88 years
I had surgery on my leg a month ago because of a fracture. I lost plenty of blood during the operation. My hemoglobin is now 9.75 and Hematocrit is 29.90. What's the danger?
Apr 30, 2014
Anemia is a common problem with serious consequences in older persons
Anemia is often overlooked in older persons despite considerable evidence that low hemoglobin levels indicate physiologic decline in these patients. Multiple studies demonstrate that anemia is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, and decreased quality of life in community-dwelling older persons, Increasing functional deterioration is associated with decreasing hemoglobin concentration in an inverse and linear manner. It is important to note, however, that even low normal hemoglobin levels may be a marker for decline, For example, a women with borderline anemia (hemoglobin level of 12 to 13 g per dL) perform worse than women with a hemoglobin level of 13 to 15 g per dL (130 to 150 g per L) on tests of walking speed, balance, and ability to rise from a chair.
When anemia is severe (hemoglobin level less than 10 g per dL [100 g per L]), symptoms that warrant additional treatment often develop. Two options to treat severe anemia are blood transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, both of which have significant limitations. Blood transfusions provide immediate relief of common symptoms, including dyspnea, fatigue, and dizziness. Risks of transfusions include volume overload, iron overload, infections, and acute reactions.
Anemia is often overlooked in older persons despite considerable evidence that low hemoglobin levels indicate physiologic decline in these patients. Multiple studies demonstrate that anemia is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, and decreased quality of life in community-dwelling older persons, Increasing functional deterioration is associated with decreasing hemoglobin concentration in an inverse and linear manner. It is important to note, however, that even low normal hemoglobin levels may be a marker for decline, For example, a women with borderline anemia (hemoglobin level of 12 to 13 g per dL) perform worse than women with a hemoglobin level of 13 to 15 g per dL (130 to 150 g per L) on tests of walking speed, balance, and ability to rise from a chair.
When anemia is severe (hemoglobin level less than 10 g per dL [100 g per L]), symptoms that warrant additional treatment often develop. Two options to treat severe anemia are blood transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, both of which have significant limitations. Blood transfusions provide immediate relief of common symptoms, including dyspnea, fatigue, and dizziness. Risks of transfusions include volume overload, iron overload, infections, and acute reactions.
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You need a red blood cell transfusion because there is acute blood loss and we continue with oral iron preparation.
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