Arch Intern Med
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The literature on outcomes of intensive care for the elderly with regard to intensive care unit utilization, mortality, hospital costs and charges, and quality of life after intensive care were reviewed. Publications in the English literature, which evaluated intensive care and included elderly populations, were obtained from review of Index Medicus and MEDLINE. ⋯ A therapeutic trial and appropriately discontinuing life support may lead to better utilization of intensive care. Additional data are needed on long-term mortality and quality of life after hospital discharge.