Previously Undiagnosed Anaemia in Diabetic Adult Patients Admitted at Emergency Department

Abstract

Commonly, anaemia is defined as a medical condition with an insufficient mass of red blood cells (RBCs) moving in blood circulation; anaemia is also defined as a blood disorder with haemoglobin (Hb) concentration below the thresholds given by world health organization (WHO). Several diseases and pathologic disorders found to be associated with anaemia incidence. Anaemia might presented with several health complications according to its severity. However, most patients with anaemia do not show severe symptoms, and therefore they cannot know if they have the disease to look for medical attention. Thus, this study aimed to assess the incidence of undiagnosed anaemia in diabetic adult patients who aged between 22- 90 years and admitted at emergency department (ER) in Al-Huda hospital. The results of this study showed that 36% of patients who admitted to the ER during the study period were diabetic and have not been diagnosed with anaemia previously. All patients were Saudi's, the majority were female, and non-school completed. Many of these patients did not present with clinical findings of anaemia. The admission causes were different including: shortness of breath, abdominal pain, chest pain, drowsiness, flank pain, nausea and vomiting. Out of the diabetic patients there were five cases noted with low mean Hb and low RBCs level. According to the WHO criteria, those patients had anaemia. However, further laboratory investigations were needed to determine the specific type of anaemia. This study suggested an integrated strategy for anaemia control and prevention including education to encourage community to improve their dietary nutrition, reducing inhibitors of iron absorption (such as tea) and taking iron supplementation pills specially among high risk and diabetic individuals.