Reticulocyte counts and their relation to hemoglobin levels in trauma patients

Abstract

In many trauma patients, blood loss is the major cause of anaemia. Subsequent increased production of red blood cells is reflected by increased reticulocyte numbers (R). Measurement of the R might be useful in predicting the recovery of hemoglobin (Hb), especially since current transfusion guidelines accept lower Hb levels. The value of the modern fully automated measurement of R in assessing recovery of Hb after blood loss has not been investigated in this context. We therefore investigated the temporal relation of Hb and R in a cohort of trauma patients.