The work described in this thesis had two objectives, specifically focusing on people aged 70 years and older: first, we aimed to investigate the associations between several thrombosis-related... Show moreThe work described in this thesis had two objectives, specifically focusing on people aged 70 years and older: first, we aimed to investigate the associations between several thrombosis-related risk factors described in young and middle-aged populations and the risk of venous thrombosis (VT) in the elderly; second, we aimed to provide insight into several long-term consequences (i.e., health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and long-term risk of mortality) after a first VT at old age. Show less
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that refers to a blood clot that occludes the arteries of the lung. Despite all improvements over the past decades,... Show morePulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that refers to a blood clot that occludes the arteries of the lung. Despite all improvements over the past decades, diagnosing PE is still a difficult process due to the non-specific symptoms, which can frequently overlap with symptoms of other cardiopulmonary diseases. Currently recommended diagnostic strategies for suspected acute PE consist of standardized assessment of the clinical pre-test probability (CPTP) using validated clinical decision rules (CDRs) and D-dimer testing. PE is considered safely ruled out in patients with a non-high CPTP and a normal D-dimer test. Imaging tests as computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) are required in the case of a high CPTP and/or abnormal D-dimer test to confirm the diagnosis. The first part of this thesis describes the challenges of diagnosing PE in general and in specific clinically relevant patient subgroups. Moreover, this part evaluates the diagnostic performance of non-invasive diagnostic strategies for suspected PE in specific relevant patient subgroups. The second part of this thesis focuses on venous thrombotic complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Show less
PurposeOdontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fractures in the elderly, with a controversial optimal treatment. The objective of this review was to compare the outcome of surgical... Show morePurposeOdontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fractures in the elderly, with a controversial optimal treatment. The objective of this review was to compare the outcome of surgical and conservative treatments in elderly (& GE; 65 years), by updating a systematic review published by the authors in 2013.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in seven databases. Clinical outcome was the primary outcome. Fracture union- and stability were secondary outcomes. Pooled point estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using the random-effects model. A random-effects multivariable meta-regression model was used to correct for baseline co-variates when sufficiently reported.ResultsForty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, of which forty were case series and one a cohort study. No clinical differences in outcomes including the Neck Disability Index (NDI, 700 patients), Visual Analogue Scale pain (VAS, 180 patients), and Smiley-Webster Scale (SWS, 231 patients) scores were identified between surgical and conservative treatments. However, fracture union was higher in surgically treated patients (pooled incidence 72.7%, 95% CI 66.1%, 78.5%, 31 studies, 988 patients) than in conservatively treated patients (40.2%, 95% CI 32.0%, 49.0%, 22 studies, 912 patients). This difference remained after correcting for age and fracture type. Fracture stability (41 studies, 1917 patients), although numerically favoring surgery, did not appear to differ between treatment groups.ConclusionWhile surgically treated patients showed higher union rates than conservatively treated patients, no clinically relevant differences were observed in NDI, VAS pain, and SWS scores and stability rates. These results need to be further confirmed in well-designed comparative studies with proper adjustment for confounding, such as age, fracture characteristics, and osteoporosis degree. Show less
Inflammatoire darmziekten (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD) zijn chronische immuun-gemedieerde ziekten van het maag-darmstelsel. Het aandeel oudere patiënten met IBD, 65 jaar of ouder, wordt... Show moreInflammatoire darmziekten (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD) zijn chronische immuun-gemedieerde ziekten van het maag-darmstelsel. Het aandeel oudere patiënten met IBD, 65 jaar of ouder, wordt groter. Het behandelen van deze groep is een uitdaging, omdat zij vaak andere ziekten (comorbiditeit) hebben en geriatrische aandoeningen zoals geheugenproblemen of verminderde spiermassa. Deze aandoeningen vallen onder het begrip kwetsbaarheid, en worden gemeten met een geriatrisch assessment.Dit proefschrift richt zich op het in kaart brengen van de huidige literatuur en behandeloverwegingen bij oudere patiënten met IBD, om daarna als een van de eersten bewijs te leveren voor het invoeren van (screening naar) comorbiditeit en kwetsbaarheid bij de behandeling van oudere patiënten met IBD.Allereerst wordt onderzocht welke factoren bijdragen aan behandelbeslissingen, door behandelaren te interviewen. Leeftijd en aspecten van kwetsbaarheid beïnvloeden behandelbeslissingen, maar behandelaren verschillen onderling in hoe ze deze aspecten gebruiken. Daarnaast liet een literatuur zoektocht zien dat het bewijs over de relatie tussen kwetsbaarheid en behandeluitkomsten schaars is.Ook wordt het verband tussen comorbiditeit en veiligheid van biologicals, medicijnen die ontstekingseiwitten of afweercellen remmen, onderzocht. De aanwezigheid van meer comorbiditeit geeft een hoger risico op bijwerkingen (infecties en ziekenhuisopnames), een hogere leeftijd geeft dat niet.Tenslotte wordt de prevalentie van kwetsbaarheid in een Nederlands cohort van oudere patiënten met IBD onderzocht. Bij ongeveer de helft was er kwetsbaarheid. Hoe kwetsbaarder, hoe hoger de IBD-ziekteactiviteit en de IBD-ziektelast. Kwetsbare patiënten hadden, onafhankelijk van hun leeftijd en IBD-ziekteactiviteit, een hogere kans op ziekenhuisopnames en infecties, maar ook op achteruitgang in zelfstandigheid en kwaliteit van leven. Show less
Background: This study was designed to investigate the impact of age on the effectiveness and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of programmed death-(ligand)1 [PD-(L)1] inhibitors in patients... Show moreBackground: This study was designed to investigate the impact of age on the effectiveness and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of programmed death-(ligand)1 [PD-(L)1] inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a novel text-mining technique. Methods:This retrospective study included patients with stage III/IV NSCLC treated with a PD-(L)1 inhibitor (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab and durvalumab) at Leiden University Medical Centre and Haga Teaching hospital, (both in The Netherlands) from September 2016 to May 2021. All the relevant data was extracted from the structured and unstructured fields of the Electronic Health Records using a novel text-mining tool. Effectiveness [progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)] and safety (the incidence of nine potentially fatal irAEs and systemic corticosteroid requirement) outcomes were compared across age subgroups (young: < 65 years, Middle-aged: 65-74 years, and old: >= 75 years) after adjustment for confounding. Results: Of 689 patients, 310 patients (45.0%) were < 65 years, 275 patients (39.9%) were aged between 65 and 74 years, and 104 patients (15.1%) were >= 75 years. There was no significant difference between younger and older patients regarding PFS (median PFS 12, 8, 13 months respectively; Hazard ratio (HR)(middle-aged) = 1.14, 95% CI 0.92-1.41; HRold = 1.10, 95% CI 0.78-1.42). This was also the case for OS (median OS 19, 14, 18 months respectively; HRmiddle-aged = 1.22, 95% CI 0.96-1.53; HRold = 1.10, 95% CI 0.79-1.52). Safety analysis demonstrated a higher incidence of pneumonitis among patients aged 65-74. When all the investigated irAEs were pooled, there was no statistically significant difference found between age and the incidence of potentially fatal irAEs. Conclusions: The use of PD-(L)1 inhibitors is not associated with age related decrease of PFS and OS, nor with increased incidence of serious irAEs compared to younger patients receiving these treatments. Chronological age must therefore not be used as a predictor for the effectiveness or safety of ICIs. Show less
Introduction: To compare the real-world safety profile of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors between younger and older patients.Materials and... Show moreIntroduction: To compare the real-world safety profile of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors between younger and older patients.Materials and Methods: All patients receiving pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab or durvalumab between September 2016 and September 2019 at Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands were included in this retrospective study. Immune-related adverse drug reactions (irADRs) were manually retrieved from the electronic patient files. The cumulative incidence of irADRs were compared between younger (<65 years) and older (>= 65 years) patients using a Pearsons Chi-square test.Results: We identified 217 patients who were treated with at least one dose of PD-(L)1 inhibitor. 58% were 65 years or older at the start of immunotherapy. 183 patients (84.3%) received monotherapy PD-(L)1 inhibitors and 34 (15.7%) received chemo-immunotherapy. A total of 278 irADRs were registered. Cutaneous irADRs (53.9%), thyroid gland disorders (20.3%), and non-infectious diarrhoea/colitis (17.5%) were the most frequently reported irADRs. The majority of the irADRs were mild to moderate and no fatal irADRs were observed. 61 (21.9%) of the irADRs needed systemic treatment, of which 19 (6.8%) required treatment with corticosteroids. 18 irADRs (6.5%) were severe and resulted in hospitalisation.The cumulative incidence of cutaneous irADRs was different between the age groups: 45.7% of the patients <65 years and in 60.0% of the patients >= 65 years (p = 0.036). No statistical difference was found in the cumulative incidence of other irADRs between the two age groups.Discussion: Advanced age is not associated with immune-related adverse drug reactions of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Show less
Hulst, H.C.V.; Dekker, J.W.T.; Bastiaannet, E.; Bol, J.M. van der; Bos, F. van den; Hamaker, M.E.; ... ; Souwer, E.T.D. 2022
Background: For clinical decision making it is important to identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes after co-lorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, especially in the older population. Because the... Show moreBackground: For clinical decision making it is important to identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes after co-lorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, especially in the older population. Because the American College of Surgeons Na-tional Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) surgical risk calculator is potentially useful in clinical practice, we performed an external validation in a Dutch multicenter cohort of patients >= 70 years undergoing elective non-metastatic CRC surgery.Methods: We compared the ACS NSQIP calculator mean predicted risk to the overall observed rate of anastomotic leakage, return to operation room, pneumonia, discharge not to home, and readmission in our cohort using a one-sample Z-test. Calibration plots and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the calculator's performance.Results: Six hundred eighty-two patients were included. Median age was 76.2 years. The ACS NSQIP calculator ac-curately predicted the overall readmission rate (predicted: 8.6% vs. observed: 7.8%, p = 0.456), overestimated the rate of discharge not to home (predicted:11.2% vs. observed: 7.0% p = 0.005) and underestimated the observed rate of all other outcomes. The calibration plots showed poor calibration for all outcomes. The ROC-curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.83) for pneumonia and 0.70 (0.62-0.78) for discharge not to home. The AUC for all other outcomes was poor.Conclusions: The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator had a poor individual risk prediction (calibration) for all out-comes and only a fair discriminative ability (discrimination) to predict pneumonia and discharge not to home. The calculator might be considered to identify patients at high risk of pneumonia and discharge not to home to initiate additional preoperative interventions. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Asscher, V.E.R.; Waars, S.N.; Meulen-de Jong, A.E. van der; Stuyt, R.J.L.; Baven-Pronk, A.M.C.; Marel, S. van der; ... ; Maljaars, P.W.J. 2022
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... Show moreBACKGROUND & 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 mu g/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. Show less
Zanden, V. van der; Soolingen, N.J. van; Viddeleer, A.R.; Trum, J.W.; Amant, F.; Mourits, M.J.E.; ... ; Munster, B.C. van 2022
Objective: To assess the association between loss of lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and postoperative complications after interval cytoreductive... Show moreObjective: To assess the association between loss of lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and postoperative complications after interval cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in older patients with ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients aged 70 years and older with primary advanced stage ovarian cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Ob-stetrics stage III-IV), treated with NACT and interval CRS. Skeletal muscle mass and density were retrospectively assessed using Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and Muscle Attenuation (MA) on routinely made Computed Tomography scans before and after NACT. Loss of skeletal muscle mass or density was defined as >2% decrease per 100 days in SMI or MA during NACT. Results: In total, 111 patients were included. Loss of skeletal muscle density during NACT was associated with developing any postoperative complication <30 days after interval CRS both in univariable (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.69; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.57-8.68) and in multivariable analysis adjusted for functional impairment and WHO performance status (OR 3.62; 95%CI 1.27-10.25). Loss of skeletal muscle density was also associated with infectious complications (OR 3.67; 95%CI 1.42-9.52) and unintended discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 5.07; 95%CI 1.41-18.19). Unlike loss of skeletal muscle density, loss of skeletal muscle mass showed no association with postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: In older patients with ovarian cancer, loss of skeletal muscle density during NACT is asso-ciated with worse postoperative outcomes. These results could add to perioperative risk assessment, guiding the decision to undergo surgery or the need for perioperative interventions. Show less
Background: The rapidly increasing number of elderly (>= 65 years old) with TBI is accompanied by substantial medical and economic consequences. An ASDH is the most common injury in elderly with... Show moreBackground: The rapidly increasing number of elderly (>= 65 years old) with TBI is accompanied by substantial medical and economic consequences. An ASDH is the most common injury in elderly with TBI and the surgical versus conservative treatment of this patient group remains an important clinical dilemma. Current BTF guidelines are not based on high-quality evidence and compliance is low, allowing for large international treatment variation. The RESET-ASDH trial is an international multicenter RCT on the (cost-)effectiveness of early neurosurgical hematoma evacuation versus initial conservative treatment in elderly with a t-ASDHMethods: In total, 300 patients will be recruited from 17 Belgian and Dutch trauma centers. Patients >= 65 years with at first presentation a GCS >= 9 and a t-ASDH > 10 mm or a t-ASDH < 10 mm and a midline shift > 5 mm, or a GCS < 9 with a traumatic ASDH < 10 mm and a midline shift < 5 mm without extracranial explanation for the comatose state, for whom clinical equipoise exists will be randomized to early surgical hematoma evacuation or initial conservative management with the possibility of delayed secondary surgery. When possible, patients or their legal representatives will be asked for consent before inclusion. When obtaining patient or proxy consent is impossible within the therapeutic time window, patients are enrolled using the deferred consent procedure. Medical-ethical approval was obtained in the Netherlands and Belgium. The choice of neurosurgical techniques will be left to the discretion of the neurosurgeon. Patients will be analyzed according to an intention-to-treat design. The primary endpoint will be functional outcome on the GOS-E after 1 year. Patient recruitment starts in 2022 with the exact timing depending on the current COVID-19 crisis and is expected to end in 2024.Discussion: The study results will be implemented after publication and presented on international conferences. Depending on the trial results, the current Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines will either be substantiated by high-quality evidence or will have to be altered. Show less
Vlies, E. van der; Vernooij, L.M.; Erning, F.N. van; Vink, G.R.; Bos, W.J.W.; Portielje, J.E.A.; ... ; M. los 2021
Background: Surgery is the primary treatment for non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) but is omitted in a proportion of older patients. Characteristics and prognosis of non-surgical patients are... Show moreBackground: Surgery is the primary treatment for non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) but is omitted in a proportion of older patients. Characteristics and prognosis of non-surgical patients are largely unknown.Objective: To examine the characteristics and survival of surgical and non-surgical older patients with non-metastatic CRC in the Netherlands.Methods: All patients aged >= 70 years and diagnosed with non-metastatic CRC between 2014 and 2018 were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were divided based on whether they underwent surgery or not. Three-year overall survival (OS) and relative survival (RS) were calculated for both groups separately. Relative survival and relative excess risks (RER) of death were used as measures for cancer-related survival.Results: In total, 987/20.423 (5%) colon cancer patients and 1.459/7.335 (20%) rectal cancer patients did not undergo surgery. Non-surgical treatment increased over time from 3.7% in 2014 to 4.8% in 2018 in colon cancer patients (P = 0.01) and from 17.1% to 20.2% in rectal cancer patients (P = 0.03). 3 year RS was 91% and 9% for surgical and non-surgical patients with colon cancer, respectively. For rectal cancer patients this was 93% and 37%, respectively. In surgical patients, advanced age (>= 80 years) did not decrease RS (colon; RER 0.9 (0.7-1.0), rectum; RER 0.9 (0.7-1.1)). In non-surgical rectal cancer patients, higher survival rates were observed in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (OS 56%, RS 65%), or radiotherapy (OS 19%, RS 27%), compared to no treatment (OS 9%, RS 10%).Conclusion: Non-surgical treatment in older Dutch CRC patients has increased over time. Because survival of patients with colon cancer is very poor in the absence of surgery, this treatment decision must be carefully weighed. (Chemo-)radiotherapy may be a good alternative for rectal cancer surgery in older frail patients. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd, BASO similar to The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved. Show less
Bruijnen, C.P.; Groot, L.G.R. de; Vondeling, A.M.; Bree, R. de; Bos, F. van den; Witteveen, P.O.; Emmelot-Vonk, M.H. 2021
Introduction: In addition to classical endpoints such as survival and complication rates, other outcomes such as quality of life and functional status are increasingly recognized as important... Show moreIntroduction: In addition to classical endpoints such as survival and complication rates, other outcomes such as quality of life and functional status are increasingly recognized as important endpoints, especially for elderly patients. However, little is known about the long-term effect of surgery with regard to these other outcomes. Our aim is to investigate the functional status and self-reported health status of patients > 70 years one year after surgery for head and neck cancer. Methods: We present one-year follow-up data of patients > 70 year who underwent surgery for HNC. During an interview by telephone, functional status was evaluated by using the Katz-15 Index of Independence questionnaire including six items covering basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and nine items covering Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Measurements were compared with those obtained preoperatively. Results: In total, 126 patients were included and eventually we collected follow-up data of 68 patients. There was a statistically significant decrease in functional status on the total Katz-15 and on the IADL questionnaire scores one year after surgery (mean 1.34 versus 2.42, p -value 0.00 and mean 1.21 versus 1.94, p- value 0.00). There was no significant change concerning ADL dependence ( p -value 0.18) and cognitive status ( p -value 0.11). The self-reported health status improved postoperatively, although not statistically significantly so (mean 67.36 versus 71.25, p -value 0.12). Conclusion: Approximately-one year after surgery for HNC, there is a significant decline in functional status indicating a higher level of dependency. Show less
Zanden, V. van der; Soolingen, N.J. van; Viddeleer, A.R.; Trum, J.W.; Amant, F.; Mourits, M.J.E.; ... ; Souwer, E.T.D. 2021
Objective. To determine the predictive value of lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density for postoperative outcomes in older women with advanced stage ovarian cancer.Methods. A multicenter,... Show moreObjective. To determine the predictive value of lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density for postoperative outcomes in older women with advanced stage ovarian cancer.Methods. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed in women >= 70 years old receiving surgery for primary, advanced stage ovarian cancer. Skeletal muscle mass and density were assessed in axial CT slices on level L3. Low skeletal muscle mass was defined as skeletal muscle index < 38.50 cm(2)/m(2). Low skeletal muscle density was defined as one standard deviation below the mean (muscle attenuation < 22.55 Hounsfield Units). The primary outcome was any postoperative complication <-30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included severe complications, infections, delirium, prolonged hospital stay, discharge destination, discontinua-tion of adjuvant chemotherapy and mortality.Results. In analysis of 213 patients, preoperative low skeletal muscle density was associated with postopera-tive complications <-30 days after surgery (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.83; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.41-5.67), severe complications (OR 3.01; 95%CI 1.09-8.33), infectious complications (OR 2.79; 95%CI 1.30-5.99) and discharge to a care facility (OR 3.04; 95%CI 1.16-7.93). Preoperative low skeletal muscle mass was only associated with infec-tious complications (OR 2.32; 95%CI 1.09-4.92). In a multivariable model, low skeletal muscle density was of added predictive value for postoperative complications (OR 2.57; 95%CI 1.21-5.45) to the strongest existing pre-dictor functional impairment (KATZ-ADL >= 2).Conclusion. Low skeletal muscle density, as a proxy of muscle quality, is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in older patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. These findings can contribute to postoperative risk assessment and clinical decision making. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. Show less
Objective: Age is an independent risk factor for mortality after both elective open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). As a result of an ageing population, and the less... Show moreObjective: Age is an independent risk factor for mortality after both elective open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). As a result of an ageing population, and the less invasive nature of EVAR, the number of patients over 80 years (octogenarians) being treated is increasing. The mortality and morbidity following aneurysm surgery are increased for octogenarians. However, the mortality for octogenarians who have either low or high peri-operative risks remains unclear. The aim of this study was to provide peri-operative outcomes of octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians after OSR and EVAR for intact aneurysms, including separate subanalyses for elective and urgent intact repair, based on a nationwide cohort. Furthermore, the influence of comorbidities on peri-operative mortality was examined.Methods: All patients registered in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) undergoing intact AAA repair between 2013 and 2018, were included. Patient characteristics and peri-operative outcomes (peri-operative mortality, and major complications) of octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians for both OSR and EVAR were compared using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine whether age and the presence of cardiac, pulmonary, or renal comorbidities were associated with mortality.Results: This study included 12 054 EVAR patients (3 015 octogenarians), and 3 815 OSR patients (425 octogenarians). Octogenarians in both the EVAR and OSR treatment groups were more often female and had more comorbidities. In both treatment groups, octogenarians had significantly higher mortality rates following intact repair as well as higher major complication rates. Mortality rates of octogenarians were 1.9% after EVAR and 11.8% after OSR. Age >= 80 and presence of cardiac, pulmonary, and renal comorbidities were associated with mortality after EVAR and OSR.Conclusion: Because of the high peri-operative mortality rates of octogenarians, awareness of the presence of comorbidities is essential in the decision making process before offering aneurysm repair to this cohort, especially when OSR is considered. Show less
The life expectancy of individuals has been almost doubled in the past century. The aging population brings challenges to the economic and medical burden of care-needed dependent older people... Show moreThe life expectancy of individuals has been almost doubled in the past century. The aging population brings challenges to the economic and medical burden of care-needed dependent older people limited by age-associated cognitive impairment. Age-associated cognitive decline is a meaningful experience that occurs over the lifespan.This thesis aimed to evaluate the association of cognitive performance with the risk of cardiovascular events and various causes of mortality in elderly populations. The lower cognitive function performance might be an early manifestation of clinically unrecognized cerebral and systemic vascular pathologies, which signals the future risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.In the present research, we included two longitudinal studies, the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER) prospective randomized controlled trial in the elderly population of Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands that aimed to evaluate whether treatment with pravastatin decreases the risk of cardiovascular events, and Leiden 85-Plus Study which is a prospective population-based study of 85-year-old inhabitants of Leiden district, the Netherlands. Based on our findings and also considering results from other studies, we concluded that cognitive impairment associates with cardiovascular events and several causes of mortality in elderly individuals. Show less
Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A.I.; Dinh, T.S.; Meid, A.D.; Blom, J.W.; Akker, M. van den; Elders, P.J.M.; ... ; Muth, C. 2021
The prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy increases significantly with age and are associated with negative health consequences. However, most current interventions to optimize medication... Show moreThe prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy increases significantly with age and are associated with negative health consequences. However, most current interventions to optimize medication have failed to show significant effects on patient-relevant outcomes. This may be due to ineffectiveness of interventions themselves but may also reflect other factors: insufficient sample sizes, heterogeneity of population. To address this issue, the international PROPERmed collaboration was set up to obtain/synthesize individual participant data (IPD) from five cluster-randomized trials. The trials took place in Germany and The Netherlands and aimed to optimize medication in older general practice patients with chronic illness. PROPERmed is the first database of IPD to be drawn from multiple trials in this patient population and setting. It offers the opportunity to derive prognostic models with increased statistical power for prediction of patient-relevant outcomes resulting from the interplay of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This may help patients from this heterogeneous group to be stratified according to risk and enable clinicians to identify patients that are likely to benefit most from resource/timeintensive interventions. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the rationale behind PROPERmed collaboration, characteristics of the included studies/participants, development of the harmonized IPD database and challenges faced during this process. Show less
Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A.I.; Meid, A.D.; Dinh, T.S.; Blom, J.W.; Akker, M. van den; Elders, P.J.M.; ... ; Muth, C. 2021
Objectives: To develop and validate a prognostic model to predict deterioration in health-related quality of life (dHRQoL) in older general practice patients with at least one chronic condition and... Show moreObjectives: To develop and validate a prognostic model to predict deterioration in health-related quality of life (dHRQoL) in older general practice patients with at least one chronic condition and one chronic prescription.Study Design and Setting: We used individual participant data from five cluster-randomized trials conducted in the Netherlands and Germany to predict dHRQoL, defined as a decrease in EQ-5D-3 L index score of > 5% after 6-month follow-up in logistic regression models with stratified intercepts to account for between-study heterogeneity. The model was validated internally and by using internal -external cross-validation (IECV).Results: In 3,582 patients with complete data, of whom 1,046 (29.2%) showed deterioration in HRQoL, and 12/87 variables were selected that were related to single (chronic) conditions, inappropriate medication, medication underuse, functional status, well-being, and HRQoL. Bootstrap internal validation showed a C-statistic of 0.71 (0.69 to 0.72) and a calibration slope of 0.88 (0.78 to 0.98). In the IECV loop, the model provided a pooled C-statistic of 0.68 (0.65 to 0.70) and calibration-in-the-large of 0 (-0.13 to 0.13). HRQoL/functionality had the strongest prognostic value.Conclusion: The model performed well in terms of discrimination, calibration, and generalizability and might help clinicians identify older patients at high risk of dHRQoL.Registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42018088129. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Show less
Acem, I.; Verhoef, C.; Rueten-Budde, A.J.; Grunhagen, D.J.; Houdt, W.J. van; Sande, M.A.J. van de; PERSARC Study Grp 2020
Purpose: No studies extensively compared the young adults (YA, 18-39 years), middle-aged (40-69 years), and elderly (>70 years) population with primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma ... Show morePurpose: No studies extensively compared the young adults (YA, 18-39 years), middle-aged (40-69 years), and elderly (>70 years) population with primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS). This study aimed to determine whether the known effect of age on overall survival (OS) and disease progression can be explained by differences in tumour characteristics and treatment protocol among the YA, middle-aged and elderly population in patients with primary high-grade eSTS treated with curative intent.Methods: In this retrospective multicentre study, inclusion criteria were patients with primary high-grade eSTS of 18 years and older, surgically treated with curative intent between 2000 and 2016. Cox proportional hazard models and a multistate model were used to determine the association of age on OS and disease progression.Results: A total of 6260 patients were included in this study. YA presented more often after 'whoops'-surgery or for reresection due to residual disease, and with more deep-seated tumours. Elderly patients presented more often with grade III and larger (>10 cm) tumours. After adjustment for the imbalance in tumour and treatment characteristics the hazard ratio for OS of the middle-aged population is 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-1.76) and 3.13 (95% CI: 2.59-3.78) in the elderly population, compared with YA.Discussion: The effect of age on OS could only partially be explained by the imbalance in the tumour characteristics and treatment variables. The threefold higher risk of elderly could, at least partially, be explained by a higher other-cause mortality. The results might also be explained by a different tumour behaviour or suboptimal treatment in elderly compared with the younger population. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Show less
Asscher, V.E.R.; Vliet, Q. van der; Aalst, K. van der; Aalst, A. van der; Brand, E.C.; Meulen-de Jong, A.E. van der; ... ; Dutch ICC 2020
Purpose To assess safety and effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy in IBD patients >= 60 years. Methods Ninety IBD patients >= 60 years at initiation of anti-TNF... Show morePurpose To assess safety and effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy in IBD patients >= 60 years. Methods Ninety IBD patients >= 60 years at initiation of anti-TNF therapy, 145 IBD patients >= 60 years without anti-TNF therapy and 257 IBD patients < 60 years at initiation of anti-TNF therapy were retrospectively included in this multicentre study. Primary outcome was the occurrence of severe adverse events (SAEs), serious infections and malignancies. Secondary outcome was effectiveness of therapy. Cox regression analyses were used to assess differences in safety and effectiveness. In safety analyses, first older patients with and without anti-TNF therapy and then older and younger patients with anti-TNF therapy were assessed. Results In older IBD patients, the use of anti-TNF therapy was associated with serious infections (aHR 3.920, 95% CI 1.185-12.973,p= .025). In anti-TNF-exposed patients, cardiovascular disease associated with serious infections (aHR 3.279, 95% CI 1.098-9.790,p= .033) and the presence of multiple comorbidities (aHR 9.138 (1.248-66.935),p= .029) with malignancies, while patient age did not associate with safety outcomes. Effectiveness of therapy was not affected by age or comorbidity. Conclusion Older patients receiving anti-TNF therapy have a higher risk of serious infections compared with older IBD patients without anti-TNF therapy, but not compared with younger patients receiving anti-TNF therapy. However, in anti-TNF-exposed patients, comorbidity was found to be an indicator with regards to SAEs. Effectiveness was comparable between older and younger patients. Show less
Munckhof, E.H.A. van den; Hafkamp, H.C.; Kluijver, J. de; Kuijper, E.J.; Koning, M.N.C. de; Quint, W.G.V.; Knetsch, C.W. 2020
BackgroundThe elderly (>= 65years) are one of the populations most at risk for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The aim of this study was to determine whether nasal and/or oropharyngeal... Show moreBackgroundThe elderly (>= 65years) are one of the populations most at risk for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The aim of this study was to determine whether nasal and/or oropharyngeal microbiota profiles are associated with age and RTIs.MethodsNasal and oropharyngeal swabs of 152 controls and 152 patients with an RTI were included. The latter group consisted of 72 patients with an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and 80 with a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Both nasal and oropharyngeal swabs were subjected to microbiota profiling using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Moraxella species were determined using quantitative real-time PCR and culture.ResultsBased on the microbiota profiles of the controls and the patients with an RTI, eight nasal and nine oropharyngeal microbiota clusters were defined. Nasal microbiota dominated by either Moraxella catarrhalis or Moraxella nonliquefaciens was significantly more prevalent in elderly compared to mid-aged adults in the control group (p=0.002). Dominance by M. catarrhalis/nonliquefaciens was significantly less prevalent in elderly with an LRTI (p=0.001) compared to controls with similar age.ConclusionsNasal microbiota dominated by M. catarrhalis/nonliquefaciens is associated with respiratory health in the elderly population. Show less
