Aging, Geriatric Syndromes and Clonal Hematopoiesis

Aging, Geriatric Syndromes and Clonal Hematopoiesis

In this study the investigators will incorporate a wide range of clinical variables associated with aging and cardiovascular disease to determine whether they are associated with mutation status independent of chronologic age. Clinically, aging can be operationalized using geriatric assessment, which entails a comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment of the health of an older adult, including measures of comorbidity, polypharmacy, functional status, cognition, depression, falls, social activities and social support. Given that aging is heterogeneous, geriatric assessment allows greater specificity for aging than chronological age alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 50 years of age.
• Able to understand written and spoken English.
• Able to understand and willing to sign an IRB-approved written informed consent document (or that of a legally authorized representative, if applicable for the trauma cohort)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability or unwillingness to complete health questionnaire (with the exception of hip and knee replacement participants).

• History of a recent (<30 days) acute viral illness.

• Current cancer diagnosis and currently receiving chemotherapy or undergoing radiation therapy. A prior history of cancer is allowed if the participant completed therapy > 1 year prior to enrollment; participants with a prior diagnosis of cancer will be asked to sign a release of information for the research team to obtain records regarding their prior cancer treatment.

• Current use of drugs that cause DNA damage (e.g. Cytoxan, azathioprine, etc.) for the treatment of a non-malignant disease.

• Vulnerable populations (e.g. prisoners).

• Known infection with Hepatitis B or C, HTLV, or HIV.

• Additional exclusion for optional bone marrow aspirate/biopsy substudy:

  • Use of medications for anticoagulation or "blood thinning" including warfarin, low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, daltaparin) or direct-acting oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban or betrixaban)
  • allergy to lidocaine or other local anesthetics.