What are RBC-transfusion-dependence and -independence?
The term RBC-transfusion-dependence is widely-used by hematologists to describe a condition of severe anemia typically arising when erythropoiesis is reduced such that a person continuously requires ≥1 RBC-transfusions over a specified interval. Defining a person as RBC-transfusion-dependent has important implications in diverse hematological disorders especially because it strongly-correlated with decreased survival. Conversely, becoming RBC-transfusion-independent or receiving fewer RBC-transfusions over a specified interval is defined as improvement or response in many disease- and/or therapy-setting. Whether this correlates with improved survival is controversial. We used a structured expert-panel consensus panel process to define RBC-transfusion-dependence and -independence or improvement. We suggest these definitions may prove useful to persons studying or treating these diseases.
Gale
R P
RP
Imperial College London, Section of Haematology, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, London, UK. robertpetergale@aol.com
Barosi
G
G
Barbui
T
T
Cervantes
F
F
Dohner
K
K
Dupriez
B
B
Gupta
V
V
Harrison
C
C
Hoffman
R
R
Kiladjian
J-J
JJ
Mesa
R
R
Mc Mullin
M F
MF
Passamonti
F
F
Ribrag
V
V
Roboz
G
G
Saglio
G
G
Vannucchi
A
A
Verstovsek
S
S
D003697:Delphi Technique; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D006801:Humans