Reduced functionality in everyday activities of patients with self-reported heart failure hospitalization--population-based study results

The Prevalence of Activities of Daily Living Impairment in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The prevalence of activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with heart failure (HF) reported in current studies were inconsistent, ranging from 11.1 to 70.5%. The purpose of this study is to quantify the prevalence of ADL impairment in HF patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang databases were systematically searched for relevant studies (up to March 2, 2022). Cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies with detailed descriptions of overall ADL impairment in HF were included. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Fixed-effect or random-effect model was adopted according to heterogeneity which was evaluated by Cochran’s Q and I2 values. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed to investigate the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 12 studies with 15,795 HF patients were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled prevalence of ADL impairment in patients with HF was 38.8% (95%CI: 28.2–49.3%; I2 = 99.5%, P < 0.001). No possible sources of heterogeneity were found in subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Funnel plots and Egger’s test showed no publication bias (P = 0.595).

Conclusion

The prevalence of ADL impairment is relatively high in HF patients. Differences in the prevalence of ADL impairment in patients with HF may be influenced by country, region, and assessment time. We suggest that more researchers could focus on the changes of ADL impairment in HF patients during different disease periods in different regions and countries.

A Comparative Study of Three Nutritional Risk/Screening Indices for Predicting Cardiac Events and Physical Functioning Among Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Undernutrition is very common among patients with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated the prognostic values of three nutritional risk/screening indices among patients with acute HF. We retrospectively calculated scores for 465 patients with acute HF using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) tool, the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). The outcomes of interest were the 1-year rate of cardiac events (cardiac-related death or HF-related readmission) and the Barthel index as an index of physical function during hospitalization. The CONUT, GNRI, and MNA-SF scores were significantly correlated, although the proportions of a normal nutritional state varied (CONUT: 18.3%, GNRI: 32.9%, and MNA-SF: 43.9%). Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed that cardiac events were more common among patients with undernutrition based on the CONUT score, and multivariable regression analysis revealed that only the CONUT score independently predicted poor outcomes. Furthermore, changes in the Barthel index during hospitalization were significantly correlated with the CONUT score but not with the GNRI and MNA-SF scores. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the CONUT score had the most powerful predictive values on both the postdischarge incidence of cardiac events and the decline of physical function during hospitalization compared with the GNRI and the MNA-SF. These results indicate that the CONUT score might provide useful information for predicting poor outcomes in patients with acute HF.

Dependence and reduced motor function in heart failure: future directions for well-being

While patients with heart failure experience a wide range of symptoms, evidence is mounting that patients with heart failure suffer from reduced functional independence. Given that the number of patients with heart failure is rising and considering the adverse outcomes of reduced functional independence, understanding the underlying mechanisms of reduced functionality in patients with heart failure is of increasing importance. Yet, little information exists on how heart failure negatively affects functional independence, including motor function. This article summarizes reports of reduced independence and highlights its significant adverse outcomes in the patients with heart failure. Finally, this article discusses potential causes of reduced independence based on existing reports of impaired central and peripheral nervous systems in the patients with heart failure. Overall, the article provides a solid foundation for future studies investigating motor impairments in patients with heart failure. Such studies may lead to advances in treatment and prevention of reduced independence associated with heart failure, which ultimately contribute to the well-being of patients with heart failure.

Impairment in activities of daily living and readmission in older patients with heart failure: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) in older patients with heart failure (HF), and to examine the impact of ADL impairment on readmission after discharge.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years with HF admitted to a tertiary hospital in Vietnam from August 2016 to June 2017. Difficulties with six ADLs were assessed by a questionnaire. Participants were classified into two categories (with and without ADL impairment). The associations of ADL impairment with 3-month readmission were examined using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

There were 180 participants (mean age 80.6±8.2, 50% female) and 26.1% were classified as having ADL impairment. The most common impaired activity was bathing (21.1%), followed by transferring (20.0%), toileting (12.2%), dressing (8.9%), eating (3.3%), and continence (2.8%). During 3-month follow-up, 32.8% of the participants were readmitted to hospitals (55.3% in participants with ADL impairment, 24.8% in those without ADL impairment, p<0.001). ADL impairment significantly increased the risk of 3-month readmission (adjusted OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.05, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, ADL impairment was common in older hospitalised patients with HF and was associated with increased readmission. These findings suggest further studies on ADL assessment and intervention during transition care for older patients with HF after discharge to prevent readmission.

Frailty, sarcopenia and cachexia in heart failure patients: Different clinical entities of the same painting

Heart Failure (HF) in elderly patients is a systemic syndrome where advanced age, comorbidities with organ system deterioration, frailty and impaired cognition significantly impact outcome. Cardiac cachexia, sarcopenia and frailty despite overlap in definitions are different clinical entities that frequently coexist in HF patients. However, these co-factors often remain unaddressed, resulting in poor quality-of-life, prolonged physical disability and exercise intolerance and finally with higher rehospitalization rates and mortality. Strategy aim to increase muscle mass and muscle strength and delay the occurrence of frailty state appear essential in this regard. Common HF drugs therapy (b-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and prescription of physical exercise program remain the cornerstone of therapeutic approach in HF patients with new promising data regarding nutritional supplementation. However, the treatment of all these conditions still remain debated and only a profound knowledge of the specific mechanisms and patterns of disease progression will allow to use the appropriate therapy in a given clinical setting. For all these reasons we briefly review current knowledge on frailty, sarcopenia and cachexia in HF patients with the attempt to define clinically significant degrees of multiorgan dysfunction, specific "red alert" thresholds in clinical practice and therapeutic approach.

A Self-administered Version of the Functioning Assessment Short Test for Use in Population-based Studies: A Pilot Study

Background:

The Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) is an interviewer-administered scale assessing functional impairment originally developed for psychiatric patients.

Objectives:

To adapt the FAST for the general population, we developed a self-administered version of the scale and assessed its properties in a pilot study.

Methods:

The original FAST scale was translated into German via forward and backward translation. Afterwards, we adjusted the scale for self-administered application and inquired participants from two ongoing studies in Germany, ‘STAAB’ (Würzburg) and ‘BiDirect’ (Münster), both recruiting subjects from the general population across a wide age range (STAAB: 30-79 years, BiDirect: 35-65 years). To assess reliability, agreement of self-assessment with proxy-assessment by partners was measured via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) over the FAST score. Construct validity was estimated by conducting correlations with validated scales of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and health-related quality of life (SF-12) and regression analyses using these scales besides potentially disabling comorbidities (e.g. Chronic Back Pain (CBP)).

Results:

Participants (n=54) had a median age of 57.0 years (quartiles: 49.8, 65.3), 46.3% were female. Reliability was moderate: ICC 0.50 (95% CI 0.46-0.54). The FAST score significantly correlated with PHQ-9, GAD-7, and the mental sub-scale of SF-12. In univariable linear regression, all three scales and chronic back pain explained variance of the FAST score. In multivariable analysis, only CBP and the SF-12 remained significant predictors.

Conclusion:

The German self-administered version of the FAST yielded moderate psychometric properties in this pilot study, indicating its applicability to assess functional impairment in the general population.

Disability and quality of life in heart failure patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although both hospitalization and mortality due to heart failure (HF) have been widely studied, less is known about the impact of HF on disability and quality of life.

AIM

To assess the degree of disability and quality of life in HF patients attended at family medicine centres.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study of a cohort of HF patients attended at family medicine centres.

METHODS

Disability was assessed with the WHODAS 2 questionnaire, which provides a global and six domain scores that is understanding and communication, getting around, self-care, getting along with people, life activities and participation in society. Quality of life was assessed with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, which furnishes a global and two domain scores, physical and emotional.

RESULTS

A breakdown of the results showed that 28% of patients had moderate disability and 16.7% had severe disability, with the most important areas affected being: life activities, 8.9% extreme disability and 30.3% severe disability; getting around, 34.6% severe disability and 2% extreme disability; and participation in society, 53.3% moderate-severe disability. Quality of life was mildly affected. New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification and sex were the major determinants of disability and quality of life. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists were associated with better scores in the "getting around" and "life activity" domains.

CONCLUSION

HF patients in primary care show an important degree of disability and an acceptable quality of life.

Patients report more severe daily limitations than recognized by their physicians

BACKGROUND

Patient limitations guide selection of heart failure therapies, for which indications often specify New York Heart Association Class.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent of patient-reported limitations during daily activities and compare to New York Heart Association class assigned by providers during the same visit, and to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) group.

METHODS AND RESULTS

While waiting for their appointment, 948 patients on return visits to an ambulatory HF clinic completed a written questionnaire assessing specific activity limitations, which were compared to physician-assigned NYHA class during the same visit. Patient-reported limitation to perform daily activity ranged from 25% for bathing to 61% for yardwork or housework and 71% for jogging or hurrying. Most patients who did not report limitations to perform daily life activities were correctly classified as NYHA I by the physicians (76%), but 12% of the 376 patients classified as NYHA I reported limitations to showering or bathing and 73% reported limitations while doing yardwork or house work. Limitation to walking was reported by 172 patients (50%) classified as class II. Limitations to walking one block were most common in patients with LVEF ≥40% compared to patients with LVEF <40%, and least commonly, in HF with better EF (improved from 31 ± 13 to 52 ± 7).

CONCLUSIONS

Activity limitations are commonly reported by ambulatory HF patients, but underestimated by physicians. It is not clear how this should guide therapy validated for NYHA class but focused activity questions may merit wider use to track limitations and improvement in ambulatory HF.

Clinical characteristics of heart failure associated with functional dependence at admission in hospitalized elderly

Objective

to identify which clinical features of heart failure are associated with a greater chance of functional dependence for the basic activities of daily living in hospitalized elderly.

Method

cross-sectional study conducted with elderly hospitalized patients. The clinical characteristics of heart failure were assessed by self-report, medical records and scales. Dependency was assessed by the Katz Index. The Fisher’s Exact Test was used to analyze associations between the nominal variables, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with dependence.

Results

the sample consisted of 191 cases. The prevalence of functional dependence was 70.2%. Most of the elderly were partially dependent (66.6%). Clinical characteristics associated with dependence at admission were dyspnea (Odds Ratio 8.5, Confidence Interval 95% 2.668-27.664, p <0.001), lower limb edema (Odds Ratio 5.7, 95% Confidence Interval 2.148-15.571, p <0.001); cough (Odds Ratio 9.0, 95% confidence interval 1.053-76.938, p <0.045); precordial pain (Odds Ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.125-18.023, p <0.033), and pulmonary crackling (Odds Ratio 4.9, 95% Confidence Interval 1.704-14.094, p <0.003).

Conclusion

functional dependence in admitted elderly patients with heart failure is more associated with congestive signs and symptoms.

Is the Clock Drawing Test useful in the screening assessment of aged patients with chronic heart failure?

PURPOSE

Cognitive impairment is one of the most common geriatric deficits in old patients with heart failure (HF), but there has been a lack of study on the utility of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) when used with this group of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the CDT in the geriatric assessment of aged outpatients with chronic HF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of the results of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), including the CDT, of 92 aged outpatients with heart failure was conducted.

RESULTS

We found a high prevalence of five examined geriatric problems. The majority of the patients presented signs of cognitive deterioration of different patterns and severity on the Clock Drawing Test. All the CDT scoring systems correlated significantly with the Mini-Mental Test Examination results.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems reasonable to perform the routine CGA with the CDT examination in all aged heart failure patients.

Basal functional status predicts one-year mortality after a heart failure hospitalization in elderly patients - The RICA prospective study

BACKGROUND

Dependence for basic activities of the daily living (ADL) relates to adverse outcomes in elderly acute heart failure (AHF) patients.

METHODS

We evaluated patients ≥75years admitted because of AHF, divided according to preadmission Barthel Index (BI) category: severe (BI 0-60), moderate (BI 61-90) and slight dependence or independence for basic ADL (BI 91-100). We compared their baseline characteristics and used logistic regression models to determine whether a BI≤60 confers higher one-year mortality risk.

RESULTS

We included 2195 patients, mean age 83years; 57% women, Charlson Index 3, 65% with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Their median preadmission BI was 90 (65-100); 21.7% had BI≤60. Patients with BI≤60 were older, more often females, with higher comorbid and cognitive burden and more likely to be institutionalized. 560 patients (26%) died within the follow-up period. A preadmission BI≤60 was significantly associated with higher risk of 12-month mortality (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.77) together with male sex (1.27, 1.04-1.54), valve disease (1.49, 1.20-1.83), worse preadmission NYHA class (1.44, 1.20-1.73), stage IV chronic kidney disease (1.70, 1.35-2.15), pulmonary edema (1.33, 1.01-1.76), no family support (1.47, 1.06-2.06), and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.09, CI 1.05-1.13) and Pfeiffer cognitive screening questionnaire scores (1.10, 1.05-1.14).

CONCLUSION

Among elderly AHF patients, the presence of severe (BI≤60) preadmission dependence for basic ADL confers a significant and independent risk of one-year post-discharge mortality.

Preoperative Falls and Their Association with Functional Dependence and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

No study has rigorously explored the characteristics of surgical patients with recent preoperative falls. Our objective was to describe the essential features of preoperative falls and determine whether they are associated with preoperative functional dependence and poor quality of life.

METHODS

This was an observational study involving 15,060 surveys from adult patients undergoing elective surgery. The surveys were collected between January 2014 and August 2015, with a response rate of 92%.

RESULTS

In the 6 months before surgery, 26% (99% CI, 25 to 27%) of patients fell at least once, and 12% (99% CI, 11 to 13%) fell at least twice. The proportion of patients who fell was highest among patients presenting for neurosurgery (41%; 99% CI, 36 to 45%). At least one fall-related injury occurred in 58% (99% CI, 56 to 60%) of those who fell. Falls were common in all age groups, but surprisingly, they did not increase monotonically with age. Middle-aged patients (45 to 64 yr) had the highest proportion of fallers (28%), recurrent fallers (13%), and severe fall-related injuries (27%) compared to younger (18 to 44 yr) and older (65+ yr) patients (P < 0.001 for each). A fall within 6 months was independently associated with preoperative functional dependence (odds ratio, 1.94; 99% CI, 1.68 to 2.24) and poor physical quality of life (odds ratio, 2.18; 99% CI, 1.88 to 2.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative falls might be common and are possibly often injurious in the presurgical population, across all ages. A history of falls could enhance the assessment of preoperative functional dependence and quality of life.

Ability of preoperative falls to predict postsurgical outcomes in non-selected patients undergoing elective surgery at an academic medical centre: protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Falls are increasingly recognised for their ability to herald impending health decline. Despite the likely susceptibility of postsurgical patients to falls, a detailed description of postoperative falls in an unselected surgical population has never been performed. One study suggests that preoperative falls may forecast postoperative complications. However, a larger study with non-selected surgical patients and patient-centred outcomes is needed to provide the generalisability and justification necessary to implement preoperative falls assessment into routine clinical practice. The aims of this study are therefore twofold. First, we aim to describe the main features of postoperative falls in a population of unselected surgical patients. Second, we aim to test the hypothesis that a history of falls in the 6 months prior to surgery predicts postoperative falls, poor quality of life, functional dependence, complications and readmission.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To achieve these goals, we study adult patients who underwent elective surgery at our academic medical centre and were recruited to participate in a prospective, survey-based cohort study called Systematic Assessment and Targeted Improvement of Services Following Yearlong Surgical Outcomes Surveys (SATISFY-SOS) (NCT02032030). Patients who reported falling in the 6 months prior to surgery will be considered 'exposed.' The primary outcome of interest is postoperative falls within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative functional dependence, quality of life (both physical and mental), in-hospital complications and readmission. Regression models will permit controlling for important confounders.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The home institution's Institutional Review Board approved this study (IRB ID number 201505035). The authors will publish the findings, regardless of the results.

Preoperative Falls Predict Postoperative Falls, Functional Decline, and Surgical Complications

Background

Falls are common and linked to morbidity. Our objectives were to characterize postoperative falls, and determine whether preoperative falls independently predicted postoperative falls (primary outcome), functional dependence, quality of life, complications, and readmission.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 7982 unselected patients undergoing elective surgery. Data were collected from the medical record, a baseline survey, and follow-up surveys approximately 30 days and one year after surgery.

Results

Fall rates (per 100 person-years) peaked at 175 (hospitalization), declined to 140 (30-day survey), and then to 97 (one-year survey). After controlling for confounders, a history of one, two, and ≥ three preoperative falls predicted postoperative falls at 30 days (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 2.3, 3.6, 5.5) and one year (aOR 2.3, 3.4, 6.9). One, two, and ≥ three falls predicted functional decline at 30 days (aOR 1.2, 2.4, 2.4) and one year (aOR 1.3, 1.5, 3.2), along with in-hospital complications (aOR 1.2, 1.3, 2.0). Fall history predicted adverse outcomes better than commonly-used metrics, but did not predict quality of life deterioration or readmission.

Conclusions

Falls are common after surgery, and preoperative falls herald postoperative falls and other adverse outcomes. A history of preoperative falls should be routinely ascertained.

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Postoperative falls are common during hospitalization and after discharge and may be more prevalent in certain specialties.

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Preoperative falls predict postoperative falls, postoperative functional decline, and in-hospital complications.

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Ascertaining fall history is practical and informative, and should become routine.

Surgery-related falls occur at a high rate both during hospitalization and after discharge, and they may be especially prevalent in certain surgical specialties. Preoperative falls are the main harbinger of postoperative falls, and also strongly predict postoperative functional decline and complications. Importantly, these findings appear to be true across all ages. Therefore, a history of falls before surgery is a useful tool that should be incorporated into routine preoperative assessment.

Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, successful aging, and mortality: the PolSenior study

BACKGROUND

In the elderly, chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) is a risk factor for the development of aging-related diseases and frailty. Using data from several thousand Eastern Europeans aged 65 years and older, we investigated whether the serum levels of two proinflammatory factors, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were associated with physical and cognitive performance, and could predict mortality in successfully aging elderly.

RESULTS

IL-6 and CRP levels systematically increased in an age-dependent manner in the entire study group (IL-6: n = 3496 individuals, p < 0.001 and CRP: n = 3632, p = 0.003), and in the subgroup of successfully aging individuals who had never been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or cancer, and had a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24 and a Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score ≥5 (IL-6: n = 1258, p < 0.001 and CRP: n = 1312, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of individuals suffering from aging-related diseases/disability, only IL-6 increased with age (IL-6: n = 2238, p < 0.001 and CRP: n = 2320, p = 0.249). IL-6 and CRP levels were lower in successfully aging individuals than in the remaining study participants (both p < 0.001). Higher IL-6 and CRP levels were associated with poorer physical performance (lower ADL score) and poorer cognitive performance (lower MMSE score) (both p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, lipids, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and smoking status. Longer survival was associated with lower concentrations of IL-6 and CRP not only in individuals with aging-related diseases/disability (HR = 1.063 per each pg/mL, 95 % CI: 1.052-1.074, p < 0.001 and HR = 1.020 per each mg/L, 95 % CI: 1.015-1.025, p < 0.001, respectively) but also in the successfully aging subgroup (HR = 1.163 per each pg/mL, 95 % CI: 1.128-1.199, p < 0.001 and HR = 1.074 per each mg/L, 95 % CI: 1.047-1.100, p < 0.001, respectively). These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, lipids and smoking status. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed similar results (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both IL-6 and CRP levels were good predictors of physical and cognitive performance and the risk of mortality in both the entire elderly population and in successfully aging individuals.

[Heart failure as a predictor of functional dependence in hospitalized elderly]

OBJECTIVE

Identify whether Heart Failure (HF) is a predictor of functional dependence for Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) in hospitalized elderly.

METHODS

We investigated medical records and assessed dependence to BADL (by the Katz Index) of 100 elderly admitted to a geriatric ward of a university hospital. In order to verify if HF is a predictor of functional dependence, linear regression analyzes were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HF was 21%; 95% of them were dependent for BADLs. Bathing was the most committed ADL. HF is a predictor of dependence in hospitalized elderlies, increasing the chance of functional decline by 5 times (95% CI, 0.94-94.48), the chance of functional deterioration by 3.5 times (95% CI, 1.28-11.66; p <0.02) and reducing 0.79 points in the Katz Index score (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

HF is a dependency predictor of ADL in hospitalized elderly, who tend to be more dependent, especially for bathing.

[Chronic heart failure in the elderly patient]

The prevalence and incidence of heart failure (HF) is increasing, especially in the elderly population, and is becoming a major geriatric problem. Elderly patients with HF usually show etiopathogenic, epidemiological, and even clinical characteristics significantly different from those present in younger patients. Their treatment, however, derives from clinical trials performed with only a few elderly subjects. Moreover, beyond the cardiovascular disease itself, it is essential to evaluate the patient as a whole, given the interrelationship between HF and the characteristic geriatric syndromes of the elderly patient. This review examines the peculiarities in the most prevalent "real world" HF patient.

Age-related medication adherence in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is prevalent among the elderly and is characterized by high mortality and hospitalization rates. Non-adherence to medications is frequent and related to poor clinical outcomes. It is often assumed that older age is related to poorer medication adherence compared with younger age. We analyzed the existing evidence of age as a determinant of medication adherence in patients with CHF.

METHODS

A systematic search of the bibliographic database MEDLINE and all Cochrane databases was performed. Studies were included if they examined medication adherence in adult patients with CHF, evaluated factors contributing to medication adherence, and analyzed the relationship between age and medication adherence. Articles classified as studies with poor quality were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 1565 titles were found, and ultimately, 17 studies, which provide data for a total of 162,727 patients, were analyzed. Seven studies showed a statistically significant relationship between age and medication adherence: six articles demonstrated that increased age is correlated with higher medication adherence, and one study showed that patients in the age range of 57 to 64 years are affected by non-adherence to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Ten studies found no significant relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that older age alone is not related to poorer medication adherence compared with younger patients with CHF. More attention should be paid to younger newly-diagnosed patients with CHF. Future studies are required to explore medication adherence in CHF in different, standardized, and specific age groups and should be sufficiently powered to assess clinical endpoints.

Predictors of six-month mortality among nursing home residents: diagnoses may be more predictive than functional disability

OBJECTIVE

Loss of daily living functions can be a marker for end of life and possible hospice eligibility. Unfortunately, data on patient's functional abilities is not available in all settings. In this study we compare predictive accuracy of two indices designed to predict 6-month mortality among nursing home residents. One is based on traditional measures of functional deterioration and the other on patients' diagnoses and demography.

METHODS

We created the Hospice ELigibility Prediction (HELP) Index by examining mortality of 140,699 Veterans Administration (VA) nursing home residents. For these nursing home residents, the available data on history of hospital admissions were divided into training (112,897 cases) and validation (27,832 cases) sets. The training data were used to estimate the parameters of the HELP Index based on (1) diagnoses, (2) age on admission, and (3) number of diagnoses at admission. The validation data were used to assess the accuracy of predictions of the HELP Index. The cross-validated accuracy of the HELP Index was compared with the Barthel Index (BI) of functional ability obtained from 296,052 VA nursing home residents. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine sensitivity and specificity of the predicted odds of mortality.

RESULTS

The area under the curve (AUC) for the HELP Index was 0.838. This was significantly (α <0.01) higher than the AUC for the BI of 0.692.

CONCLUSIONS

For nursing home residents, comorbid diagnoses predict 6-month mortality more accurately than functional status. The HELP Index can be used to estimate 6-month mortality from hospital data and can guide prognostic discussions prior to and following nursing home admission.