Table 1.
Background data in 68 elderly nursing-home residents, assessed for signs and symptoms of infection with the Early Detection of Infection Scale (EDIS)
| Variable | n = 68 |
|---|---|
| Age in years | 84.5 ± 7.5 |
| Male/female | 23/45 |
| BMIa | 27 ± 4 |
| ADL statusb | 8 ± 2 |
| Ear temperaturec | 36,3 ± 0,4 °C |
| Rectal temperature | 36,9 ± 0,3 °C |
| n (%) | |
| ≥ 3 diagnosis | 18 (26) |
| Dementia | 49 (72) |
| Cognitive decline (MMSEd 0–19) | 20 (29) |
| Cardio-vascular disease | 41 (60) |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 5 (7) |
| Stroke | 25 (37) |
| Diabetes | 16 (24) |
| Cancer | 13 (19) |
| Autoimmune diseasee | 8 (12) |
| Thyroid disease | 21 (10) |
| Cortisone ≥ 5 mg per dag | 4 (6) |
| Sedatives/tranquillizers | 28 (41) |
| Sleeping pills | 20 (29) |
| Anti-depressants | 39 (57) |
| Paracetamol ≥ 3 g daily | 22 (32) |
| Malnutrition | 6 (9) |
| Pain (DOLOPLUS ≥ 5) | 44 (65) |
| Vaccination influenza | 55 (81) |
| Vaccination pneumocockiae | 31 (46) |
The data are expressed as mean ± SD (age, BMI and ADL) or number of individuals
aBody mass index
bActivities of daily living
cMean values and standard deviation was equal for ear temperature, irrespective if the left or right ear was used for measurement
dMini mental state examination
ee.g. rheumatoid arthritis, muscular rheumatism