Vitamin E and Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Nursing Home Residents

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Abstract
Infections, particularly respiratory tract infections, are common in elderly individuals, resulting in decreased daily activity, prolonged recovery times, increased health care service use, and more frequent complications, including death.1-11 In the United States, an estimated 43% of elderly persons will be admitted to a nursing home, with more than 85% of them admitted to long-term (>1 year) care facilities.12 Infections occur more frequently in nursing home residents than among independent-living elderly,2-10,13 and respiratory tract infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.9,14,15 Contributing to the increased incidence of infection with age is the well-described decline in immune response.16 For example, those who have diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test responses have higher morbidity and mortality from cancer, pneumonia, and postoperative complications.17-19