Frailty in Elderly Patients with Covid-19: A Narrative Review. (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salini, Sara; Russo, Andrea; De Matteis, Giuseppe; Piccioni, Andrea; Della Polla, Davide; Carbone, Luigi; Barillaro, Christian; Landi, Francesco; Franceschi, Francesco; Covino, Marcello
• Is Part Of: Gerontology & geriatric medicine. Volume 8(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: older adults -- frailty -- COVID-19 -- multi-morbidity; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.1177/23337214221079956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-7214

Abstract

Introduction: The SARS CoV-2 pandemic still generates a very high number of affected patients and a significant mortality rate. It is essential to establish objective criteria to stratify COVID-19 death risk. Frailty has been identified as a potential determinant of increased vulnerability in older adults affected by COVID-19, because it may suggest alterations of physical performance and functional autonomy. Methods: We have conducted a narrative review of the literature on the evidences regarding COVID-19 and the frailty condition. Thirteen observational studies were included. Conclusion: Data emerging from the studies indicate that older COVID-19 patients with a frailty condition have an increased risk of mortality compared with non-frail patients, and this association is independent of other clinical and demographic factors. A frailty evaluation is required to help clinicians to better stratify the overall risk of death for older patients with COVID-19.