Prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiency in elderly.
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Date
2014-01
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Abstract
Background: Untreated geriatric anemia is important to diagnose early as it is
associated with greater morbidity and mortality in comparison to the anemia
in younger adults.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence, patterns of anaemia, and to assess
haemopoietic nutrient status of geriatric population attending a hospital.
Material and methods: 2540 subjects aged 60 years and above, attending our
geriatric clinic were screened for presence of anemia. 100 anemic subjects were
randomly selected for further characterization. Tests carried out were, pattern
of anemia, full blood count, serum ferritin and stool for occult blood. Vitamin
B12, folate and other additional investigations were carried out in selected
patients as per study protocol. Main outcome measure: Prevalence, pattern
and underlying etiologies of anemia.
Results: The prevalence of anemia was 71%. Normocytic blood picture was
most common. Eleven cases had absolute iron deficiency. 5 and 2 cases had
low vitamin B12 and folate levels respectively. Nine out of 11 (82%) patients
with depleted iron stores had positive stool occult blood.
Conclusions: Screening for anemia is important in all geriatric patients seeking
medical care, irrespective of the presenting illness. Also a dedicated search for
micronutrient deficiency and stool occult blood should be a routine component
of the etiological work up of anemic elderly.
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Vitamin B12, ferritin, folate, anemia, elderly
Citation
Kaur H, Piplani S, Madan M, Paul M, Rao SG. Prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiency in elderly. International Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2014 Jan; 3(1): 296-302.