Anemia
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| Definition |
Anemia is a condition that
describes a low red blood cell count and is very common in ICU
patients. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the substance that
carries oxygen to the body cells. Anemia is suspected by a patient's
symptoms and is confirmed by laboratory testing. Hematocrit
percentage and hemoglobin level are the usual tests used to detect
anemia. Anemia may cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue,
lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate.
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| Causes |
Many ICU patients have anemia that
is due to their underlying critical illness or injury or
pre-existing condition. Some patients have an obvious source of
blood loss such as bleeding from an ulcer or from surgical blood
loss. In other patients, the bleeding source can not be found. In
addition, critically ill or injured patients typically produce red
blood cells slower than normal and their red blood cells have a
shortened life span. ICU patients also require frequent blood
sampling that may contribute to the problem of anemia. Patients with
kidney failure may have or develop anemia. The anemia associated
with kidney failure is usually due to the lack of erythropoietin
production by the kidney. Erythropoietin is a protein made by the
kidney that normally stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood
cells.
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| Treatment |
Severe anemia, especially with
ongoing obvious blood loss, is most often treated with a blood
transfusion and controlling the source of the patient's blood loss.
Patients with mild to moderate anemia, without obvious blood loss,
may be observed. Observation of patients with mild to moderate
anemia is a decision that the doctor makes depending upon the
patient's condition and symptoms.
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| Comments |
Most ICU patients have or develop
anemia during their hospital stay. The exact cause of anemia is
often difficult to find in patients without an obvious source of
blood loss. In this case, the anemia is often due to several
factors. Not finding the exact cause of an ICU patient's anemia is
very frustrating for the patient, family and ICU staff. Recently, an
artificial erythropoietin has been developed and tested in selected
ICU patients. The preliminary results from these tests show that
selected ICU patients receiving erythropoietin may need fewer blood
transfusions.
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine presents information and pictures
about anemia.
Ortho Biotec Inc.
The Ortho Biotec Company presents information and options about the
treatment of anemia.
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ICU Medical Conditions 
