Clinical Features and Outcomes of Very Elderly Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective and Observational Study

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aim to describe clinical features and outcomes of very elderly (85 years old or older) patients and provide information about predictors of mortality and factors associated with the length of hospital stay (LOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the files of patients over 85 years old and older who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of our training and research hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Demographic and clinical findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes were recorded. The patients who died during the ICU stay were compared to the survivors, and factors associated with mortality and LOS in the intensive care were evaluated. RESULTS: We reviewed 2350 files, and 218 patients (58.3% females) were included. The rate of mortality was 81.7%. The factors independently associated with a higher rate of mortality were the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score; the need for mechanical ventilation (MV), or inotropic support; and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). A tracheostomy and a blood transfusion were inversely associated with mortality. We found an association between LOS and comorbidities (renal replacement, percutaneous gastrostomy, blood transfusion, and a tracheostomy). CONCLUSION: The rate of survival in the intensive care was low among these very elderly intensive care patients. A higher APACHE II score; application of MV or inotropic support; and the presence of CAD or CKD were associated with a higher mortality rate. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Miniksar OH, Özdemir M. Clinical Features and Outcomes of Very Elderly Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective and Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25(6):629–634.