Anemia in elderly patients: New insight into an old disorder. Issue 3 (17th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrès, Emmanuel; Serraj, Khalid; Federici, Laure; Vogel, Thomas; Kaltenbach, Georges
• Is Part Of: Geriatrics and gerontology international. Volume 13:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 519
• Page End: 527
• Publication Date: 2012-12-17
• Subjects: Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Japan -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Japan -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-1586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Anemia is an important healthcare concern among the elderly. In these patients, the anemia is often mild, with a hemoglobin level &gt;10 g/dL. It is usually well tolerated, but might be responsible for several proteiform and/or atypical presenting complaints. In the elderly, anemia is usually of multifactorial origin, including chronic inflammation, chronic kidney disease, nutrient deficiencies and iron deficiency (approximately two‐thirds of all cases). The remaining cases are unexplained (unknown etiology). In the elderly, the classic diagnosis of anemia, which is based on the mean corpuscular volume associated with a low hemoglobin level, might not be accurate. A predefined standardized diagnostic procedure should be followed. In the common case of frail elderly patients, all investigations should be carefully considered and invasive examinations undertaken where justified (risk–benefit balance). Nevertheless, most cases of anemia require further investigation and the underlying cause should be identified and treated whenever possible. <bold>Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 519–527.</bold></p> </abstract>