INTENSIVE-CARE FOR CRITICALLY ILL ELDERLY - MORTALITY, COSTS, AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE - REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The literature on outcomes of intensive care for the elderly with rega rd to intensive care unit utilization, mortality, hospital costs and c harges, and quality of life after intensive care were reviewed. Public ations in the English literature, which evaluated intensive care and i ncluded elderly populations, were obtained from review of Index Medicu s and MEDLINE. We conclude that age alone is not an acceptable predict or of critical illness with regard to mortality and quality of life of survivors. A therapeutic trial and appropriately discontinuing life s upport may lead to better utilization of intensive care. Additional da ta are needed on long-term mortality and quality of life after hospita l discharge.