Question

A 68-year-old man is admitted with an upper gastrointestinal bleed from a duodenal ulcer. After endoscopic therapy, he stabilises. His nadir haemoglobin is 68 g/L. According to Australian transfusion guidelines, what is the MOST appropriate red blood cell transfusion threshold in this context?

Accepted Answer

Use a restrictive transfusion strategy and transfuse when Hb <70 g/L in stable patients without cardiac ischaemia

Answer

Transfuse when Hb <50 g/L in all patients

Answer

Transfuse when Hb <90 g/L in all patients

Answer

Transfuse regardless of Hb level to 'boost' recovery

Answer

Never transfuse in GI bleeding

Practice question

A 68-year-old man is admitted with an upper gastrointestinal bleed from a duodenal ulcer. After endoscopic therapy, he stabilises. His nadir haemoglobin is 68 g/L. According to Australian transfusion guidelines, what is the MOST appropriate red blood cell transfusion threshold in this context?