Characteristics of Elderly Patients with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome: A Retrospective Study Conducted in Shaanxi Province, China

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Chinese elderly patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The clinical data of hospitalized patients diagnosed with HFRS from 2011 to 2022 were extracted from the inpatient record system of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. A comparative analysis was conducted between young and elderly individuals regarding the male-to-female ratio, disease classification, clinical laboratory indices, and prognosis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among the patients diagnosed with HFRS, the elderly population accounted for 14.86%, comprising 199 males and 86 females. The proportion of severe-type cases among elderly patients was 25.96%, while the proportion of critical cases was 32.63%. Critically, the proportion of critical-type cases in this age group was significantly higher compared to individuals aged 20-60 years. Comparing the clinical indices of elderly patients with HFRS with different clinical outcomes, our findings revealed deceased cases exhibited significantly higher body temperature, hemoglobin (HGB) levels, and white blood cell (WBC) counts compared to surviving patients. Conversely, albumin (ALB) levels, fibrinogen (FIB) levels, and platelet counts were significantly lower in deceased patients than in surviving patients. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The incidence of HFRS in the elderly presents a higher proportion of severe-type and critical-type cases and a greater mortality rate compared to younger individuals. Elevated body temperature, HGB levels, and WBC counts, and lower ALB and FIB levels suggest a poorer prognosis.