[Reference values in the diagnosis of anemia in the elderly]

To analyze the usefulness of some reference values for erythropoiesis in the elderly. Methods. A total of 226 individuals older than 65 years (139 females and 87 males) were studied with measurements of hemoglobin (Hb), corpuscular indexes, red blood cell distribution index, serum iron level, ferritin and creatinine. Plasma erythropoietin (EPO) was determined in 72 cases. Values were grouped according to age, younger (126) and older than 76 years (100), and sex.

Hb was lower in males older than 76 years than in individuals younger than 76 years but this differences was not observed among women. Serum iron level was low in 13.3% of individuals. Creatinine was higher among males than among women and higher among males younger than 76 years than in males older than 76 years. EPO was higher among the elderly patients than in young adults (p < 0.001), keeping no relationship with age.

With the exception of EPO, the usual reference values for erythropoiesis in the adults can be used for the elderly patients. Despite differences in EPO compared with adults, the quantitation of this finding is useless for the diagnosis of anemia in the elderly.