Transfusion des personnes âgées : tenir compte de la fragilité

The conjunction of the demographic aging and the increase in the frequency of anemia with the advancing age, mean that the number of globular concentrates delivered each year increases with a consequent heavy pressure on blood collection. The etiologies of anemia in the elderly are often multifactorial and their investigation is an indispensable step and prior to any treatment. Transfusion thresholds, particularly in the elderly, are gradually evolving and a so-called restrictive strategy is now favored. Immediate and delayed complications of transfusion are more frequent in the elderly due to vulnerability factors associated with frailty and the risk of multiple transfusions. The screening of complications related to transfusion of RBCs is essential and makes it possible to avoid their recurrence. The impact of transfusion on the quality of life of elderly patients is not obvious and is a controversial issue. In addition, transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is accompanied by an increase in health expenditure and an increase in morbidity and mortality, whose risks can be reduced through alternatives to transfusion. Longitudinal studies, including elderly subjects, would allow a better understanding of the issues involved in the transfusion of RBCs in this population.