Prognosis and outcome of intensive care for very elderly patients

Results A total of 372 patients ≥ 90 years were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs). The majority (66.7%) of patients were admitted because of an emergency, and of which, half underwent unscheduled surgery. 39.8% needed support by mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs, 1,9% received renal replacement. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 18.3% and 30.9%, respectively. Mortality at one year after hospital discharge was 46.3%. Binary regression analysis revealed high SAPS II scores on admission and necessity of mechanical ventilation as independent risk factors for ICU-mortality. 17.5% of patients had an advance directive. Conclusions Nearly 70% of patients aged ≥ 90 years were discharged alive from hospital following treatment at the ICU, more than half were still alive one year after discharge. Nowadays, age no longer determinates admission to intensive care.