Anemia caused by blood loss (Acute and Chronic)

Anemia caused by blood loss (Acute and Chronic)

• Anemia resulting from blood loss may be caused by either acute or chronic problems
  • Acute blood loss occurs as a result of sudden hemorrhage
  • Sources of chronic blood loss are similar to those of iron-deficiency anemia
• Acute blood loss
  • Causes of sudden hemorrhage
    • Trauma
    • Complications of surgery
    • Conditions or diseases that disrupt vascular integrity
      • Hypovolemic shock
      • Compensatory increased plasma volume with diminished O2 -carrying RBCs
  • Clinical manifestations
    • Pain
      • Internal hemorrhage
        • Tissue distention, organ displacement, nerve compression
      • Retroperitoneal bleeding
        • Numbness
        • Pain in lower extremities
    • Shock is major complication
  • Diagnostic studies
    • With sudden blood volume loss, values may seem normal or high for 2 to 3 days
    • Once plasma volume is replaced, low RBC concentrations become evident
      • Low RBC, Hgb, and Hct levels show up and reflect actual blood loss
  • Interprofessional care
    • Replacing blood volume to prevent shock
    • Identifying source of hemorrhage and stopping blood loss
    • Correcting RBC loss
    • Providing supplemental iron
    • May be impossible to prevent if caused by trauma
    • Postoperative patients
      • Monitor blood loss
      • Administer blood products for anemia
    • No need for long-term treatment

  • Hemolytic Anemia

    • General manifestations of anemia
    • Specific manifestations including
      • Jaundice
      • Enlargement of the spleen and liver
    • Maintenance of renal function is a major focus of treatment