Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the different factors in predicting mortality within 2 weeks of hospice admission in elderly cancer patients at terminal stage. Methods: This is a retrospective study on elderly patients, who were admitted to the hospital-based hospice ward during the period from November 2004 to May 2007. Data were collected from chart review, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, symptoms, and signs within 24 hours after admission, and the date of mortality. Results: Of the 433 patients who were enrolled in the study, 187 patients died within 2 weeks after hospice admission, and 246 patients survived for more than 2 weeks. When comparing between the two groups, we found several factors significant in the group of death within 14 days after admission. These include hepatoma, worse performance status, absence of constipation and insomnia, tachycardia and the presence of tachypnea, more frequent lower leg edema, conscious disturbance, jaundice and ascites. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the positive significant factors are male (p<0.001), heart rate (p=0.004), worse performance status (p<0.001), jaundice (p=0.036), and ascites (p=0.040); the negative significant factor is gastric cancer (β=-1.045, p=0.025). Conclusion: Our studies showed that certain factors can affect the mortality of these elderly cancer patients. We will organize and develop protocol to help physicians predict the prognostic factors and provide more appropriate and compassionate care to these patients and their families.
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the different factors in predicting mortality within 2 weeks of hospice admission in elderly cancer patients at terminal stage. Methods: This is a retrospective study on elderly patients, who were admitted to the hospital-based hospice ward during the period from November 2004 to May 2007. Data were collected from chart review, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, symptoms, and signs within 24 hours after admission, and the date of mortality. Results: Of the 433 patients who were enrolled in the study, 187 patients died within 2 weeks after hospice admission, and 246 patients survived for more than 2 weeks. When comparing between the two groups, we found several factors significant in the group of death within 14 days after admission. These include hepatoma, worse performance status, absence of constipation and insomnia, tachycardia and the presence of tachypnea, more frequent lower leg edema, conscious disturbance, jaundice and ascites. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the positive significant factors are male (p<0.001), heart rate (p=0.004), worse performance status (p<0.001), jaundice (p=0.036), and ascites (p=0.040); the negative significant factor is gastric cancer (β=-1.045, p=0.025). Conclusion: Our studies showed that certain factors can affect the mortality of these elderly cancer patients. We will organize and develop protocol to help physicians predict the prognostic factors and provide more appropriate and compassionate care to these patients and their families.