Morphological Analysis of Geriatric Anaemia in Rahim Yar Khan: An Emerging Problem for 21st Century

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the morphological pattern and degree of geriatric anaemia in otherwise healthy seniors residing in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 participants at the Pathology and Community Medicine departments of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, between November 2023 and June 2024. Study participants aged 60 years and above underwent whole blood counts, which included haemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW-CV), and haematocrit (HCT). Morphological classification was done using RBC indices and peripheral blood smear analysis. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 140 geriatric patients participated in this study. There were 100 men (71.42%) and 40 women (28.57%). Mild anaemia was the most prevalent type (80%), then moderate (13.84%), and severe (6.15%). Hypochromic microcytic anaemia was the most rampant morphological form (50.76%).  Anaemias were prevalent in the older population and were associated with other connected illnesses (58.46%).

Conclusion: Basic blood parameters and a peripheral smear examination are crucial for detecting anaemia. Early detection and treatment of anaemia lowers the rate of illness and enhances the quality of life, particularly in the elderly population.