Clinical and Aetiological Profile of Anaemia in Geriatric Patients: A hospital Based Study in Assam, India
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 8
Abstract
Abstract: Anaemia is an extremely common problem in geriatric age group and its prevalence increases with age. In various studies, the prevalence is reported as 10 to 44% of elderly population. The aetiology of anaemia in elderly is often multifactorial, with multiple factors contributing to the problem in an individual patient. It is most often overlooked since symptoms like easy fatiguability, weakness or shortness of breath may be attributed to the aging process itself. Untreated anemia has found to be associated with decreased function and increased mortality. Hence, anaemia in elderly should not be accepted as a consequence of aging. Under this backdrop, the present study was undertaken to know the clinical and aetiological profile of anemia in the elderly population.The present study was carried out in the department of Medicine, F.A.A. Medical College and hospital,Barpeta, Assam. F.A.A Medical College hospital is a tertiary care hospital, located in rural Assam. A total number of 100 geriatric patients with anaemia admitted in Medicine ward over a period of one year were included in this study. This was a retrospective study. We collected the bed head tickets and investigation reports (medical record files) of all geriatric patients from medical record department of the hospital. Next, all these medical record files were evaluated thoroughly and relevant data were collected. Collected data were analyzed and interpreted accordingly. The present study retrospectively analyzed data of 100 geriatric patients with anaemia in a tertiary care hospital of Assam, India. Out of 100 cases, majority 58 % patients belonged to 65 years to < 75 years of age. Male patients were 59 % and female were 41 %. Again, majority of patients (62%) had moderate anaemia (6-9gm %) followed by mild anaemia (21%) and remaining 17% had severe anaemia. Further, it was observed that 58% geriatric patients had normocytic anaemia followed by microcytic anaemia (38%) and only 4% of patients had macrocytic anaemia. The most common causes of anaemia were anaemia of chronic disease (29%), followed by iron deficiency anaemia (28%), GIT blood loss (7%) and chronic kidney diseases (6%). Haematological malignancy was seen in 4% and deficiency anaemia (B12 & folate deficiency) was responsible for 4% of anaemias in elderly. Hypothyroidism and aplastic anaemia were rare causes of anaemia. Unexplained anaemia was noted in 16% of elderly patients. The present study summarises the clinical profile, characteristics and the aetiological profile of anaemia in elderly. Anaemia in elderly is most often overlooked since nonspecific symptoms like easy fatiguability, weakness or shortness of breath may be attributed to the aging process itself. Untreated anemia has substantial negative impact on both function and quality of life. Hence, anaemia in elderly should not be accepted as a consequence of aging. We should evaluate and investigate thoroughly to find out the cause of anaemia and treat them accordingly as per the need. Thus, we could improve the quality of life and bring down the morbidity and mortality related with anaemia in elderly. Keywords:Anaemia, Geriatric, Easy fatiguability, aetiology, Anaemia of chronic disease, Iron deficiency, unexplained anaemia, mortality.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Anuradha Deuri
Keywords
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