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Anemia: an indicator for malnutrition in the elderly
C Mitrache1, J R Passweg, J Libura
1Division of Hematology, Basel University Hospital, Switzerland.
Annals of Hematology
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Anemia is common in older adults and often linked to malnutrition. This study found a significant association between anemia and malnutrition markers in hospitalized elderly patients, suggesting malnutrition
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Anemia prevalence increases with age and has multiple causes.
- Malnutrition is a suspected, yet often underdiagnosed, contributor to anemia in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of anemia.
- To analyze the association between anemia and nutritional status in hospitalized geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 186 hospitalized geriatric patients.
- Comparison of hematological and chemical blood tests between anemic and non-anemic patients.
- Definition of malnutrition, iron deficiency, and inflammation using multiparameter scores.
Main Results:
- 44% of patients had anemia on admission.
- Anemia significantly correlated with malnutrition parameters (P=0.0001).
- Anemia was independently associated with low serum albumin, cholinesterase, and transferrin saturation.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition plays a significant role in the etiology of anemia among the elderly.
- Nutritional assessment is crucial for managing anemia in geriatric populations.