Racial differences in the prevalence of anemia in patients with heart failure have been noted. The diagnosis of anemia in heart failure patients can be confounded by many factors. Plasma volume expansion is one of the most prominent confounders. We will study the difference of anemia prevalence using two different diagnostic techniques: peripheral hemoglobin recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO criteria) and blood volume (BV) analysis. We will also compare racial disparities in the prevalence of anemia using both measures. 60 patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) underwent measurement of BV by a radio-labeled albumin technique. Anemia was defined by both WHO criteria and by measured RBCV>10% below ideal. Anemia was found in 67% of patients by the peripheral hemoglobin technique with no racial disparity. Only 35% of the patients had anemia by the BV analysis with a two fold higher prevalence among Hispanics compared to Whites and Blacks. In patients with HFPEF, the diagnosis of anemia based on hemoglobin is confounded by plasma volume derangements resulting in significant over-diagnosis in this cohort. Racial differences in the rate of anemia were found. Such data could have important implications for the diagnosis and management of anemia in ethnic minorities with HFPEF.
Advanced age, critical illness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and needs for mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressor therapy are independent risk factors associated with adverse outcome in elderly patients admitted to ICU. Alternatives for ICU admission should be considered in geriatric patients with severe critical illnesses.
Although palliative care consultants provided initial evaluation and management of multiple symptoms, there was not a large ongoing need. Integration of palliative services into the care of patients receiving LVADs can be incorporated into the workflow of the cardiothoracic and palliative care teams, resulting in improved ACP for all patients receiving LVADs and better care coordination for patients at the end of life.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.