Subclinical Hypothyroidism & Blood Transfusions: Are There Risks?

Question
If someone has Subclinical Hypothyroidism and needs a blood transfusion is there and risk because of the  Subclinical Hypothyroidism?  Thank You.

Answer
Mike,

There are no contraindications to a blood transfusion when a patient has any form of hypothyroidism, clinically present or subclinical.  Managing the anemia with packed red cells is important for many reasons, and managing the hypothyroidism is also important.  One should not ignore one condition for the other.  If you google my last name and subclinical hypothyroidism, you will find links to a powerpoint presentation and some articles I wrote on the subject.

Yusuf Saleeby, MD
www.eStatLabs.com
www.saleeby.net