From the Guidelines
Hemoglobin (Hb) levels should be considered abnormal if they fall below 120 g/L in non-pregnant women and 130 g/L in men, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) 1.
Normal Hemoglobin Levels
Normal hemoglobin levels can vary based on factors such as age, sex, and altitude.
- For women, the normal range is typically considered to be between 120 g/L and 150 g/L, with a mean of around 131.9 g/L, as seen in the data from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 2.
- For men, the normal range is typically higher, but the provided evidence does not specify the exact range for men.
Anemia Diagnosis and Treatment
Anemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin levels fall below the normal range, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Iron deficiency anemia, a common cause of anemia, can be treated with iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate 325 mg taken 1-3 times daily between meals.
- Other treatments may include vitamin B12 or folate supplements, erythropoietin injections, or blood transfusions in severe cases.
Importance of Monitoring Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin levels are monitored through complete blood count (CBC) tests, which are important for diagnosing anemia, monitoring chronic conditions, and evaluating overall health.
- Regular monitoring is especially important for those with chronic conditions like kidney disease, cancer, or inflammatory disorders, as anemia can be a significant factor in morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 2, 1.
From the Research
Definition and Classification of Anemia
- Anemia is defined as hemoglobin (Hb) levels <12.0 g/dL in women and <13.0 g/dL in men, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 3
- Normal Hb distribution varies with sex, ethnicity, and physiological status, and new lower limits of normal Hb values have been proposed based on these factors 3
- Anemia can be classified based on hematologic parameters, underlying pathological mechanism, and patient history 3
Causes and Symptoms of Anemia
- Anemia can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as chronic diseases and other factors 3, 4
- Symptoms of anemia include weakness, lethargy, palpitation, headache, and shortness of breath, resulting from reduced tissue oxygenation 4
- Acute anemia presents with symptoms owing to acute blood loss, while chronic anemia may present with worsening fatigue, dyspnea, lightheadedness, or chest pain 5
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anemia
- Laboratory tests, such as full blood count and measurement of iron, vitamin B12, and folate levels, are useful in the differential diagnosis of anemia 4, 6
- A systematic approach should be used to determine the diagnosis and provide the correct treatment for the patient 6
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause of anemia and may include iron supplementation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or other alternative treatments 5, 7