Management of Hematologic Disorders

  • Author: David Aboulafia, MD (More Info)
  • Editors in Chief: Daniel R. Kuritzkes, MD; Joseph J. Eron, Jr., MD
  • Last Reviewed: 4/1/16 (What's New)

Summary

  • Red blood cell transfusion to treat anemia is necessary for particularly severe, symptomatic anemia or to treat chronic anemia unresponsive to other treatments
  • The “Choosing Wisely” campaign recommends that the lowest effective dose of RBCs be administered to avoid potential transfusion-related complications[Carson 2012]
  • Repeated transfusions may be immunosuppressive,[Brunson 1990] and survival is shortened in patients with AIDS who are given transfusions[Vamvakas 1993; Buskin 2004]

Action required

Keywords: Hematologic Complications

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