Indications for blood transfusion depend on clinical assessment and are also guided by the etiology of the anemia. No single laboratory measurement or physiologic parameter can predict the need for blood transfusion. Transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in high-risk hospitalized inpatients. Adverse events range from mild to severe, including allergic reactions, acute hemolytic reactions, anaphylaxis, transfusion related acute lung injury, transfusion associated circulatory overload, and sepsis. Studies of transfusion strategies among multiple patient populations suggest that a restrictive approach is associated with improved outcomes.

Conditions: Anemia, Low Red Cell Count

Treatments: Red Blood Cells (RBC) Transfusion, Blood Transfusion

Sources

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