Anemia in the elderly has been properly defined as the silent epidemic, representing 3 million people in the United States aged 65 years and older. Anemia is associated with reduced survival, increased risk of functional dependence and hospitalization, increased risk of congestive heart failure and stage renal disease and cognitive disorders.
Anemia is found in approximately 80% of elderly patients, most often caused by chronic disease and iron deficiency. Hemopoiesis is a crossroad for many aging-related events.
Why do older patients become anemic?
When should a diagnostic work up of anemia be initiated in the older person?
What are the clinical consequences of anemia?
Can the treatment of anemia delay aging?
Have erythropoietic growth factors played a role in age-related anemia?
Who should receive an erythropoietin stimulating agent?
When should the suspicion for Myelodysplastic Syndrome be ruled out and what are the clues?
This book addresses these and many other important questions with a review of the most recent findings.
From the reviews:
"This multiauthored monograph on anemia in older persons discusses the nature of aging and red cell levels in the body as well as the various causes of anemia in older persons. Its purpose is to review the nature of anemia in older persons. The book succeeds admirably. The audience is hematologists and physicians treating older persons and researchers of blood physiology. ? Because anemia is common in older persons, this book is important and timely. It points the way to the future studies." (David O. Staats, Doody's Review Service, May, 2008)
"Anemia in the Elderly offers a thoughtful overview of a common yet underdiagnosed medical condition ? . this book carries tremendous clinical relevance for its intended audience-physicians and other clinicians who care for older adults. ? The major contribution of this text is the elegant integration of geriatrics throughout. By offering a thoughtful approach to anemia that takes functional status into account, this book is an important addition to the fields of geriatrics and hematology." (Preeti N. Malani, JAMA, Vol. 299 (19), 2008)
