Clinical features of in-hospital anemia

Abstract

Introduction: in-hospital anemia is the decrease in hemoglobin values (Hb) during hospital stage below the admission values, not associated with objective blood loss. This is a frequent phenomenon that can affect the clinical evolution. Objective: to determine the clinical characteristics of intrahospital anemia in patients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine of the Hospital Nacional de Itauguá from February to November 2018. Methodology: observational, prospective, descriptive study of transverse cut made in patients of both sexes, older than 15 years admitted in the Department of Internal Medicine. Anemia was considered to be any decrease in Hb of more than 2 mg/dL after 15 days of hospitalization. Results: 80 patients were studied, from which 44% were women and 56% were male. The mean age was 52 ± 17 years. 72% presented anemia. The patients admitted with a mean Hb value of 13 ± 1 g/dL and a hematocrit (Hct) of 38 ± 8%. After 15 days, a decrease in the mean Hb value was at 11 ± 2 g/dL and Hto at 33 ± 5%. At 30 days the mean Hb was 10 ± 2 g/dL and Hto 31 ± 5%. The amount of blood extracted for studies was an average of 348 ± 214 cc. The presence of infection and the use of antibiotics during hospitalization were detected in 83% of the patients studied. Conclusion: intrahospital anemia had a high frequency (72%) in the sample studied. It is multifactorial and is usually an underestimated diagnosis, a situation that should change given the implications in intra and extra hospital morbidity and mortality.