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Impairment of polymorphonuclear functions in hospitalized geriatric patients
Abstract:
Polymorphonuclear (PMN) functions were assessed in 93 non-selected hospitalized patients, 32 active, healthy, elderly controls and 29 young controls. The results confirm the impairment of PMN functions in the aged. However, PMN functions in hospitalized older persons are similar to those in non-institutionalized controls, and underlying diseases and treatment do not seem to aggravate the PMN impairment. Thus, it can be assumed that the frequent and severe infections afflicting the hospitalized aged are due to the alteration of the other host-defense mechanisms.
Insights
Immune function in elderly patients is impaired, but hospitalization does not worsen polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell function. Infections in older adults may stem from other weakened immune defenses.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Aging is associated with a decline in immune function.
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells are crucial for innate immunity.
- Hospitalized elderly individuals are susceptible to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell functions in hospitalized elderly patients.
- To compare PMN function in hospitalized elderly patients with healthy elderly and young controls.
- To investigate the impact of underlying diseases and treatments on PMN function in the aged.
Main Methods:
- Assessed PMN functions in 93 non-selected hospitalized patients.
- Included 32 active, healthy, elderly controls and 29 young controls.
- Compared PMN function across the three groups.
Main Results:
- Confirmed impaired PMN functions in the aged.
- Found similar PMN functions in hospitalized elderly patients and non-institutionalized controls.
- Observed no significant aggravation of PMN impairment due to underlying diseases or treatments.
Conclusions:
- The impairment of PMN function is a characteristic of aging.
- Hospitalization does not further impair PMN function in the elderly.
- Severe infections in hospitalized aged individuals likely result from alterations in other host-defense mechanisms.