Characteristics and mortality of elderly patients admitted to intensive care unit at the Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso)

The world older population is increasing because of life expectancy increasing. In Burkina Faso elderly population is growing, while there is lack of skills for their management. This study assessed characteristics of older patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Retrospective study of patients aged 65 years and above admitted in ICU of Yalgado Ouedraogo over five years. Results: 2116 patients were admitted in ICU whose 237 (11.2%) were 65 years and above. The mean age was 71.73 ± 6.09 years with a sex ratio of 2.38. Comorbidity was identified in 191 patients (80.6%) those 49.4% had at least 2 tares. The Charlson comorbidity means score was 4.79 ± 1.83 [IC 95%; 2–12]. A score > 4 was recorded in 89.45% at admission. Patients with Glasgow score < 8 represented 42%. The Ambulatory simplified acute physiologic score (ASAPS) > 8 was recorded in 100 (49%) cases. Medical condition (60%), nervous disease (37.9%) were the main diagnosis. Neurology disease (n= 70) and general surgery (n = 57) are the main affection according to specialty. Globally, stroke was the most frequent disease (27.4%) followed by peritonitis. Patients management was based on the hydro electrolyte, pain medication, and oxygen supply. Only 2 patients benefited mechanical ventilation. During hospitalization, complications occurred in 89 cases (37.5%) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrom was the main complication (n = 25; 10.5%). In total 173 patients died giving a rate 73% The mean length of stay was 5,32 ± 7,39 days. Elderly patients are frequent in ICU. There are admitted with a severe condition. Length of stay was short and mortality high.