Episode 010: Cytopenias Series Pt. 2 – Anemia
Listen to this episode from The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast on Spotify. We continue on our cytopenias journey, this time talking all about anemia. This is a high yield topic for anyone who sees patients, as this is something we will all see. Determining the acuity of the anemia is the most important first step. Acute drop in hemoglobin? Consider active bleeding or hemolysis. Dilutional anemia (a drop in hemoglobin following fluid resuscitation) is also on the differential but should be a diagnosis of exclusion.Remember that we normally transfuse at a hemoglobin level of 7g/dL. If the patient has active cardiac issues, we transfuse at 8g/dL. Anemia Severity> 10g/dL = mild 7g/dL to 10g/dL = moderate 4.5g/dL to 7g/dL = severe, especially if acute 1g/dL to 4.5g/dL = these are almost always chronic if patients are conscious. Think about chronic blood loss or nutritional deficiency.History: Ask about nutrition, melena, hematochezia. Note that a small amount of blood can change the c