| Theme | Digestive Diseases of the Aged Over 85 -- the Characteristics and Therapeutic Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Clinical Features of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disease in Patients Aged ≥85 Years | |
| Publish Date | 2015/04 | |
| Author | Akiko Ono | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author | Kengo Tokunaga | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author | Kensuke Arai | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author | Hideyuki Hata | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author | Masao Toki | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author | Shinichi Takahashi | Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | With an aging society, medical treatment for the population of patients aged ≥85 years is increasing. However, there are no clear guidelines for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract disease in the elderly. When deciding on treatment options for a patient of advanced age, it is imperative to consider overall functional status as well as underlying diseases. As H. pylori treatment becomes more common, the risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and gastric cancer will decrease, but the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal adenocarcinoma may increase. In the absence of H. pylori infection, the use of NSAIDs accounts for an increased risk of gastroduodenal ulcer. The stress of treatment for esophageal cancer in an elderly patient must be carefully considered, and in some cases, nonsurgical treatment may be the most appropriate option. Elderly patients' interests are best served when they are provided with clear, understandable information for informed consent, and when plans for therapy take into consideration the right of patients to make their own treatment decisions. |
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