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A Cross-Sectional Study of Hematological Parameters in the Geriatric Population Using Peripheral Smear Examination
Bhavinee Pathak1, Sabiha Maimoon1
1Pathology, NKP (Narendra Kumar Prasadrao) Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, IND.
Insights
Hematological parameters in the elderly are often abnormal, correlating with common conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These findings can serve as risk indicators for geriatric health.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Healthy aging presents challenges, with older adults experiencing higher disease prevalence, particularly diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HTN), and cardiovascular illnesses.
- Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear analysis are crucial for assessing overall health and detecting various diseases in the elderly.
- Investigating hematological parameters in the geriatric population is vital for understanding age-related health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hematological parameters in the elderly population.
- To correlate CBC findings with common chronic ailments in seniors.
- To utilize advanced hematology analyzers and peripheral smear tests for comprehensive geriatric health assessment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 188 patients aged 60 and above.
- Data collected over two years from an outpatient department at a tertiary care institute.
- Routine complete blood count and differential count analyzed using the Siemens Advia 2120 analyzer, with statistical analysis performed.
Main Results:
- Hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and generalized weakness were the most common conditions observed.
- Decreased hemoglobin (Hb) showed a positive correlation with generalized weakness.
- Elevated total leukocyte count (TLC) was more prevalent in patients with CVD and HTN.
- Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) percentage was noted in elderly individuals with diabetes mellitus and CVD.
Conclusions:
- Significant deviations from normal hematological parameters were observed in the elderly population.
- These abnormal hematological parameters are associated with various prevalent health issues in seniors.
- Parametric associations identified can serve as valuable risk indicators for healthcare professionals to ensure geriatric health.
Background:
"Healthy aging" is a major public health challenge, as the prevalence and incidence of diseases are much higher in older people. Among them, diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HTN), and cardiovascular illnesses are the most prevalent chronic ailments. A complete blood count test can give an overall picture of a patient's health status because abnormal counts might indicate the presence of many different types of disease. Using advanced hematology analyzers, a typical microscopic examination of a peripheral blood smear can yield vital information about the clinical state of the patient. The objective of the study was to investigate the hematological parameters in the elderly population in a tertiary care hospital, utilizing a five-part cell counter and a peripheral smear test.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care institute on 188 patients aged 60 years and above attending the outpatient department for two years. The routine complete blood count and differential count were determined on the Siemens Advia 2120 analyzer. All the data were collected and entered into the data sheets. Appropriate statistical analysis was carried out to interpret the results.
Results:
HTN, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and generalized weakness were the most common conditions affecting our senior group. Decreased Hb was positively correlated with widespread weakness. Total leukocyte count (TLC) was found to be more prevalent in people with CVD and HTN. A sizable share of the elderly population who had diabetes mellitus and CVD showed an elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) percentage.
Conclusion:
The results indicated a significant deviation from normal hematological parameters, which were associated with various health issues. These parametric associations can be used as risk indicators, which can help healthcare professionals ensure the good health of the geriatric population.
