1
|
Tingström P, Karlsson N, Grodzinsky E, Sund Levander M. The value of fever assessment in addition to the Early Detection Infection Scale (EDIS). A validation study in nursing home residents in Sweden. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:585. [PMID: 37737163 PMCID: PMC10515033 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to improve detection of suspected infections in frail elderly there is an urgent need for development of decision support tools, that can be used in the daily work of all healthcare professionals for assessing non-specific and specific changes. The aim was to study non-specific signs and symptoms and fever temperature for early detection of ongoing infection in frail elderly, and how these correlates to provide the instrument, the Early Detection Infection Scale (EDIS), which is used to assess changes in health condition in frail elderly. METHODS This was an explorative, prospective cohort study, including 45 nursing home residents, 76 to 99 years, in Sweden. Nursing assistants measured morning ear body temperature twice a week and used the EDIS to assess individual health condition daily for six months. The outcome comprised events of suspected infection, compiled from nursing and medical patient records. Factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to analyse data. RESULTS Fifteen residents were diagnosed with at least one infection during the six-month follow-up and 189 observations related to 72 events of suspected infection were recorded. The first factor analysis revealed that the components, change in cognitive and physical function, general signs and symptoms of illness, increased tenderness, change in eye expression and food intake and change in emotions explained 61% of the variance. The second factor analysis, adding temperature assessed as fever to > 1.0 °C from individual normal, resulted in change in physical function and food intake, confusion and signs and symptoms from respiratory and urinary tract, general signs and symptoms of illness and fever and increased tenderness, explaining 59% of the variance. In the first regression analysis, increased tenderness and change in eye expression and food intake, and in the second change in physical function and food intake, general signs and symptoms of illness and fever (> 1.0 °C from individual normal) and increased tenderness were significantly associated with increased risk for ongoing infection. CONCLUSION No items in the EDIS should be removed at present, and assessment of fever as > 1.0 °C from individual normal is a valuable addition. The EDIS has the potential to make it easier for first line caregivers to systematically assess changes in health condition in fragile elderly people and helps observations to be communicated in a standardised way throughout the care process. The EDIS thus contributes to ensuring that the decisions not being taken at the wrong level of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Tingström
- Medical Faculty, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | | | - Ewa Grodzinsky
- Medical Faculty, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Masot O, Cox A, Mold F, Sund-Levander M, Tingström P, Boersema GC, Botigué T, Daltrey J, Hughes K, Mayhorn CB, Montgomery A, Mullan J, Carey N. Decision support-tools for early detection of infection in older people (aged> 65 years): a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:552. [PMID: 35778707 PMCID: PMC9247966 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03218-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection is more frequent, and serious in people aged > 65 as they experience non-specific signs and symptoms delaying diagnosis and prompt treatment. Monitoring signs and symptoms using decision support tools (DST) is one approach that could help improve early detection ensuring timely treatment and effective care. Objective To identify and analyse decision support tools available to support detection of infection in older people (> 65 years). Methods A scoping review of the literature 2010–2021 following Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO using terms to identify decision support tools for detection of infection in people > 65 years was conducted, supplemented with manual searches. Results Seventeen papers, reporting varying stages of development of different DSTs were analysed. DSTs largely focussed on specific types of infection i.e. urine, respiratory, sepsis and were frequently hospital based (n = 9) for use by physicians. Four DSTs had been developed in nursing homes and one a care home, two of which explored detection of non- specific infection. Conclusions DSTs provide an opportunity to ensure a consistent approach to early detection of infection supporting prompt action and treatment, thus avoiding emergency hospital admissions. A lack of consideration regarding their implementation in practice means that any attempt to create an optimal validated and tested DST for infection detection will be impeded. This absence may ultimately affect the ability of the workforce to provide more effective and timely care, particularly during the current covid-19 pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03218-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Masot
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain. .,Health Care Research Group (GRECS), [Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation], IRBLleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Anna Cox
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Freda Mold
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Märtha Sund-Levander
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pia Tingström
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Teresa Botigué
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Health Care Research Group (GRECS), [Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation], IRBLleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Julie Daltrey
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Christopher B Mayhorn
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7801, USA
| | - Amy Montgomery
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Judy Mullan
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Nicola Carey
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Detecting Acute Deterioration in Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care: A Scoping Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1517-1540. [PMID: 35738427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore models, processes, or tools implemented in residential aged care (RAC) to support registered nurses (RNs) to identify and respond to the acute deterioration of residents. DESIGN Scoping literature review of English Language articles published in peer reviewed journals. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Studies were conducted in RAC facilities providing long-term 24-hour medical, nursing, and social care for people age 65 years or older with age-related disability. METHODS We completed a MESH term and key word search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Included studies had (1) part of the intervention based in RAC; (2) had a direct impact on RAC day to day practice; and (3) contained or provided access to the detail of the intervention. Data was charted by author, date, country, study design and the components, genesis, and efficacy of the methods used to identify and respond to acute deterioration. RESULTS We found 46 studies detailing models of care, clinical patterns of acute deterioration, and deterioration detection tools. It was not possible to determine which element of the models care had the greatest impact on RN decision making. The clinical patterns of acute deterioration painted a picture of acute deterioration in the frail. There was limited evidence to support the use of existing deterioration detection tools in the RAC population. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We found no straight forward systematic method to support RAC RNs to identify and respond to the acute deterioration of residents. This is an important practice gap. The clinical pattern of acute deterioration described in the literature has the potential to be used for the development of a tool to support RAC RNs to identify and respond to the acute deterioration of residents.
Collapse
|
4
|
Carey N, Boersema GC, du Toit HS. Improving early detection of infection in nursing home residents in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021; 14:100288. [PMID: 33520656 PMCID: PMC7830222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper sets out key challenges related to detection and management of infection in nursing home residents, and then explores the situation in South Africa, and use of decision support tools as a mechanism to improve this area of practice. In line with global trends, concerns have been raised about the rapidly increasing aging population in South Africa and the ability of the current healthcare system to keep pace with patient demand, particularly nursing home residents. Nursing home residents, who often exhibit atypical signs and symptoms, are at increased risk of infection and unplanned admissions, which account for 65% of all bed days, and cost the US healthcare economy more than a trillion dollars a year. Evidence suggests that the current workforce in South Africa receive limited training in this area and are largely unprepared to meet the demands of the aging population. Building the capacity and skills of the workforce in South Africa is one approach that could help to improve the early detection of infection and assist the nursing home workforce to provide more effective and timely care, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Decision support tools, such as the Early Detection of Infection Scale, can help ensure consistency and ensure more timely treatment, minimising unplanned admissions and healthcare expenditure. However, the potential benefits or indeed how easily this could be integrated in to nursing homes in South Africa is unknown. An important first step, as in other parts of the world, is therefore to explore views and opinions of how infections are detected and managed in practice by nurses, care workers and managers in nursing homes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Carey
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, Priestly Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helena S du Toit
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Unisa, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reliability of nonlocalizing signs and symptoms as indicators of the presence of infection in nursing-home residents. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020; 43:417-426. [PMID: 33292915 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotics are among the most common medications prescribed in nursing homes. The annual prevalence of antibiotic use in residents of nursing homes ranges from 47% to 79%, and more than half of antibiotic courses initiated in nursing-home settings are unnecessary or prescribed inappropriately (wrong drug, dose, or duration). Inappropriate antibiotic use is associated with a variety of negative consequences including Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), adverse drug effects, drug-drug interactions, and antimicrobial resistance. In response to this problem, public health authorities have called for efforts to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing in nursing homes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Decision Tools and Studies to Improve the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Nursing Home Residents: A Narrative Review. Drugs Aging 2020; 38:29-41. [PMID: 33174126 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00814-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The overdiagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in nursing home residents that results in unnecessary antibiotic treatment has been recognized for more than 2 decades. This has resulted in the publication of several decision tools for the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents. Given all of the decision tools available, how does one decide on the approach to improve the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents in the context of an antimicrobial stewardship program? To address this question, this paper reviews: (a) published decision tools for the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents; (b) randomized controlled trials to improve the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents; and (c) non-randomized studies to improve the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents. Review of published decision tools indicates that the diagnosis of UTI is based on the presence of urinary tract signs and symptoms. However, there is considerable variation in the diagnostic criteria among the decision tools and there is no consensus as to the best clinical criteria for the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents. Review of four randomized controlled trials of interventions to improve the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents found that different interventions and outcome measures of varying complexity were utilized. Although randomized controlled trials were, to some extent, successful, it was not clear in any trial if one or more components of an intervention contributed the most to the success and there was no evidence that an intervention was feasible or sustainable after a trial was completed. Review of non-randomized trials to improve the diagnosis of UTI in nursing home residents all had methodologic limitations that make interpretation problematic. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies all focused on the process before an antibiotic is prescribed. An alternative approach that focuses on assessment of the post-prescription process (antibiotic time-out protocol) is reviewed; initial studies of this protocol were inconclusive because of design limitations and additional studies are required. Regardless of what interventions are utilized, there must be provider and nursing staff commitment and motivation to improve the management of residents with suspected UTI and methods to achieve improvement must be demonstrated to be feasible and sustainable given the resources available in nursing homes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sund Levander M, Tingström P. Complicated versus complexity: when an old woman and her daughter meet the health care system. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:230. [PMID: 33046068 PMCID: PMC7552441 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Detecting infection in frail elderly is a challenge due to lack of specific signs and symptoms. We highlight the complex situation when an elderly woman with urinary tract infection (UTI) and her daughter meet the highly qualified health care system. The aim was to describe and analyze the process when an elderly individual with an acute infection encounters the healthcare system. Methods A descriptive, retrospective Single Case Study design with a qualitative approach was used. Data from interviews with the old women and her daughter, medical record data and different regulatory documents were gathered and analysed with a qualitative content analysis. In a second step, the results were interpreted with concepts from the complexity theory. Complexity theory has been used as a conceptual framework for analysis or a framework for interpretation. In this study we are using the theory for interpretation by comparing the results with the complexity theory, which is explored in the discussion. Results The latent content analysis of the daughter’s story is interpreted as though she perceives the situation as causing a life crisis and a threat to her mother’s entire existence. The old women herself does not take part in what is happening, though after returning to home she is trying to understand her behaviour and what has happened. The health care tries different diagnoses and treatment according to standardized care plans without success. When urinary tract infection is finally diagnosed and treated successfully, the old women recovers quickly. Conclusion The healthcare system should embrace the complexity in the encounter with an elderly individual. However, we found that the immediate reaction from the healthcare system is to handle the patients’ problem as complicated by complexity reduction. Shortcomings are that elderly patients with multiple disorders are difficult to evaluate and triage “correctly” for later placement in the appropriate continuum of care, although the findings of this case study also imply that with time the system instead took on an approach of absorption of complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Märta Sund Levander
- Department of Nursing, Medical faculty, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Pia Tingström
- Department of Nursing, Medical faculty, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carey N, Alkhamees N, Cox A, Sund-Levander M, Tingström P, Mold F. Exploring views and experiences of how infections are detected and managed in practice by nurses, care workers and manager's in nursing homes in England and Sweden: a survey protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038390. [PMID: 33004397 PMCID: PMC7534694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In order to avoid unnecessary hospital admission and associated complications, there is an urgent need to improve the early detection of infection in nursing home residents. Monitoring signs and symptoms with checklists or aids called decision support tools may help nursing home staff to detect infection in residents, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic.We plan to conduct a survey exploring views and experiences of how infections are detected and managed in practice by nurses, care workers and managers in nursing homes in England and Sweden. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An international cross-sectional descriptive survey, using a pretested questionnaire, will be used to explore nurses, care workers and managers views and experiences of how infections are detected and managed in practice in nursing homes. Data will be analysed descriptively and univariate associations between personal and organisational factors explored. This will help identify important factors related to awareness, knowledge, attitudes, belief and skills likely to affect future implementation of a decision support tool for the early detection of infection in nursing home residents. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved using the self-certification process at the University of Surrey and Linköping University ethics committee (Approval 2018/514-32) in 2018. Study findings will be disseminated through community/stakeholder/service user engagement events in each country, publication in academic peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. A LAY summary will be provided to participants who indicate they would like to receive this information.This is the first stage of a plan of work to revise and evaluate the Early Detection of Infection Scale (EDIS) tool and its effect on managing infections and reducing unplanned hospital admissions in nursing home residents. Implementation of the EDIS tool may have important implications for the healthcare economy; this will be explored in cost-benefit analyses as the work progresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Carey
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Nouf Alkhamees
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Noura Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Cox
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Marta Sund-Levander
- Division of Nursing, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Pia Tingström
- Division of Nursing, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Freda Mold
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fujii K, Komoda T, Maekawa A, Nishikawa M. Foot care knowledge and practices among Japanese nurses and care workers in home care and adult service center: a cross- sectional study. BMC Nurs 2020; 19:75. [PMID: 32782433 PMCID: PMC7412637 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-020-00467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Foot care knowledge and practices among nurses and care workers in the community greatly impact foot health maintenance and prevention of foot-related problems among older people. This study aimed to explore and examine the current foot care knowledge, practices, and perceptions among nurses and care workers at home care and adult day service center, along with their demographic characteristics and daily care for clients. Methods This study analyzed 232 randomly selected front-line nurses and care workers working at home care or adult day service center in one of the selected cities, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Data were obtained using questionnaires and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Spearman's rank correlation tests. Results Among the 305 surveyed, 232 (62 nurses; 170 care workers) provided data. Although 57 nurses (91.9%) and 142 care workers (83.5%) showed interest in foot care, 33 nurses (53.2%) and 133 care workers (78.2%) stated that foot care education was insufficient. Knowledge and practice scores were associated with working status.Higher accuracy differences in the early detection of foot problems and skin tears on lower limbs in knowledge category were observed between nurses and care workers. The nurses as well as the care workers had low accuracy rates of knowledge questions regarding the use of shoes and socks subscale.For practice, both nurses and care workers had low mean scores for checking client's shoes (2.0/5.0 and 2.1/5.0, respectively), method for reducing ingrown nail pain (2.6/5.0 and 1.9/5.0, respectively), and opportunity for discussing foot care with others (2.7/5.0 and 2.2/5.0, respectively). A significant correlation between knowledge and practice scores was observed among nurses (0.331, p < 0.05) and care workers (0.339, p < 0.001). Conclusions Despite the presence of several barriers toward enhanced care delivery to clients needing it most, nurses and care workers clearly understood the importance of foot care. These findings indicate that foot care should be focused by nurses and care workers to improve the knowledge and practice of foot care and to suggest future implications that efficient and understandable tools are needed considering their current working situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kashiko Fujii
- Graduate School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Nagoya University, 1-1-20 Daiko-Minami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 461-8673 Japan
| | - Takuyuki Komoda
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gifu Heart Center, 4-14-4 Yabuta Minami, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 500-8384 Japan
| | - Atsuko Maekawa
- Faculty of Nursing, Shubun University, 6 Nikko-cho, Ichinomiya-City, Aichi Prefecture 491-0938 Japan
| | - Mariko Nishikawa
- Graduate School of Nursing, University of Human Environments, 3-220 Ebata-Cho, Obu City, Aichi Prefecture 4740035 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fujii K, Stolt M. Intervention study of a foot-care programme enhancing knowledge and practice among nurses and care workers at in-home service providers. Nurs Open 2020; 7:1039-1051. [PMID: 32587723 PMCID: PMC7308698 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the foot-care educational programme for nurses and care workers at in-home service providers. Design A non-randomized controlled study with random cluster sampling method. Methods Study participants were nurses and care workers of 21 in-home service providers, including home-visit nursing and care providers, 1-day care service centres or care centres with rehabilitation programme in Japan. Foot-care programme with foot-care tools as a package or standard care comprising 3-5 sessions over 2 months was provided to 110 participants (87 were on analysis). The outcomes were changes in foot-care knowledge and scores in pre-post interventions. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, t test, logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA. Results Before adjusting for background, total scores of knowledge and practice categories were higher than the baseline in the intervention group (43 participants) compared with the control group (44 participants). After background correction due to potential bias of non-random cluster sampling, significant between group differences were observed in mean score changes in skin and consultation subscales of the practice category.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kashiko Fujii
- Graduate School of MedicineSchool of Health SciencesNagoya UniversityNagoya CityJapan
- University of Human EnvironmentsObuJapan
| | - Minna Stolt
- Department of Nursing ScienceUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Edvardsson M, Sund-Levander M, Milberg A, Ernerudh J, Grodzinsky E. Elevated levels of CRP and IL-8 are related to reduce survival time: 1-year follow-up measurements of different analytes in frail elderly nursing home residents. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2019; 79:288-292. [PMID: 31074311 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2019.1609695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There are only few studies with specific focus on predictors of survival in nursing home residents (NHRs). The aim was to study whether 1-year changes in complete blood count (including hemoglobin, red blood cells, erythrocyte volume fraction, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells count and platelet count), C-reactive protein and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, are associated with 8-year survival in elderly NHRs, aged ≥ 80 years. Complete blood count, C-reactive protein and interleukins were measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 months from 167 NHRs aged 80-101 years, mean age 88 ± 4.5 years, 75% of whom were women. Dates of death were collected from the National Death Register 8 years after baseline. Levels of hemoglobin, red blood cells and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were lower after 1-year, but higher for mean corpuscular volume and IL-1β, compared to baseline or 6 month follow-up. In the Cox regression model with a time-dependent covariate, raised levels of C-reactive protein and IL-8 were associated with reduced survival time. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and IL-8 during 1-year follow-up were related to reduce lengths of survival in elderly NHRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Edvardsson
- a Department of Local Health, and Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University , Finspång , Sweden
| | - Märtha Sund-Levander
- b Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Anna Milberg
- c Department of Medicine and Health Sciences and Department of Advanced Home Care Norrköping, Linköping University , Linköping and Norrköping , Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- d Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Ewa Grodzinsky
- e Division of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine and Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Levander MS, Grodzinsky E. Variation in Normal Ear Temperature. Am J Med Sci 2017; 354:370-378. [PMID: 29078841 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variation in baseline ear temperature, taken in the unadjusted mode, has yet to be established in different age groups. Because normal body temperatures show large variations, the same may be expected for increased temperatures in fever. The aims were to study variations in normothermic body temperatures measured with an ear thermometer and to determine differences between actual and perceived body temperature during a febrile episode (referred to as difftemp) in apparently healthy children and adults. METHODS Ear temperature was measured once in 2,006 individuals (61.7% females): 683 children aged 2 and 4 years, 492 adolescents aged 10-18 years, 685 adults aged 19-65 years and 146 elderly aged 66-89 years. Difftemp was estimated as the difference between the individual's ear body temperature, measured in the present study, and the respondent's reported temperature when feverish. RESULTS Mean ear temperature was 36.4 ± 0.6°C overall and in the child and adult groups. In adolescents, it was 36.5 ± 0.5°C, and in elderly, 36.1 ± 0.5°C. Temperature in men was 36.3 ± 0.6°C, and in women, 36.5 ± 0.5°C. Difftemp was 1.1 ± 0.7°C in adolescents, 1.5 ± 0.7°C in children and adults, and 1.6 ± 0.7°C in those >65 years. CONCLUSIONS Ear body temperature is lower than traditionally reported and differs with age and sex. An individual difftemp of 1.0-1.5°C along with malaise might indicate fever.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Märta Sund Levander
- Division of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Ewa Grodzinsky
- Division of Pharmaceutical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; National Board of Forensic Medicine, Artellerigatan 12, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hamano J, Tokuda Y. Changes in vital signs as predictors of bacterial infection in home care: a multi-center prospective cohort study. Postgrad Med 2016; 129:283-287. [PMID: 27766928 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2017.1251819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore whether the combination of changes in heart rate and body temperature can predict bacterial infection in home care patients. METHODS This multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan from March 2012 through December 2013 and involved three clinics. The study population comprised all patients who received regular home visit services for at least 3 months and met one of the following inclusion criteria: 1) fever over 37.5°C at home visit, 2) physician's clinical suspicion of fever, or 3) physician's suspicion of bacterial infection. We collected temperature and heart rate data on the day of enrollment, and determined the probable causes of fever after treatment of febrile episodes. We defined the combination of changes in heart rate and body temperature as delta HR/BT. We calculated two types of delta HR/BT, averaged and assumed, using different baseline values for heart rate and body temperature. RESULTS A total of 124 patients were enrolled and 194 episodes of fever were analyzed during the study period. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the average delta HR/BT with a cut-off ≥ 20 were 20.4% (95% CI, 16.7-23.3), 84.2% (95% CI, 75.2-91.0), 75.7% (95% CI, 61.8-86.2), and 30.6% (95% CI, 27.3-33.0), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the assumed delta HR/BT with a cut-off ≥ 5 was 91.2% (95% CI, 89.2-94.0), 8.9% (95% CI, 4.1-15.7), 70.9% (95% CI, 69.3-73.0), and 29.4% (95% CI, 13.6-51.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The combination of changes in heart rate and body temperature could help physicians determine whether home care patients have bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hamano
- a Division of Clinical Medicine , University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|