Impairment of polymorphonuclear functions in hospitalized geriatric patients.

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) functions were assessed in 93 non-selected hospitalized patients, 32 active, healthy, elderly controls and 29 young controls. The results confirm the impairment of PMN functions in the aged. However, PMN functions in hospitalized older persons are similar to those in non-institutionalized controls, and underlying diseases and treatment do not seem to aggravate the PMN impairment. Thus, it can be assumed that the frequent and severe infections afflicting the hospitalized aged are due to the alteration of the other host-defense mechanisms.