ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the association between frailty and mortality in a Mexican hospital.
Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Monterrey, Mexico, that included hospitalized subjects of 65 years and older. Frailty was assessed through direct questioning to patient or caregiver about: during the last weeks did you have difficulty to rise from a chair after being seated during long time? Have you lost 5 kg or more in the last year and have you lack of energy? The frail individuals were considered as frail when they had at least two conditions and not frail with less than two conditions. Mortality was assessed during their hospitalization through their discharge.
Results: The frailty status and a score below 65 in the Barthel index were independently associated with higher hospital-mortality after adjusting for covariates. Age, gender, number of co-morbidities, geriatric syndromes, previous hospitalizations and number of acute pathologies were not.
Conclusion: Frailty and a score below 65 in the Barthel index were independently associated with higher hospital mortality.
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