Hematologic disorders in the elderly

Management of hematologic disorders in older patients must often be weighed in a setting of decreased physiological reserves and concurrent illnesses. Anemia in the elderly should never be attributed to old age. Even a mild anemia in collusion with multiple physical and mental problems may tip the balance for those previously able to cope with their disabilities. Iron deficiency anemia and the anemia of chronic disease are the most common types of anemia in the elderly. Nutritional anemias due to folate or vitamin B(12) deficiency are treatable and should not be overlooked. Newer chemotherapy regimens for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia have been effective in many older patients. Decisions to treat are sometimes difficult, often depending on the aggregate of coexistent physical and mental disorders. The most prevalent type of leukemia in the elderly is chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A benign asymptomatic course requires no therapy, but aggressive disease requires treatment. Multiple myeloma should be suspected in an elderly person who has both unexplained anemia and bone pain. After definitive diagnosis, phlebotomy therapy should be considered for both polycythemia vera and secondary erythrocytosis to reduce blood viscosity and increase cerebral blood flow.