Spécificités de la biochimie clinique gériatrique

In this review, the biochemical characteristics of geriatric clinical biology have been given: electrolyte and acid-base disorders, renal function markers and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), endocrinology (insulin and diabetes, thyroid and others glands), undernutrition (protein, lipid and vitamin deficiencies), bone metabolism, cardiovascular system (lipid profile, troponins and BNP), inflammation, tumor markers, liver function and neurodegenerative diseases. The following items have been discussed: physiological and pathological ageing, reference intervals and threshold of the biochemical parameters and some aspects of biological interpretation. To illustrate this matter, some data from biochemistry laboratory of the geriatric hospital Charles-Foix (Ivry, 94, France) have been given. Only recent scientific geriatric papers have been provided and also the specific geriatric aspects of the guide lines from HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé).