Mortality in Critically Ill Elderly Individuals Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
BACKGROUND: Previous studies that evaluated mortality in elderly subjects who received mechanical ventilation had conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of age on mortality. METHODS: A number of medical literature databases and the references listed (from 1974 to May 2015) were searched for studies that compared 2 different age groups. The primary outcome was mortality in subjects ages ≥ 65 y. The severity scores, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and the presence of ventilator-associated pneumonia were secondary outcomes. Finally, mortality in the subjects with ARDS and of cutoff ages 70 and 80 y was assessed by subgroup analysis. Evidence quality was assessed by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria score. RESULTS: Of the 5,182 articles identified, 21 were included. Subjects ages ≥ 65 y had higher mortalities (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.56–2.08; I2 = 71%). APACHE (Acute Physiology and Ch