Published online Jan 6, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i1.107
Peer-review started: October 27, 2023
First decision: November 21, 2023
Revised: November 30, 2023
Accepted: December 15, 2023
Article in press: December 15, 2023
Published online: January 6, 2024
Processing time: 67 Days and 4.4 Hours
In exploring the intricate relationship between frailty and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), this study addressed existing gaps in understanding. The relevance of this issue is emphasized given the increasing prevalence of frailty in the aging population.
The motivation behind this research lies in recognizing the clinical significance of frailty in elderly PCI patients and its potential influence on short-term and long-term outcomes. The study aimed to inform clinical practices and enhance patient care by comprehensively exploring the impact of frailty.
The research objectives encompassed a thorough assessment of the association between frailty and key outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major bleeding. The investigation also sought to identify potential outcome variations based on different study designs, patient characteristics, and indications for PCI. Furthermore, it explored the implications of frailty assessment on personalized care plans and its integration into routine clinical practice.
Comprehensive search strategies were applied across the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Statistical methods, including risk ratios and hazard ratios, ensured a robust and standardized approach. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore variations in outcomes across different study characteristics.
The results of the study established a compelling association between frailty and adverse outcomes in elderly PCI patients. Specific risk increments, such as a three-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality and a two-fold increase in all-cause mortality, underscored the comprehensive impact of frailty on cardiovascular health. The findings were consistent across retrospective and prospective study designs, affirming the robustness of the association.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the clinical significance of frailty assessment in the pre-PCI evaluation of elderly patients. It underscores the need for tailored care plans, acknowledging frailty as a potent predictor of adverse events. The research contributes to the existing knowledge by synthesizing key findings and provides a foundation for future research endeavors.
Future research is encouraged to explore interventions targeting frailty and their potential to improve outcomes in elderly PCI patients, advocating for standardized frailty assessment tools and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the holistic care of this vulnerable patient population.