What are the causes of recurrent anemia in older adults?

Question

Hello doctor,

A year ago, my dad was diagnosed with anemia after his hemoglobin levels dropped to 4 g/L. Since then, he has received two blood transfusions and several iron infusions. He has had several tests done to rule out any major illnesses, and all have come back normal.

For the time being, the transfusions and infusions help, but his iron levels keep dropping significantly again, and the doctors cannot figure out why. Can anyone help me, as I am concerned?

He has had a colonoscopy, gastroscopy, EKG, echocardiogram, stress monitor test, kidney test, capsule camera test, urea breath test, H.pylori stool test, coeliac screen, hemoglobin, electrophoresis, TSH, and nuclear medicine procedure. He is 71 years old with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Now, see anemia, iron deficiency is due to two factors. First is that the body is losing the iron stores through some bleeding, and for that, endoscopy and colonoscopy have been performed, and no reasons have been found.

So, we should concentrate on the second factor: production and absorption of iron are at fault inside the body. For that description, I need to see his blood reports if you have. If you do not have them, let me know, and I will mention what causes should be considered to discuss with your treating doctor.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

However, I am sure your GP must be looking into these factors. Still, you may discuss thalassemia, celiac disease, neoplasms, and chronic kidney disease.

I would strongly recommend a workup for all these conditions. Let me know what your GP says.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.