Anemia and red blood cell transfusion

Red blood cell transfusion is commonly administered in hospitalized patients. Important clinical trials have been published in recent years that provide new evidence to guide transfusion decisions. Most of the trials suggest that a restrictive transfusion strategy of 7 to 8 g/dL is as safe as a liberal transfusion strategy of 9 to 10 g/dL. Guidelines recommend use of restrictive transfusion strategy in most patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the optimal transfusion threshold in patients with acute coronary syndrome, neurological disorders, acute and chronic hematological disorders and others.