Anemia: Fast Facts (Peer reviewed publications)
Researchers report on study evaluating the prognostic impact of hemoglobin levels on treatment outcomes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
SOURCE: Chua DT, Sham JS, Choy DT. Prognostic impact of hemoglobin levels on treatment outcome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with sequential chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Cancer. 2004 Jul 15;101(2):307-16
In a retrospective analysis evaluating data from the Asia-Oceania Clinical Oncology Association randomized phase III trial, researchers found anemia (hemoglobin level <11 g/dL) appears to be a "clinically relevant risk factor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma." They further stated, "hemoglobin level is a significant prognostic indicator of local control and survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. For additional information, please read the Summer 2004 Publication of Anemia Watch at www.anemia.org [health professional section].
Study reports the impact of perioperative anemia on clinical and functional outcomes in hip-fracture patients
SOURCE: Halm EA, Wang JJ, Boockvar K, et al. The effect of perioperative anemia on clinical and functional outcomes in patients with hip fracture. Eur Heart J. 2004 Jun;25(12):1021-8
Researchers reported the findings of a multisite prospective observational cohort study in June 2004. The research team concluded, "Surgeons, geriatricians, and medical consultants should be aware that the average patient with hip fracture experiences a large drop in their hemoglobin following surgery, and hemoglobin on admission is a potent independent risk factor for poor outcomes." In addition, the researchers stated, "Higher preoperative hemoglobin was associated with shorter length of stay, lower odds of death, and readmission within 60 days of discharge, with postoperative Hb related to length of stay and readmission rates." For additional information, please read the Summer 2004 Publication of Anemia Watch at www.anemia.org [health professional section].
Retrospective study investigates the relationship between hemoglobin concentration and survival in congestive heart failure
SOURCE: Sharma R, Francis DP, Pitt B, Poole-Wilson PA, Coats AJ, Anker SD. Haemoglobin predicts survival in patients with chronic heart failure: a substudy of the ELITE II trial. Eur Heart J. 2004 Jun;25(12):1021-8
The findings of a retrospective study evaluating data from the Evaluation of Losartan In The Elderly trial were published in June 2004. The researchers found "hemoglobin is an independent predictor of mortality in congestive heart failure CHF patients." Data analyses and other emerging data indicated a "U-shaped relationship between hemoglobin and survival is limited to patients not taking beta blockers." For additional information, please read the Summer 2004 Publication of Anemia Watch at www.anemia.org [health professional section].
Systematic literature review studies use of exogenous erythropoietin in patients who are critically ill
SOURCE: MacLaren R, Gasper J, Jung R, Vandivier RW. Use of exogenous erythropoietin in critically ill patients. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2004 Jun;29(3):195-208
The results of a systematic literature review were detailed by researchers in June of 2004. The research team concluded, "Anemia is a common complication of critical illness and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The pro-inflammatory response associated with many disease states frequently encountered in the intensive care unit contributes to the development of anemia by suppressing erythropoietin production and response. Exogenous administration of erythropoietin rapidly produces erythropoiesis to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. Reduced ICU length of stay was shown in only one study and other clinical benefits have not been realized." For additional information, please read the Summer 2004 Publication of Anemia Watch at www.anemia.org [health professional section].
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