My friend just had a carcinoma which was wrapped around his spinal cord in the lumbar region removed one week ago. He was referred to a Rehab hospital this morning. Justa few minutes a go the attending physician informed his wife that he is going to transferred back to the University of Chicago immediately due to a low RBC. What wwould be the reasons this might happen other than an internal bleed?
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor, Low red blood cell count (RBC) is caused due to decreased production of RBC's, increased destruction of RBC's or loss of RBC's. The loss of RBC's could be internal or external. You need to consult a hematologist for certain investigations and thus management. Complete hologram with peripheral blood film examination are required. RBC indices- MTV, MCH and MCHC should be done to assess the status of RBC's. These investigations will determine the presence of anemia, and its cause. Management can be instituted when results of the investigations are obtained. Thanks and take care Chat Doctor.