Disease-A-Month

Editorial Board

2010-08-01

Title Page

2010-08-01

Information for Readers

2010-08-01

Foreword

Jerrold B. Leikin — 2010-08-01

The evaluation of anemias, especially in the elderly, can be quite a daunting process for the primary care physician. As Dr. Haddad points out, while it is a common abnormality in the elderly, it should not be considered an accepted consequence of the aging process. Thus, low blood counts in the elderly require considerable attention along with a coherent diagnostic and treatment plan.

Introduction

Rami Y. Haddad — 2010-08-01

Anemia is one of the most common clinical problems any clinician may come across in their practice. Although in many instances an obvious cause can readily be identified, in many other cases, anemia can be a challenging diagnostic problem without a clear etiology.

Approach to Anemia

Maen Hussein, Rami Y. Haddad — 2010-08-01

Anemia is one of the most common blood diseases. The number of visits to physician offices, hospital outpatient and emergency departments with anemia as primary diagnosis was 5.5 million in the year 2005-2006. Nineteen percent of nursing home residents are diagnosed with anemia. The World Health Organization criteria for anemia is a Hb <13 in men and <12 in women within the context of international nutrition studies, so they are not the gold standard for the diagnosis of anemia. There are many other definitions of anemia with the Hb levels being <13-14 for men and 12-13 for women. Those ranges may not apply in special populations (athletes, high altitude, elderly, patients with chronic disease, smokers).

Anemia in the Elderly

Fayez Kheir, Rami Haddad — 2010-08-01

As the population ages, anemia becomes more prevalent. However, it should not be accepted because of aging. Elderly persons, defined as people older than 65, are more prone to have anemia and the etiology differs significantly from the younger population that needs consideration and proper workup. The USA is forecast to have 16% of its population over 65 years of age in 2020, and 20% of its population to be over 65 years in 2050, as shown in .

Myelodysplastic Syndromes: What a Primary Care Physician Needs to Know

Awais M. Khan, Rami S. Komrokji, Rami Y. Haddad — 2010-08-01

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are essentially neoplastic disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell leading to bone marrow failure. “Myelo” in Greek means bone marrow and “dysplasia” is a cytologic abnormal morphology.

Disease-A-Month

Editorial Board

Title Page

Information for Readers

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Approach to Anemia

Anemia in the Elderly

Myelodysplastic Syndromes: What a Primary Care Physician Needs to Know