A RECENT study analyzing data from the ASPREE trial has revealed that long-term daily use of aspirin raises the risk of anaemia by 20% in individuals primarily aged 70 and above.
The Monash University-led study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, monitored 18,153 initially healthy older adults in Australia and the USA over an average period of 4.7 years, recording incidents of anaemia. The study found that the aspirin group had a 20% higher risk of developing anaemia compared to the placebo group.
The ASPREE trial, known as ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly, involved half the participants taking a daily low dose (100mg) of aspirin, while the other half received a placebo. This study is the largest of its kind to investigate anaemia in older people as part of a randomized controlled trial.
Anaemia, a condition commonly experienced by older adults, can significantly impact overall functioning and contribute to fatigue, disabilities, depressive symptoms, and cognitive problems.
Furthermore, blood tests conducted during the study indicated a faster decline of haemoglobin and reduced levels of ferritin, a protein responsible for transporting iron, in the aspirin group compared to the placebo group.
Associate Professor Zoe McQuilten from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, the lead author of the study, highlighted that while bleeding is a known side effect of aspirin, few previous studies have examined the long-term impact of aspirin use on the development of anaemia in older adults.
The findings emphasie the importance of regular monitoring for anaemia in older adults taking low-dose aspirin. Older individuals with concerns about their health or medications are advised to consult their GP for further guidance.
Associate Professor McQuilten stressed that the study provides doctors with valuable insights into the risk of anaemia associated with prolonged aspirin use in older patients. However, she cautioned against altering aspirin regimens without consulting a GP, particularly for older adults who require aspirin as a preventive measure against heart attacks or stroke.
The study serves as a reminder for healthcare providers and patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of long-erm aspirin use, taking individual health circumstances into account.