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Published on: September 30, 2020
Effect of anemia and comorbidity on functional status and mortality in old age: results from the Leiden 85-plus Study
Wendy P J den Elzen1, Jorien M Willems, Rudi G J Westendorp
1Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. w.p.j.den_elzen@lumc.nl
Background:
There is limited insight into the attributable effect of anemia and comorbidity on functional status and mortality in old age.
Methods:
The Leiden 85-plus Study is a population-based prospective follow-up study of 562 people aged 85 years. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. We measured 3 parameters of functional status at baseline and annually thereafter for 5 years: disability in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function and the presence of depressive symptoms. We obtained mortality data from the municipal registry.
Results:
The prevalence of anemia at baseline was 26.7% (150/562). Participants who had anemia at baseline had more disability in activities of daily living, worse cognitive function and more depressive symptoms than participants without anemia at baseline (p
Interpretation:
Anemia in very elderly people appears to be associated with an increased risk of death, independent of comorbidity. However, the associated functional decline appears to be attributed mainly to comorbidity.
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