Anemia in older patients: An etiologic profile

Abstract

Objective: Anemia is an important problem in the elderly population (>65years old). It can be present in almost 50% of the hospitalized patients. Previous studies have proved that anemia is an independent risk factor of mortality and is associated with an increased risk of falls and cognitive impairment. Anemia's etiology remains unknown in approximately one third of all cases. We want to evaluate the profile of anemia and the average that remains without an etiology defined in our hospital. Methods: We included patients 65years old or older with anemia.