Issue of Anaemia in the Geriatric Patients: A Review on Haematological evaluation in Clinics

Abstract

Anemia in the elderly (defined as people aged > 65 years) is common and increasing as the population ages. In older patients, anemia of any degree contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality and has a significant effect on the quality of life. Despite its clinical importance, anemia in the elderly is under-recognized and evidence-based guidelines on its management are lacking. Nonetheless, based on the WHO definition, studies have estimated that, in people over 65 years, the prevalence of anemia is 12% in those living in the community, 40% in those admitted to the hospital, and as high as 47% in nursing home residents. Commonly identified when the elderly are scheduled for elective surgical procedures. Anemia is a common condition in surgical patients and is independently associated with increased perioperative mortality. What constitutes appropriate evaluation and management for an elderly patient with anemia, and when to initiate a referral to a hematologist, are significant issues. In the present review we have collected the perspective on the different aspects of evaluation anaemia in the elderly patients and comment on the therapeutic management.