In what situations would you consider ESAs in hospitalized patients with severe anemia for indications other than CKD or myelosuppressive chemotherapy (e.g., ACD, hemorrhage)?
Practice is variable in the community, with some hematologists frequently prescribing ESAs for severe anemia that is mostly inflammatory. Do the risks (e.g., thrombosis) outweigh the benefits (avoiding transfusion)?
Answer from: Medical Oncologist at Academic Institution
In deciding on the risk-benefit of ESAs in patients with severe anemia due to bleeding and/or inflammatory disease, there are two considerations. The first is the severity of the anemia and consequently, the time to initial response. Using the standard dose of ESAs, it may take 8 to 12 weeks to achi...
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