Recognition Of Serious Infections in the Elderly (ROSIE)

This research project focuses on the accuracy and added value of new diagnostic tools for ambulatory care, in particular for diagnosing rare but serious infections in elderly (≥65 years). Early recognition and consequent management can improve the patient’s prognosis. Currently there are no validated clinical prediction rules to exclude serious infections in older adults. New point-of-care tests such as CRP, lactate or procalcitonin, could strengthen the diagnostic assessment.

The aim of the PhD project is to develop a clinical prediction rule, which can be used in ambulatory care, combining clinical features and technological tests. The project will start with a systematic review of all available evidence on clinical features and blood/urine tests. Based on the findings of the review, a selection of features and tests will be included in a large prospective study. A clinical prediction rule will be developed and internally validated using multivariate analyses techniques.