SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Hospital Outcomes of Geriatric Inpatients

Pdf Summary

This single-center retrospective chart review examined whether ascorbic acid (AA) use during hospitalization is associated with better outcomes in geriatric inpatients. The study included 330 patients age 65 and older admitted from 2010 to 2021, excluding ICU, residential-care, hospice, and COVID-19 patients. Patients were divided into those who received AA during hospitalization (n=165, typically 500 mg to 1 g) and those who did not (n=165). Researchers followed patients for 12 weeks after discharge and assessed length of stay (LOS), discharge destination, and mortality, while also considering covariates such as age, sex, admitting diagnosis, Elixhauser comorbidity score, and medication load.<br /><br />The AA group and non-AA group differed in several admitting diagnoses, including higher rates of sepsis, pneumonia, UTI, AKI, PSVT, and encephalopathy in the AA cohort. Statistical analysis suggested that anticholinergic medication burden was associated with longer LOS in both groups. The study also found an association between AA supplementation and decreased early post-discharge mortality, particularly within 12 to 15 weeks after discharge. The adjusted risk ratio for mortality was reported as 1.74 (95% CI, 0.61–2.98). Discharge destination was also evaluated, with home versus skilled nursing facility patterns shown in the results.<br /><br />The authors concluded that AA may help reduce early mortality after hospitalization in older adults, potentially by buffering inflammatory processes that contribute to hospital-acquired complications. They also noted that anticholinergic medication burden may prolong LOS, possibly through delirium and deconditioning.

Asset Subtitle

Christian J. Hernandez-Zegada

Meta Tag

Author List Christian J. Hernandez-Zegada, Eliana Torres, Luis Zegada Jr.

Category Research

Concept Ascorbic Acid

Concept Hospitalized Older Adults

Concept Length of Stay

Concept Mortality

Concept Post-Discharge Mortality

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UT Southwestern

Presenting Author Christian J. Hernandez-Zegada

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

ascorbic acid

geriatric inpatients

retrospective chart review

hospitalization outcomes

mortality

length of stay

anticholinergic burden

discharge destination

older adults

post-discharge mortality

Ascorbic Acid

Hospitalized Older Adults

Length of Stay

Mortality

Post-Discharge Mortality