Morphologic And Cytometric Evaluation of Anemia In Geriatric Patients

Shruti S. Desale; Smita P.Bhide; Sneha R. Joshi

Volume : VII, Issue : X, October - 2018

Morphologic And Cytometric Evaluation of Anemia In Geriatric Patients

Shruti S. Desale, Smita P. Bhide, Sneha R. Joshi

Abstract :

Background:

The UN agreed cut off to refer to older patients (i.e. geriatric age group) is 60+ years.Due to the rising tendency of the aging population in a modern society, the prevalence of anemia is also expected to rise in the future.Geriatric anemia is a unique anemia for several reasons. Its diagnosis poses a challenge. This is because there are several features of anemia which make it easy to overlook.

Objective:

To study types of anemia depending upon red cell morphology and red cell indicesin geriatric patients.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was carried in department of pathology of the rural tertiary care

hospital. All the geriatric patients coming to outpatient as well as in patient department of

the hospital with anemia satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the

study. This study was conducted from October 2015 to August 2017.

Results :

Out of 690 total geriatric patients, 414 anemic patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study. Out of total 414 patients, 220 (67.4 %) were male and 194 (73.7%) were female patients. Majority of the patients were in 60–65 year age group, in both sexes.In present study, normocytic normochromic was the most common morphological

pattern of anemia found on PBS and anemia of chronic disease was the most common

cause of geriatric anemia, followed by nutritional deficiency.

Conclusion :

Despite modern diagnostic methods, geriatric anemia still remains underreported and inadequately investigated. There is clearly a need for greater awareness of anemia in the elderly and of its significance in terms of poorer outcomes, prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality.

The present study underlines the importance of routine screening and individual assessment of the etiological factors of anemia in elderly allowing the timely initiation of optimal and appropriate therapy.