Description
Anaemia is common in the older person with anaemia of chronic inflammation and disease being the most prevalent. Biochemical evaluation of iron status is frequently handicapped in the older person due to the presence of multiple co-morbidities. Differentiation of iron deficiency from anemia of inflammation and chronic disease is essential as it will define the pathway of further investigation and treatment. However, despite extensive evaluation, the aetiology of anaemia often remains idiopathic in a significant proportion of older subjects.
