Clinical Evaluation of Anemia in Elderly Patients- A Hospital based Observational Study

Abstract

Anemia is a common concern in geriatric age group (more than 60 years of age) and can lead to more severe complications than anemia in younger adults. WHO criteria determine anemia when the hemoglobin level is < 13g/dl in male and < 12 g/dl in female, respectively. This decrease in oxygen carrying capacity is a common problem in older people and can have significant morbidity and mortality. Because anemia is a sign, not a diagnosis, a complete evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile, the characteristics of different hematological types and the etiological profile of anemia in elderly patients, which in turn can lead to early detection of such patients, their early treatment, which would improve the overall outcome & quality of life. A Hospital based observational study was conducted in which 110 PATIENTS above the age of 60 years with anemia were included. Clinical profile with laboratory studies and diagnostic tests to fix the etiology were studied. Majority of these patients had normocytic blood picture of anemia even though iron deficiency anemia was the commonest cause among them.