Treatment of anemia in patients with HIV Infection--Part 2: guidelines for management of anemia.

The key treatment goal for managing anemia in patients infected with HIV is to maintain an improved or normal hemoglobin level. Whenever possible, the identification and treatment of the underlying cause of anemia is the primary therapeutic strategy. After excluding other etiologies, the Nursing Guidelines Committee for Anemia in Patients With HIV Infection has recommended that patients with mild asymptomatic anemia (hemoglobin level = 1 g/dl below the lower limit of the normal range) receive nutritional support and more frequent screening. Recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) therapy is an appropriate treatment option for patients with symptomatic mild anemia or moderate anemia (hemoglobin level = 2 g/dl below the lower limit of the normal range). An immediate blood transfusion may be required under specific instances for patients with severe anemia (hemoglobin level less than or equal to 8 g/dl).