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Review
. 2004;8 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S9-10.
doi: 10.1186/cc2410. Epub 2004 Jun 14.

Pathophysiology of intensive care unit-acquired anemia

Mitchell P Fink  1
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology of intensive care unit-acquired anemia

Mitchell P Fink. Crit Care. 2004.

Abstract

The formation of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow is regulated by erythropoietin in response to a cascade of events. Anemia in the intensive care unit can be caused by a host of factors. Patients in the intensive care unit may have decreased RBC production and a blunted response to erythropoietin. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin may stimulate erythropoiesis, increase hematocrit levels and hemoglobin concentration, and reduce the need for RBC transfusions.

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