Frailty Syndrome in Biliary Tract Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Frailty, a risk of unfavorable outcomes from disability to adapt to stressors, is common in the elderly<br />but could occur in younger patients with cancer. This study focused on the prevalence of frailty in biliary tract cancer<br />(BTC) and associated factors. Methods: A total of 75 BTC patients receiving chemotherapy from January 2016 to<br />September 2017 were enrolled. Frailty was diagnosed by the FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and<br />Loss of weight) scale. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze factors associated with<br />frailty. Results: The prevalence rates of frailty and pre-frailty were 12% (9 cases) and 60% (45 cases). According to<br />multivariate logistic analysis, three factors were associated with frailty, including old age, high body mass index (BMI),<br />and history of liver surgery. The adjusted odds ratios of the factors were 1.12 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.24), 1.28 (95%CI: 1.01,<br />1.64), and 6.16 (95%CI: 1.11, 34.16), respectively. Conclusion: Frailty is not uncommon in BTC patients. Old age,<br />high BMI, and history of liver surgery are important risk factors for frailty.