Interrelationships between malnutrition, dehydration, frailty, and sarcopenia in older adults with proximal femur fractures: a prospective observational study
Belinda Trobec, Gianluca Canton, Emma Spedicato, Eleonora Wabitsch, Paolo De Colle, Michela Zanetti, Andrea Marchetti, Luigi Murena, Chiara Ratti
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Proximal femur fractures (PFFs) are a hallmark of frailty in patients aged ≥ 65 years. Geriatric frailty is multifactorial, with malnutrition, dehydration, and sarcopenia negatively impacting outcomes after PFF.
Aims
The primary aim of this study was to examine the interrelationships between frailty, malnutrition, hydration status, and ultrasound-defined muscle impairment in older patients with proximal femur fracture. As a secondary objective, we explored the association of these vulnerability domains with 3-month mortality as an exploratory outcome.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, 108 consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing surgical treatment for PFF at Cattinara Hospital (Trieste) were evaluated. Clinical, nutritional (MNA, MUST), functional (ADL, CFS, NHFS, MPI), cognitive (SPMSQ), and dehydration (CDS) assessments were performed. Ultrasound sarcopenia index (USI) measurements were obtained in both upper and lower limbs of 78 patients.
Results
Mean age was 85.9 ± 6.6 years. Malnutrition, clinical dehydration, and frailty were present in 2.7%, 38%, and 56% of patients, respectively. Among patients assessed by ultrasound, 39% showed sarcopenic features. Nutritional status was significantly associated with frailty, dehydration, ultrasound-defined sarcopenia, and calf circumference (p < 0.05). At univariate analysis, poorer nutritional, cognitive, and functional status, frailty, and preoperative complications were associated with higher 3-month mortality, whereas surgery within 72 h was protective.
Discussion
Malnutrition, dehydration, and sarcopenia frequently coexist and are closely correlated with geriatric frailty and mortality in patients aged ≥ 65 years with PFF.
Conclusions
These findings support the relevance of a comprehensive orthogeriatric assessment to better characterize biological vulnerability and guide perioperative care.
期刊介绍:
Aging clinical and experimental research offers a multidisciplinary forum on the progressing field of gerontology and geriatrics. The areas covered by the journal include: biogerontology, neurosciences, epidemiology, clinical gerontology and geriatric assessment, social, economical and behavioral gerontology. “Aging clinical and experimental research” appears bimonthly and publishes review articles, original papers and case reports.