Related Experiment Videos
Gastro-intestinal bleeding--a major cause of iron deficiency in the elderly
Insights
Iron deficiency anemia affects 3.5% of geriatric patients. Investigations revealed gastro-intestinal lesions in most cases, highlighting the need for thorough gastro-enterological assessment in elderly individuals with low hemoglobin.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition in the elderly.
- Prevalence and causes in hospitalized geriatric patients require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in elderly patients admitted to a geriatric unit.
- To investigate the underlying gastro-intestinal causes of iron deficiency in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 511 patients admitted to a Geriatric Unit over one year.
- Hemoglobin levels were assessed to identify iron deficiency (≤10 g/dl).
- Gastro-intestinal investigations were performed on patients with confirmed iron deficiency.
Main Results:
- 18 patients (3.5%) presented with iron deficiency anemia.
- Gastro-intestinal lesions were identified in all 15 investigated patients.
- Specific therapies were initiated in 10 patients, including surgery for colonic cancer in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency is a significant finding in geriatric admissions.
- Comprehensive gastro-enterological investigation is crucial for diagnosing underlying pathologies in elderly patients with iron deficiency.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Iron deficiency of 10 g/dl haemoglobin or less was found in 18 (3.5%) of 511 patients admitted in one year to the Middlesex Hospital Geriatric Unit. Three patients were frail and not investigated. Gastro-intestinal lesions were demonstrated in all remaining 15 patients and specific therapy was instituted in 10 cases. Surgery was performed for colonic cancer at a resectable stage (Dukes B) in two cases. Patients with iron deficiency require adequate gastro-enterological investigation.