The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the intensive care unit.
Anemia is common in critically ill patients, but treatment with red blood cell transfusions can have unwanted effects. Limiting the occurrence and severity of anemia by using erythropoietic agents (iron and/or recombinant erythropoietin), therefore, remains an attractive option during the intensive care unit stay but also after hospital discharge. Moreover, these agents may have additional beneficial properties. In this article the authors review the rationale for the administration of iron and/or erythropoietin in critically ill patients.
Department of Intensive Care, CHU-Charleroi, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi, Belgium.
Michael
M
Piagnerelli
Jean-Louis
JL
Vincent
D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006397:Hematinics; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007501:Iron