A family member is battling a staph infection resulting from a knee surgery. Her white blood cell count was extremely elevated and her hemoglobin count was 7.2. She had to receive a blood transfusion last night due to the low blood count and the doctors are telling her that she is on the road to recovery and will be feeling better after the transfusion. My concern is that the infection is going septic if her hemoglobin is dropping like this. . . what are your thoughts?
Hi and thanks for the query, Remember surgery on its own was an invasive procedure and some blood was raised during the process. Severe infection leads to falls in hemoglobin levels. However, in this case, if the infection is not well controlled and the septicemia continues, there is a risk of the hemoglobin levels continuing to fall. Blood cultures and sensitivity tests are very important in this case. Otherwise, other Chat Doctor. Having advice too from an infectiologist might be of help. Proper management of the wounds and surgical followup and nursing too an integral aspect in the management plan. Thanks and best regards, Luchuo, MD.