[Functional status by Katz Index and outcomes in hospitalization in Medical Clinic]

Assessing functional status upon hospital admission helps identify patients at higher risk. The Katz Index is a validated tool that measures the ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs). This study aimed to determine whether functional dependence, assessed via the Katz Index, is associated with higher in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Service of the Hospital Naval Pedro Mallo.

A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Patients aged ≥15 years were included. They were classified as non-dependent (Katz A) or dependent (Katz B-G) upon admission. Demographic variables, diagnoses, length of stay, and outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used, along with multivariate logistic regression.

A total of 1293 patients were evaluated. Functional dependence (Katz B-G) was observed in 38% of patients. Overall mortality was 13%, significantly higher among dependent patients (25%) compared to non-dependent patients (6%) (RR 5.2; 95% CI: 3.6-7.4, p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, functional status, age, length of stay, pneumonia, and cancer were independent predictors of mortality.

Functional dependence at admission, as measured by the Katz Index, is a common condition and a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality. Its assessment should be implemented as a routine evaluation tool upon admission.