Abstract
Introduction
In Denmark 12.000 patients are hospitalized due to sepsis yearly. Sepsis is a generalized physical reaction to an infection and divided into; sepsis, severe sepsis and sepsis chock. The literature shows that hospitalization of elderly patients has a negative impact on physical function (Gill, T.M. et al. JAGS 2009; 57:195-201)
Aim
To examine the factors that affect the physical function among hospitalized patients with urosepsis.
Method
The design is a quantitative, retrospective medical record study. Participants were selected on the basis of diagnosis code DA419B, age above 65 years.
Several variables were chosen to examine correlations. Demographic and clinical variables: age, civil status, level of functioning prior to hospitalization, and at discharge, severity of sepsis, co-morbidities and mobilization rate during hospitalization. SPSS Statistics package was used to analyse data.
Results
In the period June 2011 - 2012, 29 patients were admitted with urosepsis at the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hilleroed Hospital. The mean age = 78 years, and the mean length of stay = 9.3 days. We found that 24% of patients loses functionality during hospitalization.
Analyses showed a positive correlation between sufficient mobilization and a stabile physical function. There was no correlation between the severity of sepsis and decline of physical function. Besides, we found no correlation between advanced age and decline in physical function. Data showed a correlation between advanced age and insufficient mobilization during hospitalization.
Conclusion
Mobilization during hospitalization plays a major role in avoiding decline in physical function of elderly patients with urosepsis.
- © 2013 ERS