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What Would Cause Fluctuations In Hemoglobin Level While On A Gastrostomy Tube?

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Posted on Sat, 26 Feb 2022
Question: My husband is on a trach, vent and feeding tube. What would cause his hemoglobin to go up and then down and then up again from blood work one week to the next?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dehydration?

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Besides normal variability between tests (no more than 0.5g/L for hemoglobin or 1-2% for hematocrit) there are many potential reasons to justify hemoglobin fluctuations. Dehydration sounds the most likely one. Dehydration will cause the hemoglobin to rise (falsely). Adequate hydration will cause the hemoglobin to get back to normal.

Can you upload his tests? Not only the blood count but also the biochemical tests like urea, creatinine, etc. It will help a lot to confirm or exclude the suggested 'scenario'.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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What Would Cause Fluctuations In Hemoglobin Level While On A Gastrostomy Tube?

Brief Answer: Dehydration? Detailed Answer: Hello, Besides normal variability between tests (no more than 0.5g/L for hemoglobin or 1-2% for hematocrit) there are many potential reasons to justify hemoglobin fluctuations. Dehydration sounds the most likely one. Dehydration will cause the hemoglobin to rise (falsely). Adequate hydration will cause the hemoglobin to get back to normal. Can you upload his tests? Not only the blood count but also the biochemical tests like urea, creatinine, etc. It will help a lot to confirm or exclude the suggested 'scenario'.