Single-center experience with hemoptysis in geriatric patients

BACKGROUND: Hemoptysis is a serious clinical condition, particularly in geriatric patients, due to age-related physiological changes and multiple comorbidities. This study aims to evaluate the etiologies, interventional management strategies, and outcomes of hemoptysis in patients aged 65 years and older. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective observational study analyzed 1383 geriatric patients who presented with hemoptysis between 2012 and 2022. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, bleeding severity, biochemical parameters, and interventional procedures including fiberoptic bronchoscopy, rigid bronchoscopy, and bronchial artery embolization were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 72.66 ± 6.04 years, and 76.9% were male. Lung cancer was identified as the most common cause of hemoptysis. Minimal bleeding was the most frequent presentation (49.5%). No statistically significant relationship was found between age, bleeding volume, or mortality. Interventional procedures were performed at similar rates across all age groups, and the success and safety of bronchoscopic and embolization interventions were comparable to those reported in younger populations. Biochemical parameters showed no correlation with bleeding severity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Age alone is not a determinant of hemoptysis severity or mortality. Interventional pulmonary procedures are safe and effective in geriatric patients. Biochemical parameters do not predict hemoptysis outcomes. These findings support an individualized, evidence-based approach to hemoptysis management in elderly patients.