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Biomedical subjects

Francesc Formiga

Publications and source records attributed to Francesc Formiga.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Failure to treat osteoporosis and the risk of subsequent fractures in elderly patients with previous hip fracture: a five-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Considering the results of cost-effective analyses, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends osteoporosis treatment for patients with previous hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine the application of adequate treatment for osteoporosis among patients who have had a hip fracture. We also evaluated the rate of subsequent fractures after five years. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective data study, with a follow-up at five years after discharge, in a tertiary teaching hospital with orthopedic services and all medical specialities. Treatment for osteoporosis and subsequent fracture rates were evaluated in 114 patients with hip fracture. Functional status was assessed using the Barthel Index (BI). We also evaluated the rate of subsequent fractures after five years. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (22%) had a new fracture at some moment during the follow-up. Six percent at discharge and 12% at five years of follow-up were receiving adequate treatment for osteoporosis. After five years of follow-up, a decline in their BI persisted in 72% of the 43 surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients were receiving adequate treatment for osteoporosis after hip fracture. Their fracture rates and functional decline were important.

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PubMed2005

No correlation between mini-nutritional assessment (short form) scale and clinical outcomes in 73 elderly patients admitted for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Malnutrition in general and protein deficiency in particular, both upon admission and during the recovery period, may adversely influence the clinical outcome after hip fracture. This study investigates the relationship between nutritional status measured by the Mini-Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and biological markers in elderly hip-fractured patients. METHODS: A prospective study in a university hospital. The MNA-SF nutritional scale and laboratory values (serum albumin, cholesterol, total lymphocyte count) were assessed within three days after hip fracture surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included: 61 (84%) were women and 12 men. Mean age was 81.5+/-7.1 years. Inhospital mortality was 10%. The mean MNA-SF score was 11+/-0.5 (range 3-14); according to these values, 39 patients (53%) were at risk of malnutrition. MNA-SF scores were not significantly correlated to patients' laboratory values. Fourteen episodes of nosocomial infection were diagnosed in 11 patients, and 6 patients developed pressure ulcers during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: MNA-SF test scale values reflect a clinical process in post-operative hip-fractured patients which is different from serum albumin, cholesterol or lymphocyte count.

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PubMed2005

Influence of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure on functional decline after hospitalization in nonagenarian patients.

BACKGROUND: The functional decline that follows hospitalization may be especially important in frail populations such as nonagenarians. The present study examined the functional decline among nonagenarians admitted because of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on two groups of patients who were distinguished by diagnosis in two tertiary academic medical hospitals. Sixty nonagenarian patients, admitted because of exacerbation of COPD (n=30) or CHF (n=30), were evaluated at admission, upon discharge, and 3 months post-hospitalization. The Barthel Index (BI) was used to assess functionality. The outcome we were interested in was functional decline 3 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: The inpatient mortality rate was 10%. Overall functional status at discharge, as compared with that before admission, declined in all 54 surviving patients (p<0.001). At the 3-month follow-up, 37 patients were evaluated; a decline in their BI persisted in 60% of them. We did not find significant differences, either upon discharge or at 3 months post-hospitalization, in the decrease in BI rate between COPD patients and CHF patients. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that the underlying disease does not induce differences in the functional outcome of nonagenarians reinforces the importance of using a comprehensive approach at admission and after discharge for all frail patients.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

[Dying in the hospital from an end-stage non-oncologic disease: a decision making analysis].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate palliative decision-making in non- oncological patients who died in an acute care hospital. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 293 patients > 64 years old were analyzed. These patients suffered from dementia (46%), end-stage congestive heart failure (31%) and end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23%). We evaluated written information about: do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, graduation of therapeutic decisions, information provided to relatives about prognosis, total withdrawal of other drug therapy and provision of terminal care. RESULTS: DNR orders were specified in 37% of cases, graduation of therapeutic decisions in 18% and knowledge of the prognosis by relatives in 57%. Drug withdrawal was carried out in 56% and palliative care in 65% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and provision of palliative care, in an acute care hospital, of elderly patients at their last admission prior to death because of non-oncological end-stage diseases must be improved.

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