Study on Different Types of Anemia among Geriatric Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a common and clinically significant condition in the elderly, associated with increased morbidity, functional decline, and mortality. Despite its impact, it is often under diagnosed in tertiary care settings. This study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence, morphological patterns in geriatric patients.

Materials and methods: At ACS Medical College and Hospital, we conducted a year-long, observational study (December 2024 - December 2025) involving patients aged 60 years and older who had anemia (Hemoglobin < 13g/dL for males, < 12g/dL for females). One hundred participants were included in this study. Blood samples were analyzed with automated hematology analyzers and microscopically examined with the Leishman stain method for this study. The descriptive and Chi-square statistical techniques were used for data analyses.

Results:The mean age of the participants in the study was 70.61 ± 7.34 years (males 71%) and the mean hemoglobin was 9.03 ± 2.05 g/dL. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had Microcytic hypochromic anemia and thirty percent had normocytic normochromic anemia. A significant relationship was found between hemoglobin and age (p = 0.025).

Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among geriatric patients, predominantly microcytic hypochromic type. Routine haematological evaluation is crucial for early detection and appropriate management to improve outcomes in the elderly.