Correlation between Selected Inflammatory Biomarkers in Geriatric Anemias − A Case–Control Study

Introduction: Anemia in the geriatric age group is a prevalent disorder, with a complex pathophysiology. In this study, we try to evaluate the correlation between selected inflammatory biomarkers [interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hepcidin (HA)] in geriatric anemia. Materials and methods: Case–control hospital-based study conducted in individual age 60 to 80 years at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute. One hundred participants are included in this study, where 50 in case group with anemia and 50 in control group without anemia. A one-time blood sample is collected and was evaluated for complete blood count, serum ferritin, vitamin B 12 , HA, IL-6, and serum CRP. Results: There is a significant association between inflammatory markers IL-6, CRP, HA, and geriatric anemia, which shows statistical significance with P -value <0.001, values in group case are following 6.60 ± 4.42 pg/mL, 3.79 ± 4.25 mg/L, 3.97 ± 2.16 ng/mL, 8.87 ± 1.95, and in control 3.22 ± 2.33 pg/mL, 2.02 ± 3.28 mg/L, 2.77 ± 0.85 ng/mL, and 12.39 ± 1.26. Final diagnosis most common, unexplained anemia with 25 (50.0%), followed by anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) 11 (22.0%) ACD with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) occur in 6 (12.0%), 5 (10.0%) cases of pure IDA, and 3 (6.0%) megaloblastic anemia. Conclusion: Significant correlation between inflammatory biomarkers in geriatric anemias. Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, HA) will not only help in categorizing geriatric anemia but also eventually leads to specific targeted treatment protocol.