Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aim to evaluate and determine the distribution and frequency of infectious diseases and the hospitalization rates of in- and out-patients aged 65 or above applying to the emergency department.

Methods: All the patients over 65 were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ records were scanned for computer-assisted patient record system. The diagnosis were made according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) system. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results: During the study period, of the total of 271 561 admissions to the emergency department, 27 516 (10.1%) patients were over 65 years old. The number of patients in this age group diagnosed according to ICD-10 coding of infectious diseases were 6802 (24.7%) and 48% were female while 52% were male. The most common infectious diseases responsible for admissions were upper respiratory tract infection (41.9%), lower respiratory tract infection (33.7%), urinary tract infection (11.1%), and acute gastroenteritis (8.5%). Of these patients, 11.2% were hospitalized, 88% were discharged from the hospital with intervention and treatment, 0.7% were referred to an advanced health institution, and 0.1% died.

Conclusions: The percentage of elderly people applying to the emergency department is increasing. Advanced age and underlying diseases are predisposing factors for infection. Taking into account that laboratory and clinical findings in geriatric patients may be different than young adults, we think closer attention must be paid to this patient group.