Blood transfusions for anemia in elderly

• Our data suggest that blood transfusion is effective in reducing the short-term mortality rate among elderly patients with anemia who have acute myocardial infarction if their hematocrit on admission is 30.0 percent or lower and may be effective for patients with hematocrit levels as high as 33.0 percent.

There are no blood transfusion guidelines specific to chronic anemia in elderly patients [ 5 ], and the World Health Organization considers that the definition of anemia is independent of age [ 6 ]. However, there is a proven statistical link between anemia and increased cognitive disorders, risk of fall, and hospitalization.Author:
Sylvain Le Calvé, Dominique Somme, Joaquim Prud’homm, Aline CorvolCited by:
Publish Year:
2017

Are blood transfusions safe for elderly?

Several studies have reported that half of patients receiving blood transfusions are elderly [8–10]. French studies show that blood transfusions have better outcomes in the elderly [11–13], in whom low rates of adverse reactions have been reported [14–16].

Why would an elderly person need a blood transfusion?

Blood transfusion is an important supportive treatment of cancer patients most of whom are anemic [2], and it is a critical issue for patients with chronic diseases such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease [3, 4].

Is anemia serious in the elderly?

Anemia should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of aging . A cause is found in approximately 80 percent of elderly patients. The most common causes of anemia in the elderly are chronic disease and iron deficiency .

When would you need a blood transfusion for anemia?

You may need more than one unit if: You have bleeding that is not well controlled, such as bleeding that continues during surgery. You have severe anemia and unstable chest pain . (“Unstable” means that your symptoms keep changing.)

Do blood transfusions weaken immune system?

Transfused blood also has a suppressive effect on the immune system , which increases the risk of infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, he says. Frank also cites a study showing a 42 percent increased risk of cancer recurrence in patients having cancer surgery who received transfusions .

How serious is getting a blood transfusion?

Blood transfusions are generally considered safe, but there is some risk of complications. Mild complications and rarely severe ones can occur during the transfusion or several days or more after. More common reactions include allergic reactions, which might cause hives and itching, and fever.

Can anemia be a sign of something serious?

Anemia is a condition where you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells, to carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can be temporary or long term (chronic). In many cases, it’s mild, but anemia can also be serious and life-threatening.

What are the signs that you need a blood transfusion?

You might need a blood transfusion if you’ve had a problem such as: A serious injury that’s caused major blood loss . Surgery that’s caused a lot of blood loss . Blood loss after childbirth. A liver problem that makes your body unable to create certain blood parts. A bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

What conditions require blood transfusions?

You may need a blood transfusion if you have anemia , sickle cell disease , a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia , or cancer . For people in critical condition, blood transfusions can be lifesaving. Four types of blood products may be given through blood transfusions: whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What level of anemia is severe?

Mild anemia corresponds to a level of hemoglobin concentration of 10.0-10.9 g/dl for pregnant women and children under age 5 and 10.0-11.9 g/dl for nonpregnant women. For all of the tested groups, moderate anemia corresponds to a level of 7.0-9.9 g/dl, while severe anemia corresponds to a level less than 7.0 g/dl.

What diseases are associated with anemia?

The most common diseases that can cause anemia are: Any type of infection. Cancer. Chronic kidney disease (Nearly every patient with this type of disease will be get anemia because kidneys make erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.) Autoimmune diseases .

What foods should you avoid if you have anemia?

Foods to avoid tea and coffee. milk and some dairy products. whole-grain cereals. foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum. foods rich in gluten, such as pasta and other products made with wheat, barley, rye, or oats.

How long do you stay in the hospital after a blood transfusion for anemia?

Recovery time may depend on the reason for the blood transfusion . However, a person can be discharged less than 24 hours after the procedure. A person may feel an ache in the hand or arm after a transfusion . There may also be some bruising at the site.

How long does a blood transfusion for anemia last?

If you have anemia, how long does a blood transfusion take? People who have anemia will receive a transfusion of red blood cells, which takes longer than a transfusion of plasma or platelets. The typical length of time for such a procedure is 4 hours , although there can be variations.

How fast does a blood transfusion work?

A transfusion of one unit of red blood cells usually takes 2 to 4 hours. A transfusion of one unit of platelets takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Your nurse will monitor you carefully during your entire transfusion .