Between 30% and 40% of elderly patients (over 70 years old) who require hospitalization and treatment in Intensive Care Units (ICU) exhibit a state of frailty. This condition is associated with adverse prognostic factors such as increased in-hospital mortality, functional decline, and a deterioration in their long-term quality of life. Some frail elderly patients may require invasive mechanical ventilation (ventilator) as life support during the acute phase, which has also been linked to adverse prognostic outcomes. Additionally, frailty is common in patients with severe infections, with a high mortality rate, subsequent functional decline, and reduced quality of life following ICU admission.
Elderly patients over 70 years of age requiring admission to ICU-semicritical units.
Mechanical ventilation (invasive or non-invasive),
Vasopressor or inotropic treatment,
Requirement for acute renal replacement therapies for more than 24 hours,
Patients with an ICU stay of less than 72 hours.
Patients with treatment limitations upon ICU admission, although an isolated "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order is acceptable; life expectancy of less than 6 months.
Absence of family members or caregivers available to provide medical history. Language barriers (non-Spanish speakers without access to medical translators).
Structural neurological diseases requiring ICU admission, including stroke or spinal cord pathology.