The prognostic significance of geriatric syndromes and resources

Background Geriatric syndromes (GS) do not fit into discrete disease categories and are often underdiagnosed in hospitalized older adults. Geriatric resources (GR) are also not routinely collected in clinical settings, although this may potentiate the beneficial effects of clinical decisions. The prognostic relevance of GS and GR has never been systematically evaluated through clinical tools developed for clinical decision purposes. Aim To ascertain the impact of common GS and GR on patients' prognosis as assessed by means of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)-based Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI). Methods One hundred and thirty-five hospitalized patients aged 70 years and older underwent a CGA evaluation with calculation of the MPI on admission and discharge. Accordingly, patients were subdivided in low (MPI-1, score 0-0.33), moderate (MPI-2, score 0.34-0.66), and severe (MPI-3, score 0.67-1)-risk of mortality at 1 month and 1 year. Nine GR and 17 GS were identified and collected accordingly. Results A lower number of GS and a higher number of GR were shown to be highly significantly correlated with a lower MPI, as well as years of education, grade of care, and number of medications independent of age, sex and number of GS or GR. Underweight and obesity according to the BMI were significantly correlated to higher number of GS. Patients with more GR had a significantly higher chance of being discharged home. Conclusions The MPI evaluation together with GS and GR in acute care for older patients should be encouraged to improve clinical decision-making.