Comparison of the Laboratory Values at Admission to Palliative Care Unit: Geriatric vs Non-Geriatric Patients

Aim: The aim of the present study is to compare the laboratory findings during the palliative care unit (PCU) admission of non-geriatric and geriatric patients and to evaluate the effects of these findings. Methods: In the present study medical records of the patients hospitalized in PCU between 18.10.2018-18.10.2020 were reviewed. The patients were evaluated in 2 groups: Group I; 65 years and older and Group II; 18-64 years old. Demographic data and laboratory values of the patients (C-reactive protein, glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, albumin, mean platelet volume and platelet, lymphocyte, neutrophil counts) were recorded. From these values, CRP/albumin, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were calculated. Length of stay and mortality were also recorded. Results: A total of 454 patients (Group I: 249 and Group II: 205) were included in the study. Blood glucose, urea, creatinine and sodium values were found to be statistically higher in Group I (p=0.027, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). Albumin values were 2.70 g/dL (2.30–3.00 g/dL) in Group I and statistically lower than Group II (p<0.001). Albumin < 2.5 g/dL [odds ratio (OR) 2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52–4.96, p < 0.001] was determined as an independent risk factor for mortality in Group I. While the sensitivity was determined as 79% for the albumin cut-off value of 2.5 g/dL, the specificity was determined as 66%. Conclusions: Among the laboratory values at the time of admission of geriatric patients admitted to the PCU, only albumin has a prognostic value in poor sensitivity and specificity.