Background & aims

We aimed to perform geriatric assessment in older patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to evaluate which IBD characteristics associate with deficits in geriatric assessment and the impact of deficits on disease burden (health-related quality of life).

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study including 405 consecutive outpatient patients with IBD aged ≥65 years. Somatic domain (comorbidity, polypharmacy, malnutrition), impairments in (instrumental) activities of daily living, physical capacity (handgrip strength, gait speed), and mental (depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment) and social domain (life-partner) were assessed. Deficits in geriatric assessment were defined as ≥2 abnormal domains; 2-3 moderate deficits and 4-5 severe deficits. Clinical (Harvey Bradshaw Index >4/partial Mayo Score >2) and biochemical (C-reactive protein ≥10 mg/L and/or fecal calprotectin ≥250 μg/g) disease activity and disease burden (short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire) were assessed.

Results

Somatic domain (51.6%) and activities of daily living (43.0%) were most frequently impaired. A total of 160 (39.5%) patients had moderate deficits in their geriatric assessment; 32 (7.9%) severe. Clinical and biochemical disease activity associated with deficits (clinical: adjusted odds ratio, 2.191; 95% confidence interval, 1.284-3.743; P = .004; biochemical: adjusted odds ratio, 3.358; 95% confidence interval, 1.936-5.825; P < .001). Deficits in geriatric assessment independently associate with lower health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Deficits in geriatric assessment are highly prevalent in older patients with IBD. Patients with active disease are more prone to deficits, and deficits associate with lower health-related quality of life, indicating higher disease burden. Prospective data validating impact of frailty and geriatric assessment on outcomes are warranted to further improve treatment strategies.

Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview publication

TitleDeficits in Geriatric Assessment Associate With Disease Activity and Burden in Older Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
DateMay 1st, 2022
Issue nameClinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
Issue numberv20.5:e1006-e1021
DOI10.1016/j.cgh.2021.06.015
AuthorsAsscher VER, Waars SN, van der Meulen-de Jong AE, Stuyt RJL, Baven-Pronk AMC, van der Marel S, Jacobs RJ, Haans JJL, Meijer LJ, Klijnsma-Slagboom JD, Duin MH, Peters MER, Lee-Kong FVYL, Provoost NE, Tijdeman F, van Dijk KT, Wieland MWM, Verstegen MGM, van der Meijs ME, Maan ADI, van Deudekom FJ, Mooijaart SP & Maljaars PWJ
KeywordsCrohn’s Disease, Elderly, Frailty, Geriatric Assessment, Ulcerative Colitis
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