Characteristics and Outcome for Very Elderly Patients (≥ 80 years) Admitted to a Respiratory Care Center in Taiwan

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the characteristics of and outcomes for very elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) under the mandatory integrated delivery system (IDS) in Taiwan.MethodThis was a retrospective observational study conducted in a step-down respiratory care center (RCC) among adult patients aged > 45 years on prolonged mechanical ventilation (≥ 21 days) between January 2006 and December 2008.ResultsA total of 288 patients (63 aged 45–65 years, 115 aged 66–79 years, and 110 aged ≥ 80 years) were included in the study. There were more female patients in the oldest group (p<0.01). A cardiovascular disorder as the main reason for ventilator dependence was associated with increasing age (p