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Kwong WJ, Wang K, Wang P, Boccia R. Effect of Ferric Carboxymaltose Versus Low-Dose Intravenous Iron Therapy and Iron Sucrose on the Total Cost of Care in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia: A US Claims Database Analysis. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2024; 11:251-261. [PMID: 38502304 PMCID: PMC11176131 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-024-00418-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. We compared the effect of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), low-dose intravenous (IV) iron (LDI), and iron sucrose on total cost of care in patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) from a US health plan perspective. METHODS We conducted a retrospective claims analysis using the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database. Patients with index (first) claims of FCM and LDI and a medical claim associated with IDA between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 were included. Monthly total healthcare and inpatient and outpatient costs after receiving index IV iron for patients in the treatment cohorts were compared using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log-link. RESULTS The overall study cohort included 37,655 FCM, 44,237 LDI, and 27,461 iron sucrose patients. Mean per-patient-per-month numbers of IV iron infusions for FCM, LDI, and iron sucrose were 0.20, 0.34, and 0.37, respectively. Compared with baseline, the FCM group had greater reductions in the number of hospital admissions and smaller increases in the number of outpatient visits in the 12 months post-IV iron therapy than LDI and iron sucrose, translating to significantly lower total healthcare cost (post-index adjusted cost ratio for total cost: 0.96 and 0.92, respectively; both P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Higher drug acquisition cost of FCM relative to LDI and iron sucrose was offset by significantly lower inpatient and outpatient costs in the 12 months post-IV iron therapy. These results support the economic value of FCM for patients with IDA receiving IV iron therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winghan Jacqueline Kwong
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., 211 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, USA
| | - Kevin Wang
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., 211 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, USA.
| | - Peng Wang
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., 211 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, USA
| | - Ralph Boccia
- The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Wacka E, Nicikowski J, Jarmuzek P, Zembron-Lacny A. Anemia and Its Connections to Inflammation in Older Adults: A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2049. [PMID: 38610814 PMCID: PMC11012269 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a common hematological disorder that affects 12% of the community-dwelling population, 40% of hospitalized patients, and 47% of nursing home residents. Our understanding of the impact of inflammation on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis is still lacking. In older adults, anemia can be divided into nutritional deficiency anemia, bleeding anemia, and unexplained anemia. The last type of anemia might be caused by reduced erythropoietin (EPO) activity, progressive EPO resistance of bone marrow erythroid progenitors, and the chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state. Overall, one-third of older patients with anemia demonstrate a nutritional deficiency, one-third have a chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state and chronic kidney disease, and one-third suffer from anemia of unknown etiology. Understanding anemia's pathophysiology in people aged 65 and over is crucial because it contributes to frailty, falls, cognitive decline, decreased functional ability, and higher mortality risk. Inflammation produces adverse effects on the cells of the hematological system. These effects include iron deficiency (hypoferremia), reduced EPO production, and the elevated phagocytosis of erythrocytes by hepatic and splenic macrophages. Additionally, inflammation causes enhanced eryptosis due to oxidative stress in the circulation. Identifying mechanisms behind age-related inflammation is essential for a better understanding and preventing anemia in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eryk Wacka
- Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology, Collegium Medicum University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland; (J.N.); (A.Z.-L.)
| | - Jan Nicikowski
- Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology, Collegium Medicum University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland; (J.N.); (A.Z.-L.)
| | - Pawel Jarmuzek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Collegium Medicum University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny
- Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology, Collegium Medicum University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland; (J.N.); (A.Z.-L.)
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3
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Leoni S, Ferraresi M, Motta I, Hu C, Fracanzani AL, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Deciphering cytopenias in internal medicine: a single-center observational study. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:661-668. [PMID: 38270774 PMCID: PMC11039542 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03517-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Cytopenia is a common finding in patients admitted to internal medicine wards and the clinical workup may be long and time-consuming. In this single-center observational study, we analyzed a series of 151 inpatients who received hematologist referral due to cytopenia observed during hospital admission. Patients were mainly elderly (median 71 years, 15-96) and 87% had at least one comorbidity. Anemia was the most common cytopenia (91%), followed by thrombocytopenia (51%), and neutropenia (22%); 73 (48%) patients had a bicytopenia and 5 (3%) pancytopenia. Cytopenias were mainly severe, 66% of cases required RBC transfusions, and 21% platelet pools. During a median hospital stay of 15 days (1-166), 53 subjects (35%) received a hematologic discharge diagnosis, whilst the two-thirds had secondary cytopenia mainly due to associated comorbidities. Only about 34% of 2,728 diagnostic tests performed (including laboratory, imaging, and histology) clearly informed the discharge diagnosis in this heterogenous setting. Specifically, bone-marrow evaluation indicated in 46 (30%) patients, was diagnostic in 32 (69.6%). Eleven percent of patients died due to progression of the oncohematologic disease (29%), sepsis (24%), and solid tumor progression (24%). In conclusion, cytopenias in the internal medicine setting are mainly severe, more frequently secondary to associated comorbidities (2/3 of patients) and deserve proper workup before second/third-level tests (immune-hematological assays and CT scan or PET and bone-marrow evaluation, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Leoni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Ferraresi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Motta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Hu
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Ludovica Fracanzani
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Wang Z, Liu M, Men H, Lyu C, Zheng N. Association between preoperative hemoglobin with length of hospital stay among non-cardiac and non-obstetric surgery patients: a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study. J Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 19:97. [PMID: 38365787 PMCID: PMC10870523 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies concerning the association between preoperative Hemoglobin (HB) level and the Length Of hospital Stay (LOS) in patients with non-cardiac surgery and non-obstetric surgery remain inconclusive. Herein, the objective of this study was to analyze whether and to what extent the preoperative HB level was connected with the LOS in non-cardiac and non-obstetric surgery patients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was performed at a single institution, involving patients who underwent elective non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgery from April 2007 to September 2013. Clinical characteristics of patients such as demographics, comorbidities, preoperative HB level, LOS, mortality, procedure length, and pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) Severity Class data were collected. A univariate analysis was used to determine the association between clinical characteristics and LOS. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between preoperative HB level and LOS. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this study, 311 patients were included. We observed that compared with the LOS > 7 days group, the average HB level of patients in the LOS ≤ 7 days group was higher (12.04 ± 2.20 g/dl vs. 10.92 ± 2.22 g/dl, p < 0.001). In addition, there were fewer patients with moderate-to-severe anemia in LOS ≤ 7 days group than the LOS > 7 days group (32.74% vs 58.82%, p < 0.001). In addition, we found that patients with LOS ≤ 7 days were accompanied with lower mortality (0.44% vs. 7.06%, p < 0.001) and lower mean combined pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) than that in patients with LOS > 7 days (42.56 ± 11.97 vs. 46.00 ± 12.37, p < 0.05). After controlling for relevant confounders, we discovered a nonlinear association between preoperative HB level and LOS as well as a threshold effect based on LOS. Specifically, when preoperative HB level was less than 11.9 g/dL, LOS decreased by 2 days for each 1 g/dL increase in HB level. However, LOS did not alter substantially with the rise of preoperative HB level when it was higher than 11.9 g/dL. CONCLUSION Our study showed a close non-linear association between preoperative HB level and LOS in patients with non-cardiac surgery and non-obstetric surgery. In particular, for patients with preoperative HB less than 11.9 g/dL, increasing the preoperative HB level can help shorten the LOS after operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaopeng Wang
- Department of General Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Hengtong Men
- Department of General Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Chunfeng Lyu
- Department of General Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of General Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China.
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5
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Blanca D, Parrella G, Consonni D, Villa S, Ceriani G, Cespiati A, Figini G, Ghigliazza G, Maira D, Oberti G, Scaramellini N, Schinco GL, Tafuri F, Montano N, Cappellini MD, Motta I. Anemia management and transfusion strategy in internal medicine units: Less is more. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 115:48-54. [PMID: 37225593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Blood transfusion is one of the most overused procedures, especially in elderly patients. Despite the current transfusion guidelines recommending a restrictive transfusion strategy in stable patients, the clinical practice varies according to physicians' experience and implementation of patient blood management. This study aimed to evaluate the anemia management and transfusion strategy in anemic elderly hospitalized and the impact of an educational program. We enrolled ≥ 65-year-old patients who presented or developed anemia during admission to a tertiary hospital's internal medicine and geriatric units. Patients with onco-hematological disorders, hemoglobinopathies and active bleeding were excluded. In the first phase, anemia management was monitored. In the second phase, the six participating units were divided into two groups and two arms: Educational (Edu) and non-educational (NE). During this phase, physicians in the Edu arm underwent an educational program for the appropriate use of transfusion and anemia management. In the third phase, anemia management was monitored. Comorbidities, demographic and hematological characteristics were similar in all phases and arms. The percentages of transfused patients during phase 1 were 27.7% in NE and 18.5% in the Edu arm. During phase 3, it decreased to 21.4% in the NE and 13.6% in the Edu arm. Hemoglobin levels at discharge and after 30 days were higher in the Edu group despite reduced use of blood transfusion. In conclusion, a more restrictive strategy was comparable or superior to the more liberal one in terms of clinical outcomes, with the advantage of saving red blood cell units and reducing related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Blanca
- Internal Medicine, Immunology and Allergology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Dario Consonni
- Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Villa
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Biological Resource Center and Precision Medicine Lab, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ceriani
- High Care Internal Medicin Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cespiati
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Figini
- High Care Internal Medicin Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ghigliazza
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Maira
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Oberti
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Natalia Scaramellini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Tafuri
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Internal Medicine, Immunology and Allergology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Motta
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Melander N, Sönnerqvist C, Olivecrona M. Non-surgical patient characteristics best predict outcome after 6 months in patients surgically treated for chronic subdural haematoma. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 114:151-157. [PMID: 37429160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome 6 months after surgery. METHODS Retrospective data were collected on patients in Orebro County, Sweden, who had undergone surgery for CSDH at the Orebro University Hospital between 2013 and 2019. The outcomes were defined as favourable or unfavourable in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A favourable outcome was defined as either mRS 0-2 or an unchanged mRS score in patients scoring 3-5 before surgery. From the variables in the data collected, a multiple logistic regression model was constructed. RESULTS The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88. CONCLUSION CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system. UNSTRUCTURED ABSTRACT Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome, in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 6 months after surgery. The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88. In conclusion, CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Melander
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Caroline Sönnerqvist
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Magnus Olivecrona
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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7
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Cadamuro J, Simundic AM, von Meyer A, Haschke-Becher E, Keppel MH, Oberkofler H, Felder TK, Mrazek C. Diagnostic Workup of Microcytic Anemia: An Evaluation of Underuse or Misuse of Laboratory Testing in a Hospital Setting Using the AlinIQ System. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2023; 147:117-124. [PMID: 35472855 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0283-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Underuse of laboratory testing has been previously investigated in preselected populations, such as documented malpractice claims. However, these numbers might not reflect real-life situations. OBJECTIVE.— To evaluate the underuse and misuse of laboratory follow-up testing in a real-life hospital patient population with microcytic anemia, using laboratory results ordered during routine patient care. DESIGN.— From all patients in whom a microcytic anemia was detected during routine diagnostics in 2018, all available laboratory data were collected and screened for appropriateness of diagnostic workup of iron deficiency and thalassemia. Subgroup analysis was performed for patient groups with mean corpuscular volume values 75 to 79 μm3 (group 1), 65 to 74 μm3 (group 2), and <65 μm3 (group 3). RESULTS.— A total of 2244 patients with microcytic anemia were identified. Follow-up testing for iron deficiency was not performed in 761 cases (34%). For inconclusive ferritin levels due to elevated C-reactive protein results (n = 336), reticulocyte hemoglobin content or soluble transferrin receptor levels were missing in 86 cases (26%). In patients with suspected thalassemia (n = 127), follow-up testing for hemoglobin variants was not performed in 70 cases (55%). Subgroup analysis showed that the frequency of underuse of iron status as well as thalassemia/hemoglobinopathy testing decreased from group 1 to group 3. When considering relevant preexisting anemia diagnoses, laboratory tests were underused in 904 cases (40.3%). CONCLUSIONS.— Because 40% (n = 904) of the patients with microcytic anemia were potentially not followed up correctly, laboratory specialists are advised to act by implementing demand management strategies in collaboration with clinicians to overcome underuse of laboratory tests and to improve patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Cadamuro
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
| | - Ana-Maria Simundic
- The Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University Hospital Sveti Duh, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia (Simundic)
| | - Alexander von Meyer
- The Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Medical Microbiology, München Clinic, Munich, Germany (von Meyer)
| | - Elisabeth Haschke-Becher
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
| | - Martin H Keppel
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
| | - Hannes Oberkofler
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
| | - Thomas K Felder
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
| | - Cornelia Mrazek
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (Cadamuro, Haschke-Becher, Keppel, Oberkofler, Felder, Mrazek)
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8
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Gadó K, Khodier M, Virág A, Domján G, Dörnyei G. Anemia of geriatric patients. Physiol Int 2022; 109:119-134. [DOI: 10.1556/2060.2022.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Anemia is a common finding in the elderly. Approximately 10 percent of the elderly suffers from anemia. Anemia per se is an independent factor of mortality in older patients regardless its cause. Frailty is also frequent in geriatric patients. That means that there is a decreased reserve capacity to react to different stress factors including anemia. The frequent presence of heart failure and also impaired cerebrovascular circulation makes more difficult to tolerate anemia in older age.
Anemia is a symptom, finding and treating the underlying cause is also important.
Treatment always depends on clinical findings: the more severe the symptoms, the more important to treat them. Severity of anemia depends not only the underlying cause, degree of anemia, co-morbidities and frailty of the patients, but also the speed of its development. Sudden blood loss due to an accident is less well tolerated than the same degree of anemia due to B12 deficiency.
Main causes of anemia in the elderly include nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, tumors, and certain hematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gadó
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Geriatrics and Center of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Malaz Khodier
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Virág
- Department of Geriatrics and Center of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyula Domján
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Dörnyei
- Department of Morphology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Guralnik J, Ershler W, Artz A, Lazo‐Langner A, Walston J, Pahor M, Ferrucci L, Evans WJ. Unexplained anemia of aging: Etiology, health consequences, and diagnostic criteria. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:891-899. [PMID: 34796957 PMCID: PMC9298858 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 15% of people aged 60 and over are anemic, and the prevalence of anemia increases with age. In older men and women, anemia is associated with increases in the risk of death and all-cause hospitalization, poor functional capacity, quality of life, and depression. METHODS AND RESULTS We reviewed the literature describing anemia in aging populations, focusing on the specific diagnostic criteria of anemia and potential causes in older men and women. Even after extensive etiologic workup that involves careful medical history, physical examination, laboratory measurements, and additional studies such as bone marrow biopsy, anemia of aging is unexplained in up to 40% of older patients with anemia. As a result, treatment options remain limited. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of unexplained anemia of aging (UAA; also called unexplained anemia of the elderly, UAE), its deleterious impacts on health, physical function, and quality of life, and the lack of effective treatment or therapy guidelines represent a compelling unmet clinical need. In this review and consensus document, we discuss the scope of the problem, possible causes of UAA, diagnostic criteria, and potential treatment options. Because even mild anemia is strongly linked to poor clinical outcomes, it should receive clinical attention rather than simply being considered a normal part of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Guralnik
- University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Andrew Artz
- City of Hope Medical CenterDuarteCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Jeremy Walston
- Division of Geriatric MedicineJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Marco Pahor
- Department of Aging & Geriatric MedicineUniversity of Florida College of MedicineGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - William J. Evans
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and ToxicologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA,Division of GeriatricsDuke Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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10
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Alsaeed M, Ahmed SS, Seyadi K, Ahmed AJ, Alawi AS, Abulsaad K. The prevalence and impact of anemia on hospitalized older adults: A single center experience from Bahrain. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2022; 17:587-595. [PMID: 35983439 PMCID: PMC9356376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study reports the prevalence of anemia and investigates its associated correlates and outcomes among elderly hospitalized patients in a single hospital in Bahrain. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 227 consecutive elderly patients admitted under general internal medicine in the biggest tertiary hospital in Bahrain. Medical records were reviewed for all patients, including clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and outcomes. Results Anemia was highly prevalent among hospitalized elderly patients (71.6%). Males were significantly more affected than females (p = 0.031). In terms of severity, the most common type was moderate anemia (56.1%); with regards to etiology, the most common type was anemia associated with chronic disease (48.1%). Anemia was as common as other comorbidities, including hypertension (71.4%) and diabetes mellitus (53.7%). When comparing anemic to non-anemic patients, the length of hospital stay was significantly longer (p < 0.001) and inversely correlated to the level of hemoglobin; furthermore, 1-year mortality was significantly higher (p < 0.001). When compared to those with mild anemia, patients with moderate/severe anemia were more likely to die (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–4.92). Conclusion The prevalence of anemia in our study was higher than previously reported. Even so, anemia receives minimal attention and is usually seen as a minor problem. Our results reiterate the need to recognize the high importance of anemia especially when diagnosing and treating older patients. This, in turn, could positively affect a number of outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and the functional decline of admitted individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Alsaeed
- Corresponding address: Department of Internal Medicine, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Road 2904, Manama, Bahrain.
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11
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Hamid M, Naz A, Alawattegama LH, Steed H. The Prevalence of Anaemia in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom. Cureus 2021; 13:e15086. [PMID: 34155456 PMCID: PMC8210626 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Investigating the prevalence of hospital-acquired anaemia in a United Kingdom (UK) secondary care setting to describe the level of appropriate management prior to discharge back to primary care. Design and settings An observational study of 13 medical and surgical wards in a UK district general hospital. Method Single-day examination of notes, blood results and drug charts, with a 30-day follow up, using pre-set definitions of anaemia and exclusion criteria. Results Two hundred and sixty-seven patients were included. Of them, 52% were anaemic on admission, 62.2% were anaemic on the study day, 16% had hospital-acquired anaemia and 49%-82% had no biochemical indices checked during the admission or in the last 12 months. Also, 53% of anaemic patients are being discharged without appropriate treatment, with over a third being under-investigated. Conclusion The prevalence of anaemia in a UK district general hospital is high. Causes of anaemia are complex, posing a potentially modifiable risk factor for falls, readmission and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hamid
- General Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Birmingham, GBR
| | - Aysha Naz
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust, Wolverhampton, GBR
| | - Lakna H Alawattegama
- Orthopedics and Traumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust, Wolverhampton, GBR
| | - Helen Steed
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust, Wolverhampton, GBR
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12
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Randi ML, Bertozzi I, Santarossa C, Lucente F, Biagetti G, Fabris F. Extremely Old Patients Hospitalized in Internal Medicine: What about Their Anemia? Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2021; 13:e2021038. [PMID: 34007426 PMCID: PMC8114890 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2021.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In western countries, about half of the hospitalized patients are anemic. Generally, these patients are old, often with multiple diseases, and anemia worsens the prognosis, finally increasing the risk of death. We describe a monocentric observational study that evaluates 249 consecutive adult patients (160 women and 89 men) with anemia admitted in the internal medicine department over five months. They represent 71.5% of all patients admitted in the study period. Demographic, historical, and clinical data, laboratory tests, duration of hospitalization, readmission at 30 days, and death were recorded. Patients were stratified by age (75-84=old, >85 years=oldest-old), anemia severity, and etiology of anemia. Anemia was found in 67.5% of old and in 77.2% of oldest-old patients. In 37% of old and 32% of oldest-old patients, anemia was mild, in 43% old and 59% of oldest-old moderate and in 20% old and 9% of oldest-old severe in agreement with WHO criteria. Moderate anemia was significantly more common in the oldest-old (p=0.01). The causes of anemia were iron deficiency in 10.6% of patients, other deficiencies in 2.8%, chronic diseases in 38.2%, hematologic neoplasms in 6.1%, multifactorial in 24.1%, and undetermined in 19.9%. The oldest-old have a higher frequency of multifactorial anemia (p=0.04), while hematologic neoplasms were more common in old patients (p=0.03). Most patients with undetermined anemia had mild/moderate forms. An anti-anemic treatment, mainly blood transfusion, was adopted in 100% of oldest-old patients and in 60% of old (p= 0.04). Anemia (and/or its treatment) was reported in the discharge letter in 19% of old and in 28.2% of oldestold patients. From a general point of view, physicians seem to disregard anemia in the context of more important pathologic conditions. In oldest-old patients, multifactorial anemia seems to be considered only "one more cause of disability." When borderline anemia occurs, even if it can represent a relevant adverse condition in frailty, it is poorly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Randi
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Bertozzi
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Santarossa
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Lucente
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biagetti
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Fabris
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
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13
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Godde K, Hens SM. An epidemiological approach to the analysis of cribra orbitalia as an indicator of health status and mortality in medieval and post-medieval London under a model of parasitic infection. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 174:631-645. [PMID: 33528042 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many individuals living in medieval and post-medieval London suffered issues with sanitation, food insecurity, infectious disease, and widespread exposure to parasites from a multitude of sources, causing increased risk of death for many inhabitants. We examine this stressful environment and its relationship with various demographic and temporal dimensions, using cribra orbitalia (CO) as an indicator of stress, to model an increased risk of dying under the expectations of our proposed parasitic model of infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyze the relationship between CO and mortality across seven medieval and post-medieval cemeteries from London by the covariates of sex, status, and age-at-death. A survival analysis (Cox regression) and a binomial logit estimated hazard and odds ratios of dying with CO across age-at-death, sex, status, and time-period within single statistical models. In addition, we provide new Bayesian age-at-death estimates for post-medieval samples. RESULTS The models show the rate of CO decreased over time and age-at-death, regardless of sex or status; post-medieval individuals were ~72% less likely to die with lesions than their medieval counterparts. Further, individuals with CO had ~1% decrease in risk of dying with CO per year of age. DISCUSSION These results suggest increased mortality risk for those with lesions indicative of anemia (CO), and selective mortality of younger individuals during the medieval period. Despite sex-specific nutritional and occupational hazards, and status-based access to resources, the prevalence of CO was similar across sex and status, which suggests living with parasitic infection that caused anemia was an everyday reality for medieval and post-medieval Londoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanya Godde
- Anthropology Program, University of La Verne, La Verne, California, USA
| | - Samantha M Hens
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Sacramento, California, USA
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14
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Pisano TJ, Santibanez V, Hernandez M, Patel D, Osorio G. The Bloody Board Game: A Game-Based Approach for Learning High-Value Care Principles in the Setting of Anemia Diagnosis. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2020; 16:11057. [PMID: 33365391 PMCID: PMC7751328 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With growing health care costs, high-value care is an increasingly important subject for medical training. Many resident and medical student curricula have incorporated lectures-based material about this topic. However, practical-type experiences are needed to refine critical-thinking skills essential for high-value care. METHODS To provide such practical experiences, we developed an instructional game for resident-level education that incorporated cost-constraint-based approaches in the workup of anemia. To play the game, teams of learners were given patients with anemia of unknown cause. To pay for their diagnostic tests of choice, teams earned money by correctly answering internal medicine resident-level anemia questions. The first team to successfully work up and diagnose three patients won. RESULTS Resident learners had very positive reviews of our game. As a team, groups of residents across all levels were able to develop cost-effective strategies for diagnosis. Our game also served as a resource for anemia education. Residents on average felt the game enhanced their ability to apply medical knowledge and clinical reasoning (M = 4.7 out of 5, where 5 = strongly agree), as well as high-value care (4.6), and should remain in the program for the high-value care curriculum (4.9). DISCUSSION Game-based learning provides a fun, orthogonal approach to learning critical-thinking skills used during anemia diagnostic patient workups. Although we did not quantify change in diagnostic test ordering, according to resident-learners, our high-value care game improved their ability to integrate cost-effective strategies into their practice of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas John Pisano
- Medical Student, MD/PhD Program, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Princeton University
| | - Valeria Santibanez
- Fellow, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospitals
| | | | - Dipal Patel
- Associate Program Director for Ambulatory Care, Internal Medicine Program, Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West Hospitals
| | - Georgina Osorio
- Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Program, and Medical Education Track Site-Director, Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West Hospitals
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15
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Association between discharge destination and mid-term mortality in octogenarian patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. J Cardiol 2020; 77:116-123. [PMID: 32854991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to an increasing aging population, the number of elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is escalating. The onset of STEMI in elderly patients may lead to increased frailty, resulting in failure of discharge to home despite survival. However, the association of discharge destination with prognosis has not been fully evaluated in this population. METHODS Between January 2014 and December 2016, a total of 245 octogenarian STEMI survivors who underwent PCI (mean age, 84.4 years; male, 46.5%) were evaluated from a multicenter registry. The 2-year mortalities of the home discharge and non-home discharge groups were compared and analyzed using a Cox regression model. RESULTS Non-home discharge, which was defined as transfer to another hospital or nursing home after STEMI, was seen in 36 patients. During the 2 years, 37 patients died (home discharge, 27 patients; non-home discharge, 10 patients). The most frequent cause of death was due to infection (21.6%), followed by sudden death (18.9%) and heart failure (16.2%). The cumulative all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the non-home discharge group than in the home discharge group [36.4% vs. 14.8%; hazard ratio (HR), 2.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43-6.10; p = 0.003]. After multivariate analysis, non-home discharge (adjusted HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.20-5.75; p = 0.016) together with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (adjusted HR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.57-6.31; p = 0.001), prior heart failure (adjusted HR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.82-13.13; p = 0.002), target lesion in the left anterior descending artery (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.32; p = 0.022), and serum albumin level <3.5 g/dL (adjusted HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.06-4.27; p = 0.034) remained significant predictors of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Non-home discharge was associated with an increased risk of mid-term mortality in octogenarian STEMI survivors.
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16
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Cole EM, Docherty AB. Troponin in critical care patients and outcomes. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2020; 81:1-8. [PMID: 32468943 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is common in the critically unwell population with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and is associated with a greater overall mortality. This article explores guidelines for diagnosing myocardial infarction, and research into the use of troponin as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Currently, the majority of patients in the intensive care unit with acute myocardial infarction go unrecognised. The underlying cause is predominantly oxygen supply-demand imbalance, therefore identifying those at risk is important as there is the potential to modify elements of their care and reduce their overall mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemarie B Docherty
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Randi ML, Bertozzi I, Santarossa C, Cosi E, Lucente F, Bogoni G, Biagetti G, Fabris F. Prevalence and Causes of Anemia in Hospitalized Patients: Impact on Diseases Outcome. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E950. [PMID: 32235484 PMCID: PMC7230611 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anemia is extremely common in hospitalized patients who are old and often with multiple diseases. We evaluated 435 consecutive patients admitted in the internal medicine department of a hub hospital and 191 (43.9%) of them were anemic. Demographic, historic and clinical data, laboratory tests, duration of hospitalization, re-admission at 30 days and death were recorded. Patients were stratified by age (<65, 65-80, >80 years), anemia severity, and etiology of anemia. The causes of anemia were: iron deficiency in 28 patients, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies in 6, chronic inflammatory diseases in 80, chronic kidney disease in 15, and multifactorial in 62. The severity of the clinical picture at admission was significantly worse (p < 0.001), length of hospitalization was longer (p < 0.001) and inversely correlated to the Hb concentration, re-admissions and deaths were more frequent (p 0.017) in anemic compared to non-anemic patients. A specific treatment for anemia was used in 99 patients (36.6%) (transfusions, erythropoietin, iron, vitamin B12 and/or folic acid). Anemia (and/or its treatment) was red in the discharge letter only 54 patients. Even if anemia is common, in internal medicine departments scarce attention is paid to it, as it is generally considered a "minor" problem, particularly in older patients often affected by multiple pathologies. Our data indicate the need of renewed medical attention to anemia, as it may positively affect the outcome of several concurrent medical conditions and the multidimensional loss of function in older hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Randi
- First Clinical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine—DIMED, University of Padua, via Giustiniani 2, 35123 Padova, Italy; (I.B.); (C.S.); (E.C.); (F.L.); (G.B.); (G.B.); (F.F.)
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LaVallee C, Cronin P, Bansal I, Kwong WJ, Boccia R. Importance of Initial Complete Parenteral Iron Repletion on Hemoglobin Level Normalization and Health Care Resource Utilization: A Retrospective Analysis. Pharmacotherapy 2019; 39:983-993. [PMID: 31411763 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, and parenteral iron therapy is necessary in select patients. The objective of this analysis was to assess the impact of initial complete parenteral iron repletion on serum hemoglobin (Hgb) level normalization and on health care resource utilization in real-world practice. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. DATA SOURCE Decision Resources Group Real-World Data Repository (United States databases). PATIENTS A total of 2966 patients who had a baseline Hgb level below normal (< 12 g/dl for females and < 13.5 g/dl for males) and were treated with parenteral iron between March 2015 and February 2017. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The effect of receiving the required parenteral iron dose to replete the deficit, calculated by a modified Ganzoni formula, within 3 weeks of the first parenteral iron therapy claim (index date) on the likelihood of Hgb level normalization, was estimated by using logistic regression. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, comorbidities, and use of prescription oral iron therapy. The adjusted mean numbers of all-cause inpatient admissions, outpatient visits, and emergency department (ED) visits within 6 months and 1 year after the index date were compared between patients with and without normalized Hgb levels by using negative binomial regression. Of the 2966 included patients, 33.9% received the required iron dose within 3 weeks of the index date, and 19.6%, 48.2%, and 53.9% had a normalized Hgb level within 8 weeks of the index date, within 1 year of the index date, and until the end of data availability, respectively. Patients who received the required iron dose within 3 weeks of the index date were significantly more likely to have a normalized Hgb level within 8 weeks of the index date and at any time during the study period than those who did not: adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) 2.67 (2.20, 3.24) and 2.33 (1.96, 2.77), respectively. Hgb level normalization within 1 year of the index date was associated with fewer inpatient admissions and outpatient visits and a similar number of ED visits compared with no Hgb level normalization 1 year after the index date. CONCLUSION The results of these analyses underscore the importance of initial complete parenteral iron repletion for rapidly improving clinical outcomes. Prompt achievement of a normalized Hgb level may also provide an opportunity to reduce health care resource utilization in patients with iron deficiency anemia receiving parenteral iron therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris LaVallee
- Health Outcomes Research, Decision Resources Group, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrick Cronin
- Analytics, Decision Resources Group, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isha Bansal
- Analytics, Decision Resources Group, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Ralph Boccia
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
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Abstract
Although gene sequencing has elucidated several mutations associated with mild cytopenias in older individuals, iron deficiency remains the most common cause of anemia. Oral iron has remained the frontline standard despite evidence that it is poorly tolerated, often ineffective, and frequently harmful. Studies of different formulations of intravenous iron have shown it effective, with marginal to no toxicity. Serious adverse events have not been described and the failure to address its administration in iron-deficient elderly patients is an unmet clinical need. This article outlines situations in which oral iron should be proscribed and offers an approach to administration of available formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Auerbach
- Auerbach Hematology and Oncology, 5233 King Avenue #308, Baltimore, MD 21237, USA; Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Jerry Spivak
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Hens SM, Godde K, Macak KM. Iron deficiency anemia, population health and frailty in a modern Portuguese skeletal sample. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213369. [PMID: 30845224 PMCID: PMC6405098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Portugal underwent significant political, demographic and epidemiological transitions during the 20th century resulting in migration to urban areas with subsequent overcrowding and issues with water sanitation. This study investigates population health during these transitions and interprets results within a framework of recent history and present-day public health information. We investigate skeletal evidence for anemia (cribra orbitalia and porotic hyperostosis) as indicators of stress and frailty–i.e., whether the lesions contribute to susceptibility for disease or increased risk of death. Methods The presence and severity of skeletal lesions were compared against known sex and cause of death data to investigate potential heterogeneity in frailty and the relationship between lesions and risk of dying over time. Additionally, we tested for the presence of selective mortality in our data (i.e., whether or not the sample is biased for individuals with higher frailty). Our sample derives from a large, documented, modern Portuguese collection from Lisbon and is the first study of its kind using a documented collection. The collection represents primarily middle-class individuals. Results and conclusions Analyses indicated that porotic hyperostosis became more common and severe over time, while cribra orbitalia severity increased over time. Neither process was linked to cause of death. However, there was a significant relationship to sex; males exhibited a higher prevalence and severity of lesions and increased mortality. A Gompertz function showed decreased survivorship in early life but increased survivorship over age 60. Using comorbidities of anemia, we were unable to detect selective mortality–i.e., in our sample, lesions do not represent a sign of poor health or increased frailty and are not significantly linked with a decreased mean age-at-death. However, lesion prevalence and severity do reflect the socioeconomic processes in urban Lisbon during the 1800s and 1900s and the possibility of water-borne parasites as the contributing factor for iron deficiency anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hens
- Department of Anthropology, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kanya Godde
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of La Verne, La Verne, California, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Macak
- Department of Anthropology, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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