Intrinsic Capacity Deficits and 6-Month Outcomes in Older Adults with Acute LRTIs: A Multi-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Intrinsic capacity (IC) encompasses physical and mental abilities, crucial for aging well.
• Acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in older adults are linked to adverse outcomes, yet management strategies are limited.
• Understanding IC deficits in older adults with LRTIs is vital for improving care and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the domains and patterns of IC deficits in older adults hospitalized with acute LRTIs.
• To assess the influence of IC deficits on 6-month mortality and re-hospitalization.
• To identify specific IC domains and patterns associated with adverse outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Multi-center prospective cohort study of 1,001 older adults (≥65 years) hospitalized for acute LRTIs.
• IC evaluations conducted upon admission; outcomes tracked for 6 months.
• Latent class analysis for IC deficit patterns; logistic regression for outcome associations.

Main Results:

• 83.8% of patients had at least one IC deficit.
• 6-month re-hospitalization and mortality rates were 20.7% and 7.7%, respectively.
• Deficits in cognition and vitality significantly increased re-hospitalization risk; three IC deficit patterns identified.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic capacity deficits are prevalent in older adults with LRTIs and associated with increased re-hospitalization.
• Targeted interventions based on early IC deficit detection can potentially reduce re-hospitalization rates.
• Improving IC management strategies is crucial for better patient outcomes in this demographic.