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New hematological indices in the healthy elderly
L Ruocco1, L Del Corso, A M Romanelli
1Laboratory Analysis, Cisanello Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Minerva Medica
|April 27, 2001
Summary
New hematological indices, including red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV), show distinct values in healthy elderly individuals compared to younger adults. These findings help establish reference ranges for geriatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Hematological analyzers now provide novel erythrocyte and platelet indices.
- Previous research has not extensively explored these new parameters in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate new hematological parameters in healthy elderly individuals.
- To establish normal reference values for these indices in the geriatric population.
- To compare these values with manufacturer-provided ranges.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 60 healthy elderly individuals (≥65 years) and 66 healthy young adults.
- Measurement of common and new hematological parameters using Bayer H.1 technology.
- New parameters included RDW, HDW, MPV, PDW, and Pct.
Main Results:
- New indices demonstrated narrower confidence intervals than manufacturer ranges.
- Significant differences observed in males: young adults had higher RBC, Platelet count, and MPV than the elderly.
- Elderly males showed higher MCV, MCH, and PDW compared to young adults.
Conclusions:
- Established reference ranges for common hematological parameters in the elderly exist, but new indices lack discussion.
- The study contributes to defining laboratory reference limits for novel hematological values in healthy older adults.