Characteristics of Hospitalization-Associated Disability After Cardiac Surgery by Age Group.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Age is a known factor influencing the severity of hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) post-cardiac surgery.
• Specific age-related differences in HAD incidence and characteristics require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and characteristics of HAD in post-cardiac surgery patients.
• To analyze age-specific differences in HAD incidence and associated factors.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, multicenter observational study.
• Included 604 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.
• HAD defined as a ≥5-point decrease in Barthel Index score from pre-operation to discharge.

Main Results:

• Overall HAD incidence was 10.4%.
• Incidence rates were 6.8% (65-74 years) and 14.5% (75-89 years).
• Factors influencing HAD differed by age group, including comorbidities, nursing care, ejection fraction, intubation time, Kihon Checklist score, and rehabilitation services.

Conclusions:

• HAD incidence in post-cardiac surgery patients increases with age.
• The specific factors contributing to HAD are age-dependent.