Elderly coagulation risk in a globalized world: burden, biomarkers, and management in Africa - a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Hematology
• Public Health in Africa

Background:

• Global life expectancy increases, highlighting age-related health issues.
• Coagulation disorders are a major cause of illness and death in older adults.
• Africa faces a growing burden of coagulation abnormalities due to demographic and disease trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing coagulation disorders in elderly Africans.
• To assess the role and availability of key coagulation biomarkers in African healthcare settings.
• To explore the potential of emerging biomarkers for improved patient assessment.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on coagulation disorders in the elderly.
• Analysis of the impact of demographic shifts and disease prevalence in Africa.
• Evaluation of the utility and accessibility of standard coagulation tests (e.g., D-dimer, PT, aPTT, platelet indices).

Main Results:

• Coagulation disorders present a significant, under-recognized challenge in aging African populations.
• Standard diagnostic tools for coagulation disorders are inconsistently available and utilized in Africa.
• Limited resources and data impede effective risk stratification and timely intervention.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to improve the recognition and management of coagulation disorders in elderly Africans.
• Enhanced accessibility and utilization of diagnostic biomarkers are essential.
• Further research into emerging biomarkers may offer improved diagnostic capabilities.