SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Effect of Restrictive Transfusion on Cognitive Function During Hospitalization

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This study examined whether low hemoglobin (Hb) levels during hospitalization are associated with worse cognitive function, especially in the context of restrictive transfusion practices. The researchers studied 4,418 hospitalized general medicine patients with Hb below 10 g/dL at an urban academic medical center. Cognitive function was measured at admission using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), where higher scores indicate worse cognition. Hb values and clinical data were obtained from hospital records, and linear regression was used to assess the relationship between nadir Hb and cognition, adjusting for age.<br /><br />Results showed that lower nadir Hb levels were significantly associated with poorer cognitive function overall. The association became stronger as Hb decreased: patients with Hb levels of 8–9 g/dL, 7–8 g/dL, 6–7 g/dL, and below 6 g/dL had progressively worse cognitive scores compared with those whose Hb stayed between 9–10 g/dL. An interaction between age and nadir Hb was also linked to significant cognitive decline.<br /><br />The authors conclude that lower Hb levels during hospitalization, particularly levels commonly tolerated under restrictive transfusion policies, are associated with meaningful decreases in cognitive function. They suggest that clinicians should consider screening and monitoring anemic patients at high risk for cognitive impairment. The team is now investigating whether low Hb also affects cognitive function after discharge.

Asset Subtitle

Stephanie Cardenas

Meta Tag

Author List Christian Carrier, David O. Meltzer, Micah T. Prochaska, Stephanie Cardenas

Category Research

Concept Hemoglobin

Concept Cognitive Function

Concept Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire

Concept Nadir Hemoglobin

Concept Cognitive impairment

Distinguished Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine

Presenting Author Stephanie Cardenas

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

low hemoglobin

cognitive function

hospitalization

restrictive transfusion

anemia

nadir hemoglobin

SPMSQ

older adults

mental status

linear regression

Hemoglobin

Cognitive Function

Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire

Nadir Hemoglobin

Cognitive impairment