Complications Following Colonoscopy More Likely in Older Adults

A study in JAMA Network Open found that older adults are more likely to have complications after their first colonoscopy, and tend to suffer from other, underlying chronic health conditions, reports United Press International . The researchers reviewed data from more than 38,000 people who had colonoscopies between 2008 and 2017. Slightly more than 73 percent underwent their first colonoscopies, and 3.4 percent experienced complications within 30 days of their colonoscopy. That number rose to 6.8 percent among adults 75 and older. Anemic subjects were 40 percent more likely to have post-colonoscopy complications, while those with high blood pressure were 20 percent more likely. Moreover, subjects with an irregular heartbeat were 70 percent more likely to experience complications, and those with chronic kidney disease were 80 percent more likely. In addition, people with congestive heart failure and a history of smoking were more than three times more likely to have colonoscopy complications. Those with liver disease or obesity were nearly five times and more than twice as likely to suffer complications, respectively.