post-hospitalization syndrome

Introduction

transient period of vulnerability after hospitalization

Etiology

• inpatient stressors
  • frequent sleep disruption
  • noxious sounds
  • painful stimuli
  • mobility restrictions
  • poor nutrition

Epidemiology

• deaths within 30 days after hospitalization may exceed inpatient mortality

Pathology

• functional decline during hospitalization

Clinical significance

• geriatric syndromes present at hospital admission remain an issue in the post-discharge setting
  • cognitive impairment
  • symptoms of depression
  • apathy
  • pain
  • malnutrition
  • incontinence
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • mobility impairment
  • fall risk
  • fear of falling
• development of new or worsening geriatric syndromes is associated with an increased risk of 30 day hospital readmission
  • cognitive impairment
  • fatigue
  • fall risk

Complications

• increased risk of hospital readmission
• increased mortality

More general terms

• geriatric disorder; disease of old age; geriatric syndrome
• syndrome