When and how much to transfuse
Hi Jeff,
The docs first look at the HCT or HGB. HGB is usually 1/3 of HCT. There is no hard and fast rule, but TX's are usually given when the patient feels weak, somewhere between 20-24 HCT for most people. Some younger people who lose count gradually may go substantially less than 20, but that's unusual. Each unit is sufficient to raise HCT in the range of 3-4, and the goal is to get you up to around 32, so if you are at 24, two units would add 8 to the count, thus getting you into the desired range. Body mass is a factor, but the primary thing to look at is, "What's necessary to bring me into the desired range?"
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Steve Kessler,Age 71, Dx 3/2001, Currently AML converted from MDS, 5q-, 11q23, Negative response to Aranesp, Revlimid. Partial response to Vidaza in the past. On a study using ON1910.NA, counts too low to go to Stanford on schedule.
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