Acute blood loss anemia

acute anemia due to blood loss

This term is somewhat difficult to define, and there are no specific cutoffs. The need for a transfusion and/or a Hb drop of 1.0 g/dL may support the diagnosis.

any cause of bleeding can cause acute blood loss anemia

May be asymptomatic or have symptoms of anemia

• Laboratory studies

  • CBC: ↓ or normal Hb

    • Usually normocytic anemia

    • Compare to prior studies, if available.

    • Check platelets for thrombocytopenia.

  • Type and screen with crossmatching

  • Coagulation panel

  • Blood for potential further studies based on CBC should be drawn before blood transfusion (draw and hold).

• Imaging: Modality depends on the pretest probability of the suspected site of bleeding.

  • CT soft tissue if there is concern for intramuscular bleeding

  • CT abdomen and pelvis if there is concern for intraabdominal bleeding

  • CXR and/or CT chest if there is concern for a pulmonary source (see “Diagnostics” in pleural effusion and in hemothorax)

  • Endoscopy and/or colonoscopy if there is concern for a GI bleed

• Identify and treat the underlying cause.

• Emergency blood transfusion

Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can initially be normal in acute hemorrhage, even if there has already been significant blood loss. They will eventually decrease after plasma volume has been restored either spontaneously or via IV fluid resuscitation.