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A Comprehensive Pipeline to Assess the Efficiency of Human Erythropoiesis In Vitro and Ex Vivo
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The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the intensive care unit

Michael Piagnerelli1, Jean-Louis Vincent

  • 1Department of Intensive Care, CHU-Charleroi, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi, Belgium.

Critical Care Clinics
|June 21, 2012
PubMed

Anemia is common in critically ill patients, but treatment with red blood cell transfusions can have unwanted effects. Limiting the occurrence and severity of anemia by using erythropoietic agents (iron and/or recombinant erythropoietin), therefore, remains an attractive option during the intensive care unit stay but also after hospital discharge. Moreover, these agents may have additional beneficial properties. In this article the authors review the rationale for the administration of iron and/or erythropoietin in critically ill patients.

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