Introduction:

The increase in the geriatric population is a demographic phenomenon of global importance, recognized in emergency services.

Objective:

To characterize the elderly geriatric patients admitted to intensive care.

Methods:

An observational and cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in geriatric patients, admitted to the intensive care unit of the Central Military Hospital "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto." The sample was intentional, consisting of 220 patients aged 65 years or older. Variables used: age, sex, personal pathological history, diagnosis at admission, Apache II index, SOFA index, complications, discharge status and therapeutic modality.

Results:

The most frequent age was 71 to 80 years; the male sex predominated. 89% of patients had 2 or more associated diseases; the highest percentage corresponded to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Acute coronary syndrome (37.5%) was distinguished in the diagnosis at admission; in complications, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (15.9%). Mortality was 39.5%. The most used therapeutic modality was mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

The male sex, the age between 71 and 80 years, the pathological background and as diagnosis at admission, the acute coronary syndrome were characteristic. The prognostic indexes showed a satisfactory evolution but there were serious complications such as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The application of mechanical ventilation was frequent. The need to investigate the factors associated with evolution and its possible modification is highlighted.

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