Question

A 68-year-old man with stable ischaemic heart disease and haemoglobin 68 g/L due to chronic gastrointestinal blood loss is haemodynamically stable and asymptomatic at rest. According to transfusion thresholds used in Canadian practice, what is the most appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Transfuse red cells now to target Hb ≥70 g/L

Answer

Transfuse red cells only if Hb <50 g/L

Answer

Transfuse red cells now to target Hb ≥90 g/L

Answer

Avoid transfusion regardless of Hb

Answer

Transfuse platelets instead of red cells

Practice question

A 68-year-old man with stable ischaemic heart disease and haemoglobin 68 g/L due to chronic gastrointestinal blood loss is haemodynamically stable and asymptomatic at rest. According to transfusion thresholds used in Canadian practice, what is the most appropriate approach?