Linked Life Data

14654265

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/14654265

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-12-5
pubmed:abstractText
While data exist on the prevalence and causes of anemia in defined groups of the elderly, information on palliative care patients is limited. Compared to actively treated oncology patients, for whom anemia treatment has demonstrated improved quality of life and symptom alleviation, studies of treatment outcomes in palliative care patients are limited. Knowledge of the extent and causes of anemia in palliative care patients is needed, as correction of anemia in these patients could potentially improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. In the present study, clinical data and blood test results of 105 patients meeting specific eligibility criteria were examined to estimate the prevalence of anemia and investigate its causes. Ninety-five (90.5%) patients had advanced cancer. Based on World Health Organization criteria, anemia was found in 77% of men (Hb <130 g/l) and 68.2% of women (Hb <120 g/l). The diagnosis was anemia of chronic disease in 76.7% of women and 46.8% of men. Patients with prostate cancer had a significantly lower mean Hb level (P=0.007) and more evidence of bone metastases (P=0.0007) than those with other cancers. Neutrophil hypersegmentation, suggesting occult folate deficiency, was present in 28.6% of patients, being more common in those with major weight loss (58.3%) than those with moderate (37%) or mild/no weight loss (26%) (P=0.019). The findings suggest that anemia is highly prevalent in the palliative care setting. Although anemia of chronic disease is most common, occult folate deficiency may be more prevalent than previously suspected. The findings suggest that a low serum folate level is an insensitive marker of occult folate deficiency. A randomized controlled trial of folic acid treatment is proposed.
pubmed:commentsCorrections
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0885-3924
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
26
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
1132-9
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-8-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
Anemia at the end of life: prevalence, significance, and causes in patients receiving palliative care.
pubmed:affiliation
Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington South, New Zealand.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article