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Anemia

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Hematologic Problems in the Critically Ill

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Abstract

Anemia is not a disease by itself but a condition that is a consequence of acquired or genetic abnormalities. Functionally, anemia is defined as an insufficient red cell mass to deliver adequate amount of oxygen to organs and peripheral tissues, and, for practical reasons, an Hb concentration less than 14.0 g/dL for men and 12.0 g/dL for women. At present, Hb concentration, as well as other red cell parameters, is determined by electronic cell counters able to deliver the results in few minutes. In most patients, blood determination of Hb levels is useful for assessing anemia, but there are some limitations that must be recognized:

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology, University of Trieste, University Hospital, Piazza Ospedale 1, Trieste, 34100, Italy

    Gabriele Pozzato

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  1. Gabriele Pozzato
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Correspondence to Gabriele Pozzato .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Trieste, University Hospital, Trieste, Italy

    Giorgio Berlot

  2. Haematology, University of Trieste, University Hospital, Trieste, Italy

    Gabriele Pozzato

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Pozzato, G. (2015). Anemia. In: Berlot, G., Pozzato, G. (eds) Hematologic Problems in the Critically Ill. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5301-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5301-4_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5300-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5301-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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