Prevalence and possible causes of anemia in the elderly: a cross-sectional analysis of a large European university hospital cohort

Treatment of chronic kidney disease in older populations

As the world population ages, an expected increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among older individuals will pose a considerable challenge for health care systems in terms of resource allocation for disease management. Treatment strategies for older patients with CKD should ideally align with those applied to the general population, focusing on minimizing cardiovascular events and reducing the risk of progression to kidney failure. Emerging therapies, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, hold promise for the effective management of CKD in older individuals. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions such as nutritional and exercise therapies have a crucial role. These interventions enhance the effects of pharmacotherapy and, importantly, contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function and overall quality of life. Various factors beyond age and cognitive function must be taken into account when considering kidney replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure. Importantly, all treatment options, including dialysis, transplantation and conservative management approaches, should be tailored to the individual through patient-centred decision-making. The dynamic integration of digital technologies into medical practice has the potential to transform the management of CKD in the aging population.

How aging influences the gut-bone marrow axis and alters hematopoietic stem cell regulation

The gut microbiome has come to prominence across research disciplines, due to its influence on major biological systems within humans. Recently, a relationship between the gut microbiome and hematopoietic system has been identified and coined the gut-bone marrow axis. It is well established that the hematopoietic system and gut microbiome separately alter with age; however, the relationship between these changes and how these systems influence each other demands investigation. Since the hematopoietic system produces immune cells that help govern commensal bacteria, it is important to identify how the microbiome interacts with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The gut microbiota has been shown to influence the development and outcomes of hematologic disorders, suggesting dysbiosis may influence the maintenance of HSCs with age. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, iron availability, tryptophan metabolites, bacterial extracellular vesicles, microbe associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), and toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling have been proposed as key mediators of communication across the gut-bone marrow axis and will be reviewed in this article within the context of aging.

Relationship between anemia and its correlates and cognitive function in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: A large cross-sectional study

Background

Although both anemia and schizophrenia (SCZ) can cause cognitive decline, it is unclear whether anemia worsens cognitive decline in patients with SCZ. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemia and the relationship between anemia, SCZ symptom severity, and cognitive function in patients with SCZ.

Methods

We obtained demographic and clinical data from 1690 inpatients with SCZ. All psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functioning were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Hemoglobin (HGB) values as well as red blood cell (RBC) counts were collected by routine blood tests.

Results

The proportion of anemia in patients with SCZ was 26.36 % (383/1453). Compared to SCZ patients without anemia, SCZ patients with anemia were older, had a lower bodyweight, a smaller waist circumference and lower apolipoprotein B levels, but longer QT intervals. Further logistic regression analysis revealed that anemia was associated with age, gender, and weight. In addition, there was no difference in cognitive function between SCZ patients with and without anemia.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a high proportion of anemia in patients with chronic SCZ in the Han Chinese population. Several demographic and clinical variables are associated with anemia in SCZ patients.

Prevalence of anaemia, iron, and vitamin deficiencies in the health system in the Republic of Ireland: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Anaemia is a common but treatable condition that predicts adverse clinical outcomes. However, standards of anaemia management vary considerably.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of anaemia and extent of screening for common underlying causes in the healthcare system in the Republic of Ireland.

DESIGN & SETTING

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 112 181 adult patients, aged ≥18 years, who had a full blood count performed in 2013, using data from the National Kidney Disease Surveillance System.

METHOD

The prevalence of anaemia was determined across demographic and clinical subgroups, according to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions. The proportion screened for iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency was determined within a 3-month follow-up period and the corresponding prevalence for each deficiency determined.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of anaemia was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.8% to 12.2%) and was higher in women than men (13.2% versus 10.5%, P<0.001). Anaemia increased with advancing age (33.4% for those aged >75 years) and worsening kidney function (8.2%, 10.9%, 33.2%, and 63.8% for each estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] categories >90, 60-89, 30-59 and <30 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively, P<0.001). After 3-months' follow-up, the proportion screened for iron deficiency was 11.2% based on transferrin saturation and 33.7% using serum ferritin. Screening for folate and B12 deficiency was 17.6% and 19.8%, respectively. Among screened patients, the prevalence of iron deficiency, B12, and folate deficiency was 37.0%, 6.3%, and 5.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The burden of anaemia in the healthcare system is substantial especially for older patients and those with advanced kidney disease. Low screening rates for iron, B12, and folate deficiency are common and warrant quality improvement initiatives.

Age and gender mediated the association between anemia and 30-day outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction

Background

The higher prevalence of anemia in females and elderly may be attributed to its association with worsened outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. We aimed to evaluate the precise effects of age and gender on the association between anemia and 30-day outcomes.

Method

We identified 4350 STEMI patients and divided into anemia and non-anemia. Effects were analyzed as categories using Cox proportional-hazards regression and as continuous using restricted cubic splines. Propensity score matching (PSM) and mediation analysis were applied to identify intermediate effects.

Results

Anemic patients were older, more likely to be female, and experienced doubled all-cause death (7.3 % versus 15.0 %), main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, 11.1 % versus 20.2 %), heart failure (HF, 5.1 % versus 8.6 %), and bleeding events (2.7 % versus 5.4 %). After adjustment, the association between anemia and all-cause death (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 0.93-1.14), MACCE (HR 1.14, 95 %CI 0.95-1.36) and HF (HR 1.19, 95 %CI 0.92-1.55) were insignificant, the effects persisted nullified across age classes (P-interaction > 0.05) and PSM (P > 0.05). Ulteriorly, age mediated 77.6 %, 66.2 %, 48.0 %, gender mediated 38.1 %, 15.0 %, 3.2 %, age and gender together mediated 99.8 % 72.9 %, 48.1 % of the relationship. Anemia was independently associated with bleeding events (HR 2.02, 95 %CI 1.42-2.88), the effects consisted significant regardless of PSM (P < 0.05), age, and gender classes (P-interaction > 0.05), and no mediating role of age and gender were observed.

Conclusions

In STEMI patients, age and gender largely mediated the relationship between anemia and all-cause death, MACCE, and HF, anemia was independently associated with bleeding complications.

Factors associated with increased risk of postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty at an Irish University Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 7000 total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries occur in Ireland each year. A number of preoperative factors have been identified that increase the risk of postoperative blood transfusion after THA, including anaemia. The ability to identify patients at risk may allow preoperative management strategies to reduce blood transfusions. Data from Irish orthopaedic patients is currently lacking.

AIM

To investigate if preoperative anaemia and other factors are associated with postoperative blood transfusions in patients who undergo THA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent THA in 2019 in SIVUH, Cork, using medical chart review.

RESULTS

In total, 350 charts met the inclusion criteria, with 291 charts reviewed. 8.9% of the patients who underwent THA had preoperative anaemia. Among these, 19.2% had a postoperative blood transfusion, compared to 1.5% of patients who were not anaemic preoperatively. The odds of receiving a blood transfusion was 15.5 times greater in the preoperative anaemia group compared to the non-anaemic group. Increasing age and higher ASA scores were associated with preoperative anaemia and postoperative blood transfusions. Length of stay was increased by 2.2 days (p < 0.00016) if blood transfusion was required.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative anaemia was common in an Irish orthopaedic population undergoing THA. Preoperative anaemia predisposes patients to the greatest increased risk of postoperative blood transfusions. The other factors associated with the need for postoperative transfusion were ASA grade 3 or more and age greater than 65 years. Patients who received postoperative blood transfusions had a significantly increased length of hospital stay.

Relationship between hemoglobin and grip strength in older adults: the ActiFE study

INTRODUCTION

Although anemia is associated with low muscle strength, hemoglobin has been rarely studied considering ferritin.

AIM

To analyze the association between hemoglobin and grip strength in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

We used data from a German cohort of adults ≥ 65 years, excluding those with CRP > 10 mg/L or taking iron supplements. Grip strength (kg) was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Analysis was performed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for established confounders. Due to interaction, age-stratified (< 80, 80 +), further sex-stratified analysis in those < 80 years old and ferritin-stratified in men < 80 years were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 1294 participants were included in this analysis (mean age 75.5 years, 549 (42.3%) women, 910 (70.3%) < 80 years). On average, hemoglobin and grip strength were 14.9 g/dL and 41.3 kg for men, 13.9 g/dL and 25.1 kg for women. Hemoglobin was significantly positively associated with grip strength only among women < 80 years (β 0.923 [95% CI 0.196, 1.650]). For men < 80 years, the association was significant when ferritin was ≥ 300 µg/L (β 2.028 [95% CI 0.910, 3.146]). No association was detected among those participants 80 + .

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our data show an association between hemoglobin and grip strength only in women < 80 years old. For men < 80 years, the association was only significant with ferritin levels ≥ 300 µg/L. Considering the decreasing levels of hemoglobin and grip strength and the high prevalence of iron deficiency in older adults further analyses investigating this relationship with more iron specific parameters such as transferrin saturation are warranted.

Vitamin B12 is associated negatively with anemia in older Chinese adults with a low dietary diversity level: evidence from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS)

OBJECTIVE

The associations between plasma vitamin B12 level and anemia under different dietary patterns in elderly Chinese people are poorly understood. We aimed to examine the associations between plasma vitamin B12 levels and anemia under different dietary patterns in adults aged 65 years and older in nine longevity areas in China.

METHODS

A total of 2405 older adults completed a food frequency questionnaire at the same time as a face-to-face interview. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was assessed based on the food frequency questionnaire, with the low DDS group referring to participants with a DDS score ≤ 4 points. Vitamin B12 levels were divided into two groups of high (>295 pg/mL) and low (≤ 295 pg/mL) with the median used as the cut-off point. Sub-analyses were also performed on older adults divided into tertiles of vitamin B12 levels: low (< 277 pg/mL), medium (277-375 pg/mL) and high (> 375 pg/mL) to study the association of these levels with anemia.

RESULTS

Six hundred ninety-five (28.89%) of these people were diagnosed with anemia and had a mean age of 89.3 years. Higher vitamin B12 levels were associated with a decreased risk of anemia (multi-adjusted OR, 0.59, [95% CI, 0.45 ~ 0.77] P < 0.001) in older adults with a low DDS, whereas no significant association between vitamin B12 levels and anemia was found in older adults with a high DDS in a full-model after adjustment for various confounding factors (multi-adjusted OR, 0.88, [95% CI, 0.65 ~ 1.19], P = 0.41).

CONCLUSION

The relationship between vitamin B12 levels and the prevalence of anemia was significant only when the level of dietary diversity in the older adults was relatively low. The dietary structure of the population should be taken into consideration in combination in order to effectively improve anemia status by supplementing vitamin B12.

Impact of anemia on major bleeding in patients taking oral anticoagulants for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Anemia is encountered in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) on oral anticoagulants (OACs) but the prognostic impact was not well scrutinized in real-world settings.

METHODS

We conducted a historical multicenter registry of patients with NVAF taking OACs at 71 centers in Japan. Those with mechanical heart valves or a history of pulmonary thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis were excluded. Anemic patients were divided into three groups of hemoglobin (Hb) level: moderate/severe (Hb < 11.0 g/dL), mild (men: Hb of 11.0-12.9 g/dL; women: Hb of 11.0-11.9 g/dL), and no anemia. The endpoints included major bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic events, ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among 7558 consecutive patients (mean age, 73 years; men 67%) registered in February 2013 and followed until February 2017, 2100 (28%) patients had anemia. The anemic patients were older (moderate/severe: 79 years; mild: 77 years; no anemia: 71 years, p < .001), and HAS-BLED score was significantly higher in the anemic patients (p < .001). The cumulative incidences at 4 years of major bleeding in moderate/severe, mild, and no anemia group, were 14.9%, 10.7%, and 6.4%, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidential intervals (CIs)) of major bleeding of moderate/severe and mild anemia group were 1.96 (1.49-2.58) and 1.48 (1.17-1.87) compared to no anemia group. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for ischemic events were 0.63 (0.39-0.99) and 1.03 (0.76-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of anemia in the patients with NVAF on OACs was associated with major bleeding.

Iron and iron-related proteins in COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause detrimental effects on health. Vaccines have helped in reducing disease severity and transmission but their long-term effects on health and effectiveness against future viral variants remain unknown. COVID-19 pathogenesis involves alteration in iron homeostasis. Thus, a contextual understanding of iron-related parameters would be very valuable for disease prognosis and therapeutics.Accordingly, we reviewed the status of iron and iron-related proteins in COVID-19. Iron-associated alterations in COVID-19 reported hitherto include anemia of inflammation, low levels of serum iron (hypoferremia), transferrin and transferrin saturation, and high levels of serum ferritin (hyperferritinemia), hepcidin, lipocalin-2, catalytic iron, and soluble transferrin receptor (in ICU patients). Hemoglobin levels can be low or normal, and compromised hemoglobin function has been proposed. Membrane-bound transferrin receptor may facilitate viral entry, so it acts as a potential target for antiviral therapy. Lactoferrin can provide natural defense by preventing viral entry and/or inhibiting viral replication. Serum iron and ferritin levels can predict COVID-19-related hospitalization, severity, and mortality. Serum hepcidin and ferritin/transferrin ratio can predict COVID-19 severity. Here, serum levels of these iron-related parameters are provided, caveats of iron chelation for therapy are discussed and the interplay of these iron-related parameters in COVID-19 is explained.This synopsis is crucial as it clearly presents the iron picture of COVID-19. The information may assist in disease prognosis and/or in formulating iron-related adjunctive strategies that can help reduce infection/inflammation and better manage COVID-19 caused by future variants. Indeed, the current picture will augment as more is revealed about these iron-related parameters in COVID-19.

Clinical impact of oral anticoagulation among octogenarians with atrial fibrillation and anaemia

Our study aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation (OAC) use in elderly patients (> or = 80 years-old) with atrial fibrillation (AF) and concomitant anaemia. Data for this study were sourced from AF Research Database (NCT03760874). AF patients aged ≥ 80 who received OAC treatment, both direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) were selected. Participants were categorized as anaemic and non-anaemic. The primary outcome was the occurrence of overall bleeding. The primary effectiveness outcome was the occurrence of thromboembolic events (a composite of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack and systemic embolism). The secondary safety and effectiveness outcomes were major, minor bleedings and mortality, respectively. A total of 958 patients were included in the study, 120 (12.5%) were anaemic; among them, 93 patients (76.6%) were treated with VKAs and 28 (23.3%) with DOAC. Kaplan-Meier curves for major bleedings showed significant differences between anemic- and non-anemic groups (log-rank p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, among patients on OAC, anaemia was independently associated with major bleeding (HR 2.36; 95% IC 1.2-4.4; p = 0.006), intracranial hemorrhages (HR 3.81; 95% IC 1.35-10.7; p = 0.01) and minor bleedings (HR 2.40; 95%IC 1.1-5.2; p = 0.02); these associations were not confirmed in the DOACs subgroup. No difference in survival was shown between anaemic- and non-anaemic groups and among anaemic patients, between DOAC and VKAs subgroups. Anaemic octogenarians with AF on OAC therapy showed a significantly increased risk of major bleedings, in particular ICH, and mortality compared to non-anaemic.

Relationship between Selected Functional Performance Parameters and the Occurrence of Anaemia in Hospitalized Females and Males Aged 80 and More

Anaemia is considered a factor that significantly increases the risk of disability and mortality in the elderly. Among the hospitalized elderly, the incidence of anaemia is higher than in the general population, which necessitates extensive diagnostics for anaemia in this group. The aim was to assess the relationship between the occurrence of anaemia in hospitalized females and males, aged 80 years and more, and selected determinants of motor fitness. The analysis covered 91 females and 57 males aged 80 and more. The study implemented haemoglobin level, handgrip strength, a lower limb strength, mobility and balance measurement. The analysis used the logistic regression model and the cut-off point was determined by ROC curve. A 1 kg increase in muscle strength reduced the risk of anaemia in a group of males by 12%. The value of handgrip strength from which anaemia can be predicted in a group of males is 24.4 kg. In the female group, no statistically significant correlations were found. There is a need to continue research in this area with the participation of a larger group of respondents to look for potential factors that may be related to anaemia, in order to find non-invasive diagnostic tools useful for elderly people.

The prevalence of anemia and its associations with other geriatric syndromes in subjects over 65 years old: data of Russian epidemiological study EVKALIPT

Background. A low hemoglobin level in older adults impairs cognitive ability and functional status and associates with risk of falls and fractures, sarcopenia, malnutrition, depression, frailty, and decreased autonomy. Epidemiological data on the anemia prevalence in the geriatric population in our country is not available. Aim. To assess the prevalence of anemia and analyze its associations with geriatric syndromes (GS) in subjects aged 65 years. Materials and methods. 4308 subjects (30% of men) aged 65107 years, living in 11 regions of the Russian Federation, were examined and divided into age groups (6574 years, 7584 years and 85 years). All the participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment and determined hemoglobin level. Results. The anemia prevalence in older adults was 23.9%. It has been shown that with an increase in age per 1 year, the risk of anemia detection increases by 4%. The incidence of anemia was higher in males than females (28.1% versus 22.1%; p0.001). In most cases, anemia was mild. The results of a comprehensive geriatric assessment show that patients with anemia had lower hand grip force, Barthel Index, the sum of points on Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment scale, the Mini-Cog test and higher the sum of points on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the Age Is No Barrier scale. Patients with anemia were more likely to use hearing aids, absorbent underwear, and assistive devices during movement. Patients with anemia had a higher incidence of all GS, except for orthostatic hypotension and chronic pain syndrome. The presence of GS is associated with an increased risk of anemia by 1.33.4 times. Conclusion. EVKALIPT study obtained domestic data on the prevalence of anemia in older patients and examined its associations with other GS.

Etiology of Anemia in Older Mexican Adults: The Role of Hepcidin, Vitamin A and Vitamin D

Anemia in older adults is a growing public health issue in Mexico; however, its etiology remains largely unknown. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) have been implicated in the development of anemia, though by different mechanisms. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology of anemia and anemia-related factors in older Mexican adults. This is a cross-sectional study of 803 older adults from the southern region of Mexico in 2015. The anemia etiologies analyzed were chronic kidney disease (CKD), nutritional deficiencies (ND), anemia of inflammation (AI), anemia of multiple causes (AMC) and unexplained anemia (UEA). VAD was considered to be s-retinol ≤ 20 μg/dL, and VDD if 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L. IL-6 and hepcidin were also measured. Multinomial regression models were generated and adjusted for confounders. Anemia was present in 35.7% of OA, independent of sex. UEA, CKD, AI and ND were confirmed in 45%, 29.3%, 14.6% and 7% of older adults with anemia, respectively. Hepcidin and log IL-6 were associated with AI (p < 0.05) and CKD (p < 0.001). VAD was associated with AI (p < 0.001), and VDD with ND and AMC (p < 0.05). Log-IL6 was associated with UEA (p < 0.001). In conclusion, anemia in older adults has an inflammatory component. VAD was associated to AI and VDD with ND and AMC.

The effects of single and a combination of determinants of anaemia in the very old: results from the TULIPS consortium

Background and objectives

Nutritional deficiencies, renal impairment and chronic inflammation are commonly mentioned determinants of anaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these determinants, singly and in combination, on anaemia in the very old.

Method

The TULIPS Consortium consists of four population-based studies in oldest-old individuals: Leiden 85-plus Study, LiLACS NZ, Newcastle 85+ study, and TOOTH. Five selected determinants (iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency; low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); and high C-reactive protein (CRP)) were summed. This sum score was used to investigate the association with the presence and onset of anaemia (WHO definition). The individual study results were pooled using random-effects models.

Results

In the 2216 participants (59% female, 30% anaemia) at baseline, iron deficiency, low eGFR and high CRP were individually associated with the presence of anaemia. Low eGFR and high CRP were individually associated with the onset of anaemia.

In the cross-sectional analyses, an increase per additional determinant (adjusted OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.85–2.38)) and a combination of ≥2 determinants (OR 3.44 (95% CI 2.70–4.38)) were associated with the presence of anaemia. In the prospective analyses, an increase per additional determinant (adjusted HR 1.46 (95% CI 1.24–1.71)) and the presence of ≥2 determinants (HR 1.95 (95% CI 1.40–2.71)) were associated with the onset of anaemia.

Conclusion

Very old adults with a combination of determinants of anaemia have a higher risk of having, and of developing, anaemia. Further research is recommended to explore causality and clinical relevance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02389-2.

Admission Hemoglobin Is Prognostic for In-Hospital Mortality in Oldest-Old Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

INTRODUCTION

Anemia is a common condition encountered in acute ischemic stroke, and only a few pieces of evidence has been produced suggesting its possible association with short-term mortality have been produced. The study sought to assess whether admission anemia status had any impact on short-term clinical outcome among oldest-old patients with acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of Electronic Medical Recording System was performed in 2 tertiary hospitals. Data, from the oldest-old patients aged > = 80 years consecutively admitted with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, were analyzed. Admission hemoglobin was used as indicator for anemia and severity. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to compare in-hospital mortality and length of in-hospital stay in different anemia statuses and normal hemoglobin patients.

RESULTS

A total of 705 acute ischemic stroke patients were admitted, and 572 were included in the final analysis. Of included patients, 240 of them were anemic and 332 nonanemic patients. A statistical difference between the 2 groups was found in in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the odds ratio value of anemia for mortality were 3.91 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.60-9.61, p = 0.003) and 7.15 (95% CI: 1.46-34.90, p = 0.015) in moderate and severely anemic patients, respectively. Similarly, length of in-hospital stay was longer in anemic patients (21.64 ± 6.17 days) than in nonanemic patients (19.08 ± 5.48 days, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased severity of anemia may be an independent risk factor for increased in-hospital mortality and longer length of stay in oldest-old patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The Prevalence of Anaemia in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom

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.

Blood-based biomarkers and long-term risk of frailty - experience from the Swedish AMORIS cohort

BACKGROUND

Frailty is associated with reduced quality of life, poor health outcomes, and death. Past studies have investigated how specific biomarkers are associated with frailty but understanding biomarkers in concert with each other and the associated risk of frailty is critical for clinical application.

METHODS

Using a sample aged ≥59 years at baseline from the Swedish AMORIS cohort (n=19341), with biomarkers measured at baseline (1985-1996), we conducted latent class analysis with 18 biomarkers and used Cox models to determine the association between class and frailty and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Four classes were identified. Compared to the largest class, the Reference class (81.7%), all other classes were associated with increased risk of both frailty and mortality. The Anemia class (5.8%), characterized by comparatively lower iron markers and higher inflammatory markers, had HR=1.54, 95% CI 1.38, 1.73 for frailty and HR=1.76, 95% CI 1.65, 1.87 for mortality. The Diabetes class (6.5%) was characterized by higher glucose and fructosamine, and had HR=1.59, 95% CI 1.43, 1.77 for frailty and HR=1.74, 95% CI 1.64, 1.85 for mortality. Finally, the Liver class (6.0%), characterized by higher liver enzyme levels, had HR=1.15, 95% CI 1.01, 1.30 for frailty and HR=1.40, 95% CI 1.31, 1.50 for mortality. Sex-stratified analyses did not show any substantial differences between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct sets of commonly available biomarkers were associated with development of frailty and monitoring these biomarkers in patients may allow for earlier detection and possible prevention of frailty, with the potential for improved quality of life.

Iron deficiency, fatigue and muscle strength and function in older hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Iron deficiency is common in older patients. We investigated whether iron deficiency is an independent risk factor for functional impairment, low muscle function, fatigue, and rehabilitation progress in older hospitalized patients.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Two hundred twenty-four patients (age range 65-95 years; 67% females) who were consecutively admitted to a geriatric acute care ward participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Ferritin, iron, transferrin in serum, and blood hemoglobin were measured and current iron supplementation was recorded. Fatigue and comorbidity were measured using the fatigue severity scale and Charlson Comorbidity Index, respectively. Barthel Index, handgrip strength, and isometric knee extension strength were conducted at the time of hospital admission and before discharge.

RESULTS

Ninety-one (41%) patients had iron deficiency in which the majority had functional iron deficiency (78/91, 86%). Absolute iron deficiency with and without anemia was diagnosed in 12 (13%) and one patients, respectively. Barthel Index and handgrip and knee extension strength significantly improved during hospitalization in iron deficiency and non-iron deficiency groups. Knee extension strength showed better improvement in iron-deficient patients receiving iron supplementation and iron supplementation during hospital stay was the main predictor for improvement in knee extension strength. Comorbidity, iron deficiency, and changes in handgrip strength were the major independent risk factors for poor improvement in Barthel Index during hospitalization. There were significant associations between patients' fatigue and iron deficiency, comorbidity, and female gender.

CONCLUSION

Iron deficiency is an independent risk factor for fatigue and poor functional recovery among older hospitalized patients. Iron supplementation seems to be capable of improving functional performance.

Associations Between Anemia, Cognitive Impairment, and All-Cause Mortality in Oldest-Old Adults: A Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study

Objective: To evaluate the combined effects of anemia and cognitive function on the risk of all-cause mortality in oldest-old individuals. Design: Prospective population-based cohort study. Setting and Participants: We included 1,212 oldest-old individuals (men, 416; mean age, 93.3 years). Methods: Blood tests, physical examinations, and health questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2012 were used for baseline data. Mortality was assessed in the subsequent 2014 and 2018 survey waves. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate anemia, cognitive impairment, and mortality risk. We used restricted cubic splines to analyze and visualize the association between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and mortality risk. Results: A total of 801 (66.1%) deaths were identified during the 6-year follow-up. We noted a significant association between anemia and mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.54) after adjusting for confounding variables. We also observed a dose-response relationship between the severity of anemia and mortality (P < 0.001). In the restricted cubic spline models, Hb levels had a reverse J-shaped association with mortality risk (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84-0.93 per 10 g/L-increase in Hb levels below 130 g/L). The reverse J-shaped association persisted in individuals without cognitive impairment (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98 per 10 g/L-increase in Hb levels below 110 g/L). For people with cognitive impairment, Hb levels were inversely associated with mortality risk (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78-0.89 per 10 g/L-increase in Hb levels below 150 g/L). People with anemia and cognitive impairment had the highest risk of mortality (HR 2.60, 95% CI 2.06-3.27). Conclusion: Our results indicate that anemia is associated with an increased risk of mortality in oldest-old people. Cognitive impairment modifies the association between Hb levels and mortality.

Anemia in patients with Covid-19: pathogenesis and clinical significance

COVID-19 patients typically present with lower airway disease, although involvement of other organ systems is usually the rule. Hematological manifestations such as thrombocytopenia and reduced lymphocyte and eosinophil numbers are highly prevalent in COVID-19 and have prognostic significance. Few data, however, are available about the prevalence and significance of anemia in COVID-19. In an observational study, we investigated the prevalence, pathogenesis and clinical significance of anemia among 206 patients with COVID-19 at the time of their hospitalization in an Internal Medicine unit. The prevalence of anemia was 61% in COVID-19, compared with 45% in a control group of 71 patients with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of COVID-19, but nasopharyngeal swab tests negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (p = 0.022). Mortality was higher in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. In COVID-19, females had lower hemoglobin concentration than males and a higher prevalence of moderate/severe anemia (25% versus 13%, p = 0.032). In most cases, anemia was mild and due to inflammation, sometimes associated with iron and/or vitamin deficiencies. Determinants of hemoglobin concentration included: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum cholinesterase, ferritin and protein concentrations and number of chronic diseases affecting each patient. Hemoglobin concentration was not related to overall survival that was, on the contrary, influenced by red blood cell distribution width, age, lactate dehydrogenase and the ratio of arterial partial oxygen pressure to inspired oxygen fraction. In conclusion, our results highlight anemia as a common manifestation in COVID-19. Although anemia does not directly influence mortality, it usually affects elderly, frail patients and can negatively influence their quality of life.

Fighting Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Innovations in Food Fortificants and Biofortification Strategies

Iron deficiency remains one of the main nutritional disorders worldwide and low iron intake and/or bioavailability are currently the major causes of anemia. To fight this public health problem, the scientific challenge is to find an iron form with sufficient bioavailability to increase its levels in humans through food fortification. In turn, biofortification appears as a comparatively advantageous and bearable strategy for the delivery of vitamins and other micronutrients for people without access to a healthy and diverse diet. This approach relies on plant breeding, transgenic techniques, or agronomic practices to obtain a final food product with a higher iron content. It is also known that certain food constituents are able to favor or inhibit iron absorption. The management of these compounds can thus successfully improve the absorption of dietary iron and, ultimately, contribute to fight this disorder present all over the world. This review describes the main causes/manifestations of iron-deficiency anemia, forms of disease prevention and treatment, and the importance of a balanced and preventive diet. A special focus was given to innovative food fortification and biofortification procedures used to improve the iron content in staple food crops.

High anemia prevalence in Korean older adults, an advent healthcare problem: 2007-2016 KNHANES

BACKGROUND

Anemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in older people. However, the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in older individuals are not fully understood, and national data on these aspects in older Korean adults are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in older adults using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which is a nationwide cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.

METHODS

Data from a total of 62,825 participants of the 2007-2016 KNHANES were compiled and analyzed to investigate differences in participant characteristics and potential risk factors for anemia. Differences in clinical characteristics of participants were compared across subgroups using the chi-square test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to identify related clinical factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia was higher in the population aged ≥65 years than in the younger population. Anemia was also more prevalent among females than among males, but this difference was not significant in people aged > 85 years. Being underweight, receiving a social allowance, living alone, and having comorbidities such as hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, and chronic renal failure (CRF) were more common among older adults with anemia than among the population without anemia. In univariate and multivariate analyses, older age, female sex, underweight, and presence of comorbidities including rheumatoid arthritis, DM, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that age, female sex, underweight, and the presence of comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis, DM, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia in older Korean adults. Further study on causal relationships between anemia and other variables in the older population is necessary.

Prevalence and health correlates of anaemia among community-dwelling Chinese older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence of anaemia among older adults in China by sociodemographic and geographical regions, and cross-sectionally examine the associations between anaemia and several geriatric outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 6656 older adults aged at least 60 years with haemoglobin data from the 2015 to 2016 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

METHODS

We examined the prevalence of anaemia by sociodemographics (age, sex, residence, education, marital status) and geographical regions, adjusting for age. We investigated the associations between anaemia and geriatric conditions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anaemia was 20.6% among adults ≥60 years and was higher at advanced ages, among those who were females, living in rural areas, and those who were unmarried. The southern region of China had a higher burden of anaemia than the north. Anaemic adults had a higher age-adjusted prevalence of falls, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, instrumental ADL disability, lower extremely functional limitation, upper extremely functional limitation, low gait speed, low grip strength and low self-reported memory.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaemia affected approximately one in five older adults in China, particularly in those with disadvantaged sociodemographics, and anaemia was associated with a higher burden of geriatric conditions. Huge geographical disparities of anaemia prevalence between northern and southern regions reflected the dietary variations in different regions. Efforts on preventing anaemia and reducing regional disparities of anaemia were needed to improve older adults' health in China.

Effects of intravenous iron monotherapy for patients with iron deficient anemia undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Background

Unnecessary costs and complications can be reduced by increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels and minimizing blood transfusions in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine the effects of intravenous iron monotherapy before TKA on preoperative iron deficient anemia and postoperative transfusion rates.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 45 patients scheduled for TKA in the experimental group (Group I) and 221 patients who underwent TKA in 2015 and 2018 in the control group (Group C). One thousand milligrams of ferric carboxymaltose was administrated 1 month before TKA in group I. Intergroup comparison of the rate and total volume of transfusion, perioperative changes in Hb and analysis of iron metabolism variables in group I were performed. Subgroup analysis of Group I was conducted according to the response to iron monotherapy.

Results

Although Hb levels increased after intravenous iron monotherapy in Group I, postoperative transfusion rates in Groups I and C were 17.8% and 18.6%, respectively, without significant intergroup differences in the rate and total units of transfusion. Ferritin level and transferrin saturation were corrected in both subgroups of Group I. Only 17 patients (37.78%) showed response to iron monotherapy, with an Hb increase of 1.0 g/dL or more. Subgroup analysis showed lower proportions of coexisting chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease in responders.

Conclusion

IV iron monotherapy was shown to be insufficient in successfully treating preoperative iron-deficient anemia to reduce postoperative allogenic blood transfusion in patients who underwent TKA. As preoperative anemia should be managed due to the high rates of postoperative transfusion for this surgery, clinicians should consider the complex interplay among the causal factors of anemia, apart from ID, in patients with preoperative anemia who are scheduled for TKA.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention for Care of Anemic Patients in a Long-Term Care Geropsychiatric Unit: A Pilot Study

Anemia is one of the most common age-related health conditions. When concurrently present with psychiatric conditions, the problem is confounded. The primary objective of the current research was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention for geropsychiatric nurses about nutritional deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and unexplained anemia in older adults. Fifty nurses employed by an inpatient psychiatric facility participated in the pilot study. A 10-item knowledge evaluation questionnaire was administered prior to and following a 45-minute educational intervention. Analysis of a paired samples t test indicated a significant difference between pretest scores (mean = 36.8, SD = 16.3) and posttest scores (mean = 90.8, SD = 10.66) (p < 0.001). Despite initial knowledge gaps, significant improvement in nursing knowledge was noted following the intervention. As a result of improved knowledge, RNs may be better able to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms that commonly go unnoticed in geropsychiatric patients with anemia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(8), 12-16.].

Ambient Air Pollution Exposure Association with Anaemia Prevalence and Haemoglobin Levels in Chinese Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Health effects of air pollution on anaemia have been scarcely studied worldwide. We aimed to explore the associations of long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with anaemia prevalence and haemoglobin levels in Chinese older adults.

METHODS

We used two-level linear regression models and modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to examine the associations of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on haemoglobin concentrations and the prevalence of anaemia, respectively, among 10,611 older Chinese adults enrolled in World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) China. The average community exposure to ambient air pollutants (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM₁₀), 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5), 1 μm or less (PM₁) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)) for each participant was estimated using a satellite-based spatial statistical model. Haemoglobin levels were measured for participants from dried blood spots. The models were controlled for confounders.

RESULTS

All the studied pollutants were significantly associated with increased anaemia prevalence in single pollutant model (e.g., the prevalence ratios associated with an increase in inter quartile range in three years moving average PM₁₀ (1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.09), PM_2.5 (1.11; 95% CI: 1.06-1.16), PM₁ (1.13; 95% CI: 1.06-1.20) and NO₂ (1.42; 95% CI: 1.34-1.49), respectively. These air pollutants were also associated with lower concentrations of haemoglobin: PM₁₀ (-0.53; 95% CI: -0.67, -0.38); PM_2.5 (-0.52; 95% CI: -0.71, -0.33); PM₁ (-0.55; 95% CI: -0.69, -0.41); NO₂ (-1.71; 95% CI: -1.85, -1.57) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Air pollution exposure was significantly associated with increased prevalence of anaemia and decreased haemoglobin levels in a cohort of older Chinese adults.

[Perioperative patient blood management in the aged-more than only transfusion? : Review of the 4th symposium of the working group on anemia on the occasion of the annual meeting of the German Geriatric Society in Frankfurt 2019]

Anemia is frequent in older people with one in two geriatric inpatients being affected. Therefore, in elective surgery, such as endoprosthetic treatment it is very likely that anemia is already present in a preoperative setting. So far there are no particular guidelines about perioperative management of anemia in geriatric patients. The existing recommendations of the Patient Blood Management (PBM) network cooperation and the current Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) S3 guidelines on preoperative anemia refer to all patients aged >18 years but without particular consideration of the growing number of oldest old orthogeriatric patients. This is more problematic as anemia in the aged has been shown to be different from anemia in younger patients in terms of diagnostics and treatment. Based on several interdisciplinary lectures, this year the symposium of the working group on anemia of the German Geriatric Society (DGG) focused on the problems of perioperative PBM in orthogeriatric patients and encouraged the discussion about developing PBM treatment recommendations for this patient group.

Unexplained anemia in the elderly - a real life analysis of 981 patients

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to analyze the prevalence of unexplained anemia (UA) and assess its characteristics, potential causes and impact on survival in an elderly population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical files of 981 patients aged ≥ 60 years consulted in one primary medical clinic in Poland in 2013-2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Anemia, defined according to WHO criteria, diagnosed during either hospitalization or outpatient treatment, from the age of 60, was included. Unexplained anemia was diagnosed if, based on available clinical data and laboratory tests and other assessments in medical records, none of the well-known types of anemia were identified.

RESULTS

Of 981 patients with anemia, UA was found in 48 (28.4%) patients (4.9% of those studied) and incidence increased with age (≥ 80 years, 12.3%). In 81.3% no full hematological diagnostics were performed. Patients with UA, as with those with defined anemia, when compared to the group without anemia were older, had more co-morbidities, were more frequently hospitalized, more frequently had dementia syndrome and obtained lower Barthel scores (p < 0.0001). In the groups of patients with UA and defined anemia, there were more deaths than in those without anemia (10% vs. 13% vs. 2%, p < 0.0001) with significant differences in survival rates observed during 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing incidence with age of UA in the elderly population, insufficient diagnosis and the higher mortality of patients with UA in comparison to the group without anemia indicate the need to develop recommendations for its management by primary care physicians.

Association of Anemia with Activities of Daily Living in Chinese Female Centenarian

OBJECTIVES

Although anemia and activities of daily living (ADL) disability in female elderly are common conditions and are more likely to occur as people age, little is known about the association of anemia with ADL in female centenarians. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between anemia and ADL disability in Chinese female centenarians.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of a sample of 822 Chinese female centenarians from 2014 to 2016.

MEASUREMENTS

Blood analysis, home interview, and physical examination were performed following standard procedures. ADL disability was defined as a Barthel Index total score≤60.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia and ADL disability were 66.8% and 29.7% respectively in Chinese female centenarians. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that inflammation (OR = 2.280, 95% CI, 1.524-3.410), underweight (OR = 1.653, 95% CI, 1.186-2.303), anemia (OR = 1.775, 95% CI, 1.250-2.521), and living with family (OR = 0.518, 95% CI, 0.302-0.888) were significant factors related to ADL disability. Centenarians with severe anemia had an approximately fourfold greater likelihood of ADL disability than those without anemia (OR =3.747; 95% CI 1.525-9.206). An apparent dose-response relationship was found between anemia and ADL disability.

CONCLUSION

These findings may provide some insights into targeted intervention for maintaining ADL independence in female centenarians, especially encouraging the interventions of anemia to improve ADL.

A defined human aging phenome

Aging is among the most complex phenotypes that occur in humans. Identifying the interplay between different age-associated features is undoubtedly critical to our understanding of aging and thus age-associated diseases. Nevertheless, what constitutes human aging is not well characterized. Towards this end, we mined millions of PubMed abstracts for age-associated terms, enabling us to generate a detailed description of the human aging phenotype. We discovered age-associated features in clusters that can be broadly associated with previously defined hallmarks of aging, consequently identifying areas where interventions could be pursued. Importantly, we validated the newly discovered features by manually verifying the prevalence of these features in combined cohorts describing 76 million individuals, allowing us to stratify features in aging that appear to be the most prominent. In conclusion, we propose a comprehensive landscape of human aging: the human aging phenome.

Risk factors for incident anemia of chronic diseases: A cohort study

Objective

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) refers to hypoproliferative anemia in the context of acute or chronic activation of the immune system. There is a paucity of prospective data addressing the risk factors for ACD development. An association between common chronic diseases and ACD was examined cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Method

A cohort of 265,459 healthy participants without ACD at baseline were prospectively followed annually or biennially.

Results

During average follow-up period of 62 months, 4,906 participants developed ACD (incidence rate 3.58 per 1000 person-years). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for incident ACD comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate 30–60 and < 30 vs. ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m² were 3.93 [3.18–4.85] and 39.11 [18.50–82.69]; HRs [95% CI] for ACD comparing prediabetes and diabetes vs. normal were 1.19 [1.12–1.27] and 2.46 [2.14–2.84], respectively. HRs [95% CI] for incident ACD comparing body-mass-index (BMI) of < 18.5, 23–24.9 and ≥ 25 vs. 18.5–22.9 kg/m² were 0.89 [0.78–1.00], 0.89 [0.80–0.99] and 0.78 [0.66–0.91], respectively. HRs [95% CI] for incident ACD comparing prehypertension and hypertension vs. normal were 0.79 [0.73–0.86] and 1.10 [0.99–1.23], respectively. Metabolic syndrome, hypertension, chronic liver disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were not associated with incident ACD.

Conclusions

The severity of chronic kidney disease and diabetic status were independently associated with an increased incidence of ACD, whereas prehypertension and an increasing BMI were significantly associated with decreased risk of ACD.

[The geriatric syndrome of anemia-Summary of the symposium of the working group anemia during the annual meeting of the German Geriatric Society 2018 in Cologne, Germany]

This year's symposium of the working group anemia of the German Geriatric Society (DGG) aimed to underline the multicausality of anemia in the aged and to highlight definition parallels with geriatric syndromes. For these reasons, nutritional and malignant causes for anemia were discussed and the influence of oxidative stress on the development of anemia was underlined. The need for ongoing research in the field of anemia in the aged was emphasized by the lack of perioperative transfusion strategies in geriatric patients.

Association of active Helicobacter pylori infection and anemia in elderly males

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection increases with age. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and anemia in the elderly population remains to be identified. The aim of this study is to explore whether H. pylori infection is associated with anemia in a male elderly cohort.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed using data collected from asymptomatic male senior citizens (≥ 65 years old) who received an assessment of their health status at the General Hospital of Chinese PLA from January 2015 to December 2015. H. pylori infection was confirmed by the ¹³C-urea breath test. Blood samples from the participants were taken to assay for hemoglobin and other erythroid-related indices - serum iron, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin values lower than 120.0 g/L. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was applied to establish baseline comorbidities.

RESULTS

Data from 646 subjects were analyzed. The mean age of the study cohort was 79.4 ± 8.9 years. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 35.3%. The prevalence of anemia in the H. pylori positive group was higher than that in the negative group (5.3% vs. 2.2%, P = .033). Among the patients who had higher CCI scores (> 2), the prevalence of anemia in the H. pylori positive and negative groups were 10.3 and 1.4%, respectively (P = .009). Compared to the H. pylori negative group, the odds ratio for anemia of the H. pylori positive group was 2.53 (P = .033). No correlation between H. pylori infection and serum iron and ferritin levels was found. The mean corpuscular volume of the H. pylori positive and negative group was 91.17 ± 3.94 fl and 91.17 ± 4.09 fl (mean ± SD), respectively (P = .986). The CRP level in the H. pylori positive group was higher than that in the H. pylori negative group (Median: 0.17 mg/dL vs. 0.10 mg/dL, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection seems to be associated with normocytic and normochromic anemia in elderly males, especially in those with more comorbidities. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the association.

The Relationship between Nutritional Status, Anemia and Other Vitamin Deficiencies in the Elderly Receiving Home Care

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and other vitamin deficiencies among elderly home care patients and to evaluate the causes of anemia and effect of malnutrition as a contributing factor.

METHODS

Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization. Hemogram, serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin and transferrin saturation values, serum vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D levels were evaluated. It was tried to differentiate as absolute iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, anemia of unknown cause and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Malnutrition was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment test.

RESULTS

Total of 472 patients (mean age 81,4±7,4 years) were included in the study. Anemia was detected in 179 (%37,9) patients, 22,7% of males and 45,5 % of female. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D deficiencies were found 43%, 46%, 19% and 91% respectively. 22,8% of all patients were malnourished, 17,5% were under malnutrition risk. In patients with anemia 16,2% chronic disease anemia and 37,4% unknown anemia were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

With or without malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were common in the home care elderly patients.

[Anemia in the aged]

Anemia in the aged is still often an underestimated clinical problem; however, in recent years increasing research on this topic has permitted deeper insights, allowing a differentiated approach to anemia in the aged. Meanwhile, multicausality and a negative impact on functional outcome have become characteristics of anemia in older people. This has led to a scientific discussion on the question of accepting anemia as a geriatric syndrome. The present article gives a concise overview of the current state of research on this clinically relevant subject.

Contributing factors to iron deficiency anemia in women in Jordan: A single-center cross-sectional study

Objectives

This study aimed to understand the impact of iron deficiency anemia in female users of a hematology service in a developing country.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study of adult and adolescent women with iron deficiency anemia who presented to a hospital department of hematology.

Setting

A tertiary university hospital inpatient and outpatient hematology service.

Participants

All female patients who were ≥13 years of age with confirmed iron deficiency anemia and received hospital hematology services.

Results

A total of 208 patients were enrolled and analyzed in the registry. The mean age of the patients was 41.4 years (range, 14–82). A total of 195 patients had anemia that was moderate or severe according to the World Health Organization anemia classification with 13 patients having mild anemia. A total of 108 patients had comorbidities, which were primarily endocrine and cardiovascular. Iron deficiency anemia was associated with very heavy (n = 56, 30%) or heavy menses (n = 84, 45%) in 140 patients and was associated with poor (<200 g/week of red meat) (n = 101, 54%) or very poor (vegan, strict vegetarian) nutrition (n = 34, 18%) in 135 patients. A total of 101 patients had a previous pregnancy history with a mean of six previous pregnancies (range, 1–11 pregnancy episodes per patient). Blood film was performed on all patients; only four had a picture consistent with thalassemia minor.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by multiple factors. Heavy menses and low consumption of red meat were found to be associated with the severity of anemia. Our findings may be useful for healthcare planners and policy makers in increasing efforts to reduce the prevalence and severity of iron deficiency anemia among women in Jordan.

Comorbidities, repeated hospitalizations, and age ≥ 80 years as indicators of anemia development in the older population

Anemia represents a common condition among the elderly; however, its prevalence and causes are not well known. This retrospective analysis was performed on 981 patients aged ≥ 60 in Poland over 2013-2014. The prevalence of anemia was 17.2% and increased with age. The predominant causes of anemia were the following: anemia of chronic disease (33.1%), unexplained anemia (28.4%), deficiency anemia (22.5%, including iron deficiency 13%), and chemo-/radiotherapy-induced anemia (8.9%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, factors increasing the risk of anemia were the following: age ≥ 80 years (OR 2.29; 95%CI 1.19-4.42; P = 0.013), the number of comorbidities (two diseases OR 2.85; 95%CI 1.12-7.30; P = 0.029, three diseases OR 6.28; 95%CI 2.22-17.76; P = 0.001, four diseases OR 4.64; 95%CI 1.27-17.01; P = 0.021), and hospitalizations (OR 1.34; 95%CI 1.13-1.58; P = 0.001). After a 2-year follow-up, the cumulative survival among patients without anemia in relation to the group with anemia was 90.76 vs. 78.08% (P < 0.001). In the multivariate model, anemia (HR 3.33, 95%CI 1.43-7.74, P = 0.005), heart failure (HR 2.94, 95%CI 1.33-6.50, P = 0.008), and cancer (HR 3.31, 95%CI 1.47-7.49, P < 0.004) were all significantly correlated with mortality. In patients ≥ 60 years, the incidence of anemia increases with age, number of comorbidities, and frequency of hospitalizations and has an adverse impact on survival.

Anemia in the aged is not ageing related: position paper on anemia in the aged by the "working group anemia" of the German Geriatric Society (DGG)

Anemia in the aged is a frequent but still under-estimated problem in geriatric patients. However, in recent years increasing research on anemia in the aged has improved awareness and interest in this clinically relevant problem. Guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic steps are now required to improve the treatment of anemic aged patients. For encouraging the development of diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations, the "working group anemia" of the German Geriatric Society (DGG) has issued a position paper on anemia in the aged, based on the current literature. The statements are (1) that anemia has to be considered a highly prevalent but not a physiologic finding in aged persons; (2) that reference values for hemoglobin concentration are independent of age, indicating that WHO reference values for anemia definition are valid for aged persons; (3) that anemia in the aged is associated with functional and cognitive impairment based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Anemia in the Elderly

Anemia affects a substantial fraction of the elderly population, representing a public health problem that is predicted to further increase in coming years because of the demographic drive. Being typically mild, it is falsely perceived as a minor problem, particularly in the elderly with multimorbidity, so that it often remains unrecognized and untreated. Indeed, mounting evidence indicates that anemia in the elderly (AE) is independently associated with disability and other major negative outcomes, including mortality. AE is generally multifactorial, but initial studies suggested that etiology remains unexplained in near one-third of cases. This proportion is consistently declining due to recent advances highlighting the role of several conditions including clonal hematopoiesis, "inflammaging," correctable androgen deficiency in men, and under-recognized iron deficiency. Starting from a real-world case vignette illustrating a paradigmatic example of anemia in an elderly patient with multimorbidity, we review the main clinical and pathophysiological aspect of AE, giving some practical insights into how to manage similar cases.

Magnitude of Anemia in Geriatric Population Visiting Outpatient Department at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Implication for Community-Based Screening

Objective

This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude and its associated factors of anemia in geriatric population visiting outpatient department at the University of Gondar referral hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among elder patients in Gondar town, North Gondar District, in May 2013. A total of 200 randomly selected geriatric population participated in the study. Summary statistics were computed and presented in tables and figure. Both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were fitted to identify associated factors. A P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The median age of the study participants was 65 years (Interquartile range (IQR): 8 years). The prevalence of anemia in the geriatric patients was 54.5% (n = 109), of which 61.5% (n = 67) were males. Mild type anemia was predominant, 55.96% (n = 61). Geriatric patients with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (AOR = 9.04, 95% CI: 4.2–19.7) and who are vegetarians (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.03–4.71) were at high risk of developing anemia.

Conclusion

The magnitude of anemia was high in geriatrics. Mild anemia was the predominant type. Vegetarians and geriatrics with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate were more likely to develop anemia. Hence, early diagnosis and management of anemia have paramount importance to prevent adverse outcomes in geriatrics.

Magnitude, Severity, and Morphological Types of Anemia in Hospitalized Children Under the Age of Five in Southern Tanzania

Introduction Anemia is a significant public health problem among children and women globally. It is one of the most common causes of deaths among children admitted to hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa. Case fatality rates of 6 percent to 18 percent have been reported even in facilities that have blood transfusions services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnitude, severity, and morphological types of anemia among hospitalized children under five years of age in the southern part of Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional, hospital-based, retrospective analysis was conducted in February 2016 using hospital records of 303 children aged 0-59 months admitted to St. Benedict Ndanda Referral Hospital, Mtwara, Tanzania between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2015.  Results The mean hemoglobin (Hb) level of the study population was 7.87 ± 2.84 g/dL, the median was 8.00g/dL, the interquartile range (IQR) was 4.40g/dL, and the prevalence of anemia was 83.17 percent. The magnitude of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 9.13 percent, 44.84 percent, and 46.03 percent, respectively, and about half of all anemic children had normocytic anemia. Conclusion Severe anemia is a common health problem among hospitalized children under five years of age in the study area. We recommend screening all admitted children under the age of five for anemia, and clinicians should pay attention to and put more emphasis on intervention strategies for anemia when treating children admitted for other diseases.

Analysis of cytopenia in geriatric inpatients

BACKGROUND

Peripheral blood dyscrasias in older patients are repeatedly seen in geriatric clinical practice; however, there is substantial lack of data about the epidemiology, possible causes and treatment options in this patient group. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are extensively used in older patients and associated with leukopenia. The primary objective of this study was the assessment of encoded cytopenia prevalence in a geriatric patient cohort and the secondary objective was the assessment of putative causes and the analysis of PPI administration in patients with cytopenia.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of patients admitted to the geriatric department of a German urban hospital between 2010 and 2012. Electronic patient data were screened for encoded diagnosis of cytopenia according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10. Inclusion criteria were ICD code D69.0-9 and/or D70.0-7, age ≥60 years and exclusion criteria were no ICD code D69.0-9 and/or D70.0-7 and age <60 years. Out of 9328 screened inpatients 54 patients remained for analysis. Study parameters included hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), leucocytes, platelets, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), presence of leukopenia (<4000/µl), presence of thrombocytopenia (<140,000/µl) and presence of anemia according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Substitution of blood products, medication with PPI and potential causes for dyscrasias were evaluated based on electronic patient records.

RESULTS

The mean age was 78.3 ± 6.5 years (27 females, 27 males), anemia was seen in 78%, leukopenia was encoded in13% and thrombocytopenia in 44.4%. In most of the patients no substitution of blood products was documented. In most of the patients (20.4%) cytopenia was attributed to either heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or hemato-oncologic (20.4%) diseases, followed by drug association in 18.5%. In 70.8% of the study patients PPIs were administered but the indication for PPI administration remained unclear in 20.4%.

CONCLUSION

The results encourage accurate assessment of blood dyscrasias and appropriate documentation as well as indication check for PPI treatment in geriatric inpatients.

Association of anemia with functional and nutritional status in the German multicenter study "GeriAnaemie2013"

OBJECTIVES

Anemia and malnutrition are risk factors for frailty in older people but data from multicenter studies among German geriatric inpatients are lacking. This analysis evaluated data from the multicenter study "GerAnaemie2013" commissioned by the German Geriatric Society.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study involved an analysis of the 579 geriatric inpatients recruited in the context of the German multicenter study "GeriAnaemie2013". Study parameters: Barthel index (BI), handgrip strength, nutritional data (e.g. loss of appetite, loss of weight and decreased food intake).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

in-patient age ≥70 years, exclusion criteria: current cancer disease or cancer-associated treatment. Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 81.9 years, overall prevalence of anemia 55.1 %, mean hemoglobin (Hb) level 11.9 g/dl, average BI 50.8 points and 30.3 % of all patients were at risk of malnutrition. While univariate analysis revealed a significantly lower BI in anemic patients, this association was no longer seen in multivariate analysis. Regression analysis revealed that a drug intake of > 5 drugs/day doubles the chance of suffering from anemia with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.17 (confidence interval (CI) 1.28-3.68, p = 0.004) as well as a serum albumin level below 3.5 g/dl with an adjusted OR of 2.11 (range 1.40-3.19, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Polymedication and low serum albumin were independent risk factors for anemia in geriatric patients, probably reflecting disease severity.