‘Do not attempt resuscitation’ and ‘cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ in an inpatient settin…
Entries Tagged as 'Gerontology'
‘Do not attempt resuscitation’ and ‘cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ in an inpatient setting: factors influencing physicians’ decisions in Switzerland.
April 4th, 2012 · Start a Discussion
Tags: Gerontology
Preoperative maneuvers to avert postoperative respiratory failure in elderly patients.
July 6th, 2008 · Start a Discussion
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Preoperative maneuvers to avert postoperative respiratory failure in elderly patients.
Gerontology. 2007;53(6):438-44
Authors: Gore DC
BACKGROUND: The elderly appear particularly vulnerable to pulmonary complications following surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the merit of various maneuvers employed to mitigate respiratory difficulties in elderly patients undergoing surgery. RESULTS: The literature revealed evidence that diminishing sputum production with selective antibiotics and augmentation of sputum clearance with assisted coughing, postural drainage, and bronchodilators were deemed important. Futhermore, efforts to optimize nutritional status and eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption are also felt to be of value in improving postsurgical outcome. CONCLUSION: One significant aspect of this review was the apparent posity of recent work on this subject despite the profound magnitude of the demise related to postsurgical respiratory complications in elderly patients.
PMID: 18057911 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Tags: Gerontology
Acute confusion or altered mental state: consider nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
July 5th, 2008 · Start a Discussion
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Acute confusion or altered mental state: consider nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
Gerontology. 2007;53(6):388-96
Authors: Beyenburg S, Elger CE, Reuber M
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is particularly challenging in elderly patients. Confusion, personality change, dysphasia, subtle motor activity and nystagmus may be the only presenting signs. OBJECTIVE: To review current knowledge about NCSE with special focus on older people. METHODS: Systematic review of the current literature via Medline search. CONCLUSION: Although prospective studies are still lacking, NCSE may be one of the most frequently missed diagnoses in patients presenting with altered mental status. Elderly patients are at particular risk of diagnostic errors because of the broad range of presentations of NCSE, significant comorbidities (especially cerebrovascular disease), limited awareness of this particular seizure emergency or difficulties with access to electroencephalography. Although diagnostic criteria and treatment remain controversial, the diagnosis of NCSE is important because it is potentially reversible.
PMID: 17684419 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Tags: Gerontology
