Interpreting routine biochemistry in those aged over 65 years: a time for change

Abstract

In clinical practice, routine biochemistry tests are often performed for diagnostic or screening purposes. We reviewed papers that have reported reference values for people older than 65 years with or without overt health problems. Wider intervals have generally been reported for sodium, potassium, calcium and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the elderly. Higher levels of creatinine and lower levels of total cholesterol (TC) and serum albumin (SA) are observed with ageing. Elderly people have been found to be at greater risk for overt abnormalities in sodium, potassium, creatinine, TC, SA and CRP. The consequences of these abnormalities could be severe. For instance, even mild hyponatremia was associated with increased risk of mortality, disability and myocardial infarction. Mild hypernatremia was associated with severe disability. Mild increases in CRP levels were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia, disability, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Mild decreases in TC levels were associated with an increased risk of disability or mortality, and mild decreases in SA were associated with an increased risk of mortality, disability, sarcopenia and frailty. Nutritional factors could not wholly explain these effects. Modified biochemical reference values are required for elderly patients, as biochemical results can serve as markers of vulnerability to age-related diseases, linked to metabolism. Careful diagnosis and corrective interventions are needed for patients in this age group.