PCI and elderly patients

New York, June 28, 2000 (Praxis Press) Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a higher rate of related complications with elderly patients than with younger patients. Few studies however have examined the critical outcomes of this procedure on the overall health and quality of life of elderly patients. In a recent observational study Seto and colleagues found that in two clinical trials, the PCI procedure brought elderly and younger patients the same degree of improvement in health-related quality of life, a significant benefit for older patients whose potential gains in longevity are limited (see paper). These findings may not apply to an unselected elderly population though, as clinical studies tend to enroll healthier patients. The study used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form survey and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire at baseline, six months, and one year, to assess the health-related quality of life. Emphasize to the...