Anemia in old age

Author(s):
Elzen, W.P.J. den
Published
2010
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to study the impact and etiology of anemia in the oldest old in the general population, in order to support the development of evidence-based diagnostic and treatment recommendations for anemia in the oldest old. All studies presented in this thesis were embedded in the Leiden 85-plus Study and the Newcastle 85-plus Study. First, the impact of anemia was investigated. Anemia in old age appeared to be associated with an increased risk of death, independent of comorbidity, but the associated functional decline appeared to be attributed mainly to comorbidity. In various chapters, the etiology of anemia in old age was studied. An important finding was that, while folate deficiency at age 85 years was associated with the development of anemia during follow-up, vitamin B12 deficiency was not. In addition, low ferritin was associated with lower hemoglobin levels, but this association was more pronounced in participants with inflammation than in participants without inflammation. In the general discussion, a description of the possible clinical implications of this thesis and recommendations for further studies are provided.

AnemiaAgedVitamin B12FolateFerritinErythropoietinTelomere length
Defense date
2010-11-02
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
Gussekloo, J.; Assendelft, W.J.J.; Westendorp, R.G.J.
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University, Leiden
hdl
1887/16106
ISBN(s)
9789085590422

Funding

Sponsorship
Financial support by the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Gerontologie (Dutch Society for Gerontology) for the publication of this thesis is gratefully acknowledged