Analysis of the multimorbidities network in the elderly in a reference center: a cross-section study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Elderly people have multiple diagnoses with similar patterns that can be analyzed by the theory of complex networks. Chronic disorders with repercussions on functional capacity tend to increase in number and severity in these individuals, requiring an integrated analysis to understand the relationship between aging and multimorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze patterns of interaction between diseases that affect elderly people in a reference center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data and diagnosed diseases were collected from 2973 medical records of elderly people registered at a reference center for elderly health care. Diseases were considered nodes in the network and the elderly were considered to be rough edges. The weight of the edges corresponded to the number of elderly people with two diseases simultaneously. Through the Gephi software (version 0.9.2), the degree of connectivity between diseases (degree of entry), the interaction of diseases in subgroups (Community), most influential diseases (Hubs), and diseases that act as bridges between two or more communities were analyzed. RESULTS: 30 nodes (diseases) and 433 edges with different weights were identified according to the number of elderly people, and 3 communities where the degree of connectivity is greater among themselves. Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) was the most influential hub in the network. CONCLUSION: The construction of the complex network mapped diseases and the influence on care for the elderly. Relevant information for local managers, in search of effective interventions in the service that aims to contribute to the prevention of the main comorbidities and assist in the functional independence of patients.