The Impact of Age on Outcomes of Caustic Ingestion in Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chang Jui-Min, Liu Nai-Jen, Pai Betty Chien-Jung, Liu Yun-Hen, Tsai Ming-Hung, Lee Ching-Song, Chu Yin-Yi, Lin Chih-Chuan, Chiu Cheng-Tang, Cheng Hao-Tsai
Primary Institution: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
Hypothesis
Do clinical outcomes of caustic ingestion differ significantly between elderly and non-elderly adults?
Conclusion
Elderly adults who ingest caustic substances have poorer clinical outcomes compared to younger adults, especially those with systemic complications.
Supporting Evidence
- Elderly patients had a higher incidence of systemic complications and ICU admissions.
- The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower for elderly patients compared to non-elderly patients.
- Systemic complications were found to correlate with increased mortality risk in elderly patients.
- The severity of gastrointestinal injury did not impact survival in elderly patients.
Takeaway
Older people who accidentally swallow harmful substances tend to get sicker than younger people, especially if they have other health problems.
Methodology
The study reviewed medical records of 389 patients hospitalized for caustic ingestion over a 10-year period, comparing outcomes between elderly and non-elderly groups.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the retrospective nature and limited patient demographics.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted in a single community hospital, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
389 patients aged 17 to 107 years, with 82.5% non-elderly (<65 years) and 17.5% elderly (≥65 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 167.1 - 174.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website