Journal of Trauma & Treatment

The Problem of Anemia Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Sarah Travers, Christopher Wolf and Scott Litofsky N

Anemia following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is frequently encountered. A number of studies have shown negative effects on outcome with hemoglobin levels below 9 g/dL but no consensus has been reached in regards to what level of hemoglobin warrants blood transfusion. Some neurosurgical texts recommend transfusion for hemoglobin <10 g/dL despite lack of clear guidelines. While transfusion should theoretically prevent secondary insults from hypoxia, it may also increase morbidity and mortality. We discuss the factors creating confusion in the literature and offer an outline of prospective trial to determine the impact of anemia and transfusion on patient with moderate-tosevere TBI.