A Retrospective Study of Clinical Profile of Geriatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of geriatric visits to emergency departments (EDs) is a growing concern, driven by factors such as multiple coexisting medical conditions and declining physiological functions associated with aging. These factors contribute to organ failure, heightened susceptibility to infections, and increased utilization of healthcare resources. The primary objective of our study is to identify the most common presenting complaints and diagnoses among geriatric patients in the emergency department (ED), with a particular focus on symptoms associated with higher mortality. By recognizing these critical presentations early, we aim to implement timely and aggressive interventions to reduce mortality rates in this vulnerable population.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical profiles and outcomes of geriatric patients aged over 60 years who presented to the emergency department between January 2024 to April 2024.Patient data were extracted from the institutional medical record database. Results: A total of 560 patient records were reviewed. The most frequently reported presenting complaints were breathlessness 154(27.5%), fever of either infectious or non-infectious etiology 96(17.2%), and altered sensorium 76(13.6%). The predominant diagnoses included Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 64(11.4%) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) 54(9.6%). Among the 70 patients who succumbed, breathlessness was the most common presenting complaint 28(40%), followed by altered sensorium 12(17.1%). The principal causes of mortality were sepsis 20(28.5%) and respiratory failure 14(20%). Conclusion: Breathlessness is the most common presenting symptom in this demographic, with sepsis being the primary cause of death. The need for critical interventions such as mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, or intubation is strongly associated with poorer outcomes, highlighting the importance of early recognition and prompt management.