Aging Linked to Longer Hospital Stays in Pyogenic Liver Abscess

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Aging is Associated with Prolonged Hospitalisation Stay in Pyogenic Liver Abscess—A 1:1 Propensity Score Matched Study in Elderly Versus Non-Elderly Patients
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Kai Siang Chan, Sameer P Junnarkar, Jee Keem Low, Cheong Wei Terence Huey, Vishal G Shelat


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Aging is Associated with Prolonged Hospitalisation Stay in Pyogenic Liver Abscess—A 1:1 Propensity Score Matched Study in Elderly Versus Non-Elderly Patients

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.5.7

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a significant clinical condition associated with high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 40%. Despite advancements in medical care, the impact of age on outcomes for patients with PLA remains inadequately understood. This study aimed to compare morbidity and mortality between elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) and non-elderly patients (< 65 years) with PLA. The researchers focused on factors such as length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality, utilizing a propensity score matching (PSM) technique to ensure a robust comparison between the two age groups.

Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality Rates

One pivotal finding from the study was that elderly patients experienced significantly longer hospital stays than their younger counterparts. In the unmatched cohort, LOS was 16 days for elderly patients compared to 11 days for non-elderly individuals. This trend persisted in the matched cohort, where elderly patients had an LOS of 17 days versus 11 days for non-elderly patients. While in-hospital mortality was notably higher among elderly patients in the unmatched group (21.1% compared to 7.3% in non-elderly patients), it did not achieve statistical significance post-matching (15.7% vs. 9.8%). This indicates that while elderly patients logically present with greater clinical challenges, the direct impact of age on mortality outcomes might not be as clear-cut when co-morbidities are taken into account.

Conclusion

This study concludes that age 65 and older is associated with a longer hospitalization for PLA patients, albeit without a statistically significant increase in mortality rates post-propensity score matching. The findings highlight the importance of considering age in the clinical evaluation of PLA and call for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these observations. Understanding the implications of age and co-morbidities can guide improved management strategies and ultimately enhance patient outcomes for those afflicted by this serious medical condition.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the aim of the study on pyogenic liver abscess?

The study aims to compare morbidity and mortality between elderly (≥ 65 years) and non-elderly patients (< 65 years) with pyogenic liver abscess, using a retrospective approach and propensity score matching.

What were the findings regarding length of stay for elderly patients?

Elderly patients had a significantly longer length of hospital stay compared to non-elderly patients both before and after propensity score matching, indicating a potential impact of age on hospital resource utilization.

Was there a significant difference in in-hospital mortality rates?

Although elderly patients exhibited higher in-hospital mortality rates in the unmatched cohort, this difference was not statistically significant after propensity score matching, suggesting comparable mortality outcomes in both age groups.

What factors did the study consider when analyzing outcomes?

The study considered various factors including age, comorbidities, clinical presentation, laboratory results, and radiological findings to assess their impact on outcomes for patients with pyogenic liver abscess.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Aging Linked to Longer Hospital Stays in Pyogenic Liver Abscess”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a systematic investigation aimed at establishing facts, principles, or knowledge pertaining to a subject. In this context, the study focuses on the outcomes of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in elderly versus non-elderly patients, highlighting various clinical factors that influence morbidity and mortality rates.

2) Table:
Table is often used in research to organize and present data clearly. In scientific studies, tables summarize findings or statistical results, making it easier for readers to comprehend complex information. They can display demographics, clinical profiles, or outcomes related to patients suffering from specific conditions, such as PLA.

3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. In the context of PLA, antibiotics play a crucial role in managing infections and preventing complications. The choice of antibiotic therapy significantly influences patient outcomes and should be tailored based on local resistance patterns.

4) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition resulting from various factors such as infection, genetics, or environmental influences. In this study, the primary disease of interest is pyogenic liver abscess (PLA), a serious condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, especially among elderly patients.

5) Chan:
Chan is likely referencing one of the authors or researchers involved in the study. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific research, as findings are often the result of contributions from multiple individuals, each bringing their expertise to explore the clinical aspects and outcomes of conditions like PLA.

6) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that carries oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. In the context of the PLA study, blood cultures are important for identifying the causative pathogens. Analyzing blood parameters helps assess the severity of the infection and guides treatment decisions.

7) Pur:
Poor is an adjective describing inadequate condition or low quality. In the context of health research, it often relates to unfavorable outcomes or prognosis. The term may refer to elderly patients with PLA experiencing poor health outcomes due to age-related factors and comorbidities.

8) Annal:
Annal typically refers to a record or chronicle, especially in an academic context. In the scientific field, annals may refer to journal publications or documented findings that provide historical context or review progress over time in specific subjects like PLA and its associated challenges.

9) Discussion:
Discussion is a section in research that interprets findings, summarizes insights, and contextualizes results within existing literature. In the study, the discussion provides critical analysis of outcomes regarding the elderly and non-elderly PLA patients, addressing implications for clinical practice and future research directions.

10) Rules:
Rules denote established guidelines or principles. In research contexts, rules such as ethical guidelines and methodological standards govern the conduct of studies. Adhering to these rules ensures credibility and validity of research findings, essential for informing clinical practice regarding conditions like PLA.

11) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom indicating infection or illness. In relation to PLA, fever often serves as a pivotal clinical presentation prompting further investigation. Understanding fever patterns in patients assists clinicians in diagnosing and managing infections effectively, contributing to treatment strategies against conditions like PLA.

12) Chang:
Chang is another name that likely represents one of the authors or researchers conducting the study. Recognizing contributors by name highlights the collaborative effort involved in the research, emphasizing the diversity of expertise that informs the analysis of clinical outcomes associated with PLA.

13) Cina:
China refers to the country where significant epidemiological studies on diseases like pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) have been conducted. The geographical and cultural context is vital in understanding the prevalence, causative factors, and treatment responses of diseases, which might differ from other regions globally.

14) Sign:
Sign can refer to a clinical indicator or symptom manifested by patients. In research, identifying signs associated with a disease is crucial for diagnosis and management. For PLA, understanding clinical signs helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about treatment strategies and patient care.

15) Pain:
Pain is a subjective experience often associated with injury or illness. In the context of PLA, abdominal pain may be a significant symptom prompting patients to seek medical attention. Understanding pain characteristics contributes to accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies, thus improving patient outcomes.

16) Gold (Golden):
In medical research, gold can refer to the concept of 'gold standard,' which denotes the most reliable and validated method for diagnosis or treatment. Such benchmarks are crucial for evaluating new treatment protocols in PLA and ensuring that patient care meets established best practice standards.

17) Male:
Male designates a gender that may factor into health outcomes. In the study, gender distribution among PLA patients indicates potential differences in prevalence, risk factors, and treatment responses. Understanding gender-specific patterns aids in personalized approaches in clinical management of the disease.

18) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can affect the liver and complicate conditions like PLA. Its mention indicates the importance of excluding other confounding infections during diagnosis and treatment planning for patients presenting with symptoms similar to those of PLA.

19) Calculation:
Calculation refers to the mathematical process of deriving numerical results. In research methodologies, calculations are necessary for statistical analysis, comparing outcomes, and determining correlations between variables, such as those seen in patient demographics and clinical outcomes of PLA.

20) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism is a chronic disorder characterized by uncontrolled drinking leading to physical and psychological dependence. Its relevance in the study of PLA highlights the importance of assessing patient history, as alcohol consumption can significantly impact liver function and complicate the course of infections.

21) Knowledge:
Knowledge in a medical context reflects the understanding and awareness of health conditions and treatment protocols. It is crucial for healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding the management of patients with PLA, improving care quality and patient outcomes.

22) Allergy:
Allergy refers to an immune system reaction to specific substances, which can complicate treatment plans. In the study of PLA, understanding a patient's allergy history is important when selecting appropriate antibiotics, ensuring safe and effective treatment while minimizing adverse effects from allergens.

23) Reason:
Reason signifies the underlying rationale for decisions made in clinical settings. In research, identifying reasons for patient outcomes helps inform healthcare professionals regarding the effectiveness of treatments, potential complications, and areas for improvement in managing diseases like PLA.

24) Beta:
Beta often describes a measure related to statistical analysis, specifically concerning the effect of treatment or intervention in research. In this context, beta could relate to factors influencing outcomes in PLA, such as comorbidities that adjust overall treatment strategy and patient management.

25) Cham:
Cham may refer to a geographical region or cultural aspect relevant to the study. In medical contexts, understanding regional factors can inform epidemiological studies, revealing how certain health conditions like PLA are affected by local practices, healthcare systems, and environmental factors.

26) Post:
Post refers to the period after an event or intervention, often used in research to analyze outcomes and effectiveness of treatments. In clinical studies, post-intervention assessments provide essential data on recovery, complications, and long-term impacts of treatments for conditions like PLA.

27) Drug:
Drug denotes any substance used to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. In the context of PLA, the term encompasses both prescribed medications for treatment and antibiotics essential for managing infections, stressing the significance of appropriate therapy in achieving favorable patient outcomes.

28) Life:
Life signifies the existence and health of individuals. In healthcare, promoting quality of life is a key objective, particularly in managing diseases such as PLA, where treatment strategies aim to reduce morbidity, enhance recovery, and ultimately improve patients’ well-being and survival rates.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Aging Linked to Longer Hospital Stays in Pyogenic Liver Abscess’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Old age, Age, Aging, Alcoholism, Antibiotic, Mortality, Treatment, Surgical intervention, Abdominal pain, Diabetes mellitus, Morbidity, Clinical judgement, Clinical feature, Antibiotic therapy, Etiology, Older age, Statistical analysis, Follow-up, Patient, Clinical significance, Pneumonia, Health status, Median value, Exclusion criteria, Sample size, Diagnostic criteria, Treatment Protocol, Statistical Significance, Study population, Multivariate analysis, Rejuvenation, Hyperlipidaemia, Hyperlipidemia, Acute Pancreatitis, Therapeutic intervention, Morbidity and Mortality, Clinical presentation, Confounding factors, Small sample size, Stroke, Gallstones, Mortality Rate, Hypertension, Retrospective study, Conservative management, Cardiac Output, Drug resistance, Antimicrobial Resistance, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Conservative treatment, Functional status, Gram negative bacteria, Antibiotic resistance, Selection bias, Population-based study, Ischemic Heart Disease, Odds ratio, Case-control study, Confidence interval, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Alkaline phosphatase, Length of stay, Computed tomography scan, Albumin, Malignancy, Observational studies, Creatinine, Clinical profile, Hospitalization, Interquartile Range, Thyroid disease, Sarcopenia, Hospital stay, Risk factor, Vital capacity, Poor prognosis, Diagnostic method, Radiological investigation, Median, Lean body mass, Septic shock, Comorbidities, Multidisciplinary management, Subgroup analysis, Radiological imaging, Clinical outcome, Biomarker, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, Renal impairment, Total bilirubin, Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Diabetic patient, Antibiotic use, Multidisciplinary team, Blood culture, Antimicrobial sensitivity, Median age, Logistic regression, Ischaemic heart disease, Sample size limitation, White blood cell, Prognostic Factor, Patient Outcome, Haemoglobin, Prolonged hospitalization, Surgical drainage, Optimal treatment, Antibiotic prescription, Imaging studies, Oral formulation, Tertiary Hospital, Demographics, Sampling size, Prognostic Sign, In-hospital mortality, International Normalised Ratio, Multivariate Logistic Regression, Propensity score matching, Propensity score, Antibiotic Stewardship, Hospital Mortality, Parenteral antibiotics, Liver abscess, Severe sepsis, Pyogenic liver abscess, Surgical Team, Clinical status, Acute cholangitis, Study outcome, Study variables, Baseline demographics, Inflammatory marker, Asian population, Standardized mean difference, Clinical deterioration, Percutaneous drainage, Pus culture, Cardiovascular Event, Elderly patient, Severe sepsis and septic shock, Medical record.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Day, Care, Lo, Study, Causal effect.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: