Is age a predictor of mortality in a UK medical high dependency unit?

Abstract

Background The population aged older than 65 yr is set to increase by 32 by 2033. In resource-limited environments, difficult decisions regarding access to high dependency care for the elderly are increasingly important. The aim of this study was to determine whether age is a predictor of mortality in patients admitted to an open medical high dependency unit (MHDU). Methods Prospective observational cohort study of 100 consecutive patients admitted to an MHDU with a primary medical diagnosis over a 3 month period. The primary endpoint was 30 day mortality. Results Overall mortality at 30 days was 21 (n=21). Patients aged <65 yr were 41, 29 were 6574 yr, and 30 were aged 75 yr and above. There were no significant differences in mortality between groups (12, 31, and 23, respectively). When considering Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores ≥25, there was no significant difference in mortality between age groups [35 ≥70 yr (7/20) vs 29 <70 yr (4/14), P=1.000]. The final model at multivariable regression analysis identified that ≥2 organ support (odds ratio 10.84, 95 confidence interval 3.28-35.84) and pre-admission moderate/nursing home care [4.44 (1.05-18.70)] were significantly associated with worse outcome. The majority of survivors (88) were discharged at their pre-admission functional status; those who declined in function were not significantly older than those who did not. Conclusions Age does not predict the outcome from an MHDU. Those requiring <2 organ support, higher levels of pre-admission home support, or both had higher mortality. Selected elderly medical patients should not be denied high dependency unit care. © The Author [2011].