Abstract
Introduction:
We aim to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for anaemia among the elderly in a tertiary hospital.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 742 consecutive geriatric patients who were admitted to the medical unit of our hospital. The demographic and laboratory values for patients were examined. Anaemia-related data were studied. Patients with no/missing demographical or laboratory data and those who passed away after admission were excluded.
Results:
There was a high prevalence of anaemia in the study population. Although there were a significant proportion of nutritional causes, non-nutritional causes formed the majority. Significant risk adjusted risk factors associated with anaemia are male gender, Charlson's co-morbidity index and abnormal serum creatinine levels ≤60ml/min. (OR=1.469 [1.177–1.833], p=0.001; OR=1.147 [1.107–1.189], p<0.001; OR=1.335 [1.064–1.675], p=0.013 respectively.) Contributory factors for sub-types of anaemia were further investigated. A non-Chinese ethnicity, NSAID and anti-platelet use were significant risk factors for iron deficiency anaemia. (OR=2.035 [1.207–3.432], p=0.008; OR=8.202 [3.628–18.540], p<0.001; OR=2.080 [1.260–3.435], p=0.004 respectively.) For B12 deficiency, significant risk factors were non-Chinese ethnicity and metformin use. (OR=1.869 [1.036–3.370], p=0.038; OR=3.314 [1.690–6.499], p<0.001 respectively) A high Charleson's co-morbidity score and male gender correlated with anaemia of chronic disease. (OR=1.192 [1.104–1.288], p<0.001; OR=2.030 [1.198–3.440], p=0.009 respectively.) For anaemia of chronic renal disease, no significant predictors were found.
Conclusion:
Anaemia remains prevalent in the hospitalised geriatric population. Specific risk factors may help in the diagnosis and management of sub-types of anaemia.