When we need blood transfusion

[jinsjohn]

When an AML patient need blood transfusion.
Please share the HB count for blood transfusion

[Whizbang]

jinsjohn,

From my experience, a pint of blood will usually increase my HGB 1 point on average, that is when I am not on chemo...

That is to say Day 1 I'll have a 6.5 HGB, receive a pint and Day 2 I will have a 7.5 HGB... My body has been quite destructive to my RBC's especially during chemo, and on some days, I might see the same number or slightly higher, i.e. 6.6 HGB on Day 2 even after a transfusion... Sometimes my Bone Marrow decides to kick in (even during chemo), and under the first case scenario, I'll see Day 1 - 6.5 HGB, transfusion, then Day 2 - 7.5 HGB, and Day 3 - 8.0 HGB with no transfusion...

Everyone reacts different to transfusions, and it's possible to hold on to a pint for days or even weeks if everything else is at a stand still...

Hope this helps, All the Best, and may God Bless us ALL!!!

[Mseth]

Jinsjohn,

In India, the normal cutoff for transfusion is 7, unless a surgery or other procedure is planned. 1 unit of pRBC should raise the Hb by 1 point. You can request a transfusion at a higher Hb if the patient is feeling weak etc. Most docs will agree.

All the best!!

[jinsjohn]

thanks for all your replys...

[usaf1125]

The only thing I pay attention to is my CRT level. Above 29 I'm OK, below 29 to 28 2 units PRC, below 28, 3 units. 3 units are rare. Was going every 2 to 3 weeks for CBC, and getting blood every 2 or 3 weeks. Starting Sept. 2013, I started going 6,7.8,9 weeks between infusions. My Dr. has no explanation, he calls me the miracle man

[Mseth]

Originally Posted by usaf1125

The only thing I pay attention to is my CRT

USAF1125, What exactly is CRT? My mothers doctor looks at the Hb to decide number of units, around 7, she gets 2 units.
Your increasing transfusion intervals seem nothing short of a miracle. Many more such miracles to you!!

[usaf1125]

CRT stands for Hematocrit, not sure what it means, but it regulates when I need blood. It's the only number I pay attention to. Any other numbers would make me think about the MDS, and that I will not do. I don't get concerned about anything, worrying will never cure anything or stop anything. Live life to the fullest, enjoy every day. Get out and smell the roses

[Mseth]

Thanks for the reply usaf1125.

As per my understanding, Hemoglobin is approx Hematocrit/3.

Stay well!!

[usaf1125]

I'm sorry I didn't mention the Hemoglobin, the need for blood is set by the 2 of them.I don't do anything, about the Iron overload, I'm always off the chart. My Dr. sais I am a most unusual man.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by usaf1125

CRT stands for Hematocrit, not sure what it means, but it regulates when I need blood. It's the only number I pay attention to. Any other numbers would make me think about the MDS, and that I will not do. I don't get concerned about anything, worrying will never cure anything or stop anything. Live life to the fullest, enjoy every day. Get out and smell the roses

Hematocrit is usually 3x HGB. So HGB at 8, CRT should be in the area of 24. My HGB threshold for 2 'bags o blood' is 9. Used to be 8. But as I age and the MDS has progressed to AML the threshold has been raised. I am 2 bags every week for the past year. Originally diagnosed MDS 5 years ago this month, symptoms first started 6 yrs ago this month. Progress to AML between May and Sept this year. Bone marrow blasts at 8, blood blasts at 52.