ArticleBMJ open2026
Association between infections and frailty: a systematic review protocol.
Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
introductionFrailty is a multidimensional syndrome of reduced physiological reserve and heightened vulnerability to stressors. Frailty is common among older adults and linked to adverse outcomes including disability, hospitalisation and death. Infections are common in older populations and remain a major cause of morbidity and death. Although it has been suggested that infections influence frailty development and progression (via inflammatory and functional mechanisms), evidence from longitudinal studies is inconsistent. Therefore, we aim to assess longitudinal associations between infections and frailty in adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic review of observational cohort and case-control studies examining associations between infections and frailty in adults. We will search MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health from 2001 to February 2026 without language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and subsequently assess full texts for eligibility. Data will be extracted using a standardised data extraction form. Risk of bias will be assessed using a customised domain-based tool based on the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) framework. We will initially narratively synthesise our findings. Where studies are sufficiently homogeneous, we will undertake random effects meta-analysis. We will assess the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for a systematic review. Results of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420261299590.
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Registered trials
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