Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Comparative Study
Rib fractures in the elderly: a marker of injury severity.
To examine the relationship between the number of rib fractures (RIBFs) and mortality, injury severity, and resource consumption in elderly patients admitted to trauma centers. ⋯ Overall trauma-related mortality is higher in elderly patients with RIBFs than younger patients with RIBFs. Mortality rates rise with increasing number of RIBFs. The number of RIBFs is easy to quantify and may be a useful predictor of overall injury severity and outcome for elderly trauma patients.
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Comparative Study
Differences in end-of-life preferences between congestive heart failure and dementia in a medical house calls program.
To compare end-of-life preferences in elderly individuals with dementia and congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ In the months before death, patients with CHF were more likely to have care plans directed at disease modification and treatment, whereas dementia patients were more likely to have care plans that focused on symptom relief and anticipation of dying. Several factors may contribute to this difference.