Prognostic value of hematological parameters in geriatric patients hospitalized in intensive care units

Abstract

Introduction: The aged bone marrow has a reduced proliferation ability in response to acute clinical status such as intensive care hospitalization. The presence of malnutrition, multiple chronic diseases, and comorbid conditions and the use of multiple pharmacological agents have an impact on the results of hematological tests. In this study, we aimed to determine the possible associations between complete blood counts and the prognosis and mortality of patients admitted to intensive care units. Materials and Method: We retrospectively examined data of patients admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2014 and January 2016. We extracted complete blood count results and compared them based on age and mortality groups. Results: We analyzed the data of 810 patients (548 geriatric and 262 non-geriatric patients). The overall mortality rate was 31.97%; this was higher in geriatric than in non-geriatric patients (p=0.01). We found the mean white blood cell counts in non-geriatric patients and the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit values and platelet counts in geriatric patients to be significantly lower than those in their counterparts (p=0.05, p=0.01, p=0.02, and p=0.05, respectively). While the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit values significantly lower in mortality group in both age populations, the mean platelet decrease was observed as a significant factor only in geriatric patients in terms of mortality (p=0.01, p=0.04 and p=0.01 respectively). Conclusion: Close monitoring of hematological parameters, especially platelet counts in geriatric patients, and providing the necessary treatment will aid in a positive prognosis for patients in intensive care units.