Background Anaemia is a common, multifactorial condition among elderly patients and associated with harmful consequences regarding hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality.

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anaemia among elderly, hospitalised patients, and to compare the anaemic and non-anaemic patient group to determine which possible factors are associated with the development of this condition.

Material and methods Patients (≥65 years) admitted and operated with low energy, osteoporotic hip fractures from January 2011 to December 2012 were included. Anaemia was detected according to WHO criteria (haemoglobin level below 130 g/L in males and below 120 g/L in females). A retrospective analysis was performed on data recorded from the patient charts and documentation, including the following information: baseline patient characteristics, blood count outcome before surgery, chronic medications and 3 month mortality.

Results Four hundred and twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria (100 males, 321 females; mean age: 81.97±7.28 years). Two hundred and eleven patients (50.12%) were anaemic at admission and 20.9% of the patients had moderate or severe anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher among males, than females (62% vs. 46.42%; p=0.009). Among the anaemic group female patients more often suffered from moderate or severe anaemia than male patients. The presence of anaemia was increasing with age. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 80.09% and anaemic patients were taking significantly more chronic medications than non-anaemic patients (7.71 vs. 6.58; p=0.002). Proton pump inhibitor use was significantly higher among anaemic patients (36.49% vs. 26.19%; p=0.029). 65.4% of the anaemic patients and 30.95% of the non-anaemic patients received blood transfusion during the hospital stay. Thirty-six patients (8.55%) died within 3 months after hospital admission and there was no difference between anaemic and non-anaemic groups.

Conclusion The prevalence of preoperative anaemia was high among the studied patients. Although hip fracture itself may slightly contribute to anaemia, there can be numerous factors and underlying causes of anaemia. It is important to reveal the causes of anaemia and treat it accordingly.

No conflict of interest