Malnutrition in very old hospitalized patients: A new etiologic factor of anemia?

Background Anemia and malnutrition are highly prevalent, frequently concomitant and associated with negative outcomes and mortality in the elderly. Objectives To evaluate the association between these two entities, and test the hypothesis that protein-energy deficit could be etiology of anemia. Design Prospective case-control study. Setting: Geriatric and Rehabilitation Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. Participants 392 patients (mean age 84.8 years old, 68.6% female). Main outcome measures Hematological (hemoglobin (Hb)), chemical (iron work up, cyanocobalamin, folates, renal function, C-Reactive Protein (CRP)) and nutrition (albumin, prealbumin) parameters, and mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF). Results The prevalence of anemia (defined as Hb