Impact of delirium and disability on 6-month mortality

What is it about?

Almost half of hip fractures are occurring with an increasing trend among subjects aged 85 years and older, conventionally referred to as "oldest old". Indeed, hip fractures are more common with advancing age. This article describes a population of 275 elderly patients admitted for hip fracture and explores the risk factors associated with mortality after 6 months post-discharge. Interestingly, we found that the occurrence of delirium (an acute mental/attention disorder that fluctuates over time) and pre-existing functional disability were the strongest risk factors for 6-month mortality.

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Why is it important?

Although age is one of the most robust risk factors for hip fracture, this study enlightens the role of post-operative delirium and pre-existing disability as predictors of mortality. In our setting, delirium and disability were more important than age per se, indirectly supporting the importance of a comprehensive geriatric assessment when managing very old patients (>85 years old) with hip fracture.