Hematologic changes with aging

Abstract

The age-related hematologic changes of older trauma victims include a baseline anemia and hypercoagulability. These patients have less responsive bone marrow and are slower to repopulate cell lines following injury and hemorrhage. Pre-injury medication profiles for older patients will often include at least one anticoagulant, and understanding of its mechanism and reversal can be lifesaving. The geriatric trauma patient is challenging, and knowledge of both natural and iatrogenic hematologic changes is paramount to their care.