Characteristics of hematological changes in eldery people with COVID-19: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583488565Keywords:
Elderly, Aged 80 years or older, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Blood cell countAbstract
Aims: Although it initially manifests as a respiratory infection, COVID-19 can affect other body systems, such as the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, immunological, and hematological systems. In the elderly, laboratory changes appear to be even more significant, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of hematological changes in elderly individuals with COVID-19. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. Searches were carried out in the LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. The following descriptors were used: Aged, "Aged, 80 and over", Elderly, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, "Blood Cell Count", and the term "Hematological Changes", which with the Boolean operators AND and OR formed the search key. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) and Agency for Health care and Research and Quality (AHRQ) instruments. The 2,101 studies found were exported to the Rayyan software, where two independent reviewers performed the identification, screening, and inclusion steps, in accordance with PRISMA recommendations. Of the 39 articles selected for full reading, 6 were included in the study after applying the eligibility criteria. In addition, another 5 articles were included after the reverse search strategy in the references of the primary articles, totaling 11 articles in the final sample. Results: The main hematological alterations reported by the studies were: lymphopenia, elevated CRP, neutrophilia, leukocytosis, D-dimer, and elevated IL-6, which are associated with disease severity and in-hospital mortality. Eosinopenia, reduced hemoglobin, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were also reported. These alterations are more significant in the elderly when compared to other age groups. Final considerations: It is necessary that research on the subject continues to assist in decision-making about the treatment of elderly patients with COVID-19.
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