Published in:
01-08-2015 | IM - ORIGINAL
Anemia in elderly hospitalized patients: prevalence and clinical impact
Authors:
Margherita Migone De Amicis, Erika Poggiali, Irene Motta, Francesca Minonzio, Giovanna Fabio, Cinzia Hu, Maria Domenica Cappellini
Published in:
Internal and Emergency Medicine
|
Issue 5/2015
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Abstract
Anemia is a common finding in elderly individuals. Several studies have
shown a strong relationship between anemia, morbidity and mortality, suggesting
anemia as a significant independent predictor of adverse outcome in elderly
hospitalized patients. The pathophisiology of anemia in the elderly is not yet completely
understood. Several mechanisms are involved. We
investigated the prevalence of anemia in a cohort of 193 elderly patients admitted to
the Internal Medicine Ward of Ca'Granda Policlinico Hospital along 6 months, and its
relationship to comorbidities and to the length of hospitalization. Anemia was classified
according to the WHO criteria. The majority of patients (48 %) had a mildmoderate,
normocytic anemia; severe anemia was found in 8 out of 92 anemic
patients. In a subgroup of patients erythropoietin was tested and resulted statistically
higher if compared to non-anemic controls (p = 0.003). Considering the most common
cause of anemia, nutritional deficiency, chronic renal disease and anemia of chronic
disease were found respectively in 36, 15 and 25 % of cases. Unexplained anemia
was diagnosed in 24 % of patients, according to the literature. Anemia was
independently associated with increased length of hospital stay. Our study
confirmed a high prevalence of anemia in elderly patients, and its association with a
higher number of comorbidities and a longer stay. A correct clinical approach to
anemia in elderly hospitalized patients is essential, considering its negative impact on
patients' quality of life, and its social burden in term of healthcare needs and costs.