Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Mortality in Patients Aged 65 and Older Presenting with Respiratory Symptoms to the Emergency Department

Authors : Ekrem Taha Sert, Kamil Kokulu, Hüseyin Mutlu, Mustafa Önder Gönen, Betül Çiğdem Yortanlı, Emin Hüseyin Akar, Oğuz Yürük

Pages : 6-11

View : 54 | Download : 83

Publication Date : 2026-01-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Puspose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as factors influencing in-hospital mortality, in patients aged 65 years and older who presented to the emergency department (ED) with respiratory symptoms. Material and Method: This retrospective study included patients aged 65 years and older who presented to the ED with respiratory symptoms between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025. Patients were categorized into two age groups (65–74 and ≥75), and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified using logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 597 patients aged ≥65 years presenting with respiratory symptoms were included. Among them, 476 (79.7%) were aged 65–74 years and 121 (20.3%) were ≥75 years. In-hospital mortality was 5.7%.Multivariate analysis identified age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–3.10, p < 0.001), cancer (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.33–4.18, p = 0.045), troponin positivity (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.45–5.66, p = 0.026), and elevated lactate level (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.71–4.20, p = 0.007) as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Advanced age, presence of cancer, troponin positivity, and elevated lactate levels are significant independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among elderly patients presenting with respiratory symptoms to the ED. Early identification and appropriate management of these high-risk patients are important to improve clinical outcomes.
Keywords : Acil servis, solunum semptomları, yaşlılık, mortalite

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