Author/Authors :
Lauretani, Fulvio Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Ravazzoni, Giulia Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Federica Roberti, Maria Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Longobucco, Yari Department of Medicine and Surgery - University of Parma, Italy , Adorni, Elisa Department of Medicine and Surgery - University of Parma, Italy , Grossi, Margherita Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , De Iorio, Aurelio Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , La Porta, Umberto Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Fazio, Chiara Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Gallini, Elena Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Federici, Raffaele Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Salvi, Marco Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Ciarrocchi, Erika Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Rossi, Francesca Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Bergamin, Marina Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Bussolati, Giacomo Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Grieco, Ilaria Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Broccoli, Federica Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Zucchini, Irene Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Ielo, Giuseppe Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Morganti, Simonetta Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Artoni, Andrea Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy , Arisi, Arianna Department of Medicine and Surgery - Postgraduate School of Geriatric Medicine - University of Parma, Italy , Tagliaferri, Sara Department of Medicine and Surgery - University of Parma, Italy , Maggio, Marcello Geriatric Clinic Unit - Parma University Hospital of Parma, Italy
Abstract :
Covid-19 infection is a multisystem disease more frequent in older individuals, especially in those with multiple chronic diseases. This multimorbid and frail population requires attention and a personalized com-prehensive assessment in order to avoid the occurrence of adverse outcomes.As other diseases, the COVID-19 presentation in older patients is often atypical with less severe and unspecific symptoms. These subjects both at home and during hospitalization suffer isolation and the lack of support of caregivers. The geriatric care in COVID-19 wards is often missing. The application of additional instruments would be necessary to facilitate and personalize the clinical approach, not only based on diseases but also on functional status. This narrative review starts from diagnostic evaluation, continues with adapted pharmacologic treatment and ends with the recovery phase targeting the nutrition and physical exercise. We developed a check-list of respiratory, gastro-intestinal and other less-specific symptoms, summarized in a table and easily to be filled-up by patients, nurses and general practitioners. As second step, we reported the clinical phases of this disease. Far to be considered just viral infective and respiratory, this disease is also an inflammatory and thrombotic condition with frequent bacte-rial over-infection. We finally considered timing and selection of treatment, which depend on the disease phase, co-administration of other drugs and require the monitoring of renal, liver and cardiac function. This underlines the role of age not just as a limitation, but also an opportunity to increase the quality and the appropriateness of multidisciplinary and multidimensional intervention in this population. (www.actabiomedica.it)
