A clinicohaematological profile of elderly patientsbeing investigated for anaemia in a tertiary care centre in north-west India

Background There are plenty of studies on prevalence of anaemia in high-risk groups such as pregnant and lactating women and children. Reliable data on the prevalence and causes of anaemia in the elderly population are not available, particularly in this region. Thus, the present study was carried out to profile anaemia in geriatric patients in our setup. Objectives The aim of this study was to profile anaemia clinicohaematologically among elderly. Materials and methods A total of 168 geriatric patients aged 65 years and above, male and female patients with haemoglobin less than 12 g/dl admitted in the Tertiary Care Hospital, were included in the study. Investigations were carried out, mainly haematological with supporting biochemical parameters, which included complete blood count, peripheral blood film examination, serum B12 and folate studies, bone marrow cytology, iron studies, liver and renal function tests, urine examination and radiological examination when required. Detailed clinical history, systemic examination and complete haematological, biochemical and radiological investigations were carried out when patients were being managed in the respective wards/units. Results Various underlying pathologies encountered were nutritional deficiency anaemia (47.6%), anaemia of chronic disease (20.2%), bone marrow infiltration (8.3%), multiple myeloma (7.1%), myelodysplastic syndrome (4.8%), myelofibrosis (4.8%), acute myeloid leukaemia (3.6%), anaemia of renal disease (2.4%) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (1.2%). Anaemia associated with chronic diseases included cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia and ischaemic heart diseases, which predisposed the patient to greater morbidity. Conclusion The incidence of anaemia is quite high among elderly patients, more so when associated with chronic diseases and malignancies. The major cause found is nutritional anaemia due to deficiency of iron, folic acid/vitamin B12 or dual deficiency. It is very important to diagnose the cause of anaemia by detailed investigations before initiating the required therapy.