Anemia in hospitalized diabetics: experience of the Libreville Chu

Background: Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality in diabetes. Understanding the pathogenesis of anemia associated with diabetes may help optimize its management. We conducted a study to determine the biological and etiopathogenic features that may be associated with anemia in Gabonese diabetic patients. Patients and method: Retrospective descriptive study of diabetic patients hospitalized in the endocrinology department of the University Hospital of Libreville during the year 2017 was included: any hospitalized patient with a hemoglobin (Hb) level less than: 13g/dl (men), 12g/dl (women). Anemia was mild if Hb in women between10.9 and11.9g/dl and in men between 10.9 and 12.9 g/dl Hb, moderate if Hb between 8 and 10.9 g/dl and severe if Hb< 8g/dl. Data analysis: EPI-INFO version 3.5. Results: 153 cases included/782 hospitalizations: prevalence 19.56%.mean age 54.4 years (±11.1), sex ratio: 1.4(88men/65 women).probable type 2 diabetes (92.20%) probable type 1 diabetes (6.5%).mean duration of diabetes: 9years. Mild anemia: 34.6% with mean Hb 11.98g/dl; moderate: 49% with mean Hb 9.65g/dl and severe 16.3% with mean Hb 6.76g/dl. Microcytic hypochromic anemia (30.7%), normocytic hypochromic anemia (18.3%), normocytic normochromic anemia (27.5%), microcytic normochromic anemia (20.9%) and macrocytic anemia (2.6%). Etiology: Probable inflammatory origin (50.3%) Renal insufficiency (24.1%) Martial deficiency (3.4%) Etiological factor not found (22.2%) Martial assessment, at the patient's expense, not performed (96%). Conclusion: Anemia is a frequent biological abnormality in diabetics in Gabon. It is most often moderate, and most often related to infectious and renal causes.