[Benign and malignant hemopathies in elderly patients].

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Geriatrics
• Internal Medicine

Context:

• Study included 108 patients aged over 75 admitted to an internal diseases ward over five years.
• Focus on blood diseases (hemopathies) in the elderly population.
• Analysis of both benign and malignant hemopathies.

Purpose:

• To investigate the characteristics and survival rates of elderly patients with blood diseases.
• To compare outcomes for benign versus malignant hemopathies in this age group.
• To identify demographic differences in hemopathy prevalence.

Summary:

• 62 patients had benign blood diseases, more common in women.
• Malignant hemopathies were more frequent in men (2.83:1 ratio).
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (35 patients) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (10.8%) were the most common malignant types; other leukemias were rare.
• Elderly patients with benign hemopathies had shortened survival due to polymorbidity.
• Survival for elderly patients with malignant hemopathies was comparable to younger age groups.

Impact:

• Highlights the significant impact of polymorbidity on benign hemopathy outcomes in the elderly.
• Suggests that age may not be a primary prognostic factor for malignant hemopathies.
• Provides insights into the specific types and prevalence of blood disorders in geriatric internal medicine patients.