Caracterización de los pacientes adultos mayores ingresados a una unidad de agudos de un hospital de alta complejidad en Bogotá, Colombia

Background and objectives

The objective is to describe the demographic, clinical, functional characteristics and outcomes of older adult patients hospitalized in the acute unit of the San Ignacio University Hospital (HUSI).

Methods

Descriptive, cross-sectional observational study, based on the review of the medical records of patients hospitalized in the Geriatrics Unit of the HUSI during the period 2019-2021. Variables: Demographics, comorbidities, baseline situation, main cause of entry and outcomes. The diagnosis of geriatric syndromes was made through the Barthel index, the Lawton and Brody scale, FRAIL scale, mini nutritional assessment short form and Confusion Assessment Method criteria.

Results

A total of 4601 patients were analyzed, whose average age was 83 years (56.2% women). 72.4% had some degree of dependency for basic activities of daily living, 90.8% had some degree of dependency for instrumental activities of daily living, 32.2% had malnutrition, 15. 7% falls, 9.9% oropharyngeal dysphagia, 32.2% frailty, 28.1% delirium, 54.1% previous dementia. The main comorbidities presented were arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes. 2.9% had some complication during their hospitalization, 10.8% died, and the hospital stay was 5 days.

Conclusion

Older adult patients admitted to the acute unit of the HUSI have a high frequency of dependency, dementia and nutritional disturbances.