English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Background: Inflammation in surgical sepsis and stress frequently causes anaemia, leading to increased rates of blood transfusions. Recent evidence shows that blood transfusions carry a greater risk for short- and long-term complications than previously thought. Objective: To review the role of erythropoietin (EPO), iron and/or steroids as an alternative treatment to blood transfusions in critically ill patients. Methodology: A systematic review was prepared from recent literature on inflammation-induced anaemia, anaemia in the critically ill and/or septic patient and the roles of EPO, iron and corticosteroids in these patients. A meta-analysis was completed for EPO. Results: Inflammatory cytokines alter haematopoietic and biochemical pathways, leading to anaemia. Inflammation decreases circulating EPO and upregulates hepcidin, resulting in decreased free iron. Twelve randomised-controlled trials demonstrate that EPO administration in critically ill patients reduces the need for blood transfusions by 31% (p=0.005) however does not significantly decrease mortality (p=0.15). Intravenous iron also reduces the need for blood transfusions but has not been utilised in sepsis-associated anaemia. No trials focusing on the effects of steroids on sepsis-associated anaemia were identified. Conclusion: Due to the lack of data specific to sepsis-associated anaemia in post-operative patients, the roles of EPO, iron and steroids remain under investigation. More research specific to surgical patients is needed.

Anaemia in Surgical Sepsis and Stress: The Roles of Erythropoietin, Iron and Steroids