Question

A 74-year-old woman with stable anemia and hemoglobin 7.4 g/dL, coronary artery disease with exertional angina, is undergoing orthopedic surgery tomorrow. What transfusion threshold is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Transfuse at hemoglobin <8 g/dL due to cardiovascular disease

Answer

Transfuse now to maintain hemoglobin >10 g/dL

Answer

Transfuse at hemoglobin <9 g/dL

Answer

Transfuse only if hemoglobin <6 g/dL

Answer

No transfusion regardless of symptoms

Practice question

A 74-year-old woman with stable anemia and hemoglobin 7.4 g/dL, coronary artery disease with exertional angina, is undergoing orthopedic surgery tomorrow. What transfusion threshold is appropriate?