The outcome of very old patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is determined by both the severity of the acute condition and the age-related decline of resilience to stress.

However, that decline is characterised by substantial inter-individual heterogeneity, which is considered a hallmark of the ageing process.

A recent study investigated the heterogeneity within the very old population by clustering analysis of patient characteristics recorded on admission to the ICU.

The researchers hypothesised that acute and geriatric features result in distinct phenotypes that may help early prognosis and indicate options for preventive interventions.

Listen to Dr Sviri and Dr Beil to learn about the final findings of this study.

Original paper: Clustering analysis of geriatric and acute characteristics in a cohort of very old patients on admission to ICU

Speakers

Michael BEIL. Hebrew University and Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem (IL).

Sigal SVIRI. Hebrew University and Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, (IL).

Rahul COSTA-PINTO. Austin Hospital, Victoria and the University of Melbourne (AU). ESICM Next Committee member.