Biochemical predictors of short term mortality in elderly residents of chronic care institutions
Article Abstract:
Little is known about the nutritional condition of patients residing in long-term care facilities in Asia. Malnutrition, however, is a problem universally recognized to exist among the institutionalized elderly. This has been identified as being due to deficient protein and vitamin intake. These deficiencies, among others, are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in this patient population. A survey of 208 elderly residents (58 men and 150 women) residing in four long-term care facilities was conducted over a three-month period. The principal reasons for admission to an institution included cerebrovascular accident (stroke), hypertension and chronic heart disease. Over half of the patients were taking therapeutic drugs. Non-medical reasons, primarily social, were the reason for admission for one third of the women. The principal causes of death included infection, cardiorespiratory diseases, cerebrovascular accident, and malignancy. Fifty-seven different variables were examined in each patient. Findings for 28 of the variables differed significantly in the 29 patients who died within three months of the study from the survivors. Valuable predictors of mortality, as identified by statistical analyses in this study, were plasma levels of fructosamine, transferrin, glycosylated hemoglobin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. These factors could be used to identify patients most in need of supplemental nutritional support. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Clinical Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0021-9746
Year: 1989
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Malignant glioma in laboratory workers
Article Abstract:
Gliomas are tumors of the glial cells of the brain. The cause of gliomas is not certain, but hydrocarbons and N-nitroso compounds have been implicated in the development of tumors of the brain. Epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of brain tumors in workers who are in contact with rubber, vinyl chloride, and petroleum. However, not many studies exist on the incidence of brian tumors in workers in particular occupations. In 1989, an increased incidence of brain tumors was seen in personnel who worked in the laboratories at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. The case studies of three laboratory workers who developed brain tumors are reported. They worked in the same laboratory in a hospital in England from 1979 to 1989. The possible cause of the tumors was not determined as the workers were not exposed to any of the chemicals previously shown to be associated with the development of brain tumors. The importance of laboratory safety is stressed. It is proposed that a register be set up to record the causes of death of laboratory workers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Clinical Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0021-9746
Year: 1991
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