Prediction of Short-, Long-Term Mortality in Elderly With Stable Acute PE

Mortality may be independently predicted using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in elderly patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE), according to a study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis.

Researchers identified 162 individuals (median age: 79.2) with confirmed PE and assigned each with a CCI score — a summation score based on 17 weighted medical conditions — based on their medical history. Participants’ simplified PE severity index (sPESI) scores and vital status were also recorded, and clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were obtained.

Study results indicated that overall 30-, 60-, and 90-day mortality in patients with CCI ≥1 was 11.7% (95% CI, 6.6-16.6), 19.8% (95% CI, 13.4-25.7), and 31.8% (95% CI, 24.1-38.8), respectively. These individuals also had a significantly higher risk for mortality at both 90 days and 2 years (4.924 and 4.227, respectively) compared with individuals with CCI of 0. 

The investigators concluded that the CCI may be an effective and useful tool for clinicians to predict 90-day and 2-year mortality in elderly patients with a confirmed diagnosis of hemodynamically stable PE vs sPESI.

Reference

Polo Friz H, Corno V, Orenti, A, et al. Comorbidity assessment as predictor of short and long-term mortality in elderly patients with hemodynamically stable acute pulmonary embolism [published online August 29, 2017]. J Thromb Thrombolysis. doi:10.1007/s11239-017-1540-y