Etiology and Outcomes in Elderly Patients Admitted For Acute Infections

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases are a major cause of mortality in elderly. The present study aimed to assess various acute infections in elderly population admitting in our department and factors which are associated with their clinical outcomes.Subjects and Methods: Hundred patients, aged more than 65 years of age, having fever of less than 7 days duration or having symptoms of any of the major system admitted in our department were included. Detailed history, clinical and laboratory work-up was done to diagnose the cause of infection. Mortality of the patients during hospital stay was noted and factors associated with it were ascertained from statistical analysis.Results: Mean age of the patients was 75.84 years, two-thirds being males. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common co morbidities. Pulmonary infections accounted for majority of the infections (43%),urinary tract infections were the second most common causeof acute infection. Gastrointestinal infections (10%), central nervous system infections (6%), skin infections (4%) were other less common causes.During hospitalization, the most common complication was respiratory failure. Overall, 15 patients died during hospital stay. We found higher APACHE-II score and presence of pulmonary infections to be significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusion: A multi-disciplinary management of elderly patients with infections is required.