Factors associated with serious abdominal conditions in geriatric patients visiting the emergency department

Abdominal pain occurs in 20% of geriatric patients who visit the emergency department (ED). Geriatric patients usually have more severe conditions and a higher mortality rate. We aimed to determine the factors associated with serious abdominal conditions in geriatric patients who visit the ED with abdominal pain.

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021. The inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥ 65 years and presented at the ED with acute abdominal pain. Significantly associated factors for serious abdominal conditions were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

A total of 1221 patients were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the significant factors associated with serious abdominal conditions were male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.29, 95% CI:1.3–4.04; p = 0.004), anorexia (AOR 2.16, 95% CI:1.08–4.32; p = 0.03), NEWS 5–6 (AOR 2.96, 95% CI:1.35–6.49; p = 0.007), SBP 100–125 mmHg (AOR 1.5, 95% CI:0.75–2.99; p ≤ 0.001), guarding (AOR 6.92, 95% CI:3.39–14.12; p ≤ 0.001), WBC ≥ 14,000 cells/mm³ (AOR 2.08, 95% CI:1.06–4.09; p = 0.034), ED length of stay (EDLOS) 4–8 h (AOR 2.17, 95% CI:1.08–4.36; p = 0.03), and EDLOS ≥ 8 h (AOR 3.22, 95% CI:1.15–9; p = 0.025).

The statistically significant factors associated with serious abdominal conditions in geriatric patients were male, anorexia, NEWS 5–6, SBP 100–125 mmHg, guarding, WBC ≥ 14,000 cells/mm³, EDLOS 4–8 h, and EDLOS ≥ 8 h.