Hgb levels. Routine TXA application and preoperative patient optimization are recommended to reduce transfusion rates in patients aged 80+.

Outcomes of Nonagenarians with Acute Myocardial Infarction with or without Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the mainstay treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, many clinicians are reluctant to perform PCI in the elderly population. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of PCI versus medical therapy in nonagenarian Korean patients with AMI. We compared the clinical outcomes of nonagenarian patients with AMI with or without PCI. From the pooled data, based on a series of Korean AMI registries during 2005−2020, 467 consecutive patients were selected and categorized into two groups: the PCI and no-PCI groups. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization. Among the 467 participants, 68.5% received PCI. The PCI group had lower proportions of Killip classes III-IV, previous heart failure, and left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, but had higher proportions of all prescribed medications and STEMI diagnosis. The 1-year MACE and all-cause death were higher in the no-PCI group, although partially attenuated post-IPTW. Our study showed that nonagenarian patients with AMI undergoing PCI had better clinical outcomes than those without PCI. Nonetheless, further investigation is needed in the future to elucidate whether PCI is beneficial for this population.

Cardiac surgery in nonagenarians: Rethinking operative strategies in the era of TAVR and TMVR

As growth of the elderly population continues to increase alongside improvements in percutaneous and minimally invasive interventions, cardiac surgeons question the role of high-risk surgery in treating these patients. TAVR has transformed the management of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in elderly patients and has become standard therapy for patients greater than 80 years of age. With improvements in procedural risks and technical complications for both transcatheter valves and percutaneous interventions, should we rethink the operative strategies for octogenarians and nonagenarians, particularly as they apply to concurrent high-risk operations?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonagenarians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonagenarians represent only a small proportion of patients included in large transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trials, but will become a relevant future population in need of treatment due to demographic change. Thus, this study sought to evaluate outcomes of TAVR for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in nonagenarian patients.

METHODS

We screened Medline/Pubmed for studies that stated specific outcomes for nonagenarians undergoing TAVR. A weighted meta-analysis was conducted, calculating pooled estimate rates using a binary random-effects model for dichotomous variables, and comparing non-dichotomous outcomes with a continuous random-effects model.

RESULTS

Data from 23 studies including 16,094 nonagenarians were merged; 53.4% were women. Despite reasonable rates of comorbidities, Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk score was 10.2 ± 5.4. Pooled estimate rate of procedural success was 94.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.7-96.6), with major vascular complications occurring in 6.3% (95% CI, 2.7-9.8) and at least moderate postprocedural paravalvular leak in 7.5% (95% CI, 4.4-10.6). The rate of periprocedural stroke or transient ischemic attack was 2.6% (95% CI, 2.0-3.2). At 30 days, the pooled estimate of mortality was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.7-7.4) and a permanent pacemaker was implanted in 12.6% (95% CI, 7.6-17.6). After 1 year, the mortality rate was 20.5% (95% CI, 15.9-25.1).

CONCLUSION

TAVR in nonagenarians is an effective and safe procedure, with encouraging outcomes given the general life expectancy of these patients. Currently, only selected nonagenarians are undergoing TAVR, but their number will grow as life expectancy continues to increase in the developed world. Specific research to identify ideal candidates and techniques in this cohort is needed.

Successful subclavian transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a nonagenarian patient: Case report and review of literature

RATIONALE

In super-aged patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a good treatment option, and the number of TAVR-eligible elderly patients is expected to grow exponentially. We present the case of a nonagenarian woman with severe aortic stenosis who underwent successful subclavian TAVR.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 90-year-old Korean woman was brought to our department with dyspnea. On physical examination, a grade IV systolic murmur was auscultated in both the upper sternal borders and the left lower sternal border.

DIAGNOSIS

A transthoracic echocardiogram showed heavy calcification of the aortic valve with an increase in both peak velocity (4.36 m/s) and mean pressure (44.8 mm Hg), indicating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

INTERVENTIONS

After a heart team conference involving interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and anesthesiologists, subclavian TAVR was performed. Using the left subclavian artery, we successfully deployed a self-expandable valve prosthesis (CoreValveTM Evolut RTM, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN).

OUTCOMES

After TAVR, transthoracic echocardiogram showed a decline in both peak velocity (2.06-2.14 m/s) and mean pressure (7.42-7.95 mm Hg) with an increase in the aortic valve area (1.12 cm2). The patient's dyspnea symptoms improved dramatically.

LESSONS

In addition to femoral TAVR, subclavian TAVR may be feasible and safe in super-aged patients.

Outcomes in Nonagenarians with Hip Fractures Treated Conservatively and Surgically

Introduction

We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes in nonagenarians following a hip fracture. We also further investigated the factors that influence these outcomes, such as method of treatment (operative versus conservative), co-morbidities, and pre-morbid function.

Materials and methods

We studied 65 nonagenarians that were identifiable from our hospital hip fracture database. We reviewed various parameters of these patients admitted after sustaining a hip fracture (neck of femur or intertrochanteric) and investigated how these parameters affected patient outcomes. The main outcomes studied were: inpatient morbidity, and mortality at one year.

Results

Inpatient morbidity was more likely in patients with an ASA grade of 3 to 5. Urinary tract infection was the most common medical complication. The 1-year mortality was 15.4% and was significantly influenced by advancing age. Surgically managed patients had a 1-year mortality rate (14.3%) slightly less than non-operative patients (17.4%). Post injury mobility was significantly better in those who received operative treatment with 63% of surgical cases regaining ambulatory status versus 7% of conservatively managed patients.

Conclusions

We presented the outcomes of hip fractures in an extreme age group in the population. In nonagenarians with hip fractures surgery was associated with a 1-year mortality rate of 14.3% which is comparable to the general hip fracture population and less than the mortality rate of conservatively managed patients (17.4%). The primary advantage of surgery would be that two-thirds of patients return to ambulatory status. This information is useful to counsel patients and their families especially since the elderly are often more fearful of surgical intervention.

Safety of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in a nonagenarian population

BACKGROUND

invasive gastrointestinal (GI) procedures are increasingly performed on much older patients but data regarding oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in this population are limited. We compared the indications, safety and benefits of OGD for nonagenarians compared to octogenarians.

METHODS

an observational retrospective review of patients who underwent OGD between 2013 and 2018 at a gastroenterology institute in one large hospital. Patients aged 90 and above 'nonagenarians' were compared to those aged 80-89 'octogenarians'.

RESULTS

472 patients (231 nonagenarians and 241 octogenarians), median age of 91 for nonagenarians (201 aged 90-94, 30 aged 95 and older) and 82 (174 aged 80-84, 67 aged 85-89) for octogenarians. GI bleeding was a more common and dyspepsia, a less common, indication for nonagenarians compared to octogenarians (55 and 7%, versus 43 and 18%). Significant findings and need for endoscopic treatments were both more commonly found in nonagenarians compared to octogenarians (25 and 24% versus 15 and 8%, respectively). General anaesthesia was more commonly given to nonagenarians (35 versus 10%). Immediate complications and 30-day mortality rate were similar between the groups: (2.6% of nonagenarians versus 1.6% of octogenarians). Of 30 patients aged 95 and older, 13% had late adverse events, compared to 1% of the overall cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

OGD appears safe in nonagenarians. Pathological findings and endoscopic interventions are more common. Decisions regarding OGD should not be based on age alone.

Morbidity and Mortality in Patients over 90 Years of Age Following Posterior Stabilization for Acute Traumatic Odontoid Type II Fractures: A Retrospective Study with a Mean Follow-Up of Three Years

Odontoid type II fractures represent the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly. The decision for surgical treatment in very elderly patients is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality in patients over 90 years of age undergoing CT-guided posterior stabilization for unstable odontoid type II fractures. A total of 15 patients with an acute traumatic odontoid type II fracture who received surgical treatment for unstable odontoid type II fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Complications, morbidity, and mortality as well as length of ICU and hospital stay were determined. Clinical follow-up evaluation was based on outpatient presentation and information from family members and general practitioners. Finally, we conducted a comparison of complications rates between patients over 90 years of age and patients between 65 and 89 years old with a type II odontoid fracture after CT-guided posterior stabilization in our institution. The mean age was 91.4 years. Patients were predominately female (87%). In-hospital deaths did not occur. The average length of the hospital stay was 13.4 days and 1.9 days for the ICU. Blood transfusion was necessary in two patients (13%). Two patients (13%) developed urinary tract infection, one patient (7%) a delirium, and another epistaxis (7%). One patient (7%) developed pneumonic sepsis and fully recovered within several weeks. The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 9–72 months). Implant-related complications developed in one patient (7%). Five patients died during the follow-up period, with an average time to death of 26.6 months. Postoperative bracing was not needed in any of the patients. Posterior stabilization of unstable odontoid fractures type II using CT-guided navigation in patients over 90 years of age is a safe and effective procedure with low complications and mortality rates.

Outcomes of Nonagenarians With Acute Coronary Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Nonagenarians are a fast-growing age group among cardiovascular patients, but data about their management and prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. This study aimed to analyze characteristics of nonagenarian patients with ACS and to compare in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes between those treated with medical treatment (MT) alone and those receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

DESIGN

Multicenter observational study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We included consecutive nonagenarian patients with ACS admitted at 4 academic centers between 2005 and 2018. Only patients with type 1 myocardial infarction were included.

METHODS

Standardized definitions of all patient-related variables, clinical diagnoses, and hospital complications and outcomes were used. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. Long-term survival was compared between patients undergoing PCI and those managed with MT alone. Given differences in baseline characteristics could substantially interfere in outcomes, 3 sensitivity analyses were performed to adjust for confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 680 nonagenarians were included (59% females). Of them, 373 (55%) patients presented with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) and 307 (45%) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A coronary angiogram was performed in 115 (31%) of NSTE-ACS and in 182 (60%) of STEMI patients with subsequent PCI in 81 (22%) and 156 (51%), respectively. Overall mortality rates were 17% in-hospital and 39% at 1-year follow-up. PCI was independently associated with a decreased risk of 1-year all-cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35, 0.95; P < .05], mainly observed in those patients without disability (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37, 0.94; P < .01) and lower Killip class (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28, 0.89; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The prognosis of nonagenarians after an ACS was associated with comorbidities and the therapeutic approach. Although PCI appeared to be a safe and effective strategy, it is still necessary to refine the decision-making process in this high-risk population group.

Episode-of-Care Costs for Revision Total Joint Arthroplasties by Decadal Age Groups

The demand for revision total joint arthroplasties (rTJAs) is expected to increase as the age of the population continues to rise. Accurate cost data regarding hospital expenses for differing age groups are needed to deliver optimal care within value-based healthcare (VBHC) models. The aim of this study was to compare the total in-hospital costs by decadal groups following rTJA and to determine the primary drivers of the costs for these procedures. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) was used to capture granular hospital costs. A total of 551 rTJAs were included in the study, with 294 sexagenarians, 198 septuagenarians, and 59 octogenarians and older. Sexagenarians had a lower ASA classification (2.3 vs. 2.4 and 2.7; p < 0.0001) and were more often privately insured (66.7% vs. 24.2% and 33.9%; p < 0.0001) as compared to septuagenarians and octogenarians and older, respectively. Sexagenarians were discharged to home at a higher rate (85.3% vs. 68.3% and 34.3%; p < 0.0001), experienced a longer operating room (OR) time (199.8 min vs. 189.7 min and 172.3 min; p = 0.0195), and had a differing overall hospital length of stay (2.8 days vs. 2.7 days and 3.6 days; p = 0.0086) compared to septuagenarians and octogenarians and older, respectively. Sexagenarians had 7% and 23% less expensive personnel costs from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to discharge (p < 0.0001), and 1% and 24% more expensive implant costs (p = 0.077) compared to septuagenarians and octogenarians and older, respectively. Sexagenarians had a lower total in-hospital cost for rTJAs by 0.9% compared to septuagenarians but 12% more expensive total in-hospital costs compared to octogenarians and older (p = 0.185). Multivariate linear regression showed that the implant cost (0.88389; p < 0.0001), OR time (0.12140; p < 0.0001), personnel cost from PACU through to discharge (0.11472; p = 0.0007), and rTHAs (−0.03058; p < 0.0001) to be the strongest associations with overall costs. Focusing on the implant costs and OR times to reduce costs for all age groups for rTJAs is important to provide cost-effective VBHC.

Endovascular Aortic Repair in Nonagenarian Patients

BACKGROUND

The increasing proportion of elderly patients being treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the endovascular era is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared 30-day outcomes of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in nonagenarians (NAs) with non-nonagenarians (NNAs).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database included EVAR procedures performed from 2011 to 2017. Multivariate logistic regression in the unadjusted cohort, followed by propensity-score matching (PSM), was performed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 12,267 patients were included (365 NAs). Ruptured aneurysms accounted for 6.7% (n = 819): 15.7% (n = 57) in NAs versus 6.5% (n = 762) in NNAs (p < 0.001). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.5 ± 1.8 cm in NAs versus 5.8 ± 1.7 cm in NNAs (p < 0.001). The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 9.9% in NA versus 2.2% in NNAs (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥90 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36), male sex (OR: 1.78), functional status (OR: 4.22), pre-operative ventilator dependency (OR: 3.80), bleeding disorders (OR: 1.52), dialysis (OR: 2.56), and ruptured aneurysms (OR: 17.21) as independent predictors of mortality. After PSM, no differences in 30-day mortality (intact AAA [iAAA]: 5.3% NA vs. 3% NNA [p = 0.15]; ruptured AAA [rAAA]: 38% NA vs. 28.6% NNA [p = 0.32]) or 30-day major adverse events (iAAA: 7% NA vs. 4.6% NNA [p = 0.22]; rAAA: 28% NA vs. 36.7% NNA [p = 0.35]) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after EVAR on multivariate analysis. However, no differences were found after PSM, suggesting that being ≥90 years of age but with similar comorbidities to younger patients is not associated with a higher short-term mortality after EVAR. Age ≥90 years alone should not exclude patients from EVAR, and tailored indications and carefully balanced risk assessment are advised.

Contemporary Mortality Rate and Outcomes in Nonagenarians Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Nonagenarians (90-99 years) have experienced the fastest percent growth in primary THA utilization recently. However, there are limited data on this population. This study aimed to determine the mortality rate, implant survivorship, clinical outcomes, and complications of primary THAs in nonagenarians.

METHODS

Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify 144 nonagenarians who underwent 149 primary THAs for osteoarthritis only between 1997 and 2017. The mean age was 92 years, with 63% being female. Mortality, revision, and reoperation were assessed using cumulative incidence with death as a competing risk and Cox regression methods. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Harris hip scores (HHSs). Cemented femoral components were used in 68%. The mean follow-up was 4 years.

RESULTS

The mortality rates were 6%, 8%, 14%, and 49% at 90 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidences of any revision and reoperation were 1% and 4%, respectively. The mean HHS improved significantly from 48 preoperatively to 76 at 5 years (P < .001). The 5-year cumulative incidence of any complication was 69%, with the most common being periprosthetic femur fracture (7) intraoperatively, delirium (25) early postoperatively, and periprosthetic femur fracture (10) later postoperatively. Uncemented stem fixation was associated with a higher risk for intraoperative femur fracture (Hazard ratio 5, P = .04) but not with a higher 5-year periprosthetic postoperative femur fracture risk (P = .19).

CONCLUSION

Nonagenarians undergoing primary THA had substantial mortality rates at 90 days (6%) and 1 year (8%). While the cumulative incidence of any revision and reoperations were low at 5 years, the high complication rate is mostly due to periprosthetic fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort.

Differences in Hospital Costs among Octogenarians and Nonagenarians Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

The proportion of patients over the age of 90 years continues to grow, and the anticipated demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in this population is expected to rise concomitantly. As the country shifts to alternative reimbursement models, data regarding hospital expenses is needed for accurate risk-adjusted stratification. The aim of this study was to compare total in-hospital costs following primary TJA in octogenarians and nonagenarians, and to determine the primary drivers of cost. This was a retrospective analysis from a single institution in the U.S. We used time-drive activity-based costing (TDABC) to capture granular total hospital costs for each patient. 889 TJA’s were included in the study, with 841 octogenarians and 48 nonagenarians. Nonagenarians were more likely to undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) (70.8% vs. 42.4%; p < 0.0001), had higher ASA classification (2.6 vs. 2.4; p = 0.049), and were more often privately insured (35.4% vs. 27.8%; p = 0.0001) as compared to octogenarians. Nonagenarians were more often discharged to skilled nursing facilities (56.2% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.0011), experienced longer operating room (OR) time (142 vs. 133; p = 0.0201) and length of stay (3.7 vs. 3.1; p = 0.0003), and had higher implant and total in-hospital costs (p < 0.0001 and 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression showed implant cost (0.700; p < 0.0001), length of stay (0.546; p < 0.0001), and OR time (0.288; p < 0.0001) to be the strongest associations with overall costs. Primary TJA for nonagenarians was more expensive than octogenarians. Targeting implant costs, length of stay, and OR time can reduce costs for nonagenarians in order to provide cost-effective value-based care.

[Clinical and pharmacological data in COVID-19 hospitalized nonagenarian patients]

Introducción

A pesar del impacto del SARS-CoV-2 en geriatría, disponemos de escasa información en pacientes nonagenarios. Nuestro objetivo es describir características clínicas, respuesta al tratamiento y factores de riesgo de mortalidad en nonagenarios con COVID-19.

Material y métodos

Estudio retrospectivo observacional de pacientes nonagenarios hospitalizados por COVID-19. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y polifarmacia previa, parámetros analíticos y tratamiento específico.

Resultados

Se incluyeron 79 pacientes. No se relacionó con mortalidad ninguna de las comorbilidades. La mortalidad fue del 50,6%, siendo mayor en pacientes con dependencia funcional moderada/grave respecto aquéllos independientes/ dependientes leves (59,5% vs 40,5%; p=0,015). Los fármacos específicos más prescritos fueron hidroxicloroquina/cloroquina y azitromicina. Los pacientes fallecidos presentaron más leucocitos y neutrófilos, y mayor linfopenia.

Conclusión

En nuestra cohorte, el estado funcional es el principal factor de riesgo de mortalidad, independientemente de las comorbilidades y el tratamiento recibido. Implementar la valoración geriátrica integral permitiría individualizar las estrategias terapéuticas en nonagenarios.

[OUTCOMES OF BLADDER CANCER IN NONAGENARIANS]

(Objectives) We evaluated the chronological change in the number and proportion of elderly patients with bladder cancer. We also retrospectively investigated the clinical outcomes of bladder cancer in patients of ≥90 years of age. (Patients and methods) We evaluated the chronological change in the number and proportion of patients of ≥90 years of age who were clinically diagnosed with bladder cancer and who underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TUR-BT) at our hospital between 2008 and 2018. We also assessed the clinicopathological factors, perioperative outcomes, and clinical outcomes in bladder cancer patients of ≥90 years of age. (Results) The number and proportion of bladder cancer patients of ≥90 years of age increased with time. A total of 39 patients of ≥90 years of age underwent TUR-BT at our hospital, among whom 22 were diagnosed with primary bladder cancer. The median age was 91 years. No grade ≥III complications were observed after TUR-BT. Two out of 6 with pT1 disease underwent second TUR-BT. Two out of 7 with pT1 disease or carcinoma in situ received intravesical BCG therapy. Six deaths were observed during the study period, 2 of which were due to bladder cancer. At 1 and 3 years after TUR-BT, the overall survival rates of the 22 patients were 80.4% and 68.9%, respectively. (Conclusions) The number and proportion of elderly patients with bladder cancer increased with time. The current standard of care including second TUR-BT and intravesical BCG therapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer was underutilized in nonagenarians.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians: A nationwide analysis of trends and outcomes in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To assess ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) trends and outcomes in nonagenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) compared to medical management.

BACKGROUND

Although nonagenarians (age greater than 90 years) represent the fast-growing age decade of the US population, limited evidence is available regarding trends and outcomes of treatment strategies for STEMI in this population cohort.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify nonagenarians presenting with STEMI and treated with either pPCI or medical management. In-hospital mortality, in-hospital complications, length of stay and in-hospital costs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 2010-2017, 41,042 STEMI hospitalizations were identified in nonagenarians, of which 11, 155 (27.2%) included pPCI whereas 29, 887 (72.8%) included medical management. STEMI hospitalizations among nonagenarians decreased over the study period. Overall unadjusted in-hospital mortality was 21.6%, and the hospitalizations that included pPCI had significantly lower mortality compared to the medical management (13.6% vs. 24.5%, p < .001). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, hospitalizations that included pPCI had 42.1% lower odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.67, p < .001). Altogether, in-hospital cardiac, bleeding and vascular complications, length of stay and in-hospital costs were higher in pPCI hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

In nonagenarians, STEMI mortality is high, but pPCI is associated with superior outcomes compared to medical management alone. Therefore, pPCI can be considered an acceptable treatment strategy in this population.

Complications and Readmissions After Total Hip Replacement in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians

Introduction

As the US population ages, the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is predicted to increase by 174% by 2030. The purpose of our study was to examine the rate and risks of 30-day complications and unplanned readmission in patients over the age of 80 years old.

Materials and Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database for the years 2008 to 2014 was queried for patients over the age of 80 undergoing THA. The risks of major complications, minor complications, bleeding occurrences, unplanned readmissions, and deaths over a 30-day period were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 7730 patients were included for analysis; 324 (4.2%) patients experienced a major complication, 1944 (25.1%) patients experienced a minor complication, 1776 (22.9%) patients had a bleeding occurrence requiring transfusion, and 376 (4.9%) patients experienced an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days. A total of 33 (0.4%) patient deaths were recorded within 30 days postoperatively. Patients with congestive heart failure were at increased risk for developing a major complication, odds ratio (OR) 3.618 (1.052-12.437), and postoperative death, OR 11.920 (1.362-104.322). Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists >2, OR: 1.351 (1.131-1.613), and an operative time greater than 120 minutes, OR: 1.346 (1.084-1.670), had increased risks of minor complications. Patients with a body mass index greater than 30 had reduced rates of minor complications, OR: 0.609 (0.486-0.763). Increased risk of unplanned readmission was seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, OR: 2.403 (1.324-4.359).

Discussion/Conclusion

Elderly patients undergoing THA have high complication and readmission rates. Surgeons should convey these increased risk factors and rates of complications in elective THAs to their elderly patients and work with primary care physicians to mitigate these risks.

Comparison of Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Elderly Patients, Including 10 628 Nonagenarians: Insights From a Japanese Nationwide Registry (J-PCI Registry)

Background Scarce data exist about the outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) in old patients. This study sought to provide an overview of PCI in elderly patients, especially nonagenarians, in a Japanese large prospective nationwide registry. Methods and Results We analyzed 562 640 patients undergoing PCI (≥60 years of age) from 1018 Japanese hospitals between 2014 and 2016 in the J-PCI (Japanese percutaneous coronary intervention) registry. Among them, 10 628 patients (1.9%), including 6780 (1.2%) with acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) and 3848 (0.7%) with stable coronary artery disease, were ≥90 years of age. We investigated differences in characteristics and in-hospital outcomes among sexagenarians, septuagenarians, octogenarians, and nonagenarians. Older patients were more frequently women and had a greater frequency of heart failure and chronic kidney disease than younger patients. In addition, older patients had a higher rate of in-hospital mortality, cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock after PCI , and bleeding complications requiring blood transfusion. Nonagenarians had the highest risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.60; 95% CI , 3.10-4.18 in ACS ; odds ratio , 6.24; 95% CI, 3.82-10.20 in non- ACS ) and bleeding complications ( odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.35-2.36 in ACS ; odds ratio , 2.70; 95% CI, 1.68-4.35 in non- ACS ) when referenced to sexagenarians. More important, transradial intervention was an inverse independent predictor of both in-hospital mortality and bleeding complications. Conclusions Older patients, especially nonagenarians, carried a greater risk of in-hospital death and bleeding compared with younger patients after PCI . Transradial intervention might contribute to risk reduction for periprocedural complications in elderly patients undergoing PCI .

Transfemoral TAVR in Nonagenarians: From the CENTER Collaboration

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare differences in patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of nonagenarians undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus patients younger than 90 years of age and to test the predictive accuracy of the logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation), the EuroSCORE II, and the STS-PROM (Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality) for mortality after TAVR in nonagenarians.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of severe aortic valve stenosis is increasing due to the rising life expectancy. However, there are limited data evaluating outcomes in patients older than 90 years of age. Moreover, the predictive accuracy of risk scores for mortality has not been evaluated in nonagenarian patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR.

METHODS

The CENTER (Cerebrovascular EveNts in Patients Undergoing TranscathetER Aortic Valve Implantation) collaboration (N = 12,381) is an international collaboration consisting of 3 national registries, 6 local or multicenter registries, and 1 prospective clinical study, selected through a systematic online search. The primary endpoint of this study was the difference in 30-day all-cause mortality and stroke after TAVR in nonagenarians versus patients younger than 90 years of age. Secondary endpoints included differences in baseline characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and the differences in predictive accuracy of the logistic EuroSCORE, the EuroSCORE II, and STS-PROM.

RESULTS

A total of 882 nonagenarians and 11,499 patients younger than 90 years of age undergoing transfemoral TAVR between 2007 and 2018 were included. Nonagenarians had considerably fewer comorbidities than their counterparts. Nevertheless, rates of 30-day mortality (9.9% vs. 5.4%; relative risk [RR]: 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 2.3; p = 0.001), in-hospital stroke (3.0% vs. 1.9%; RR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.3; p = 0.04), major or life-threatening bleeding (8.1% vs. 5.5%; RR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2; p = 0.004), and new-onset atrial fibrillation (7.9% vs. 5.2%; RR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2; p = 0.01) were higher in nonagenarians. The STS-PROM adequately estimated mortality in nonagenarians, with an observed-expected mortality ratio of 1.0.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, global, patient-level analysis, mortality after transfemoral TAVR was 2-fold higher in nonagenarians compared with patients younger than 90 years of age, despite the lower prevalence of baseline comorbidities. Moreover, nonagenarians had a higher risk of in-hospital stroke, major or life-threatening bleeding, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. The STS-PROM was the only surgical risk score that accurately predicted the risk of mortality in nonagenarians.

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysm in nonagenarians: A single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

In the last decades, life expectancy has increased worldwide considerably. Traditionally, very elderly patients have been considered too frail to undergo major vascular interventions. Considering that abdominal aortic aneurysm is an age-related disease, there is an increasing need of a correct management of the disease even in nonagenarians, but data are still scarce. The purpose of this single-centre study is to report early and mid-term outcomes of all-comer abdominal aortic aneurysm patients in their 10th decades of age.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified a total of 33 patients aged ≥ 90 presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2014 and 2019. Elective and emergency repairs were both considered. Early technical success and mortality rate at 30 days were considered as primary outcomes. Mid-term clinical success was reported, and overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related death, re-interventions and endoleaks were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, stratified for elective of emergency repair and type of treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age was 91.7 (range 90-96), and 63.6% were male. Mean abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 67.4 ± 16.8 mm. Sixteen patients were admitted for rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm: three untreated, five underwent open and seven underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with an early mortality rate of 100, 100 and 42.8%, respectively. Eighteen (60%) patients were asymptomatic, and all underwent elective EVAR, with an early mortality rate of 0%. At one-month follow-up, clinical success was 84% in EVAR group. At a median follow-up of 22.4 ± 14.5 months, no abdominal aortic aneurysm-related death was registered. Freedom from all cause of mortality was 77.3, 59.4 and 40.7% at one, two and three years. Freedom from endoleaks was 95.4% at one month and 61.7% at one and three years. Freedom from reintervention was 85.8% at three years.

CONCLUSION

Elective EVAR in nonagenarians is associated with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes. Age by itself should not be considered an exclusion criterion for treatment.

Hip Fracture in Nonagenarians: Characteristics and Factors Related to 30-Day Mortality in 1177 Patients

BACKGROUND

The number of nonagenarian patients with hip fracture is increasing. The goals of this study were to describe the characteristics and in-hospital course of a cohort of 1177 nonagenarians admitted for hip fracture compared with younger patients and to identify risk factors for 30-day mortality after admission.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational cohort study including patients aged 65 years or older admitted for hip fracture during various periods from February 1997 to December 2016. We defined 3 age groups: 65-79, 80-89, and 90 years and older. We included sociodemographic variables, baseline functional status, comorbidities, fracture and surgical characteristics, postoperative complications, length of stay, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to study risk factors for 30-day mortality in surgically treated nonagenarians.

RESULTS

Nonagenarians were more likely to be women and to have dementia and heart disease. Some 72% walked independently before the fracture. The most relevant treatable risk factor for 30-day mortality in nonagenarians (in terms of higher odds ratio [OR]) was developing respiratory infection (OR: 4.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.73-7.63). Better prefracture functional status (higher Katz score; OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.92) and spinal anesthesia (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.68) decreased risk of 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonagenarian patients with hip fracture differ significantly from younger patients concerning clinical characteristics, medical complications, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates. We identified several variables on which we could act to reduce 30-day mortality, such as respiratory infection, electrolyte disorders, polypharmacy, cardiac arrhythmia, and spinal anesthesia.

Clinical Results of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Nonagenarians with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective

Multiple randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT), but very elderly patients aged ≥90 years were excluded. It remains uncertain whether endovascular therapy is effective for nonagenarians. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of MT in nonagenarians.

Methods

Between January 2016 and March 2019, acute ischemic stroke patients aged ≥80 years who underwent MT at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a baseline pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥3 were excluded from the analysis. They were divided into octogenarians (80-89 years old) and nonagenarians (90-99 years old).

Results

Forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria, including 34 octogenarians and 11 nonagenarians. Nonagenarians were more likely to be female (47.0% vs 90.9%; p <0.05). There was a significantly lower rate of a pre-stroke mRS score of 0-1 among the nonagenarians (91.1% vs 63.6%; p <0.05). Revascularization was successful in 71.0% and 81.8% (p = 0.46) of octogenarians and nonagenarians, respectively. Functional independence (mRS ≤2) at discharge was observed in 26.4% vs 27.2% (p = 0.95) of octogenarians and nonagenarians, respectively.

Conclusion

MT in nonagenarians can be considered safe without increasing hemorrhagic complications in comparison with that in octogenarians. One in four patients may have a good outcome and obtain effects equivalent to those in octogenarians if they have a good pre-stroke functional status.

Multicenter, retrospective analysis of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in nonagenarians

BACKGROUND

With the increasing age of acute stroke patients being admitted to hospitals, more data are needed on indications, complications and outcome of endovascular treatment (EVT) in the very elderly.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study with data collection from Belgian, Swiss, Canadian comprehensive stroke centers and Swedish EVT National database. All patients with acute ischemic stroke were eligible if aged older than or ≥90 years and treated with EVT ± pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Safety assessment comprised presence of periprocedural complications, hemorrhagic transformation or other adverse events (<7days). Efficacy and outcome measures were successful recanalization (modified Treatment In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2b), favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Score (mRS) 0-2) and 3-months mortality.

RESULTS

Inclusion of 112 nonagenarians (mean age 93.3 ± 2.5 years; 76.8% women; pre-mRS ≤2 in 69.4%). Pretreatment with IVT was performed in 54.7%. In 74.6% successful recanalization (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved. Favorable outcome (mRS ≤2) was seen in 16.4% and 3-months mortality was 62.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed younger age (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; 1.29-6.95; P = .011) and lower prestroke mRS (OR 13.46; 2.32-78.30; P = .004) as significant predictors for good clinical outcome at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observational study on EVT in nonagenarians demonstrates the need for careful patient selection. A substantial proportion of nonagenarians shows an unfavorable clinical outcome and high mortality, despite acceptable recanalization rates. A high prestroke disability (mRS) and advancing age predict an unfavorable outcome. Treatment decisions should be made on case-by-case evaluation, keeping in mind limited chances of favorable outcome and high risk of mortality.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in nonagenarians from the optimized catheter valvular intervention-TAVI registry

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate 30-day and 2-year clinical outcomes, and predictors of 2-year mortality in nonagenarians undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

BACKGROUND

TAVI has been applied to nonagenarians. However, sufficient clinical data in nonagenarians who could benefit from TAVI are limited.

METHODS

We evaluated the data from the optimized catheter valvular intervention-TAVI registry. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients' age ≥90 years and age <90 years. Predictive factors of 2-year mortality were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

From October 2013 to May 2017, a total of 375 nonagenarians (age ≥90 years) and 2,213 younger patients (age <90 years) were included. Although nonagenarians had a higher surgical risk score, 30-day clinical outcomes were similar between two groups. There were no significant differences in 2-year mortality (22.0% vs. 17.3%; p = .11) and stroke (5.5% vs. 3.9%; p = .31); however, 2-year heart failure readmission was higher in nonagenarians (13.3% vs. 9.0%; p = .03). After adjusting covariates, age ≥90 years was not independent predictor for 2-year outcomes. In nonagenarians, female sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26-0.74; p = .002), chronic kidney disease grade ≥4 (HR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.21-3.64; p = .01), and Clinical Frailty Scale ≥4 (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.02-3.42; p = .04) were independently associated with 2-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes of TAVI in selected nonagenarians were favorable. Severe renal dysfunction and frailty may be important factors to predict mid-term mortality after TAVI in nonagenarians.

Endovascular Treatment of Very Elderly Patients Aged ≥90 With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Patients aged ≥90 were excluded or under‐represented in past thrombectomy trials; thus, uncertainty remains whether treatment benefits can be expected regardless of age. This study investigates outcome and safety of thrombectomy in nonagenarians to improve decision making in a real‐world setting.

Methods and Results

All currently available data of patients aged ≥90 enrolled in the GSR‐ET (German Stroke Registry–Endovascular Treatment) were combined with a smaller cohort from 3 tertiary stroke centers. Baseline characteristics, procedural (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale) and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale; mRS), as well as complications (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, serious adverse events; SAEs) were analyzed. Good functional outcome was defined as mRS ≤3 at 90‐days. 203 patients with anterior circulation stroke and prestroke mRS ≤3 were included. The rate of successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale ≥2b) was 75.9% (154/203). Good functional outcome (mRS ≤3) was observed in 21.6% (41 of 193) at 90‐days. In‐hospital mortality was 27.1% (55 of 203) and increased significantly at 90 days to 48.9% (93 of 190; P<0.001). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3% (6 of 203) of patients. Logistic regression analysis identified Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.01–3.70; P=0.046) and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76–0.97; P=0.014) as independent predictors for good outcome. Patients with successful recanalization had a significant (P=0.001) shift of mRS distribution with higher rates of good functional outcomes (23.8% [34 of 143] versus 14.9% [7 of 47]) and lower mortality at 90‐days (46.8% [67 of 143] versus 55.3% [26 of 47]).

Conclusions

Despite high mortality and less frequent favorable outcome, our data suggest that thrombectomy is still effective and safe for nonagenarians. Decision making for thrombectomy in patients aged ≥90 should be based on a case‐by‐case basis with regard to initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Nonagenarians: A National Perspective

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess temporal trends and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in nonagenarians.

BACKGROUND

With increasing life expectancy, nonagenarians requiring PCI are increasing even though outcomes data are limited.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify all hospitalizations for PCI in patients aged ≥90 years from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2014. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Nonagenarians (n = 69,271) constituted 0.9% of all PCI hospitalizations, increasing from 0.6% in 2003 to 2004 to 1.4% in 2013 to 2014 (p_trend < 0.001). From 2003-2004 to 2013-2014, the proportion of PCIs performed for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (23.1% to 30.9%) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (49.6% to 52.6%) increased, whereas those for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) decreased (27.3% to 16.5%), respectively (p_trend < 0.001 for all). Overall in-hospital mortality after PCI for STEMI, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, and SIHD were 16.4%, 4.2%, and 1.8%, respectively. After multivariable risk adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, and hospital-level characteristics, in-hospital mortality remained unchanged in STEMI (odds ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.98 to 1.11; p_trend = 0.20) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (odds ratio: 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.91 to 1.08; p_trend = 0.82), but increased in SIHD (odds ratio: 1.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.44; p_trend = 0.04) from 2003 to 2004 to 2013 to 2014. The rates of bleeding and vascular complications decreased or remained stable in all 3 subgroups, whereas risk-adjusted incidence of stroke increased in patients with STEMI or SIHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, vascular complications, and stroke after PCI in nonagenarians changed significantly from 2003 to 2014. This study provides a benchmark for discussion of PCI-related risks among physicians, patients, and families.

Demographics and Outcomes of Spine Surgery in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians: A Comparison of the National Inpatient Sample, MarketScan and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Databases

Introduction

Despite the increasing use of national databases to conduct spine research, questions remain regarding their study validity and consistency. This study tested for similarity and inter-database reliability in reported measures between three commonly used national databases.

Methods

International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes were used to identify elderly (80-100 years) who underwent spine surgery patients in Truven Health Analytics MarketScan® claims database, National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) discharge database and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2006-2016). Patient baseline characteristics, comorbid status, insurance enrollment, and outcomes were queried and compared. 

Results

We analyzed 15,105 MarketScan, 40,854 NIS, and 7682 NSQIP patients between ages 80 to 100 years (median, 82 years) who underwent spine surgeries during the study period. A majority of patients in both MarketScan and NIS were insured by Medicare (97% vs. 94%). Patients in MarketScan had lower comorbidity scores (comorbidity, 0-2) compared to those in NIS and NSQIP databases. The most common diagnosis was spinal stenosis in MarketScan (54.4%), NIS (54.6%), and NSQIP databases (65.2%). Fusion was the most common procedure performed in MarketScan (48.9%) and NIS databases (46.2%), whereas decompression (laminectomy/laminotomy) was the most common procedure in the NSQIP database (51.84%). In-hospital complications (any) were 6.5% in the MarketScan cohort, 5.3% in the NIS, and 2.02% in the NSQIP cohort. In terms of 30-day complications (any), the MarketScan database reported higher complications rate (12.7%) compared to the NSQIP database (5.08%). In-hospital mortality was slightly higher in the NIS database (0.32%) compared to MarketScan (0.21%) and NSQIP database (0.2%). MarketScan and NIS databases showed an increased risk of complications with increasing age, whereas NIS and NSQIP showed increasing complications with a higher number of comorbidities. Male gender had higher complication at 30-day post-discharge using MarketScan and NSQIP database.

Conclusions

Patients in the NSQIP and NIS database have more comorbidities; patients in the MarketScan database had the highest number of perioperative and 30-day post-discharge complications with the highest number of fusion procedures performed. Patients in the NSQIP database had the lowest number of fusion procedures and complication rates. As databases gain popularity in spine surgery, clinicians and reviewers should be cautious in generalizing results to whole populations and pay close attention to the population being represented by the data from which the statistical significance was derived.