Transfusion
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The optimal hemoglobin (Hb) level in acute myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal Hb concentration in acute MI and whether transfusion of fresh blood to correct anemia reduces myocardial injury and improves outcome. ⋯ Anemia increases infarct size and decreases cardiac function and survival in acute MI. Transfusion of anemic animals up to 100 g/L Hb with fresh blood reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function. However, transfusion to 120 g/L Hb did not demonstrate any additional benefit and was associated with larger infarcts.