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Evaluation and management of anemia in the elderly
Author(s) -
Goodnough Lawrence Tim,
Schrier Stanley L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.23598
Subject(s) - hematologist , medicine , anemia , hemoglobin , referral , intensive care medicine , adverse effect , blood transfusion , pediatrics , family medicine , disease
Anemia is now recognized as a risk factor for a number of adverse outcomes in the elderly, including hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. What constitutes appropriate evaluation and management for an elderly patient with anemia, and when to initiate a referral to a hematologist, are significant issues. Attempts to identify suggested hemoglobin levels for blood transfusion therapy have been confounded for elderly patients with their co‐morbidities. Since no specific recommended hemoglobin threshold has stood the test of time, prudent transfusion practices to maintain hemoglobin thresholds of 9–10 g/dL in the elderly are indicated, unless or until evidence emerges to indicate otherwise. Am. J. Hematol. 89:88–96, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.