OUTCOME OF ELDERLY PATIENTS REQUIRING VENTILATORY SUPPORT IN INTENSIVE-CARE

The objectives of the study were: 1) to evaluate mortality in elderly patients requiring ventilatory support in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) an d at 6, 12 and 18 mon ths after discharge from ICU; 2) (main objective ) to determine predictors of mortality in ICU and after discharge; and 3) to assess the life-style of survivors. One hundred and ten consecu tive hospitalized patients greater than or equal to 70 years were incl uded in this retrospective study. Follow-up evaluation was conducted b y telephone interview. Mortality in ICU and after discharge was the ou tcome variable. Fifteen parameters were recorded at admission and duri ng hospitalization. Residence, health status, and self-sufficiency wer e evaluated after discharge. 1) Mortality in ICU and ar 6, 12 and 18 m onths after discharge was 38%, 60%, 63% and 67% respectively. 2) The p redictors of mortality in ICU were admission in shock, and use of majo r therapeutic interventions. Predictors of mortality at 6 months were admission in shock, previous impaired health status and marital status . 3) Eighteen months after discharge 92% of the surviving patients (N= 33) had the same residence, 75% had the same health status, and 78% ha d the same autonomy compared with pre-admission status. We concluded t hat shock and previous health status but not age are predictors of sho rt- and long-term prognoses in elderly patients hospitalized in ICU fo r mechanical ventilation.