['to determine the contribution of the two acute phase proteins alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and C-reactive protein to the prediction of overall mortality in hospitalised elderly patients.', 'prospective cohort study.', 'a department of geriatric medicine of Charles Richet Hospital, in the Paris-Ile de France area.', '433 consecutive patients (mean age 84+/-7 years) admitted for rehabilitation in a department of geriatric medicine.', 'clinical and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline. Follow-up ended at hospital discharge or death. Prognostic factors of survival were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression model.', 'compared with the survivor group, the mean serum levels of both C-reactive protein and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein at baseline were higher in the deceased group (44+/-51 mg/l versus 22+/-34 mg/l and 1691+/-69 mg/l versus 1340+/-456 mg/l respectively; P<0.001 for each). Baseline levels of albumin and prealbumin were significantly lower in patients who died than in patients who survived. In multivariate analysis, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (but not C-reactive protein), previous stroke, previous heart failure, and age emerged as the only parameters significantly and independently related to overall mortality.'] Is alpha 1-acid glycoprotein an independent predictor of in-hospital death in the elderly?