Krankenhaussterblichkeit bei Patienten mit und ohne Demenz

Background: Studies reported a higher in-hospital mortality in patients living with dementia (PlwD) with limited evidence across age groups, clinical departments and admission diagnoses. Study aim was to compare the in-hospital mortality rate of PlwD with non-demented controls across groups, clinical departments and admission diagnoses. Methods: This case-control study included patients aged ≥ 60 years hospitalized in one of 36 German hospitals between January 2019 and July 2023. PlwD were matched to non-demented controls. The associations between dementia and in-hospital mortality across groups were assessed using univariable logistic regression analyses. Results: 29,203patients with and 29,203 without dementia were included (mean age: 84 years, 60% female). PlwD had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate than non-dementia controls. The excess mortality rate was highest in the youngest age group (60–70 years), decreased with age, and became non-significant in the oldest age group (≥ 90 years). Significant differences were found for digestive system, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, and pneumonia, as well as for internal medicine and gastroenterology departments. Conclusion: The excess mortality rate was highest in younger age groups, where the general mortality and complication rate is relatively low in the general population. Appropriate approaches are needed.