Understanding red blood cell parameters in the context of the frailty phenotype: interpretations of the FIBRA (Frailty in Brazilian Seniors) study

Association Between Red Blood Cell Indices and Quantitative Gait Variables in Older Adults

“…RBC indices, white blood cell (WBC) count (k/ μ L) and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels (pg/mL) were examined for this study Reasons for missing data included refusal (n = 42) and logistical constraints (n = 38). Based on reported and predicted associations with mobility, the following RBC indices were examined: RBC count (cells/ μ L), hemoglobin (g/dL), hematocrit (%), mean corpuscular volume (fl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (pg), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) and red cell distribution width (RDW, %). Because chronic diseases may affect gait, a summary Global Health Status index (GHS; range 0–10) was derived based on presence of diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, arthritis, hypertension, depression, stroke, Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction …”

“…To the Editor: Gait is a robust marker of frailty and is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes . Hematological investigations are routinely ordered in clinical practice, and some red blood cell (RBC) indices have been linked to frailty and gait . Establishing the contribution of RBC indices to gait in older adults will provide insights into new biomarkers and potential interventions.…”

Anemia and the frailty syndrome amongst the elderly living in the community: a systematic review

“…Only one study of this review associated the increase of inflammatory markers, the presence of anemia and the frailty syndrome 16 . The inflammatory state is part of the immunosenescence process and is directly related to age.…”

“…The concepts and criteria of the frailty syndrome diverged between the studies. Of the seven articles included, three used standardized criteria for the definition of frailty [15][16][17] while four studies evaluated functional capacity as a synonym for frailty syndrome [18][19][20][21] .…”

“…However, the criteria proposed by Fried were not fully complied with 15 . The study from the FIBRA network, meanwhile, identified a relationship between hemoglobin reduction, frailty, sarcopenia and weight loss, using the Women's Health and Aging Study (WHAS) criteria for frailty 16 .…”