The effect of aging on pulmonary function: implications for monitoring and support of the surgical and trauma patient

Elie Ramly; Haytham M A Kaafarani; George C Velmahos

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2014.09.009

The effect of aging on pulmonary function: implications for monitoring and support of the surgical and trauma patient

Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Feb;95(1):53-69. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.09.009. Epub 2014 Nov 20.

Authors

Elie Ramly¹, Haytham M A Kaafarani², George C Velmahos¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
² Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Electronic address: hkaafarani@mgh.harvard.edu.

PMID: 25459542
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.09.009

Abstract

Age-related anatomic, physiologic, and immunologic changes to the pulmonary system, as well as a high prevalence of chronic pulmonary diseases, puts the geriatric patient at an especially high risk for postoperative pulmonary complications. Successful perioperative respiratory care of the geriatric patient relies on careful risk assessment and optimization of pulmonary function and support. The success of such efforts aimed at preventing and/or mitigating pulmonary complications in the geriatric patient depends on a thorough, individualized, yet standardized and evidence-based approach to the care of every patient.

Keywords: Aging; Perioperative care; Postoperative pulmonary complications; Pulmonary function.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Age Factors
Aged
Aging / pathology*
Aging / physiology*
Humans
Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
Lung Diseases / etiology
Lung Diseases / therapy*
Perioperative Care
Respiratory System / immunology
Respiratory System / pathology*
Respiratory System / physiopathology*
Respiratory Therapy
Risk Factors