Factors Associated with Mortality in Elderly Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit due to Acute Drug Intoxication from Suicide Attempts

Abstract

Purpose : This study aimed to determine the mortality rate among elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute drug intoxication resulting from suicide attempts. It also compared the characteristics of survivors and decedents to identify factors associated with mortality.Methods : This retrospective descriptive study included 150 patients aged 65 years or older who were admitted to the ICU of a tertiary university hospital in Gwangju due to acute drug intoxication, with the period spanning January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression analysis.Results : The mortality rate among elderly individuals admitted to the ICU for acute drug intoxication was 19.3%. The likelihood of death was significantly higher in patients with an acute physiology and chronic health examination (APACHE) Ⅲ score of 70 or above (OR=23.75, 95% CI=3.78-149.46, p＜.001) and those with metabolic acidosis on initial acid-base results (OR=3.73, 95% CI=1.12- 12.43, p =.032).Conclusion : These findings underscore the need for developing and implementing systematic education and targeted nursing interventions for ICU nurses caring for acutely drug-intoxicated elderly adults, particularly considering the APACHE Ⅲ score and the presence of metabolic acidosis.