A further update on mortality and morbidity in patients with very low hemoglobin levels who decline blood transfusion.

Background: In the past two decades, researchers have published mortality and morbidity rates in patients with very low hemoglobin levels declining blood transfusion. The clinical knowledge and tools available for the management of patients who decline transfusions have grown since these publications. The aim of our study was to provide a further update on outcomes associated with severe anemia in these patients.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Diagnostic Algorithms of Preoperative Anemia.

Objectives: Preoperative management of anemia is one of the pillars of patient blood management. Diagnostic algorithms developed to support an anemia diagnosis have not yet been validated. The aim of this study was to validate and compare three commonly used diagnostic algorithms for preoperative anemia.

Use of autologous fibrin glue for endoscopic treatment of esophageal lesions.

Esophageal leaks are a potentially life-threatening condition. One treatment option is injection therapy with commercially available fibrin glue. We describe herein a method to close esophageal leaks by injecting autologous fibrin glue prepared exclusively with the patient's own blood.

Use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier in the treatment of severe anemia.

Background: Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers hold promise for the treatment of acute anemia.

Case: We report a patient with severe dysfunctional uterine bleeding. During her hospitalization, her lowest hemoglobin level was 3.