Comparison of the Course and Prognosis of Geriatric Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit According to BMI and Albumin Values

BACKGROUND Elderly patients constitute the majority of patients undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients over the age of 65 account for 42%-52% of admission to ICU. Previous studies have shown that malnutrition is an important factor influencing the prognosis in intensive care. OBJECTIVES In this study, the effect of body mass index (BMI) and albumin values at first admission to the ICU on the course and prognosis of geriatric patients were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients over the age of 65 who were admitted to the anesthesia ICU were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded retrospectively. Major outcome variables were length of ICU and hospital stay, mortality rate, BMI, and albumin values. APACHE II and SOFA scores at admission were evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 113 patients were included in the study. Mean BMI (kg/m(2)) value was found to be lower in the died group than in the discharged and transferred groups (P < 0.001). Albumin levels were lower in the died group than in the discharged and transferred groups (P < 0.001). An inverse relation was found between Apache and BMI and albumin values, whereas a significant direct relation was found between Apache and mechanical ventilation day (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between SOFA and BMI and albumin, values, respectively, and a positive correlation was found between SOFA and mechanical ventilation duration (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS In this study, a low albumin level (≤ 3 mg/dL) was an indicator of nutritional status. Patients' albumin levels, BMI, nutritional status, APACHE II score, and SOFA score were associated with mortality. Age in itself did not predict mortality in the elderly.