Clinics and Para clinics aspects of micronutrients deficient in elderly at General Reference Hospital of Niamey (Niger)

Abstract

Introduction: Micronutrients are made up of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, their deficits in geriatrics patients are responsible for non-specific clinical signs leading to diseases or functional disabilities. The purpose was to describe the clinical and biology aspects of patients with micronutrient deficiency in the internal medicine and geriatrics department of the Niamey General Reference Hospital. Patient and methods: This was a longitudinal type cross-sectional study involving 88 patients during 15 months from June 30, 2021 to September 31, 2022. Results: A total of 88 patients, the average age was 78 years old [65 – 100 years old]. Common micronutrient deficiencies were: vitamin D (22.73%), hyponatremia (45%) and hypocalcemia (23%). The frequent clinical signs were of the musculoskeletal system in 63.6%, digestive system (45.4%). The denutrition rate was 36.3%, 61.3% loss of ability , 15.9% probable depression and 63.6% risk of falling. 37.5% had anemia including 30.6% microcytic and 35.2% hypochromic. There was a moderate alteration of renal function in 43.1% of cases. Conclusion: micronutrient deficiencies are characterized by a frequent Musculo skeletal signs, anemia and kidney disorders with non-specific etiology in context of limited micronutrient evidence in laboratory. So, this group of population should be sensibilize about appropriate nutrition to prevent those deficient.