Predictors of 2-year mortality among older male veterans on a geriatric rehabilitation unit.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if nutritional parameters and discharge setting are associated with mortality in older male veterans on a Geriatric rehabilitation unit (GRU).

DESIGN

Two-year follow-up of sequential admissions to the GRU who had laboratory studies completed on admission to the acute hospital and on transfer to and discharge from the GRU.

SETTING

University-affiliated VA medical center.

PATIENTS

Eighty-three consecutive older male veterans admitted to the GRU.

MEASUREMENT

Mortality during a period of 2 years post-discharge.

MAIN RESULTS

In a univariate analysis, predictors of mortality were serum albumin level < or = 3.5 g/dL on admission to the GRU (P = .01), moderate or severe Nutritional Status Score (P = .03), discharge to a place other than home (P = .01), and use of antibiotics while on the GRU (P = .05). Discharge albumin remained the single significant predictor of mortality in a multivariate analysis (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum albumin is the strongest predictor of 2-year post-hospitalization mortality of older patients cared for on a GRU. Other predictors were presence of infection, Nutritional Status Score of moderate or severe compromise, and discharge to a place other than home.