Centenarians versus patients within the most frequent age range for hip fractures: transfusion practice

Descriptive retrospective review to compare transfusion among centenarians operated for a hip fracture with a control group within the "typical" age range for that surgery.

Fractured centenarians admitted between 2001 and 2006 were compared with a randomly selected control group aged 75-83 years, with the same pathology. Main variables recorded: demographic data; pre- and post-operative status; haemoglobin levels and blood use. A comparative statistical analysis was performed.

Both groups were similar: each had 17 patients and a majority of females had a pertrochanteric hip fracture. Although there was a trend towards higher comorbidity rates and transfusion indexes among centenarians, a significant difference could only be found in post-operative and trigger haemoglobin levels, and in the incidence of post-operative complications.

Despite intuitive beliefs, centenarians had results similar to those of the younger population: only a higher complication rate could be proved. Larger samples and prospective studies might be needed to confirm the trends noted.