Background: Elderly subjects frequently experience a decline in function following hospitalization and surgery. Specific changes in the provision of acute hospital care can improve the ability of acutely ill older patients to perform activities of daily living at the time of discharge and the quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of older (age > or =80 years) cardiac surgery patients managed with multicomponent intervention.
Methods: Between 1998 and 2004, we studied records of 193 octogenarian patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were treated with a multicomponent intervention that included: specially designed environment, patient-centered care, planning for patient discharge at home, and an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates in- and out-of-hospital health professionals.
Results: Mean follow-up was 26.4 months and 100% complete. Mean age of patients was 82.3 +/- 2 years. Eighty-nine patients had myocardial revascularization (CABG), 40 aortic valve replacement (AVR), 34 AVR + CABG, 8 mitral valve replacement (MVR), 11 MVR + CABG and 11 other interventions. Rates of hospital death, major complications and prolonged stay (> 14 days) were as follows: CABG 4 (4.4%), 3 (3.3%), 6 (6.4%); AVR 1 (2.5%), 3 (7.5%), 2 (5%); AVR + CABG 1 (2.9%), 2 (5.8%), 4 (11.7%); MVR 0 (0%), 0 (0%), 1 (12.5%); MVR + CABG 2 (18.1%), 2 (18.1%), 3 (27.2%). Multivariate predictors of hospital deaths were NYHA class, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping time, urgent procedure and ischemic mitral valve procedures. The actuarial 6-year survival was as follows: CABG 91%,AVR 92.5%, AVR + CABG 88.2%, MVR + CABG 81.8%. Total survival rate, free from rehospitalization and redo surgery, was 89.7, 69.8 and 99% respectively. Multivariate predictors of late death were urgent procedure and ischemic mitral valve procedures. At follow-up NYHA classification had improved a median of two classes. Global patients' satisfaction was excellent in 76.7% of survivors; 95.7% were autonomous, 40.5% live at home, 64% had a light-moderate physical activity, and 70% of patients had good social relationships and quality of life. Medical therapy was reduced in 29.3% and level of anxiety improved in 76%.
Conclusions: An interdisciplinary approach and multicomponent intervention with an appropriate postoperative care, provides beneficial effects on outcome in geriatric cardiac surgery patients.