Might cause anemia
By MONASH UNIVERSITY
In light of these findings, researchers recommend routine
anemia checks for elderly individuals on low-dose aspirin. Additionally, they
advise such adults to consult their GP regarding any health or medication
concerns.
The Monash University-led study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 18,153 initially
healthy older adults in Australia and the USA and recorded incidents of anemia
over an average of 4.7 years. The risk of developing anemia was found to be 20
percent higher in the aspirin group compared to those in the placebo group.
It was the largest study to investigate anemia in older
people as part of a randomized controlled trial, ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing
Events in the Elderly) – with half the participants taking a placebo and the
other half a daily low dose (100mg) of aspirin.
Anemia is commonly experienced by older adults, potentially affecting overall function and increasing fatigue, disabilities, depressive symptoms, and cognitive problems.
In addition to a higher risk of
anemia, blood tests revealed a faster decline of hemoglobin and reduced
ferritin (a protein that carries iron) levels in the aspirin group compared to
the placebo group.
Lead author, Associate Professor Zoe McQuilten from
Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said while
bleeding was a known side-effect of aspirin, few previous studies had looked at
the effect of prolonged aspirin use on the progressive development of anemia in
older adults.
“This study gives a clearer picture of the additional
risk of becoming anemic with aspirin use and the impact is likely to be greater
in older adults with underlying diseases, such as kidney disease,”
Associate Professor McQuilten said.
Associate Professor McQuilten said the new data gave
doctors insight into the risk of anemia from prolonged aspirin use by their
older patients. “Older adults are more likely to become anaemic generally and
now doctors can potentially identify patients at higher risk of developing
anaemia,” she said.
Associate Professor McQuilten urged patients to follow
the advice of their doctor about their daily use of aspirin. She cautioned that
for some older adults, aspirin was recommended as a valuable therapy to prevent
recurring heart attacks or stroke. “Patients should not change their aspirin
regimen without speaking to their GP,” she said.
Reference: “Effect of Low-Dose Aspirin Versus Placebo on
Incidence of Anemia in the Elderly – A Secondary Analysis of the Aspirin in
Reducing Events in the Elderly Trial” by Zoe K. McQuilten, Le Thi Phuong Thao,
Sant-Rayn Pasricha,Andrew S. Artz, Michael Bailey, Andrew T. Chan, Harvey Jay
Cohen, Jessica E. Lockery, Anne M. Murray, Mark R. Nelson, Hans G. Schneider,
Rory Wolfe, Robyn L. Woods, Erica M. Wood and John J. McNeil, July 2023, Annals
of Internal Medicine.
DOI:
10.7326/M23-0675
The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging,
the National Cancer Institute, the National Health and Medical Research
Council, and the Victorian Cancer Agency.
