Question

A 60-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with upper gastrointestinal bleeding manifested by haematemesis and melena. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. According to Canadian transfusion and GI bleeding guidance, what is the most appropriate transfusion threshold in a haemodynamically stable but anaemic patient after initial resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

Transfuse red cells when haemoglobin <70 g/L, or higher threshold if ongoing shock or comorbidities

Answer

Transfuse red cells when haemoglobin <100 g/L

Answer

Transfuse red cells when haemoglobin <90 g/L

Answer

Transfuse only when haemoglobin <50 g/L

Answer

Transfuse regardless of haemoglobin level if there is any bleeding

Practice question