Abstract
In the United States, adults over age fifty comprise half of the entire HIV population. They have significantly higher rates of co-morbidities and experience ART-related side effects. We piloted an inpatient geriatric consult service to address geriatric syndromes in hospitalized older HIV patients.
Methods: Inclusion criteria – patients fifty-five years old and above with HIV admitted to an urban academic medical center. A geriatric assessment was performed by a board certified geriatrician. Validated screening tools were used to assess geriatric syndromes. Open ended questions were asked to allow patients to express any concerns.
Results: Nine patients were identified with a mean age of sixty-five. All patients were agreeable to a geriatric evaluation. Three patients were admitted for neurological disorders, two were admitted for metabolic disturbances, two were admitted for acute pain syndromes, one was admitted for an endocrine disorder and one was admitted for a gastrointestinal disorder. Seven out of nine patients (78%) expressed a decrease in functional status and weakness, six out of nine (67%) were found to have cognitive impairment. Three out of nine (33%) addressed goals of care, three out nine (33%) had uncontrolled pain and three out of nine (33%) wanted to discuss community services upon discharge.
Conclusion: Our study suggests older HIV patients are receptive to an inpatient geriatric assessment. Major concerns included functional decline and cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to better explore geriatric syndromes, themes of concern and attitudes on aging amongst older HIV patients in an acute care setting.