Influence of age on postoperative course in coronary artery bypass patients

The average age of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has increased. To determine influence of age on postoperative course, the authors reviewed the outcome of 199 consecutive patients who underwent primary, isolated, elective CABG. The 101 patients < 65 years (group I) and 98 patients > or = 65 years (group II) were similar in preoperative severity of symptoms, history of myocardial infarction, number of grafts received, and time on cardiopulmonary bypass. Comparison between the two groups revealed similar rates of operative mortality and morbidity. In group II patients, median rates of hospitalization and intensive or intermediate care unit stay were greater (P < 0.005), and there were significantly higher incidences of postoperative disorientation, transfusion of exogenous blood, and need for special discharge arrangements (P < 0.05). The authors conclude that CABG patients > or = 65 years of age have a longer and more complex postoperative course than younger patients and suggest that further nursing research be conducted to identify the specific needs of this patient population.