Predictive Value of Frailty Scores and Admission Laboratory Markers for Postoperative ICU Mortality

Predictive Value of the Clinical Frailty Scale, Katz ADL, and Admission Laboratory Markers for Postoperative ICU Mortality in Geriatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and admission laboratory markers for postoperative mortality among geriatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. Frailty assessment and functional status are increasingly recognized as determinants of outcomes in older adults, yet their combined predictive power with routine laboratory parameters at ICU admission remains unclear. By systematically collecting clinical scores and laboratory data at the time of ICU admission, this study seeks to identify early predictors of mortality and support risk-stratification in geriatric postoperative patients.

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and admission laboratory markers for postoperative ICU mortality in geriatric patients. Frailty and functional dependency are known to influence postoperative outcomes; however, their combined role alongside early biochemical indicators at the time of ICU admission has not been well defined in this population.

In this study, patients aged 65 years and older who are admitted to the intensive care unit following surgery will be assessed using the CFS and Katz ADL scores within the first hours of ICU admission. Laboratory data obtained at the time of admission-including complete blood count, renal and hepatic panels, electrolytes, markers of inflammation, and arterial blood gas parameters-will be recorded. Patients will subsequently be followed throughout their ICU stay to document clinical course and outcomes, with ICU mortality designated as the primary endpoint.

The goal of this research is to identify which frailty indicators and laboratory markers are independently associated with mortality, and to explore whether combining functional status scores with early laboratory abnormalities improves risk stratification in geriatric postoperative ICU patients. The findings may support the development of simple, bedside-applicable tools for early mortality prediction and clinical decision-making in this high-risk population.

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals aged 65 years and older Undergoing elective or emergency surgery Monitored in the intensive care unit for at least 24 hours after surgery Provision of informed consent by the patient or the legal representative

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with incomplete or unavailable data sets ICU stays shorter than 24 hours Patients admitted for organ transplantation or those in the terminal stage receiving palliative care