The 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index is a Concise and Effective Predictor of 30-Day Adverse Outcomes in Carotid Endarterectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Frailty is a clinically identifiable condition characterized by heightened vulnerability. The 5-item Modified Frailty Index provides a concise calculation of frailty that has proven effective in predicting adverse perioperative outcomes across a variety of surgical disciplines. However, there is a paucity of research examining the validity of 11-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study aimed to investigate the association between mFI-5 and 30-day outcomes of CEA.

Methods: Patients underwent CEA were identified from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted database from 2012 to 2021. Patients with age<18 were excluded. Patients were stratified into four cohorts based on their mFI-5 scores: 0, 1, 2, or 3+. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare 30-day perioperative outcomes adjusting for preoperative variables with P value<0.1.

Results: Compared to controls (mFI-5 = 0), patients mFI-5 = 1 had higher risk of stroke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.333, P = 0.02), unplanned operation (aOR = 1.38, P < 0.01), and length of stay (LOS) > 7 days (aOR = 0.814, P < 0.01). Patients with mFI-5 = 2 had higher stroke (aOR = 1.719, P < 0.01), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (aOR = 1.315, P = 0.01), sepsis (aOR = 2.243, P = 0.01), discharge not to home (aOR = 1.200, P < 0.01), 30-day readmission (aOR = 1.405, P < 0.01). Compared with controls, patients with mFI-5≥3 had higher mortality (aOR = 1.997 P = 0.02), MACE (aOR = 1.445, P = 0.03), cardiac complications (aOR = 1.901, P < 0.01), pulmonary events (aOR = 2.196, P < 0.01), sepsis (aOR = 3.65, P < 0.01), restenosis (aOR = 2.606, P = 0.02), unplanned operation (aOR = 1.69, P < 0.01), LOS>7 days (aOR = 1.425, P < 0.01), discharge not to home (aOR = 2.127, P < 0.01), and 30-day readmission (aOR = 2.427, P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The mFI-5 is associated with 30-day mortality and complications including stroke, MACE, cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, sepsis, and restenosis. Additionally, elevated mFI-5 scores correlate with an increased likelihood of unplanned operations, extended LOS, discharge to facilities other than home, and 30-day readmissions, all of which could negatively impact long-term prognosis. Therefore, mFI-5 can serve as a concise yet effective metric of frailty in patients undergoing CEA.

Keywords: ACS-NSQIP; Carotid endarterectomy; Frailty; Stroke; mFI-5.