Validation study of Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting mortality in Chinese older adults

Aim The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is commonly studied for predicting mortality, but there is no validation study of it in Chinese older adults. The objective of the present study was to validate the use of CCI in Chinese older adults for predicting mortality. Method We carried out a retrospective cohort study from 2004 to 2013 for patients discharged from a geriatric day hospital in Hong Kong. Comorbidity was quantified using CCI, and patients were divided into six groups according to their score of CCI: CCI‐0, CCI‐1, CCI‐2, CCI‐3, CCI‐4 and CCI ≥ 5. Other data collected included demographics, and functional, nutritional, cognitive and social assessment. The outcome measure was 1‐year mortality. Results At 1‐year follow up, 3.8% (n = 17), 5.9% (n = 37), 9.2% (n = 35), 12.9% (n = 20), 16.9% (n = 23) and 19.3% (n = 60) of CCI‐0, CCI‐1, CCI‐2, CCI‐3, CCI‐4 and CCI ≥ 5 died, respectively (P