Impact of anemia on acute ischemic stroke outcomes: A systematic review of the literature.

This data suggests that the contemporary thresholds for treating anemia in AIS patients may be inadequate because anemia is strongly associated with poor outcomes (e.g., mRS>2 or mortality) and increased LOS in AIS patients. The current generalized Hb threshold for transfusion (7 g/dL) is also used in AIS patients, however, a more aggressive transfusion parameter should be further explored based on these findings. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine if a more liberal RBCT threshold will result in clinical benefits.