RBC indices and morphological pattern of anemia in geriatric population: A cross-sectional study in Eastern India

Background: Geriatric anemia is one of the neglected and undiagnosed health problems throughout the world leading to increased morbidity and mortality among this vulnerable age group. Anemia in elderly is often an indicator of an underlying co-morbid condition. Morphological pattern of anemia may reflect the underlying etiology and thus directs the appropriate way to management of the condition. Aims: To evaluate the severity and morphological pattern of anemia in geriatric age groups. Materials and Methods: Elderly individuals aged 60 years or older of either sex with Hb level <12 gm/dl in women and <13 gm/dl in males were included in this study as geriatric anemic population. Blood samples were analyzed for Hb, hematocrit (Hct), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Red cell distribution width (RDW-CV). Anemia was graded as mild, moderate and severe according to WHO criteria. Morphological classification was done based on RBC indices and peripheral blood smear examination. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Total 277 geriatric anemic subjects were included in this study. Female to male ratio was 1.9:1. Most of the participants (60.29%) were in the age group of 60-69 years. Majority had mild anemia (48.02%). Normocytic-normochromic was the most predominant morphological subtype (74.73%). Mean Hb, MCH and MCHC were found to be significantly lower in geriatric females compared to males (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Normocytic-normochromic anemia of mild degree was the most common type of anemia among geriatric population. Evaluation of morphological pattern of anemia may help in appropriate management of underlying condition.