Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Anemia in critical illness.

K U Eckardt1

  • 1Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Nephrologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Charite, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany. kai-uwe.eckardt@charite.de

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|March 20, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Anemia is common in intensive care units (ICUs), often requiring red blood cell transfusions. Current evidence suggests a restrictive hemoglobin target of 7-9 g/dl for transfusions is safe and potentially superior.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and thrombotic microangiopathy after parvovirus B19 infection and renal transplantation: a case report.

BMC nephrology·2021
Same author

Effects of anemia and uremia and a combination of both on cardiovascular structures.

Kidney & blood pressure research·2010
Same author

The potential of erythropoietin and related strategies to stimulate erythropoiesis.

Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000)·2002
Same author

Anaemia in end-stage renal disease: pathophysiological considerations.

Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association·2001
Same author

Target hemoglobin in patients with renal failure.

Nephron·2001
Same author

After 15 years of success--perspectives of erythropoietin therapy.

Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association·2001

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Background:

  • Anemia is prevalent in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, frequently necessitating red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
  • Patients often present with pre-existing low hemoglobin, and ongoing blood loss from surgery, phlebotomy, and bleeding exacerbates anemia during ICU stays.
  • Factors like reduced RBC lifespan and occult gastrointestinal bleeding contribute significantly to blood loss, alongside overt causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes and consequences of anemia in critically ill patients.
  • To evaluate current evidence regarding red blood cell transfusion strategies in the ICU.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic options for managing anemia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on anemia in ICU patients.
  • Analysis of evidence concerning red blood cell transfusion triggers and blood conservation strategies.
  • Discussion of emerging treatments like red blood cell substitutes and recombinant erythropoietin.

Main Results:

  • The erythropoietic response to anemia in critically ill patients is impaired due to blunted erythropoietin production, reduced iron availability, and inflammatory cytokine effects.
  • Recent evidence supports a restrictive hemoglobin transfusion target of 7-9 g/dl, which is as safe as, and potentially superior to, liberal strategies.
  • The optimal transfusion trigger considering patient comorbidities requires further research.

Conclusions:

  • Anemia significantly impacts the course and outcomes of critically ill patients, with optimal management still under investigation.
  • Restrictive transfusion strategies (7-9 g/dl hemoglobin) appear safe and potentially beneficial.
  • Blood conservation techniques, red blood cell substitutes, and recombinant erythropoietin are promising avenues for future therapeutic approaches.

Related Experiment Videos