Functional outcome in intensive care older survivors

Background Most of the research focused on mortality and neglected functional outcome in older patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Aims The aim of this study is evaluating functional outcome in older patients admitted to ICU. Methods A cross-sectional study of 203 elderly patients admitted to Geriatric ICU in Ain Shams University Hospitals and followed for 90 days after ICU discharge to track their functional level and other adverse outcomes. Results The mean age for the cohort was 72.6 +/- 8.8. Seventy-three patients survived after 3 months (36%). Only 42 patients out of 73 survivors maintained the same level of functions (58%). Factors related to functional decline were Charlson Comorbidity Index and infections acquired within 3 months after discharge. ICU scores, like APACHE and SAPS II scores were not effective in predicting functional outcomes. Conclusions Comorbidity burden and infections acquired within 3 months after discharge are important determinants of long-term functional level after ICU admission.