Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Real-World Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Individuals Aged 80 and Older with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the ReAl-life Multicenter Survey Evaluating Stroke Study.
To compare the clinical characteristics of and use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy in individuals aged 80 and older with atrial fibrillation (AF) with those of individuals younger than 80 with AF in clinical practice. ⋯ Nearly one-fifth of individuals with NVAF in this real-world sample were aged 80 and older. Participants aged 80 and older were more likely to be female and have more comorbidities than those who were younger than 80. Those aged 80 and older with AF were less likely to receive anticoagulants than those who were younger than 80, but having more comorbidities and other individual-level characteristics may explain this difference. When they were prescribed OACs, participants aged 80 and older had poorer quality of anticoagulation than those who were younger, suggesting opportunities for improvement.
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A key objective of advance care planning (ACP) is improving surrogates' knowledge of patients' treatment goals. Little is known about whether ACP outside of a trial accomplishes this. The objective was to examine patient and surrogate reports of ACP engagement and associations with surrogate knowledge of goals. ⋯ Disagreement about ACP participation was common. Agreement about communication regarding QOL was modestly associated with surrogate knowledge of treatment goals. Eliciting surrogates' perspectives is critical to ACP. Even dyads who agree about participation may need additional support for successful engagement.
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Observational Study
High C-Reactive Protein Predicts Delirium Incidence, Duration, and Feature Severity After Major Noncardiac Surgery.
To examine associations between the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 2 (POD2) and delirium incidence, duration, and feature severity. ⋯ High preoperative and POD2 CRP were independently associated with delirium incidence, duration, and feature severity. CRP may be useful to identify individuals who are at risk of developing delirium.
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To report frequencies and associated risk factors for 4 distinct causes of live discharge from hospice. ⋯ Further research into factors that underlie live discharge events, especially acute hospitalization, is warranted given their cost and burden for patients/families. Hospices should develop strategies to address acute medical crises and thoroughly evaluate patients' suitability, unmet needs, and knowledge about end-of-life issues at the time of hospice enrollment, especially for those with non-cancer diagnoses.