[Hospital-acquired anemia: Facts, consequences and prevention]

Hospital-acquired anemia is common, especially in the most critically ill patients. It may be associated with poor patient outcomes. It may result from increased blood loss, impaired red cell production or reduced red cell life span. Multiple associated factors may contribute simultaneously or sequentially to the decrease in hemoglobin level. Some of them are related to the underlying disease and others are iatrogenic. Clinicians should be aware of the importance and consequences of iatrogenic anemia caused by diagnostic blood sampling. Strategies and measures to minimize iatrogenic blood loss should be prioritized. They may reduce the risk of developing anemia and then red blood cells transfusion requirement.