Anemia: Fast Facts (Peer reviewed publications)
Researchers investigate possible protective benefit of erythropoietic agents in pediatric heart surgery
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin are investigating whether or not erythropoietic agents can protect a child's heart during surgical repair of congenital defects. An animal study showed infant hearts who received the erythropoietic agent before heart surgery recovered better than those who did not receive the medication. The researchers are seeking approval for conducting a human clinical trial based on the positive effects of erythropoiesis on the heart, specifically increased oxygenation.
SOURCE: Shi Y, Rafiee P, Su J, Pritchard KA Jr, Tweddell JS, Baker JE. Acute cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin in infant rabbits are mediated by activation of protein kinases and potassium channels. Basic Res Cardiol. 2004 May;99(3):173-82.
Study findings anemia associated with poor prognosis in diastolic heart failure patients
The American Journal of Cardiology reported findings by Brucks and colleagues on a study conducted on 137 patients, which revealed anemia is common in diastolic heart failure patients and "associated with greater elevations in serum B-type natriuretic peptide, more severe diastolic dysfunction, and a worse prognosis."
SOURCE: Brucks S, Little WC, Chao T, Rideman RL, Upadhya B, Wesley-Farrington D, Sane DC. Relation of anemia to diastolic heart failure and the effect on outcome. Am J Cardiol. 2004;93(8):1055-1057.
Prevalence of sickle cell anemia and thalassemia increase by about 45% in England over last 10 years
The National Health Service is responding to the increased prevalence of sickle cell anemia and thalassemia by introducing a screening program in July 2004, evaluating infants during dried bloodspot screening for sickle cell and thalassemia, as well as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism. The program will also increase awareness of these anemias and the importance of screening.
SOURCE: National Health Service. Sickle cell and thalassemia screening underway. Paediatr Nursing. Jul/Aug2004;16(6).
Study findings reveal anemia combined with renal insufficiency a predictor of complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Researchers studied how worsening renal function and anemia impacted the outcome of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Three randomized trials of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition were included in the study (EPIC, EPILOG and EPISTENT). Findings revealed "renal insufficiency and anemia are significant independent and additive predictors of short- and long-term complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention."
SOURCE: Gurm HS, Lincoff AM, Kleiman NS, et al. Double jeopardy of renal insufficiency and anemia in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Am J Cardiol. 2004 Jul 1;94(1):30-4.
Researchers investigate relationship of anemia and congestive heart failure severity as well as clinical outcomes
A study conducted on 912 patients in the RENAISSANCE trial revealed "anemia is frequently present in patients with CHF; and lower hemoglobin level is associated with greater disease severity, a greater left ventricular mass index, and higher hospitalization and mortality rates."
SOURCE: Anand I, McMurray JJ, Whitmore J, Warren M, Pham A, McCamish MA, Burton PB. Anemia and its relationship to clinical outcome in heart failure. Circulation. 2004 Jul 13;110(2):149-54.
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