Objective To retrospectively analyze the effectiveness of percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation for type II odontoid fracture treated in the elderly patients. Methods Between October 2009 and March 2012, 5 patients with odontoid fracture were treated with anterior triple screws fixation. There were 4 males and 1 female with an average age of 69.4 years (range, 65-74 years). Fracture was caused by falling injury from height in all cases. The average time between injury and operation was 6.8 days (range, 3-12 days). According to Anderson-D’Alonzo classification system, all 5 cases were classified as type II odontoid fractures; 1 case accompanied by anterior arch fracture. Four cases were rated as grade E and 1 case as grade D on the basis of Frankel classification system on nerve function evaluation. Percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation were used in all cases. The operation time, intra-operative blood loss, X-ray exposure time, and complications were recorded. The X-ray films were taken to observe atlantoaxial stability and implant conditions. Results All patients were successfully complete the surgery, and no open operation was needed. The average operation time was 103.6 minutes (range, 93-114 minutes). The average intra-operative blood loss was 5.6 mL (range, 3-10 mL). The average X-ray exposure time was 24.2 seconds (range, 17-32 seconds). Good reduction of atlantoaxial joint and primary healing of incision were obtained in 5 patients. The average follow-up duration was 21.4 months (range, 12-35 months). Transient dysphagia occurred in 3 cases, and was cured after 5 days of expectant treatment. No major complications of carotid artery laceration, spinal cord injury, esophageal perforation, airway obstruction, and implant failure occurred. The X-ray films showed odontoid bony union, atlantoaxial stability and good position of screws. The average time of odontoid fracture union was 7 months (range, 5-10 months). Five patients had normal neurological function (Frankel grade E) at last follow-up. Three patients complained of neck discomfort and movement limitation and had normal daily activities without special therapy; the other 2 patients had no clinical symptom of discomfort. Conclusion Percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of type II odontoid fractures in the elderly patients with minimally invasive surgical advantages.
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of surgical treatment or conservative treatment on the clinical outcomes for displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. MethodsWe searched CNKI (between January 1979 and April 2014), Wanfang Data (between January 1982 and April 2014), Medline (between January 1946 and April 2014), PubMed (between January 1966 and April 2014), Embase (between January 1974 and April 2014) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (between January 2005 and April 2014) for randomized controlled trials comparing surgical treatment and conservative treatment for displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. The data were extracted and a Meta-analysis was made using RevMan 5.2. ResultsFive randomized controlled trials with a total of 226 patients were accepted in this Meta-analysis. The differences of Constant scores[WMD=0.48, 95%CI (-4.39, 5.35), P=0.85], incidences of avascular necrosisr of the humeral head[RR=0.66, 95%CI (0.37, 1.16), P=0.15], incidences of nonunion[RR=0.56, 95%CI (0.20, 1.58), P=0.27], incidences of osteoarthritis[RR=0.35, 95%CI (0.10, 1.22), P=0.10] between the two groups were not statistically different. The difference of incidences of additional surgery after primary treatment was statistically significant[RR=3.52, 95%CI (1.18, 10.45), P=0.02]. ConclusionThe results does not support the surgical treatment to improve the shoulder function when compared with conservative treatment for treating elderly patients with displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures. But surgical treatment increases the incidence of additional surgery after primary treatment. Considering surgery can increase the trauma and economic burden of patients, so the conservative treatment is suggested.
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of arterial stiffness with cardiovascular risk factors. MethodsFrom July 2014 to August 2015, 1 599 participants aged over 65 years old were recruited from 10 communities located in the northern Shanghai. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was measured by SphygmoCor device. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by questionnaire, anthropometry or conventional biochemical measurements. SPSS 20.0 was applied for data management and statistical analysis. ResultsCf-PWV was significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factors (P<0.001). Moreover, with the accumulating cardiovascular risk factors, cf-PWV increased gradually and significantly (P<0.001). The increasing trend remained significant in all participants, in men and in women, respectively. ConclusionArterial stiffness is significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factors and their accumulation.
Objective To study the effectiveness of anterolateral C-shaped approach in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in elderly patient by comparing with traditional anterolateral approach. Methods Between April 2010 and November 2011, 66 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were analyzed retrospectively. Of 66 patients, 37 underwent improved anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with fixation of dynamic hip screw (DHS) (improved group), and 29 underwent traditional anterolateral approach combined with fixation of DHS (conventional group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, side, disease duration, fracture type, and complication between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospitalization time were recorded; and X-ray films were taken to observe the fracture healing. The hip function was evaluated according to self-established criterion. Results The operation was successfully completed in all patients, and primary healing of incision was achieved. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.8 months). Bone union was achieved in both groups; the fracture healing time was 3-6 months (mean, 4.8 months). No loosening or breaking of internal fixation was observed during follow-up period. The operation time and postoperative drainage volume of improved group were significantly less than those of conventional group (P lt; 0.05); no significant difference was found in intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). According to self-established criterion, improved group was significantly better than conventional group in recovery of hip joint motion and function at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with DHS could minimize muscle injury and scar formation, which is beneficial to surgical exposure and early postoperative rehabilitation.
Objective To evaluate the effect of ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage on acute perforation of gastroduodenal ulcer in elderly patients. Methods The clinical features, treatments, and the curative effects of 86 elderly cases (≥65 years) of acute perforation of gastroduodenal ulcer in our hospital between January 2004 and October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases were treated by ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage (drainage group), and 65 cases were treated by exploring operation (operation group). Results Drainage group was cured and had no complications. In 15 patients which accepted recheck one month after drainage, gastroscope showed the ulcer healed in 12 cases， and improved in 3 cases. In operation group, 63 cases were cured and 2 cases died. Compared with the drainage group, there was no significant difference in cure rate (Pgt;0.05). However, 11 patients had operative complications in operation group, which was significantly more than that in the drainage group （Plt;0.05）. In 45 patients which accepted recheck one month after operation, gastroscope showed the ulcer healed in 38 cases， and improved in 7 cases. Conclusion For elderly patients with acute perforation of gastroduodenal ulcer， if the patients do not fit for exploring operation， ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage is proved to be a simple, safe, and effective means.
ObjectiveTo retrospectively investigate the drug use of over-60-year inpatients with lung cancer in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University in 2011, and to compare with outpatients with lung cancer concurrently, so as to evaluate the rationality of drug use among over-60-year inpatients with lung cancer in the West China Hospital. MethodsThe information of over-60-year inpatients with lung cancer as initial diagnosis in the West China Hospital in 2011 was collected from the hospital information system (HIS), including patient information, drug use information, cost information, etc. Data rearrangement and analysis by classes and costs were carried out using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Resultsa) There was 2 215 person-times of over-60-year inpatients with lung cancer in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University in 2011. A total of 5 classes, 63 kinds of anti-tumor and adjuvant therapy drugs were involved. The total drug use frequency was 12 398 person-times. The average medicine cost was 774.93 yuan. b) The ratio of patients using 1 to 4 kinds of drugs was 34.31%, 5 to 10 kinds was 41.9%, and 11 to 15 kinds was 12.63%. c) For etiological treatment, the ratio of chemotherapy drugs was 99.45%, and the most used was cisplatin. d) For symptomatic treatment, the ratio of analgesics was 66.69%; the ratio of antitussive drugs was 21.33%; and the ratio of skeletal related events prevention drugs was 11.98%. e) For anti-ADR treatment, the ratio of antiemetic drugs was 55.07%; the ratio of stomach protection drugs was 32.63%; and the ratio of hepatic protection drugs was 12.30%. f) For other treatment, the ratio of immunopotentiating drugs was 59.46%; and the ratio of hematopoietic growth factor was 25.42%. g) For Chinese patent medicine, drugs used over 400 person-times were Diyushengbai tablet, Javanica oil emulsion injection, Aidi injection, and Huisheng oral liquid. h) For single/combined treatment, the ratio of two-drug combined chemotherapy was 78.38%, one analgesics drug treatment was 66.21%, one hepatic protection drug treatment was 83.41%, two-drug combined antanacathartic treatment was 45.88%, one stomach protection drug treatment was 90.53%, one immunopotentiating drug treatment was 90.53%, one hematopoietic growth factor treatment was 82.31%, and one Chinese patent medicine treatment was 37.39%, respectively; and antitussive and skeletal related events prevention drugs were used alone. i) The use frequency of the top 10 drugs were: pantoprazole, tropisetron, ondansetron, diphenhydramine, thymopentin, cisplatin, Diyushengbai tablet, tramadol, Javanica oil emulsion injection, and Aidi injection. j) Compared with outpatients, inpatients drug use frequency was higher in chemotherapy, analgesics, antiemetic, stomach protection, hepatic protection drugs, and Chinese patent medicine; but lower in skeletal related events prevention drug; and similar to the drug use situation of outpatients in immunopotentiating drugs and hematopoietic growth factor drugs. ConclusionThe antitumor therapies were mainly the combination of two chemotherapy drugs or single drug regimen for over-60-year inpatients with lung cancer in the West China hospital of Sichuan University in 2011. The most frequently used adjuvant therapies are antalgic, antiemetic and stomach protection drugs. Chinese patent medicine and immunopotentiating drugs are in common use as well.
Objective To explore the perioperative management of the coexisting diseases for the elderly patients with gastric cancer. Methods The clinical data of perioperative management for coexisting diseases in 528 patients with gastric cancer over 70 years old treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from March 1980 to November 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Results The main coexisting diseases included cardiovascuclar disease (259 cases, 49.05%), respiratory disease (161 cases, 30.49%), diabetes (72 cases, 13.64%). Adjusting blood pressure and blood glucose, improving cardiopulmonary function, and hepatic and renal function were mainly given. The common postoperative complications included intestinal obstruction (10 cases), pneumonia (10 cases), reflux esophagitis (9 cases), functional evacuation disorder of gastric remnant (7 cases), and anastomotic leakage (5 cases). Ten patients died during perioperative period: 6 died of heart and lung failure, 2 of acute myocardial infarction, 1 of anastomotic leakage, 1 of intestinal obstruction. Conclusions The common coexisting diseases in the elderly patients with gastric cancer are hypertension， bronchitis and diabetes. Complete assessment of the patient’s general health before operation and intensive perioperative management of the coexisting diseases not only can decrease the risk of surgical procedures， but also decrease the incidence of complication and perioperative mortality.
Objective To analyze the correlation between frailty syndrome and lower limb motor function in hospitalized elderly patients. Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select inpatients aged 65 and above from the Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics of West China Hospital, Sichuan University between December 2022 and May 2023. The FRAIL Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were used to evaluate the degree of frailty and lower limb motor function, and to explore the correlation between frailty and lower limb motor function. Results A total of 501 elderly patients were included, including 325 males (64.9%) and 176 females (35.1%); 256 cases of frailty (51.1%), 161 cases of pre-frailty (32.1%), and 84 cases of non-frailty (16.8%). The incidence of frailty in hospitalized elderly male patients was higher than that in female patients (P<0.05); The incidence of frailty in patients aged 80-99 was higher than that in patients aged 65-79 (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis results showed that all dimensions of SPPB were negatively correlated with frailty (P<0.001), while TUGT was positively correlated with frailty (r=0.776, P<0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the worse the motor function of the lower limbs, the higher the debilitation score. Conclusions Frailty syndrome in hospitalized elderly patients is closely related to lower limb motor function. Lower limb motor function assessment can be used to predict the onset of frailty in clinical practice, and interventions to improve lower limb motor function can be used to improve the frailty of elderly patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of elderly hip fracture in Leshan area in China. MethodsThe clinical data of patients with hip fractures from June 2006 to January 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Gender, age, fracture type, injury causes, activities before injury and treatment were analyzed. ResultsThe mean age of patients with a hip fracture was 76.5 years. The overall male to female ratio with hip fracture was 1:1.44. There were 154 patients (50.0%) with femoral neck fracture, 138 patients (44.8%) with intertrochanteric fracture, and 16 patients (5.2%) with subrtrochanteric fracture. A total of 248 patients (77.3%) were poorly educated, and 210 patients (68.2%) had basic medical insurance. The mean time between being injured and hospitalized after injury was 3 days. There were 257 patients (83.4%) with fall damage. ConclusionFemale patients with hip fracture are more than male patients. Fall damage is the main injure type. The features of elderly hip fracture in Leshan include retardation to consult a doctor, poor education of the patients, dependence primarily on basic medical insurance and under-emphasis of anti-osteoporosis therapy.
Objective To investigate the impact of nutritional risk on unplanned readmissions in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to provide evidence for clinical nutrition support intervention. Methods Elderly patients with COPD meeting the inclusive criteria and admitted between June 2014 and May 2015 were recruited and investigated with nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and unplanned readmission scale. Meanwhile, the patients’ body height and body weight were measured for calculating body mass index (BMI). Results The average score of nutritional risk screening of the elderly COPD patients was 4.65±1.33. There were 456 (40.07%) patients who had no nutritional risk and 682 (59.93%) patients who had nutritional risk. There were 47 (4.13%) patients with unplanned readmissions within 15 days, 155 (13.62%) patients within 30 days, 265 (23.28%) patients within 60 days, 336 (29.53%) patients within 180 days, and 705 (61.95%) patients within one year. The patients with nutritional risk had significantly higher possibilities of unplanned readmissions within 60 days, 180 days and one year than the patients with no nutritional risk (all P<0.05). The nutritional risk, age and severity of disease influenced unplanned readmissions of the elderly patients with COPD (all P<0.05). Conclusions There is a close correlation between nutritional risk and unplanned readmissions in elderly patients with COPD. Doctors and nurses should take some measures to reduce the nutritional risk so as to decrease the unplanned readmissions to some degree.