A 1-year perspective on goal-directed therapy in elderly with hip fracture: Secondary outcomes

Background We have previously reported inconclusive results from a randomized controlled trial in elderly with hip-fracture comparing intra-operative goal-directed therapy with routine fluid treatment. Now we aimed to describe and compare secondary outcomes at 4 months and 1 year follow-up and to analyze the cost-effectiveness. Methods Patients with hip fracture (age >= 70) were randomized for GDT or routine fluid treatment (RFT). The secondary outcomes were long-term survival, complications, number of hospital readmissions, and quality of life (EQ-5D) changes. Additionally, cost effectiveness was analyzed by an analytic tool which combines the clinical effectiveness, quality of life changes and costs. Results Patient data (GDT n = 74; RFT n = 75) were analyzed on an intention to treat basis. Statistically significant differences (GDT vs RFT) were not found considering survival (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.45-1.28) and complications (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.4-1.10) at 12 months. No statistically significant difference was found between hospital readmissions and quality of life changes. Conclusion The statistical uncertainty of risk reduction of negative outcomes and the large variability of the collected data indicate the need of further research in large sample sizes. To enable future health economic evaluation for decision support surrounding implementation of GDT, we suggest adding patient-oriented outcomes in future trials.