The Effect of Erythrocyte Suspension Transfusion on Biochemical Parameters Used in the Etiological Evaluation of Anemia
Abstract
Aim:Anemia is a common clinical finding that requires evaluation of the underlying etiology, which is primarily based on biochemical testing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion administered in emergency settings on biochemical parameters used in the etiological assessment of anemia. Materials and Methods:Eighty patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of anemia and who received RBC transfusion were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, anemia etiology, number of transfused RBC units, and laboratory parameters were recorded before and after transfusion. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. Results:Of the patients, 39% were male and 61% were female, with a mean age of 67.4 years. The most common etiologies of anemia were iron deficiency anemia (41.3%), anemia of chronic disease (41.3%), and malignancy (25%). No statistically significant differences were observed in white blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, vitamin B12, haptoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate before and after transfusion (p>0.05). However, significant increases were observed in red cell distribution width, serum iron, transferrin saturation, lactate dehydrogenase, and bilirubin levels after transfusion, while reticulocyte percentage and platelet count showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the percentage changes of laboratory parameters according to the number of transfused units. Conclusion:Biochemical parameters assessed after RBC transfusion largely preserved their diagnostic value in the etiological evaluation of anemia, particularly for iron deficiency anemia.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Internal Diseases
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
August 31, 2026
Submission Date
January 16, 2026
Acceptance Date
July 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 2