Predictors of 2-year mortality among older male veterans on a geriatric rehabilitation unit.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if nutritional parameters and discharge setting are associated with mortality in older male veterans on a Geriatric rehabilitation unit (GRU).


METHODS
Two-year follow-up of sequential admissions to the GRU who had laboratory studies completed on admission to the acute hospital and on transfer to and discharge from the GRU.


METHODS
University-affiliated VA medical center.


METHODS
Eighty-three consecutive older male veterans admitted to the GRU.


METHODS
Mortality during a period of 2 years post-discharge.


RESULTS
In a univariate analysis, predictors of mortality were serum albumin level < or = 3.5 g/dL on admission to the GRU (P = .01), moderate or severe Nutritional Status Score (P = .03), discharge to a place other than home (P = .01), and use of antibiotics while on the GRU (P = .05). Discharge albumin remained the single significant predictor of mortality in a multivariate analysis (P = .005).


CONCLUSIONS
Serum albumin is the strongest predictor of 2-year post-hospitalization mortality of older patients cared for on a GRU. Other predictors were presence of infection, Nutritional Status Score of moderate or severe compromise, and discharge to a place other than home.
McMurtry
C T
CT
Section of Geriatrics and Medical Service, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
Rosenthal
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005853:Geriatrics; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006757:Hospital Units; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012046:Rehabilitation; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014768:Virginia
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents