Anemia e nível de hemoglobina como fatores prognósticos da mortalidade entre idosos residentes na comunidade: Evidências da coorte de idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of low hemoglobin (Hb) and anemia on mortality in the elderly in a ten-year follow-up (1997-2007). Among the 1,742 elderly participants in the baseline cohort from Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 1,322 (82.3%) were followed for an average of 8.9 years. Probability of survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox's proportional hazard ratios (HR), and confidence intervals (95%CI) were used, considering potential confounders. Anemia and low Hb (lowest tertile) were associated with increased risk of death (HR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.83-3.76 and HR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.07-1.79, respectively). The results show that anemia or low Hb (regardless of a diagnosis of anemia) should be interpreted and managed as independent determinants of mortality in this elderly population.