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Related Experiment Videos

Laboratory tests in the elderly. What is abnormal?

E L Coodley1

  • 1Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822.

Postgraduate Medicine
|January 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Most laboratory values in healthy seniors are normal. Significantly abnormal results may indicate disease, while minor changes like increased alkaline phosphatase are expected with aging.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Comparing studies on the elderly is challenging due to variability.
  • Establishing normative laboratory values for healthy aging populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine typical laboratory values in healthy, ambulatory individuals aged 65 and older.
  • To differentiate age-related changes from potential disease indicators in geriatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted one of the largest studies on healthy, ambulatory individuals aged 65+.
  • Analyzed a comprehensive panel of laboratory tests.

Main Results:

  • Most laboratory values in the elderly fall within the normal range.

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  • Specific age-related changes observed include increased alkaline phosphatase, decreased serum phosphorus, decreased creatinine clearance without elevated serum creatinine, and increased postprandial glucose.
  • Abnormalities in tests for glucose, calcium, and serum lipids were noted in a small percentage of individuals.
  • Vitamin deficiencies and low serum albumin are more indicative of malnutrition than aging itself.

    • Conclusions:

    • Most laboratory tests in healthy elderly individuals yield normal results.
    • Abnormal findings warrant investigation for underlying pathology.
    • Certain physiological changes are normal aspects of aging and should not be misconstrued as disease.