Abstract

ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY

Irida Kecaj, Ergita Nelaj*, Kei Xhixhabesi, Ilir Gjermeni and Ina Refatllari

ABSTRACT

A significant fraction of geriatrics are with anemia (mainly mild typeof anemia), resulting in an important problem for public health, as itsprevalence is expected to increase due to demographic changes. Themain problem lies in mild forms of anemia, as they are mostlyconsidered normal in geriatric ages with multimorbidities, oftenremaining underestimated and untreated. The common causes ofanemia in geriatric ages include nutritional deficiencies, chronickidney disease, inflammatory disorders, and hematologicmalignancies. In a smaller number of patients it remains withundetermined etiology. There are multiple clinical studies showing thatthe presence of anemia in geriatric ages is an independent risk factorfor physical disability, impaired cognition, as well as for majornegative outcomes, including increased mortality. Management ofanemia in geriatric ages requires a multidisciplinary team and adetailed study of the patient's nutritional status and organ function. Considering the fact thatthis population group is increasing, as well as the morbidity and mortality associated withanemia, it is important that primary care physicians become familiar with both the evaluationand management of anemia in the geriatric patient. In this article we present thecharacteristics of anemia in geriatric ages, with special attention to etiology, clinicalimplications and different therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: Anemia, geriatrics, attention.