Article

By proposing a new terminology (acquired deforming hypertonia or ADH)
and a new definition for contractures, the main objective of this study was to
establish their prevalence among institutionalized elderly patients. Secondary
objectives were to analyze the negative impact of ADH and collect the opinions of
clinicians on the possible treatments available. METHODOLOGY: A multicenter
cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of 39 geriatric institutions
(29 EHPAD and 10 USLD). All subjects presenting at least one ADH were surveyed
over a one-week period. RESULTS: Among 3145 observed patients (mean age
88.9+/-9.7 years) 22% (n=692) presented at least one ADH. In average, each
patient presented 4.4+/-3.2 ADHs. Negative consequences on self-care, nursing and
difficulties in getting dressed were most frequently observed. Only 25.4% of
clinicians considered the ADH to be potentially reversible.
Physical therapy was
the therapeutic option most frequently chosen over medication and surgery.
CONCLUSION: This study confirms the important prevalence of ADH among elderly
institutionalized patients. Consequences on the level of dependence were
significant. It seems relevant to elaborate hierarchical therapeutic strategies
in order to counter these disorders and the fatalism that ensues.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS