HomePhilippine Scientific Journalvol. 52 no. 2 (2019)

Risk Factors of In-Hospital Mortality among Elderly Patients at MCU-FDTMF Hospital: A Five Year Study

Hanzel E. Santos

 

Abstract:

Background: The Philippines has an aging population. The standard idea, that a country has an aging population if they have at least 7% of their population over 65 years old, has already been surpassed by the Philippines. Objective: This study aims to identify clinical characteristics of admitted elderly patients as risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Methods: All patients admitted from January 2012 to December 2017 were included in the study. Of the target 365 respondents, only 204 patients were enrolled due to the logistic challenges related to hospital renovation. Hospital charts of all the 204 respondents was reviewed and data including the age, gender, comorbidities present before admission, reason for admission, number of diagnoses at admission and laboratories done during admission, including albumin, creatinine, white blood cell count and hemoglobin. The author also took note whether the patient died within the hospital or was discharged. Data were then analyzed using SPSS Version 10. Statistical analysis was done using T-Test, Chi square, Fisher exact test and Logistic Regression. Results: Of the different variables analyzed, age >73 years old (P73 years old (P<0.01), >3 co-morbidities (p<0.02), decreased sensorium(P<0.01), unresponsiveness (p<0.001) and dyspnea (p=0.04) were the variables significantly associated with in-hospital mortality among elderly patients by logistic regression analysis. A trend towards higher risk for in-hospital mortality was noted among elderlies with abnormal values for creatinine, albumin, white blood cell count and hemoglobin. Conclusion: The in-hospital mortality rate among elderlies is 51%. Age >73 years old, >3 comorbidities during admission, with decreased sensorium, unresponsiveness and/or dyspnea as reasons for admission were risk factors that strongly predicts in-hospital mortality among elderlies.



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