Tag: geriatrics

1. In this double-blind, multicenter, randomized clinical trial performed in the Netherlands, elderly patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) after a medical hospitalization did not differ if they received an in-hospital comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) (standard of care) versus the CGA coupled with a transitional care...

1. Between 2001 and 2010, a 2.5-fold increase in CT utilization has occurred among adult fall patients visiting the emergency department, yet the proportion of these patients with life-threatening injuries has only increased by 2.5% overall. Evidence Rating Level: 3 (Average) Study Rundown: Given the accessibility, speed of scanning, and sensitivity...

1. Combination anti-hypertensive therapy (i.e., two or more agents) and low systolic blood pressure (i.e., <130 mmHg) were associated with increased all-cause mortality in elderly patients in nursing homes. The risk of mortality was higher for patients with both risk factors than for those with only one or the...

1. The majority of patients 70 or older were discharged after non-elective abdominal surgery and returned to their pre-admission residential status within 6 months 2. Mean quality of life (QOL) scores significantly decreased among patients with change in residence status (loss of independence or institutionalization) Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good) Study Rundown:...

1. Despite unproven benefit and potential harm for hypoglycemia in complex geriatric patients while aggressively treating diabetes, there is no difference in proportion of patients attaining tight (HbA1C <7%) glycemic control across health status groups. 2. Of patients with tight glycemic control, over half were being treated with insulin or...

1. Older adults who randomized to a high cocoa–containing diet had improved scores on a task designed to test their cognitive function at 3 months compared to subjects given low cocoa–containing diet. 2. This improvement in cognitive ability was associated with enhanced dentate gyrus (DG) function in the brain. Evidence...

1. According to this study, one-time colorectal (CRC) screening may be cost-effective up to age 86 in elderly persons without comorbidities.   Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)             Study Rundown:  In the most recent 2008 statement from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), screening for colorectal cancer...

Image: PD  1. Moderate physical activity reduced the risk of mobility disability in those ages 70-89.  2. A structured physical activity program may be effective in prolonging independent living in elderly individuals.  Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)  Study Rundown: As medical science continues to advance every year, as does our average life expectancy....

Image: PD  1. In an analysis of 227 falls collected from long-term care facilities (mean age of 78), head impact was detected in 37% of falls, and significantly more often in forward falls as opposed to backward falls.  2. Hand impact to mitigate head damage in fall was ineffective in this...

Image: PD  1. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking tofacitinib in combination with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) demonstrated an improvement in disease activity when compared to placebo.   Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)        Study Rundown:  Many patients with RA do not have adequate improvement in their disease activity despite...