Frailty Syndrome in Biliary Tract Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Limpawattana, Panita; Wirasorn, Kosin; Sookprasert, Aumkhae; Sawanyawisuth, Kittisak; Titapun, Attapol; Luvira, Vor; Khuntikeo, Narong; Chindaprasirt, Jarin

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.5.1497

Frailty Syndrome in Biliary Tract Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine , Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

² Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

³ Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

⁴ Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.5.1497

Abstract

Background: Frailty, a risk of unfavorable outcomes from disability to adapt to stressors, is common in the elderly
but could occur in younger patients with cancer. This study focused on the prevalence of frailty in biliary tract cancer
(BTC) and associated factors. Methods: A total of 75 BTC patients receiving chemotherapy from January 2016 to
September 2017 were enrolled. Frailty was diagnosed by the FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and
Loss of weight) scale. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze factors associated with
frailty. Results: The prevalence rates of frailty and pre-frailty were 12% (9 cases) and 60% (45 cases). According to
multivariate logistic analysis, three factors were associated with frailty, including old age, high body mass index (BMI),
and history of liver surgery. The adjusted odds ratios of the factors were 1.12 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.24), 1.28 (95%CI: 1.01,
1.64), and 6.16 (95%CI: 1.11, 34.16), respectively. Conclusion: Frailty is not uncommon in BTC patients. Old age,
high BMI, and history of liver surgery are important risk factors for frailty.

Keywords

Main Subjects