“PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF ANEMIA IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER”
Main Article Content
Keywords
Anemia, Cancer, Hemoglobin, Risk Factors, Prevalence, Blood Transfusion
Abstract
Introduction: Anemia, defined as a reduction in hemoglobin levels, is a significant comorbidity in patients with cancer, often contributing to poor treatment outcomes and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among cancer patients at a tertiary care center.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2016 to July 2016. In this study, we included 170 patients diagnosed with various malignancies admitted to the Transfusion Medicine department of our study institution.
Result: The mean age of participants was 49.17 ±17.93 years, with the majority (24.71%) aged 41–50 years. Females comprised 55% of the total patients. The most prevalent blood group was A+ (37.06%), and 70% had a history of blood transfusion. Lung (24.71%), stomach (21.76%), and breast cancers (16.47%) were the most common diagnoses. Anemia was present in 90.59% of patients, with moderate anemia (34.42%) and severe anemia (41.56%) being the most frequent. Life-threatening anemia (Hb <6.5 g/dL) was found in 18.83% of cases. The average hemoglobin level was 8.02 ± 6.53 g/dL. Identified risk factors for anemia included age >50 years (34.71%), chronic inflammation (30.00%), history of blood transfusions (11.18%), sex, nutritional deficiencies, etc.
Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among cancer patients, with moderate to severe forms being most common. Timely identification and management of underlying risk factors are essential to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in this patient population.
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Dr. Nahid Sultana
Medical Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Asadul Islam
Professor, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Sonia Shormin
Medical Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Nadia Sharmin Trisa
Blood Program Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Khan Anisul Islam
Research Assistant, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Farah Anjum
Medical Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Subarna Saha
Medical Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Fatema Easmin
Medical Officer, Department of Trsnsfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Hasina Begum
Medical Officer, Bagherpara Upazila Health Complex, Jashore, Bangladesh
