Hemoglobin levels may be normal in acute blood loss The decision to transfuse packed red blood cells (pRBCs) should be based on the etiology, severity, and chronicity of the anemia as well as on clinical symptoms and end-organ perfusion rather than hemoglobin values Patients with sickle cell disease require prompt evaluation for complications including infection, acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, stroke, vasoocclusive episodes, and priapism Prompt evaluation and treatment of neutropenic patients is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with infection Appropriate cultures should be obtained but should not delay empiric antibiotic treatment Disposition should be based on the underlying etiology of the neutropenia and clinical presentation The management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is commonly guided by bleeding symptoms rather than platelet count Platelet disorders and von Willebrand disease (VWD) typically result in mucosal-type bleeding, whereas hemophilia causes hemarthrosis and deep muscle bleeds Drugs that interfere with platelet function (e.g., aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) should be avoided in patients with hemostatic defects RELATED CHAPTERS