MANAGEMENT OF

ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY

FA H A D
10542 0282 11
P E M B I M B I N G : D R . H J . R AT N I R A H I M S P. P D

ABSTRACT
Anemia is an important disease often found in the
elderly. Iron deficiency anemia and secondary
anemia are relatively frequent.
When anemia is found in the elderly, it is
important to determine if it is explained by
physiological changes or if there is an underlying
disease the treatment of which can improve the
anemia.

INTRODUCTION
In elderly patients with anemia, it is important to
promptly examine the presence of underlying
disease and provide proper treatment.

DEFINITION OF ANEMIA
According to WHO criteria, anemia in adults is
defined as a hemoglobin level of 13g/dl or lower
for men and 12 g/dl or lower for women

SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA

facial pallor
orthostatic hypotension
edema resulting from decreased red blood cells
fatigability
malaise,
headache
vertigo
syncope,
tinnitus
chest pain due to insufficient oxygen supply
Palpitation
shortness of breath by compensatory mechanism

CONT..
Since organ insufficiency of the elderly as a result
of aging, even hemoglobin levels of 910 g/dl
may result in the manifestation of severe anemic
symptoms

CONSIDERATIONS IN DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

OF ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY

Important past histories

A history of gastrectomy or duodenectomy
Family histories
Taking a life history

TYPES OF ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY

Iron deficiency anemia

Secondary anemia
Megaloblastic anemia
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Senile anemia

CONCLUSION
In elderly patients, past medical history and drug
history are diverse, and it is sometimes difficult to
obtain accurate infor- mation. In addition, elderly
patients tend to have multi-organ dysfunction in
the background, making it important to
understand the patho- logical condition
accurately.