Outcomes of severe sepsis in very elderly (age >80 years) patients with metastatic cancer.

9558 Background: With better treatment and prolonged life expectancy of cancer patients, more elderly patients with metastatic cancer are being treated aggressively for sepsis. There has been philosophical debate about how aggressive the treatment should be for very elderly patients with metastatic disease admitted to intensive care unit with severe sepsis. The data with regards to the outcome of severe sepsis in those above 80 years with metastatic disease is very limited. Methods: Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project - Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2007-2008, patients older than 80 years, discharged with severe sepsis were identified using ICD-9-CM codes. Those with metastatic disease were identified using ICD-9-CM codes 196-199. The outcomes studied were mortality and discharge disposition. We also examined the rates of invasive mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, use of central venous catheter, tracheostomy and dialysis. The outcomes were compared to those who did not have cancer. Ch...