Publications by authors named "Heidi Gruner"

Purpose: Incident delirium is a frequent complication among hospitalized older people with COVID-19, associated with increased length of hospital stay, higher morbidity and mortality rates. Although delirium is preventable with early detection, systematic assessment methods and predictive models are not universally defined, thus delirium is often underrated. In this study, we tested the role of the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), a prognostic tool based on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, to predict the risk of incident delirium.

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Background: Data regarding the importance of multidimensional frailty to guide clinical decision making for remdesivir use in older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are largely unexplored.

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate if the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), a multidimensional frailty tool based on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), may help physicians in identifying older hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 who might benefit from the use of remdesivir.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective study of older adults hospitalized for COVID-19 in 10 European hospitals, followed-up for 90 days after hospital discharge.

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Introduction: Coronavirus has an impact on both the physical and mental health of individuals. The literature regarding the patient's health status post-SARS-CoV-2 is still scarce with limited data on the prevalence of residual symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after the infection. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patient QoL, and remaining symptoms.

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Background: Cognitive decline is common in older people. Numerous studies point to the detrimental impact of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication on older people's cognitive function. Here we aim to systematically review evidence on the impact of medication optimisation and drug interventions on cognitive function in older adults.

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Objective: Data on prognostic tools for indicating mechanical ventilation in older people with COVID-19 are still limited. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), based on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), may help physicians in identifying older hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 who might benefit from mechanical ventilation.

Design: Longitudinal, multicenter study.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The relationship between polypharmacy and frailty in older adults suggests a connection, but no causal link has been proven specifically for those already experiencing frailty.
  • - A review of studies published between 1998 and 2019 identified 25 randomized controlled trials focusing on how medications affect frailty, with some showing positive outcomes from specific drug interventions on aspects like physical performance and muscle strength.
  • - Overall, findings remain inconclusive regarding the impact of drugs on frailty, highlighting the need for further, well-structured trials that consistently assess frailty across different studies.
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Purpose: Approximately 25% of older inpatients have an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC), 45-54% unnecessarily. This study aims to describe the prevalence, indications, and complications of IUC use in Portuguese older inpatients.

Methods: Multicentric, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in Portuguese internal medicine wards (UriCath).

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Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a complex autoimmune rheumatic disease that specifically targets salivary and lachrymal glands. As such, patients typically had ocular and oral dryness and salivary gland swelling. Moreover, skin, nasal and vaginal dryness are frequently present.

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Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is a complex disorder that requires systematic screening. Our objective is to report the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group centre affiliation and its impact in our clinical practice.

Material And Methods: The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group affiliation process, database update and current patient evaluation, with respect to demographic and clinical features.

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In the wake of the Portuguese vaccination program 50th anniversary it seems appropriate to review vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Controversial issues as regards the association between autoimmune diseases, infections, and vaccines are discussed as well as vaccine safety and efficacy issues as regards chronic immunosuppressant (IS) drug therapy. After a brief overview of national policies, specific recommendations are made as regards vaccination for adult patients with SLE with a particular focus on current IS therapy and unmet needs.

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