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[Multimorbidity in elderly rheumatic patients part 1].
H-J Lakomek1, T Brabant, M Lakomek
1Klinik für Rheumatologie, physikalische Medizin und Geriatrie, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Hans-Nolte-Str. 1, 32429, Minden, Deutschland.
Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Treating elderly rheumatic patients requires comprehensive diagnostics for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Managing multimorbidity in older adults with rheumatism presents unique challenges, necessitating integrated care approaches.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Elderly patients with rheumatic diseases often present with complex, multimorbid conditions.
- Co-existing conditions such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, renal failure, diabetes mellitus type 2, and thyroid dysfunction require thorough diagnostic evaluation.
- The increasing age of patients and existing incapacities, alongside immunosuppressive therapies, complicate treatment strategies.
Purpose:
- To outline an appropriate treatment framework for elderly rheumatic patients with multimorbidity.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing this patient population.
- To integrate perspectives from rheumatologists and geriatricians for comprehensive care.
Summary:
- Comprehensive diagnostics, including exclusion of comorbidities like cardiovascular and endocrine disorders, are crucial for elderly rheumatic patients.
- Multimorbidity exacerbates age-related geriatric symptoms such as frailty and immobility.
- Integrated care involving multiple medical disciplines and potentially inpatient treatment is often necessary.
Impact:
- Improved management strategies for elderly patients with rheumatic diseases and multiple comorbidities.
- Enhanced understanding of the interplay between rheumatic conditions and geriatric syndromes.
- Facilitation of multidisciplinary collaboration for optimized patient outcomes.
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