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Significance of serum immune markers in identification of global functional impairment in the oldest old: cross-sectional results from the BELFRAIL study

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Abstract

The large burden and coexistence of physical disability, cognitive impairment, and depression in the oldest old makes summary markers of global functioning of great value, allowing for risk stratification. Inflammation may be a common underlying cause or represents a final common pathway. The present study investigated the association between elevated serum inflammatory markers and global functioning and its underlying aspects. A representative sample of 415 community-dwelling elderly subjects participating in the BELFRAIL study, with a mean age of 85 years, was included in the present analysis. Data on physical performance, dependence, and mental aspects of functioning and serum levels of 15 inflammatory proteins, including cytokines, chemokines, and acute-phase proteins, were assessed. Interleukin (IL)-6 was negatively associated with global functioning (odds ratio (OR) 4.35). The odds ratios for C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 2.37) and the combined score of IL-6 and CRP (OR 2.59) were lower or not significant. IL-6 was significantly associated with physical dependence and cognitive function, and only a highly elevated serum level was associated with physical performance. Physical dependence was associated with a highly elevated CRP serum level. The proportion of functionally impaired older persons with elevated IL-6 was 81.93 %, giving a low positive predictive value (0.38), but a high negative predictive value (0.87). So, IL-6 is strongly associated with global functioning and all of the individual aspects of functioning, except suspected depression, in community-dwelling persons 80 years and older.

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Acknowledgements

The BELFRAIL study (B40320084685) was supported by an unconditional grant from Fondation Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. Fondation Louvain is the support unit of Université Catholique de Louvain and is charged with developing the educational and research projects of the university by collecting gifts from corporations, foundations, and alumni.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Practice, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Wim Adriaensen, Catharina Matheï, Gijs van Pottelbergh & Jean-Marie Degryse

  2. Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, bte 3005, 1200, Brussels, Belgium

    Wim Adriaensen, Catharina Matheï, Gijs van Pottelbergh, Bert Vaes, Delphine Legrand & Jean-Marie Degryse

  3. Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium

    Pierre Wallemacq

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  1. Wim Adriaensen
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Correspondence to Wim Adriaensen.

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Adriaensen, W., Matheï, C., van Pottelbergh, G. et al. Significance of serum immune markers in identification of global functional impairment in the oldest old: cross-sectional results from the BELFRAIL study. AGE 36, 457–467 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-013-9558-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-013-9558-3

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