Serum Interleukin‐6 and Hemoglobin as Physiological Correlates in the Geriatric Syndrome of Frailty: A Pilot Study

Abstract

These results suggest that frail subjects have evidence of inflammation and lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This subclinical anemia is normocytic and is hence unlikely due to myelosuppression or iron deficiency and is potentially related to the increased chronic inflammatory state marked by serum IL-6 elevation. Further studies are indicated to better characterize the immune and hematological changes that underlie frailty.