Parenteral irons versus transfused red blood cells for treatment of anemia during canine experimental bacterial pneumonia

Background No studies have been performed comparing intravenous iron with transfused red cells (RBC) for treating anemia during infection. In a previous report, transfused older RBC increased free iron release and mortality in infected animals when compared to fresher cells. We hypothesized that treating anemia during infection with transfused fresh RBC, with minimal free iron release, would prove superior to intravenous iron therapy.