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Infektionsrisiko und postoperative Wundinfektionen beim geriatrischen Patienten

Heppner HJ, Singler K, Thiem U, Franzen J (2014)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Journal

Book Volume: 23

Pages Range: 11-15

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1620031

Abstract

Due to demographic shifts, the number of elderly patients treated for postoperative infections is increasing. Therefore in the future treatment of geriatric patients and knowledge of physiological changes in the elderly must be centered. In older adults infections are one of the most common causes of mortality. In these patients course of infections is more severe and often lethal and surgical site infections occur in about 17 % of all hospital-acquired infections. During the physiologic ageing process, various organ systems are affected that are important for response to infection. Structural and functional changes take place in the organ systems, which modify patients' immune and defense status and physiologic stress response. Also the number of chronic conditions increases with increasing age; on average, 3 to 9 concomitant conditions (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, incontinence, chronic bronchitis, heart failure, impairment of cognitive performance, etc.) are to be expected, which inevitably increases the risk of complications and, partially as a result, morbidity and mortality from most infectious diseases increase with ascending age. The most prominent comorbidities triggering infections are diabetes mellitus and chronic heart failure. There are various options to minimize the risk of peri-and postoperative infections such as keeping normothermia, tight monitoring of bloodglucose levels, the use of heat treatment and early mobilisation of critically ill patients. This also includes an early acute geriatric rehabilitation. To ensure success of treatment the interdiciplinary and interprofessional dialogue is essential. © Schattauer 2014.

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How to cite

APA:

Heppner, H.J., Singler, K., Thiem, U., & Franzen, J. (2014). Infektionsrisiko und postoperative Wundinfektionen beim geriatrischen Patienten. Osteologie, 23(1), 11-15. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1620031

MLA:

Heppner, Hans Jürgen, et al. "Infektionsrisiko und postoperative Wundinfektionen beim geriatrischen Patienten." Osteologie 23.1 (2014): 11-15.

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