Prevalence and characteristics of anemia in the elderly: cross-sectional study of three urban Korean population samples.
We conducted a prospective study to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of anemia and to define the risk factors for anemia in older Koreans. From October 2002 to November 2002, 1,254 subjects over the age of 60 years were selected from a cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent a complete medical history taking and laboratory testing, which included; a complete blood cell count, reticulocyte, liver and renal function tests, lipid profiles, and iron profiles. The median age was 70 years old (range, 60-95 years). The mean levels of hemoglobin (mean +/- SD) were 14.5 +/- 1.4 g/dL in men and 13.0 +/- 1.1 g/dL in women, and the overall prevalence of anemia was 13.6% (171/1,254): 9.9% (27/273) in men and 14.7% (144/981) in women. We found that the prevalence of anemia differed significantly between those of age 60-69 and 70-79 years (P < 0.0001), those of age 60-69 and > or =80 (P < 0.0001), and those of age 70-79 and > or =80 (P = 0.0474). Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in subjects > or =80 years old. By logistic regression testing, female sex, old age, lower albumin level, higher creatinine level, and lower body mass index were identified as independent risk factors of anemia in elderly Koreans. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of anemia in our study group was 13.6% (171/1,254), and this increased with age.
Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Chul Won
CW
Choi
Juneyoung
J
Lee
Kyong Hwa
KH
Park
So Young
SY
Yoon
In Keun
IK
Choi
Sang Cheul
SC
Oh
Jae Hong
JH
Seo
Byung Soo
BS
Kim
Sang Won
SW
Shin
Yeul Hong
YH
Kim
Jun Suk
JS
Kim
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health